Causa Dei: = Gods pleading his own cause set forth in two sermons preached at the Temple in November, 1659. By Dr. Gauden, Bishop of Excester.
         Gauden, John, 1605-1662.
      
       
         
           1661
        
      
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             Causa Dei: = Gods pleading his own cause set forth in two sermons preached at the Temple in November, 1659. By Dr. Gauden, Bishop of Excester.
             Gauden, John, 1605-1662.
          
           [32], 178 p.
           
             printed by John Best for Andrew Crook at the Green Dragon in S. Pauls Church-yard,
             London :
             1661.
          
           
             Reproduction of the original in the Bodleian Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           God -- Sermons -- Early works to 1800.
           Sermons, English -- 17th century.
        
      
    
     
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           Causa
           Dei
           :
           Gods
           pleading
           his
           own
           Cause
           Set
           forth
           in
           Two
           SERMONS
           PREACHED
           At
           the
           TEMPLE
           in
           November
           ,
           1659.
           
        
         
           BY
           Dr.
           Gauden
           ,
           Bishop
           of
           Excester
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           by
           
             John
             Best
          
           for
           
             Andrew
             Crook
          
           at
           the
           
             Green
             Dragon
          
           in
           S.
           Pauls
           Church-yard
           .
           1661.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           TO
           THE
           Honourable
           Societies
           OF
           THE
           TEMPLES
           .
        
         
           IN
           order
           to
           adorn
           my
           departure
           from
           you
           (
           
             worthy
             and
             honored
             Gentlemen
          
           )
           with
           a
           
             Beno
             decessit
          
           such
           grateful
           respects
           and
           civility
           as
           becomes
           me
           ,
           to
           your
           
             eminent
             and
             worthy
             Societies
          
           ,
           I
           have
           formerly
           prepared
           ,
           and
           now
           dedicated
           this
           following
           Treatise
           ,
           as
           my
           
             fare-well
             Present
             to
             you
          
           ,
           or
           a
           
             second
             monument
          
           of
           mine
           ,
           yea
           and
           of
           
             your
             Honor
          
           ,
           after
           
           that
           ,
           which
           was
           by
           me
           the
           last
           year
           of
           
             Englands
             captivity
          
           ,
           consecrated
           to
           the
           memorie
           of
           
             my
             reverend
          
           and
           
             renowned
             Predecessor
          
           Bishop
           Brownrig
           ,
           under
           the
           patrocinie
           of
           
             your
             Name
          
           ;
           that
           was
           as
           the
           Urn
           or
           Conservatory
           of
           his
           and
           
             your
             reciprocal
             kindness
          
           ,
           and
           mutual
           merits
           ,
           with
           whose
           
             mortall
             remains
             your
             piety
          
           hath
           adorned
           
             your
             Temple
          
           :
           This
           second
           piece
           is
           the
           substance
           of
           those
           two
           Sermons
           which
           I
           first
           preached
           among
           you
           ,
           after
           I
           was
           invited
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           in
           those
           dark
           and
           
             dangerous
             times
          
           to
           bestow
           
             my
             pains
             with
             you
          
           in
           the
           
             Term
             time
          
           .
        
         
           The
           main
           subject
           of
           this
           is
           ,
           the
           
             The
             true
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           and
           
             the
             right
             pleading
             of
             it
          
           .
           Which
           Theam
           I
           then
           chose
           to
           preach
           on
           ,
           because
           I
           observed
           in
           the
           whole
           course
           of
           our
           
             English
             traged●●
          
           ,
           that
           
             eve●y
             party
          
           still
           pretended
           ,
           
           to
           act
           their
           
             factious
             confusions
          
           upon
           their
           
             several
             stages
          
           ,
           in
           these
           three
           Kingdoms
           ,
           under
           the
           specious
           dress
           ,
           colour
           ,
           title
           and
           
             pretence
             of
             Gods
             Cause
          
           ,
           and
           the
           high
           
             zeal
             they
             had
             to
             plead
             it
             .
          
        
         
           This
           ,
           this
           was
           always
           inscribed
           on
           the
           most
           
             bloody
             banners
          
           ;
           with
           this
           their
           tongues
           and
           pens
           were
           whetted
           who
           sought
           to
           build
           their
           Counter-Babels
           on
           the
           foundations
           and
           ruines
           of
           Zion
           :
           With
           this
           
             Mark
             of
             the
             Lamb
          
           were
           those
           
             ravening
             wolves
          
           marked
           ,
           who
           
             drank
             the
             blood
          
           ,
           and
           eat
           the
           
             flesh
             of
             their
             Fathers
          
           and
           Mothers
           ,
           of
           Kings
           and
           Clergie
           of
           Church
           and
           Country
           ,
           with
           this
           
             Motto
             ,
             The
             Cause
             of
             God
             and
             Christ
             ,
          
           their
           
             false
             tongues
          
           ,
           their
           
             crazie
             heads
          
           ,
           their
           
             cruel
             hands
          
           and
           
             impudent
             faces
          
           were
           to
           be
           set
           off
           to
           popular
           reputation
           ;
           when
           nothing
           indeed
           was
           further
           from
           
           their
           hearts
           or
           works
           .
        
         
           O
           the
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           the
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           the
           
             Cause
             of
             Iesus
             Christ
          
           cries
           every
           tatling
           and
           teeming
           faction
           ,
           when
           prostitute
           to
           ,
           and
           impregnated
           by
           the
           Incubus
           of
           some
           novel
           lust
           and
           
             new
             fancy
          
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           were
           now
           in
           travel
           ,
           and
           readie
           to
           be
           delivered
           of
           some
           
             holy
             birth
          
           ,
           or
           
             sacred
             prodigie
          
           .
           This
           language
           or
           fallacy
           
             non
             causa
             pro-causa
          
           ,
           of
           urging
           the
           Cause
           where
           no
           Cause
           of
           God
           was
           ,
           the
           rigid
           Presbyterian
           learned
           in
           Scotland
           ;
           this
           the
           
             puny
             Independant
          
           brought
           from
           Arnheim
           or
           
             New
             England
          
           :
           This
           of
           old
           the
           Anabaptists
           cried
           up
           at
           Munster
           ,
           when
           to
           encrease
           their
           Faction
           they
           multiplied
           wives
           :
           This
           the
           
             silly
             Quaker
          
           now
           peeps
           and
           mutters
           in
           every
           corner
           :
           This
           the
           more
           
             bloody
             Papists
          
           boasted
           of
           in
           
             Ireland
             ▪
          
           and
           other
           Bigots
           of
           that
           perswasion
           do
           
           every
           where
           magnifie
           the
           
             Romish
             cause
          
           ,
           as
           the
           only
           Christian
           Catholick
           Cause
           .
        
         
           Mean
           while
           all
           these
           parties
           
             joyntly
             and
             severally
          
           labour
           to
           overthrow
           the
           
             true
             Cause
          
           ,
           and
           excellent
           constitution
           of
           this
           Church
           and
           Monarchie
           of
           England
           :
           That
           is
           the
           truth
           ,
           peace
           ,
           honor
           and
           order
           both
           of
           these
           
             Brittish
             Kingdoms
          
           and
           of
           our
           
             Reformed
             Religion
          
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           conform
           to
           the
           
             Word
             of
             God
          
           ,
           to
           our
           ancient
           
             good
             Laws
          
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           customs
           of
           the
           true
           Catholick
           Church
           :
           In
           which
           ,
           the
           
             learned
             ,
             loyall
          
           and
           
             Religious
             Nobility
             ,
             Gentry
             ,
             Clergie
          
           and
           Commons
           of
           this
           nation
           ,
           with
           their
           Kings
           ,
           have
           ever
           judged
           that
           the
           true
           Cause
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           to
           justice
           and
           Religion
           ,
           holiness
           and
           peace
           ,
           the
           divine
           glory
           and
           welfare
           of
           mankind
           ,
           was
           and
           is
           most
           eminently
           contained
           .
        
         
         
           I
           confess
           I
           was
           then
           wearie
           and
           ashamed
           of
           the
           counterpleas
           &
           counterscufles
           of
           those
           bold
           and
           divided
           harlots
           ,
           who
           did
           each
           pretend
           with
           
             great
             zeal
          
           the
           Cause
           of
           God
           against
           the
           other
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           oppose
           Gods
           righteous
           cause
           ,
           which
           certainly
           ever
           was
           and
           will
           be
           but
           one
           and
           the
           same
           for
           ever
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           main
           of
           truth
           and
           peace
           ,
           of
           faith
           and
           
             good
             works
          
           ,
           of
           justice
           and
           holiness
           ;
           I
           evidently
           saw
           by
           
             many
             years
          
           sad
           experience
           ,
           that
           these
           rude
           rivals
           already
           had
           ,
           and
           ever
           would
           first
           divide
           ,
           then
           destroy
           the
           true
           
             cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           and
           the
           publick
           interest
           of
           this
           Church
           and
           Kingdom
           only
           to
           advance
           their
           private
           and
           
             partial
             causes
          
           ,
           which
           were
           evidently
           leavened
           with
           most
           illegal
           extravagancies
           ,
           with
           
             sacrilegious
             covetousness
          
           ,
           with
           immoderate
           
           ambitions
           ,
           with
           
             inhumane
             revenges
          
           ,
           with
           
             implacable
             cruelties
          
           ,
           and
           with
           impudent
           exorbitancies
           ,
           and
           with
           most
           ●eigned
           necessities
           .
        
         
           Hence
           it
           was
           that
           I
           adventured
           in
           so
           great
           and
           illustrious
           an
           Auditory
           (
           even
           before
           the
           day
           of
           our
           
             redemption
             dawned
          
           ,
           or
           that
           
             day-star
             of
             the
             North
             appeared
          
           ,
           which
           afterward
           ushered
           in
           our
           Sun
           of
           Righteousness
           )
           I
           say
           I
           then
           adventured
           truly
           and
           fully
           to
           set
           forth
           my
           sense
           of
           Gods
           Cause
           ,
           with
           such
           a
           resolution
           as
           our
           learned
           Bradwardin
           Arch
           bp
           .
           of
           Canterbury
           sometime
           took
           up
           ,
           when
           he
           set
           forth
           his
           large
           and
           elaborate
           Volume
           
             De
             Causa
             Dei
          
           ,
           of
           which
           he
           thus
           says
           in
           his
           Preface
           ,
           
             De
             Causa
             Dei
             Scripturus
             sciens
             manum
             in
             ignem
             terribilem
             mitto
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           That
           he
           well
           knew
           into
           what
           flaming
           fires
           
           (
           with
           Scoevola
           )
           he
           put
           his
           hand
           ;
           how
           many
           enemies
           he
           should
           contract
           and
           exasperate
           ,
           by
           his
           
             honest
             stating
          
           and
           asserting
           the
           
             Cause
             of
             Gods
             grace
          
           and
           glory
           ,
           against
           the
           
             Pelagian
             pride
          
           and
           presumption
           ,
           who
           sought
           to
           advance
           the
           impotent
           power
           of
           nature
           ,
           the
           cloudie
           twilight
           beams
           of
           Reason
           ,
           and
           the
           maimed
           liberty
           of
           
             mans
             will
          
           (
           which
           is
           clogged
           ,
           corrupted
           ,
           and
           hampered
           with
           
             many
             sensual
             lusts
          
           )
           above
           the
           necessity
           and
           against
           the
           only
           sufficiency
           of
           Gods
           grace
           in
           order
           to
           his
           glory
           ,
           and
           a
           
             sinners
             salvation
             ▪
          
           yet
           that
           
             good
             Prelate
          
           did
           both
           proceed
           and
           speed
           :
           he
           did
           his
           work
           and
           had
           his
           reward
           ,
           both
           in
           a
           good
           conscience
           and
           in
           great
           successes
           ,
           as
           to
           his
           repressing
           that
           petulancy
           of
           
             poor
             worms
          
           ,
           exalting
           themselves
           against
           the
           great
           God
           ,
           
           without
           whom
           they
           can
           do
           nothing
           but
           sin
           against
           him
           ,
           and
           damn
           their
           own
           souls
           .
        
         
           In
           like
           manner
           have
           I
           lived
           to
           see
           in
           a
           
             few
             months
          
           ,
           after
           that
           bold
           
             essay
             of
             mine
             among
             you
          
           ,
           the
           wonderful
           
             revolutions
             of
             Gods
             providence
          
           ,
           pleading
           at
           once
           his
           own
           ,
           the
           Kings
           ,
           this
           Churches
           ,
           and
           this
           
             Kingdoms
             cause
          
           ;
           the
           Cause
           of
           our
           
             Laws
             ,
             Liberties
             ,
             Lives
          
           and
           Religion
           ;
           the
           cause
           of
           all
           honest
           men
           ,
           for
           their
           souls
           and
           bodies
           ,
           for
           themselves
           and
           their
           posterities
           ,
           in
           their
           temporal
           and
           eternal
           
             great
             concernments
          
           :
           All
           these
           great
           and
           good
           Causes
           are
           at
           once
           pleaded
           by
           our
           
             wise
             ,
             just
          
           and
           
             mercifull
             God
          
           ,
           against
           those
           
             strong
             delusions
          
           ,
           those
           
             false
             pretensions
          
           ,
           those
           
             rebellious
             usurpations
          
           ,
           and
           those
           
             novel
             intrusions
          
           ,
           which
           under
           the
           lie
           and
           hypocrisie
           of
           
             setting
             up
             Gods
             Cause
          
           ,
           
           and
           the
           
             Cause
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
          
           ,
           made
           prophane
           men
           abhor
           the
           
             very
             name
          
           ,
           &
           godly
           men
           to
           
             pitty
             the
             reality
             of
             Gods
             holy
             cause
             ,
          
           which
           they
           saw
           so
           
             miserably
             mistaken
             by
             some
          
           ,
           and
           
             by
             others
             so
             shamefully
             deformed
          
           ,
           so
           
             sordidly
             defiled
          
           ,
           so
           
             impudently
             blasphemed
          
           through
           the
           
             wicked
             policies
          
           ,
           and
           
             horrid
             practises
          
           of
           some
           
             monsters
             of
             men
          
           ,
           most
           
             unsanctified
             Saints
          
           ,
           who
           were
           so
           
             diametrally
             contrary
          
           to
           the
           
             Word
             of
             God
          
           ,
           to
           the
           laws
           of
           this
           Land
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           example
           of
           Iesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           all
           ●rue
           Saints
           ▪
           and
           so
           no
           more
           capable
           to
           set
           up
           or
           promote
           
             Gods
             righteous
             cause
          
           (
           except
           that
           of
           his
           
             punitive
             Iustice
          
           for
           our
           sins
           ,
           to
           which
           the
           Devils
           themselves
           may
           serve
           as
           Executioners
           )
           then
           the
           sparks
           of
           hell
           can
           add
           to
           the
           light
           of
           heaven
           ,
           or
           the
           
             falling
             Stars
             and
             Meteors
          
           contribute
           to
           
           the
           lustre
           of
           the
           Sun
           ,
           or
           the
           
             crooked
             winding
             of
             the
             Dragons
             ●ail
          
           could
           give
           protection
           to
           the
           Woman
           and
           
             her
             childe
          
           ,
           against
           whom
           his
           mouth
           vomited
           those
           
             black
             floods
             ▪
          
           and
           
             Stygian
             eructations
          
           ,
           which
           by
           Heretical
           or
           ●ch●●matical
           ,
           or
           Heathenish
           ,
           or
           Atheistical
           persecutions
           seek
           to
           overwhelm
           them
           .
        
         
           The
           great
           and
           blessed
           God
           hath
           taken
           the
           
             matter
             into
             his
             own
             hand
          
           ;
           what
           you
           then
           
             faithfully
             heard
          
           ,
           and
           
             devoutly
             prayed
          
           ,
           for
           with
           me
           ,
           as
           to
           
             Gods
             pleading
             of
             his
             own
             Cause
             ,
          
           you
           have
           lived
           to
           see
           fulfilled
           ,
           as
           it
           was
           then
           by
           me
           
             discoursed
             and
             foretold
          
           ,
           while
           the
           poor
           people
           of
           England
           were
           
             halting
             between
             man●
             opinions
          
           ,
           all
           eagerly
           pretending
           to
           be
           for
           Gods
           Cause
           :
           one
           for
           Aristocracy
           ,
           the
           other
           for
           Democracy
           ,
           one
           for
           Presbyter●●
           ,
           the
           other
           for
           
           Independency
           ;
           one
           for
           their
           
             Antiepiscopal
             Covenant
          
           ,
           another
           for
           their
           
             Anti-regal
             Engagement
          
           ;
           one
           for
           
             ab●uration
             of
             Kings
          
           ,
           the
           other
           for
           
             extirpation
             of
             Bishops
          
           ,
           a
           third
           for
           setting
           up
           the
           
             Kingdom
             of
             Iesus
             Christ
          
           ,
           in
           which
           they
           might
           rule
           instead
           of
           both
           King
           and
           Bishops
           (
           and
           all
           this
           (
           forsooth
           )
           in
           order
           to
           advance
           the
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           though
           in
           ways
           quite
           contrary
           to
           the
           eternal
           rules
           of
           
             charity
             ,
             justice
          
           and
           religion
           ,
           the
           
             Laws
             of
             God
          
           and
           this
           Nation
           )
           amidst
           this
           confusion
           ,
           the
           Lord
           from
           heaven
           hath
           on
           the
           sudden
           
             convicted
             ,
             confuted
          
           and
           confounded
           all
           those
           specious
           ,
           but
           
             spurious
             pretenders
             to
             Gods
             Cause
          
           ,
           which
           is
           not
           to
           be
           begun
           or
           carried
           on
           (
           as
           I
           after
           declare
           )
           by
           any
           means
           but
           such
           as
           are
           pure
           &
           peaceable
           ,
           
             just
             and
             ●oly
          
           ,
           either
           by
           an
           
             orderly
             doing
          
           
           
             good
             in
             our
             places
          
           ,
           or
           by
           a
           patient
           and
           humble
           
             suffering
             of
             evil
             inflicted
          
           on
           us
           ,
           though
           it
           be
           for
           
             well
             doing
          
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           most
           evident
           ,
           that
           as
           in
           natural
           ,
           so
           in
           
             civil
             and
             Ecclesiastical
             motions
          
           ,
           all
           things
           
             magnetically
             move
          
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           moved
           by
           their
           
             chief
             cause
             ▪
          
           or
           
             grand
             concern
          
           ,
           which
           by
           a
           
             circular
             kind
             of
             influence
          
           studies
           to
           unite
           the
           finall
           to
           the
           
             efficient
             cause
          
           ,
           that
           the
           power
           of
           the
           one
           may
           enjoy
           the
           good
           of
           the
           other
           .
        
         
           This
           Cause
           is
           the
           first
           and
           last
           mover
           of
           every
           knowing
           
             agent
             ▪
          
           it
           is
           the
           
             weight
             and
             spring
          
           of
           all
           rational
           activity
           ;
           it
           is
           a
           pulse
           ever
           importuning
           the
           spirit
           ,
           and
           beating
           upon
           the
           heart
           ,
           the
           
             one
             thing
             necessary
          
           ,
           to
           which
           men
           seek
           to
           make
           all
           other
           things
           subservient
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           subordinate
           ,
           the
           centre
           from
           which
           and
           to
           which
           all
           lines
           are
           drawn
           .
        
         
         
           The
           better
           to
           compass
           their
           respective
           designs
           ,
           every
           Agitator
           for
           Faction
           did
           cunningly
           entitle
           
             God
             to
             their
             Cause
          
           (
           as
           some
           that
           are
           cautious
           of
           the
           
             crackt
             titles
             of
             their
             estates
          
           resign
           the
           Fee
           to
           the
           Crown
           ,
           and
           take
           from
           them
           a
           
             Lease
             of
             a
             thousand
             years
          
           )
           ●o
           did
           the
           counterfeit
           and
           
             contrariant
             Causes
          
           (
           larely
           so
           scu●●sing
           in
           England
           ,
           for
           place
           and
           power
           )
           set
           themselves
           up
           under
           the
           name
           of
           
             Gods
             Cause
          
           ,
           while
           they
           were
           indeed
           the
           causeless
           corrupters
           of
           our
           Laws
           ,
           the
           Nations
           heavie
           curse
           ,
           the
           
             Churches
             moth
             and
             corrosive
          
           ,
           and
           confounders
           of
           all
           ;
           yet
           each
           of
           their
           pretended
           causes
           were
           impudently
           pleaded
           by
           ●ome
           men
           ▪
           in
           Churches
           and
           Courts
           of
           Iustice
           as
           
             Gods
             Cause
          
           ,
           y●●
           &
           by
           ●ome
           
             suppositi●ious
             Par●●aments
          
           they
           were
           voted
           for
           ,
           till
           they
           had
           run
           themselves
           and
           all
           
           of
           us
           (
           like
           S.
           Pauls
           ship
           in
           the
           storm
           )
           upon
           such
           rocks
           of
           Anarchy
           and
           confusion
           ,
           as
           were
           past
           
             humane
             hopes
             of
             recovery
          
           ,
           if
           God
           himself
           had
           not
           
             arose
             by
             a
             providence
          
           (
           scarce
           
             ever
             paralleld
             in
             any
             age
             or
             instance
             of
             the
             world
          
           )
           to
           plead
           by
           a
           
             still
             voyce
          
           ,
           after
           all
           our
           foregoing
           
             earthquakes
             ,
             fires
             &
             tempests
          
           ,
           the
           Cause
           of
           his
           own
           great
           Name
           ,
           and
           the
           
             honor
             of
             our
             blessed
             Saviour
          
           ,
           with
           the
           
             sanctity
             of
             our
             Reformed
             Religion
          
           ,
           and
           the
           
             Loyalty
             of
             our
             English
             Nation
          
           ,
           the
           rights
           also
           of
           the
           Crown
           ,
           with
           the
           double
           honor
           of
           our
           Church
           ,
           and
           in
           sum
           the
           just
           restablishment
           of
           all
           our
           long
           shaken
           and
           overthrown
           foundations
           ;
           the
           cause
           of
           all
           which
           was
           pleaded
           more
           effectually
           in
           a
           few
           calm
           Months
           ,
           when
           the
           voyce
           of
           Law
           and
           Reason
           ,
           of
           Loyalty
           and
           
             true
             Religion
          
           ,
           came
           to
           be
           heard
           in
           
             our
             streets
          
           ,
           then
           they
           had
           been
           ,
           or
           ever
           could
           have
           been
           in
           many
           
           years
           ,
           by
           plunderings
           and
           sequestrings
           ,
           by
           
             killing
             and
             slaying
          
           ,
           by
           illegal
           covenanting
           ,
           and
           perjurious
           engaging
           ,
           by
           devouring
           and
           destroying
           both
           Church
           and
           Kingdom
           .
        
         
           I
           am
           piously
           ambitious
           (
           though
           my
           station
           be
           now
           removed
           from
           you
           ,
           &
           made
           (
           without
           my
           seeking
           )
           much
           uneasier
           ,
           though
           somewhat
           higher
           ,
           then
           it
           was
           before
           )
           to
           deposite
           thi●
           work
           with
           you
           ,
           
             O
             worthy
             and
             honourable
             Gentlemen
          
           ,
           among
           whom
           it
           had
           its
           first
           productions
           of
           whose
           love
           and
           favor
           ,
           as
           you
           know
           ,
           I
           never
           made
           any
           
             mercenary
             gain
          
           ,
           or
           
             pecuniary
             advantag●
          
           (
           as
           that
           wretched
           Libeller
           ,
           〈◊〉
           
             Creticus
             Borborites
          
           enviously
           suggests
           ,
           my
           charge
           of
           attending
           
             your
             service
          
           being
           beyond
           any
           
             benefit
             I
             ever
             received
          
           ,
           )
           so
           I
           mus●
           own
           this
           ,
           as
           the
           greatest
           rewar●
           
           and
           only
           satisfaction
           ,
           which
           I
           ever
           had
           ,
           or
           expected
           for
           
             my
             pains
             among
             you
          
           ,
           that
           I
           had
           thereby
           an
           
             happy
             opportunity
          
           ,
           in
           so
           
             noble
             an
             Assembly
          
           ,
           and
           in
           so
           
             desperate
             paroxysms
          
           of
           our
           
             distempered
             times
          
           ,
           to
           set
           forth
           with
           my
           wonted
           freedom
           ,
           the
           great
           
             concern
             of
             all
             good
             men
          
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           true
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           which
           must
           be
           pleaded
           against
           our
           own
           and
           others
           lusts
           ;
           and
           to
           discover
           those
           potent
           epidemical
           cheats
           which
           under
           that
           name
           had
           so
           long
           abused
           these
           
             British
             Nations
          
           and
           Churches
           .
        
         
           I
           well
           remember
           ,
           that
           some
           of
           my
           more
           touchy
           and
           
             guilty
             hearers
          
           (
           men
           of
           name
           at
           that
           time
           )
           were
           at
           once
           scared
           and
           scandalized
           to
           hear
           me
           preach
           so
           freely
           and
           smartly
           of
           that
           subject
           ;
           they
           feared
           their
           practice
           and
           craft
           would
           soon
           fail
           ,
           if
           
           once
           the
           true
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           were
           rightly
           stated
           and
           pleaded
           :
           yea
           some
           men
           of
           the
           long
           robe
           ,
           and
           of
           large
           consciences
           protested
           after
           the
           hearing
           of
           the
           first
           Sermon
           they
           
             durst
             not
             hear
             me
             preach
             again
             on
             that
             subject
             ,
          
           least
           their
           silence
           should
           make
           them
           guilty
           of
           High-treason
           ,
           by
           their
           no●
           
             complaining
             of
             me
          
           to
           the
           Traytor●
           then
           tyrannizing
           over
           us
           :
           Indeed
           they
           were
           justly
           jealou●
           that
           the
           true
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           like
           
             Moses
             Serpent
          
           ,
           would
           eat
           up
           al●
           those
           of
           the
           Magicians
           :
           That
           the
           Cause
           of
           Christ
           ,
           of
           the
           tru●
           heavenly
           Jerusalem
           ,
           would
           either
           
             batter
             down
          
           or
           undermine
           those
           
             bloody
             Babels
          
           of
           their
           
             Common●
             wealths
          
           ,
           which
           were
           indeed
           the
           
             common
             woe
          
           ,
           though
           it
           made
           for
           some
           mens
           
             private
             wealth
          
           by
           the
           prices
           of
           blood
           and
           
             wages
             of
             iniquity
          
           which
           they
           greedily
           received
           .
        
         
         
           I
           thank
           God
           ,
           I
           never
           feared
           the
           frowns
           nor
           affected
           the
           smiles
           of
           such
           
             servile
             Sycophants
          
           ,
           who
           durst
           plead
           any
           Cause
           but
           what
           was
           truly
           Gods
           ,
           the
           Kings
           and
           the
           Churches
           .
           I
           had
           then
           sufficient
           encouragement
           from
           the
           love
           and
           approbation
           of
           the
           most
           and
           best
           of
           their
           Society
           (
           without
           which
           ,
           yet
           I
           ought
           and
           should
           have
           
             done
             my
             duty
          
           ,
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           
             conscience
             and
             inward
             comfort
          
           )
           Hence
           is
           this
           my
           
             confidence
             of
             inviting
          
           you
           again
           to
           
             review
             the
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           which
           hath
           been
           now
           mightily
           pleaded
           beyond
           what
           we
           could
           
             ask
             or
             think
          
           ,
           God
           himself
           conquering
           the
           
             monsters
             of
             our
             sins
             and
             miseries
             ,
          
           by
           the
           
             miracles
             of
             his
             mercies
             ▪
          
        
         
           My
           aim
           is
           to
           retain
           and
           engage
           as
           
             Counsellors
             ,
             Advocates
          
           ,
           and
           Servients
           to
           this
           
             righteous
             cause
          
           (
           yet
           without
           any
           other
           Fee
           then
           that
           of
           a
           
             good
             conscience
          
           in
           this
           world
           )
           
           not
           only
           men
           of
           my
           own
           profession
           ,
           as
           
             Divines
             and
             Ministers
          
           ,
           but
           you
           ●s
           o
           that
           are
           either
           
             the
             Sages
          
           and
           Iudges
           ,
           or
           
             the
             Students
          
           and
           Practisers
           in
           the
           Laws
           ;
           because
           I
           look
           upon
           you
           
             as
             Masters
             of
             great
             Reason
          
           ,
           and
           no
           
             less
             careful
          
           (
           I
           hope
           )
           of
           
             true
             Religion
          
           ,
           best
           acquainted
           with
           the
           constitutions
           of
           this
           Church
           and
           Kingdom
           ;
           persons
           generally
           adorned
           with
           
             ingenuous
             education
          
           and
           
             good
             literature
          
           ,
           yea
           and
           ,
           which
           is
           more
           in
           vulgar
           eies
           and
           esteem
           ,
           with
           good
           estates
           ;
           Gentlemen
           related
           by
           birth
           ,
           or
           alliance
           ;
           or
           clients
           or
           acquaintance
           to
           the
           best
           Families
           and
           
             greatest
             affairs
          
           of
           the
           Nation
           ;
           you
           either
           fill
           the
           one
           or
           attend
           the
           other
           
             house
             of
             Parliament
          
           (
           while
           no
           Bishop
           or
           other
           Clergie-man
           never
           so
           worthy
           is
           admitted
           to
           come
           there
           ,
           unless
           as
           a
           Supplicant
           or
           Delinquent
           )
           your
           counsels
           and
           examples
           
           are
           not
           onely
           influentiall
           in
           your
           
             country
             retirements
          
           ,
           but
           also
           efficacious
           in
           all
           the
           Cities
           and
           Courts
           of
           England
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           your
           custom
           ,
           and
           no
           less
           your
           wisdom
           and
           honor
           to
           keep
           to
           ,
           and
           plead
           for
           the
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           the
           
             Magna
             Charta
             ,
             fundamental
             Laws
          
           and
           
             ancient
             and
             excellent
             constitutions
          
           of
           this
           Church
           and
           Kingdom
           (
           not
           therefore
           good
           because
           ancient
           ,
           but
           therefore
           ancient
           because
           they
           were
           judged
           and
           
             experimentally
             found
          
           by
           our
           wise
           and
           
             pious
             Progenitors
          
           to
           be
           
             very
             good
          
           ,
           yea
           best
           for
           this
           Church
           and
           State
           :
           )
           It
           becomes
           the
           freedom
           of
           your
           spirits
           and
           estates
           ,
           as
           Lawyers
           and
           Gentlemen
           (
           however
           
             the
             poor
             Clergie
          
           are
           oft
           compelled
           to
           
             popular
             dependancie
          
           ,
           yea
           and
           some
           of
           them
           (
           like
           leeches
           )
           thrive
           best
           when
           they
           hang
           most
           upon
           the
           skins
           of
           people
           )
           I
           say
           it
           becomes
           
           you
           to
           be
           the
           furthest
           of
           any
           
             men
             living
          
           from
           flattering
           or
           abetting
           any
           
             factius
             novelties
          
           ,
           or
           
             Fanatick
             Novellers
          
           in
           Church
           or
           State
           ,
           which
           you
           cannot
           do
           without
           
             greater
             sin
             and
             shame
          
           then
           other
           men
           ,
           because
           you
           have
           more
           knowledge
           of
           good
           and
           evil
           ,
           
             of
             Law
             and
             Iustice
          
           ,
           of
           
             Reason
             and
             Religion
          
           ;
           the
           guilt
           and
           burthen
           of
           
             other
             mens
             sins
          
           ,
           which
           are
           lead
           and
           deluded
           by
           
             your
             counsel
             or
             example
          
           must
           needs
           lie
           heavie
           upon
           
             your
             souls
          
           (
           as
           well
           as
           ours
           of
           the
           Clergie
           )
           when
           being
           their
           
             guides
             ,
             lights
          
           and
           oracles
           ,
           you
           or
           we
           prove
           their
           deceivers
           and
           seaucers
           .
        
         
           Certainly
           if
           the
           poyson
           
             of
             some
             Lawyers
             teeth
          
           had
           not
           venomed
           the
           wounds
           which
           some
           
             Preachers
             tongues
          
           first
           gave
           to
           the
           life
           and
           welfare
           of
           this
           Church
           and
           Kingdom
           ,
           we
           had
           not
           run
           to
           such
           horrid
           
           ulcers
           ,
           such
           
             in
             veterate
          
           and
           
             incurable
             gangreens
          
           of
           disloyalty
           and
           irreligion
           of
           faction
           and
           confusion
           ,
           nor
           endured
           so
           
             various
             ,
             ridiculous
          
           ,
           and
           
             superfluous
             Tragedies
          
           ;
           which
           then
           began
           when
           Pulpits
           rang
           Aarons
           bels
           backward
           ,
           
             as
             to
             the
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           ;
           and
           
             Courts
             of
             judicature
          
           meanly
           conformed
           to
           the
           
             vilest
             lusts
             of
             men
          
           ,
           such
           as
           have
           given
           horror
           and
           astonishment
           to
           the
           
             modest
             part
             of
             mankind
          
           ;
           and
           which
           threatned
           (
           except
           the
           Lord
           had
           been
           merciful
           to
           us
           )
           to
           have
           
             tormented
             Kings
             and
             Parliaments
             and
             people
          
           of
           all
           degrees
           in
           the
           
             hell
             fire
          
           or
           
             Tophet
             of
             everlasting
             fewds
             ,
             factions
             and
             confusions
             ,
          
           under
           the
           specious
           name
           ,
           but
           most
           
             putid
             fallacy
          
           of
           
             Gods
             Cause
          
           ,
           the
           
             good
             cause
          
           ,
           and
           at
           last
           the
           
             good
             old
             cause
          
           :
           though
           nothing
           was
           more
           vile
           and
           novel
           ,
           less
           ancient
           or
           more
           
             arrantly
             wicked
          
           ,
           for
           
             perjury
             ,
             perfidy
          
           ,
           
           Sacriledge
           and
           Regicide
           ,
           void
           of
           all
           
             fear
             of
             God
          
           ,
           or
           
             reverence
             of
             man
             ▪
          
           contrary
           to
           the
           
             Word
             of
             God
          
           and
           
             Laws
             of
             that
             Nation
          
           :
           A
           Cause
           ,
           the
           zealous
           Martyrs
           for
           which
           are
           only
           fit
           to
           be
           put
           in
           the
           
             Devil●
             Diptych
          
           or
           Calendar
           ,
           or
           in
           God
           
             Black
             book
          
           ,
           not
           in
           the
           
             Book
             of
             lif●
          
        
         
           Against
           all
           which
           
             presumptuo
             〈…〉
             imposures
          
           in
           Church
           and
           State
           
             You
             (
             O
             worthy
             professors
             of
             the
             La
             〈…〉
          
           and
           of
           our
           
             reformed
             Religion
          
           ,
           a●
           well
           as
           we
           
             Preachers
             of
             the
             Gospel●
          
           have
           now
           all
           
             honorable
             and
             saf●
             encouragement
          
           to
           oppose
           ou●
           selves
           under
           the
           protection
           of
           God
           and
           the
           King
           ,
           that
           both
           you
           a
           〈…〉
           Iudges
           and
           Iustices
           by
           the
           civil
           sword
           ,
           and
           we
           as
           Bishops
           and
           Presbyters
           ,
           by
           the
           
             spiritual
             sword
             ▪
          
           may
           be
           as
           valiant
           for
           the
           honour
           and
           order
           of
           the
           
             established
             Religion
          
           and
           
             Laws
             of
             England
          
           ,
           for
           the
           ancient
           and
           
             excellent
             Government
          
           
           Regal
           and
           Episcopall
           of
           this
           Church
           and
           Kingdom
           ,
           as
           others
           have
           been
           
             impudently
             pragmatick
          
           to
           broach
           those
           
             novel
             errors
          
           ,
           most
           illegal
           injuries
           and
           high
           indignities
           which
           they
           brought
           upon
           us
           ,
           more
           by
           our
           own
           cowardize
           perhaps
           then
           their
           courage
           .
           Let
           us
           dare
           as
           much
           to
           be
           Loyal
           and
           religious
           ,
           honest
           and
           orderly
           ,
           as
           others
           have
           dared
           to
           be
           false
           and
           base
           ,
           insolent
           and
           irregular
           ,
           injurious
           and
           sacrilegious
           .
        
         
           They
           wanted
           not
           many
           
             black
             mouths
          
           ,
           vile
           tongues
           ,
           and
           
             libellous
             pens
          
           to
           plead
           for
           the
           Baalims
           which
           they
           set
           up
           (
           meer
           Idols
           and
           Teraphims
           in
           Church
           and
           State
           )
           which
           are
           now
           (
           blessed
           be
           God
           cast
           out
           to
           the
           moles
           and
           bats
           .
           O
           let
           not
           us
           ,
           for
           I
           would
           have
           no
           difference
           between
           your
           learned
           Tribe
           and
           ours
           ,
           let
           none
           of
           us
           who
           are
           most
           versed
           in
           God
           
           or
           mans
           Laws
           ,
           be
           wanting
           to
           the
           
             true
             Cause
             of
             our
             God
          
           and
           Saviour
           ,
           of
           our
           
             rightful
             King
          
           ,
           of
           our
           
             reformed
             Religion
          
           ,
           and
           of
           our
           famous
           Church
           ,
           in
           its
           
             Doctrine
             ,
             devotion
             ,
             discipline
          
           and
           Government
           ,
           In
           the
           cause
           of
           which
           ,
           all
           your
           and
           your
           posterities
           happiness
           are
           included
           .
           Since
           then
           by
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           the
           
             monstrous
             and
             many-shapen
             Dagons
          
           of
           our
           late
           Philistins
           and
           oppressors
           ,
           are
           now
           faln
           to
           the
           ground
           and
           broken
           off
           
             head
             ,
             hands
          
           ,
           and
           feet
           ,
           a
           
             meer
             fanatick
             stump
          
           ;
           let
           us
           turn
           Israelites
           unanimously
           set
           our selves
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           done
           ,
           to
           the
           welcome
           reception
           of
           his
           Majesty
           ,
           so
           to
           bring
           home
           with
           truth
           and
           
             peace
             ,
             honor
          
           and
           
             order
             ,
             joy
          
           and
           jubilation
           the
           
             Ark
             of
             God
          
           ,
           the
           Church
           of
           England
           ,
           restoring
           it
           to
           its
           place
           ,
           and
           adorning
           it
           
             with
             all
             the
             beauties
             of
             holiness
             ,
          
           worthy
           of
           
           the
           wisdom
           and
           
             piety
             ,
             munificence
             ▪
             courage
          
           and
           honor
           of
           our
           Ancestors
           who
           were
           famous
           both
           for
           their
           loyaltie
           and
           Religion
           ;
           the
           fruits
           of
           whose
           care
           and
           constancie
           we
           enjoyed
           heretofore
           ,
           as
           men
           and
           Christians
           ,
           in
           a
           wel-reformed
           ,
           united
           and
           setled
           
             National
             Church
          
           ,
           till
           some
           men
           lost
           their
           wits
           and
           hearts
           ,
           their
           
             credits
             and
             consciences
          
           ,
           their
           
             sense
             of
             duty
          
           to
           their
           
             God
             and
             their
             King
          
           ,
           yea
           and
           their
           first
           love
           of
           our
           
             reformed
             Church
          
           and
           Religion
           ,
           for
           which
           our
           
             famous
             Forefathers
          
           had
           so
           
             notably
             pleaded
          
           ,
           not
           only
           in
           the
           Pulpits
           &
           at
           the
           Bars
           ,
           but
           in
           prison
           also
           ,
           and
           at
           stakes
           ,
           when
           they
           were
           able
           to
           say
           with
           truth
           and
           comfort
           ,
           as
           the
           
             royall
             Martyr
             of
             admired
             memory
          
           ,
           did
           now
           dying
           
             That
             they
             thanked
             God
             they
             had
             a
             good
             Cause
             and
             a
             gracious
             God.
             
          
        
         
           Certainly
           t
           is
           better
           thus
           to
           suffer
           
             for
             God
             cause
          
           (
           inpietie
           ,
           justice
           
           patience
           and
           charitie
           )
           then
           to
           prosper
           in
           the
           Devils
           with
           sacrilegious
           
             usurpation
             and
             injury
          
           ;
           this
           as
           a
           
             fire
             of
             thorns
          
           may
           
             blaze
             for
             a
             time
          
           ,
           but
           it
           will
           soon
           be
           extinguished
           ,
           the
           other
           carries
           the
           
             lawrells
             and
             crowns
             of
             eternal
             victory
          
           ;
           for
           though
           we
           
             die
             for
             it
          
           ,
           yet
           we
           shall
           
             live
             by
             it
          
           ;
           the
           greatest
           trophies
           of
           
             Gods
             cause
          
           are
           in
           another
           world
           ;
           there
           our
           
             Lord
             Iesus
             Christ
          
           with
           the
           
             Prophets
             ,
             Apostles
             ,
             Martyrs
             ,
             Confessors
             ,
          
           and
           all
           the
           true
           Professors
           set
           up
           their
           victorious
           banners
           ,
           and
           rest
           in
           
             eternal
             Triumphs
             ▪
          
           O
           let
           us
           all
           
             cast
             anchor
          
           in
           
             Gods
             Cause
          
           ,
           and
           we
           shall
           have
           no
           cause
           to
           fear
           the
           
             tossings
             of
             this
             world
          
           ,
           which
           was
           and
           ever
           wil
           be
           a
           
             restless
             Sea.
          
           Let
           us
           keep
           Faith
           and
           a
           
             good
             conscience
          
           from
           shipwrack
           by
           preservation
           of
           our
           Laws
           and
           
             reformed
             Religion
          
           ,
           so
           shall
           we
           and
           our
           posteritie
           ,
           
             Kings
             and
             Subjects
          
           be
           most
           safe
           on
           earth
           ,
           however
           
           we
           shall
           be
           sure
           to
           gain
           our
           main
           cause
           and
           process
           at
           last
           in
           heaven
           ,
           tho
           in
           other
           things
           we
           be
           
             less
             advantaged
          
           as
           to
           this
           world
           ,
           for
           all
           our
           care
           &
           pains
           in
           pleading
           
             Gods
             ,
             the
             Kings
          
           ,
           and
           
             the
             Churches
             Cause
          
           .
           In
           which
           I
           hope
           I
           have
           not
           been
           
             wholly
             wanting
             to
             my
             duty
          
           in
           the
           
             worst
             of
             times
          
           ;
           nor
           shall
           I
           be
           now
           discouraged
           in
           these
           more
           
             Halcyon
             days
          
           ,
           however
           
             my
             sun
          
           may
           seem
           to
           be
           in
           its
           
             Western
             decline
          
           ,
           wher
           I
           find
           my self
           preferred
           as
           to
           much
           more
           
             love
             ,
             civility
             and
             honor
          
           from
           the
           
             Gentry
             ,
             sober
             Clergie
          
           &
           
             ingenuous
             people
          
           of
           that
           Diocess
           then
           I
           can
           well
           deserve
           ,
           so
           I
           am
           exposed
           to
           much
           more
           business
           and
           
             fatigue
             of
             life
          
           ,
           sweet●ed
           with
           far
           less
           worldly
           comfort
           &
           t●anquillity
           then
           formerly
           I
           enjoyed
           ,
           when
           I
           had
           the
           happiness
           of
           a
           more
           conv●nient
           as
           well
           as
           a
           more
           private
           and
           retired
           condition
           ,
           but
           Iow
           
             my self
             more
          
           to
           the
           
             publick
             cause
          
           of
           God
           and
           
             his
             Church
          
           ,
           of
           
             my
             King
          
           and
           Country
           then
           to
           my
           own
           ease
           or
           private
           interest
           ,
           
           for
           those
           we
           must
           be
           willing
           to
           do
           ,
           suffer
           ,
           and
           
             deny
             our
          
           selves
           in
           any
           thing
           short
           of
           heaven
           ,
           sin
           and
           hell
           ;
           faithful
           seruice
           of
           them
           is
           our
           greatest
           freedom
           ,
           highest
           honor
           ,
           and
           will
           be
           at
           last
           our
           greatest
           reward
           ,
           if
           we
           can
           but
           have
           patience
           to
           wait
           a
           
             few
             years
          
           till
           we
           pass
           to
           another
           world
           ,
           where
           the
           crown
           of
           
             eternall
             glory
          
           shall
           be
           set
           on
           the
           head
           of
           that
           vertue
           which
           envie
           here
           
             may
             depress
          
           :
           That
           you
           with
           my self
           may
           persevere
           in
           sincerely
           pleading
           and
           promoting
           Gods
           blessed
           Cause
           (
           which
           is
           our
           own
           )
           is
           the
           earnest
           prayer
           of
           ,
           
             Your
             very
             humble
             Servant
          
        
         
           
             
               John
               Gauden
            
             ,
             Bp.
             of
             Exeter
             .
          
           
             E●ueter
             
               Feb.
               20.
               1660.
               
            
          
        
      
       
         
           ERRATA
           .
        
         
           Pag.
           66.
           line
           26.
           r.
           which
           ,
           l.
           27.
           r.
           of
           ,
           l.
           28
           ▪
           dele
           them
           (
           )
           .
           p.
           61
           l.
           16.
           r.
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           l.
           18.
           r.
           
             Hinges
             or
             ●xes
          
           .
           l.
           19.
           r.
           polar
           ,
           p.
           89.
           l.
           15.
           r.
           pleaded
           ,
           p.
           150.
           l.
           19.
           r.
           l
           ,
           p.
           153
           ●
           8.
           r.
           pursue
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           
             Causa
             Dei
          
           :
           Gods
           pleading
           his
           own
           Cause
           .
        
         
           
             Set
             forth
             in
             two
             SERMONS
             Preached
             at
             the
             Temple
             in
             Novemb.
             1659.
             Upon
          
        
         
           
             PSAL.
             74.
             22
             
          
           
             Arise
             ,
             O
             God
             ,
             Plead
             thine
             own
             Cause
             :
             Remember
             how
             the
             foolish
             man
             reproacheth
             thee
             daily
             .
          
        
         
           THis
           Psalm
           is
           a
           most
           Pathetick
           
           Lamentation
           for
           the
           deplorable
           state
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           among
           the
           Jews
           in
           the
           Babylonish
           captivity
           ;
           after
           the
           Justice
           
           and
           Wrath
           of
           God
           had
           let
           in
           the
           power
           aud
           malice
           of
           enemies
           ,
           as
           a
           mighty
           flood
           ,
           which
           swept
           away
           not
           onely
           the
           civil
           peace
           ,
           liberty
           ,
           plenty
           ,
           safety
           and
           honour
           ,
           with
           the
           Majesty
           and
           Government
           of
           the
           State
           ,
           but
           also
           the
           very
           face
           and
           form
           of
           the
           Church
           ;
           The
           publick
           profession
           ,
           order
           ,
           decency
           and
           solemnity
           of
           Religion
           ,
           the
           Worship
           and
           Service
           of
           God
           ,
           moral
           and
           ceremonial
           ,
           as
           to
           sacrifices
           and
           oblations
           ,
           Prayers
           and
           praises
           in
           the
           Temple
           .
        
         
           .
           §
           A
           matter
           of
           the
           greatest
           consideration
           
           to
           every
           pious
           and
           devout
           soul
           ,
           who
           cannot
           but
           be
           grieved
           to
           see
           Religion
           (
           as
           the
           light
           of
           the
           sun
           )
           put
           under
           a
           bushel
           ,
           confined
           to
           closets
           and
           corners
           ,
           driven
           to
           private
           and
           precarious
           Conventicles
           ,
           to
           be
           forced
           to
           thin
           and
           scattered
           Congregations
           ;
           or
           which
           is
           worse
           ,
           to
           affect
           separate
           Conventicles
           ▪
           where
           the
           ta
           〈…〉
           d
           ra●●
           of
           verity
           will
           never
           be
           able
           to
           ●●ep
           charity
           warm
           ,
           or
           cover
           the
           〈…〉
           of
           Schism
           and
           Faction
           .
        
         
           〈…〉
           i●
           the●
           time
           to
           cry
           out
           with
           
           old
           
             Eli
             Ichabod
          
           ;
           The
           glory
           is
           departed
           
           from
           Israel
           ;
           the
           
             beauty
             of
             holiness
          
           is
           turned
           into
           sackeloth
           ashes
           and
           ;
           publick
           joys
           sink
           into
           mourning
           ,
           and
           solemn
           Halelujahs
           into
           sad
           lamentations
           ,
           full
           of
           sighs
           and
           tears
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           no
           cause
           to
           triumph
           ,
           or
           
           joy
           upon
           any
           civil
           and
           secular
           accounts
           in
           any
           Nation
           ,
           never
           so
           prospe●●●s
           when
           true
           Religion
           is
           eclipsed
           ,
           or
           the
           true
           Church
           and
           its
           Ministry
           discountenanced
           ,
           debased
           ,
           persecuted
           ,
           plundered
           ,
           destroyed
           ,
           reproached
           :
           Then
           if
           ever
           ,
           as
           the
           Mariners
           cryed
           to
           Jonah
           in
           the
           storm
           ,
           
             Every
             man
             should
             cry
             mightily
             to
             his
             God
             ,
          
           apply
           his
           hands
           to
           the
           ore
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           to
           such
           means
           ,
           as
           being
           pious
           and
           prudent
           ,
           are
           only
           proper
           to
           be
           used
           in
           Gods
           Cause
           .
        
         
           This
           Psalm
           beare
           the
           name
           of
           
             Asaph
             ▪
          
           
           that
           famous
           Master
           in
           Davids
           time
           of
           Church-musick
           ,
           both
           Vocal
           and
           Organical
           ;
           in
           which
           there
           is
           so
           much
           of
           humane
           ,
           yea
           divine
           sweetness
           ,
           composure
           and
           rapture
           ,
           that
           nothing
           but
           savage
           Barbarity
           ,
           and
           rude
           hypocrisie
           ,
           can
           envy
           or
           deny
           
           the
           Church
           of
           Christ
           ,
           both
           Christian
           and
           Judaick
           ,
           the
           blessing
           of
           
             holy
             harmony
          
           ,
           in
           singing
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           setting
           forth
           his
           high
           praises
           in
           the
           greatest
           perfections
           of
           melody
           that
           man
           can
           attain
           unto
           ,
           and
           the
           Churches
           gravity
           enjoy
           .
           Not
           that
           it
           is
           like
           to
           have
           bin
           then
           penn'd
           by
           Asaph
           ,
           as
           if
           by
           the
           spirit
           of
           prophesie
           he
           had
           foreseen
           ,
           foretold
           and
           forewarned
           the
           captivity
           four
           hundred
           years
           before
           it
           came
           to
           pass
           ;
           but
           either
           some
           other
           of
           that
           name
           wrote
           it
           in
           the
           time
           of
           the
           captivity
           ;
           or
           some
           man
           of
           another
           name
           might
           then
           write
           this
           doleful
           Psalm
           or
           Threnody
           ,
           to
           the
           composure
           ,
           method
           or
           tune
           of
           Asaphs
           excellent
           melody
           ,
           who
           was
           one
           of
           the
           chief
           Singers
           ,
           leaving
           to
           after
           ages
           further
           monuments
           ,
           not
           only
           of
           devout
           compassion
           of
           the
           Churches
           affliction
           ,
           but
           also
           of
           those
           heavenly
           comforts
           ,
           which
           may
           in
           all
           cases
           be
           used
           and
           enjoyned
           in
           such
           holy
           forms
           ,
           as
           do
           set
           forth
           the
           exemplary
           passions
           of
           devout
           men
           ;
           either
           as
           to
           joy
           or
           sorrow
           ,
           complacenc
           〈…〉
           compassion
           ,
           prayer
           or
           
           praise
           ,
           in
           publick
           or
           private
           concernments
           ;
           so
           that
           ,
           not
           onely
           (
           as
           St.
           James
           speaks
           )
           
             If
             any
             man
             rejoyce
          
           ,
           
           
             he
             may
             sing
             Psalms
             of
             praise
             and
             thanksgiving
          
           ;
           But
           if
           he
           be
           afflicted
           ,
           he
           may
           read
           ,
           pray
           and
           weep
           over
           such
           divine
           Ditties
           as
           are
           most
           suitable
           to
           the
           sence
           and
           sorrow
           of
           his
           soul
           ,
           or
           the
           state
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           yea
           ,
           and
           of
           any
           private
           friend
           .
        
         
           This
           holy
           Pen-man
           (
           whoever
           he
           
           were
           )
           having
           an
           heart
           full
           of
           zeal
           for
           Gods
           glory
           ,
           no
           less
           then
           eyes
           full
           of
           tears
           ,
           and
           lips
           full
           of
           complaints
           for
           the
           Churches
           calamities
           ,
           suffers
           himself
           to
           boil
           over
           to
           all
           the
           Topicks
           of
           
             pathetick
             Oratory
          
           ,
           and
           devout
           importunity
           ,
           sometime
           deploring
           in
           general
           the
           sad
           state
           of
           things
           ,
           other
           while
           complaining
           to
           God
           in
           particular
           instances
           ;
           yea
           in
           one
           place
           he
           seems
           to
           complain
           of
           God
           himself
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           were
           regardless
           and
           negligent
           of
           his
           own
           interests
           ;
           
             Tanquam
             coecum
             &
             surdum
             numen
          
           ;
           as
           if
           he
           needed
           a
           Monitor
           and
           Remembrancer
           to
           mind
           his
           
             own
             cause
          
           :
           one
           while
           he
           deplores
           Gods
           fierce
           anger
           against
           his
           Church
           ;
           
           Then
           he
           tells
           him
           of
           the
           near
           relation
           
           he
           had
           to
           that
           
             suffering
             Cause
          
           .
           
           After
           he
           shews
           God
           the
           ●ad
           and
           shameful
           prospect
           of
           his
           Churches
           
           ruines
           :
           what
           havock
           the
           enemies
           insolent
           and
           
             unbridled
             rage
          
           had
           made
           ;
           First
           ,
           of
           his
           publick
           Worship
           ,
           then
           of
           the
           very
           places
           which
           his
           name
           had
           consecrated
           ,
           and
           pious
           gratitude
           had
           both
           dedicated
           and
           adorned
           with
           politure
           and
           art
           ,
           to
           be
           Temples
           or
           Synagogues
           ,
           that
           is
           
             Houses
             of
             God
             in
             the
             Land
             :
          
           Then
           he
           quarrels
           and
           almost
           chides
           (
           as
           it
           were
           )
           by
           an
           humble
           expostulation
           ,
           and
           pious
           impatience
           Gods
           long
           silence
           
           and
           
             great
             reservedness
          
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           At
           last
           ,
           to
           take
           off
           any
           seeming
           stupor
           (
           which
           is
           not
           incident
           to
           the
           
             Divine
             omniscience
          
           ,
           and
           most
           vigilant
           clemency
           )
           he
           applies
           the
           most
           
             sharp
             spur
          
           and
           
             pickquant
             goad
          
           in
           the
           world
           ;
           namely
           ,
           the
           
             reproaches
             of
          
           
           
             God's
             and
             his
             Churches
             enemies
          
           ;
           which
           the
           Lord
           professed
           
             long
             ago
          
           so
           much
           to
           fear
           (
           speaking
           after
           the
           manner
           of
           men
           )
           and
           thereupon
           more
           than
           once
           
             disarmed
             his
             Justice
             ▪
          
           now
           brandished
           against
           his
           
           own
           people
           when
           they
           had
           sinned
           ,
           and
           highly
           provoked
           him
           not
           onely
           to
           punish
           them
           ,
           but
           to
           purpose
           and
           threaten
           the
           utterly
           destroying
           them
           ;
           yet
           he
           made
           gracious
           retractation
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           avoid
           the
           
           dint
           and
           impression
           of
           his
           enemies
           poysoned
           darts
           and
           venomed
           arrows
           ,
           
           even
           bitter
           words
           ,
           petulant
           scorns
           ,
           and
           arrogant
           reproaches
           ,
           which
           Moses
           represents
           to
           him
           ,
           as
           a
           notable
           allay
           or
           cooling
           to
           the
           over-boylings
           of
           his
           wrath
           :
           And
           it
           wrought
           so
           effectually
           in
           the
           highest
           paroxysms
           of
           Gods
           anger
           ,
           that
           the
           Lord
           chose
           rather
           to
           use
           the
           shield
           of
           his
           patience
           ,
           long-suffering
           ,
           great
           goodness
           and
           indulgence
           towards
           his
           Church
           grievously
           apostatising
           (
           that
           he
           might
           thereby
           defend
           himself
           from
           the
           sarcasms
           of
           his
           enemies
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           were
           either
           ignorant
           or
           impotent
           ,
           or
           malicious
           or
           mutable
           )
           then
           by
           using
           the
           sword
           of
           his
           Justice
           too
           rigorously
           against
           his
           Church
           ,
           to
           wound
           both
           it
           and
           himself
           ,
           to
           the
           most
           odious
           joy
           ,
           and
           insolent
           triumph
           of
           their
           common
           enemies
           ,
           
           who
           hated
           and
           opposed
           the
           Church
           ,
           not
           as
           smning
           and
           swerving
           sometime
           against
           God
           ,
           but
           as
           serving
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           adhering
           to
           him
           in
           some
           measure
           at
           least
           ,
           beyond
           all
           other
           men
           .
           
        
         
           §
           .
           The
           Psalmist
           further
           urgeth
           the
           former
           experiments
           of
           Gods
           power
           and
           providence
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           general
           course
           of
           nature
           ,
           which
           is
           
           regular
           and
           constant
           ;
           so
           in
           the
           special
           exigents
           of
           his
           Church
           ;
           endeared
           
           to
           him
           ,
           as
           the
           Turtle
           to
           its
           harmless
           and
           loving
           Mate
           ,
           from
           which
           to
           be
           separate
           is
           as
           death
           ;
           Gods
           covenant
           with
           the
           Church
           is
           firmly
           alledged
           ;
           also
           his
           faithfulness
           is
           pleaded
           ;
           his
           lasting
           philanthropy
           or
           tender
           regard
           to
           all
           that
           are
           oppressed
           ,
           is
           inculcated
           ;
           and
           nothing
           omitted
           that
           pious
           passion
           can
           suggest
           ,
           or
           compassionate
           Oratory
           can
           express
           in
           so
           few
           words
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           After
           all
           these
           
             lively
             colours
          
           brought
           forth
           with
           no
           less
           skill
           then
           plenty
           and
           vehemency
           ,
           to
           set
           forth
           what
           he
           either
           deplores
           or
           deprecates
           ,
           or
           supplicates
           ;
           he
           adds
           at
           last
           this
           notable
           Ingemination
           ,
           
           to
           rowse
           and
           excite
           God
           ,
           to
           consider
           ,
           if
           not
           his
           poor
           Churches
           calamity
           ,
           yet
           his
           own
           great
           concern
           .
           The
           pathetick
           Pen-man
           is
           resolved
           not
           to
           
             let
             God
             alone
          
           ,
           to
           give
           him
           
             no
             rest
          
           till
           he
           had
           some
           answer
           worthy
           of
           his
           love
           ,
           pity
           ,
           jealousie
           and
           zeal
           ;
           yea
           worthy
           of
           so
           merciful
           a
           God
           ,
           who
           ambitiously
           delights
           in
           the
           titles
           of
           the
           Father
           of
           pity
           ,
           and
           God
           of
           all
           consolation
           ;
           Therefore
           he
           adds
           this
           Epiphonema
           ,
           or
           close
           ,
           as
           the
           
             ultimi
             conatus
             ,
             &
             n●vissimi
             ejaculatus
             ecclesiae
          
           ;
        
         
           Arise
           O
           God
           ,
           plead
           thine
           own
           cause
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           As
           to
           the
           partition
           of
           the
           words
           ,
           
           we
           may
           easily
           discern
           these
           particulars
           in
           them
           ;
        
         
           First
           ,
           The
           excitation
           ,
           Arise
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           The
           Invocation
           ,
           
             O
             God.
          
           
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           The
           declaration
           ,
           To
           plead
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           The
           Appropriation
           ,
           Thy
           
             own
             cause
          
           .
        
         
           Fifthly
           ,
           The
           grand
           Motive
           or
        
         
         
           Incitation
           ,
           Thine
           
             enemies
             reproach
             thee
             daily
          
           .
        
         
           Sixthly
           ,
           The
           Sollicitor
           or
           promotor
           of
           the
           
             process
             ,
             action
          
           or
           plea
           ;
           The
           pious
           and
           pathetick
           pen-man
           of
           this
           Psalm
           ,
           who
           had
           rather
           seem
           rude
           and
           importune
           ,
           then
           irreligious
           to
           God
           ,
           or
           uncompassionate
           to
           the
           Church
           ,
           by
           being
           either
           silent
           ,
           or
           so
           cool
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           were
           indifferent
           ,
           and
           thereby
           taught
           God
           to
           deny
           him
           ,
           by
           the
           
             faintness
             of
             his
             asking
          
           ;
           he
           asks
           ,
           and
           seeks
           ,
           and
           knocks
           ;
           he
           prays
           ,
           and
           crys
           ,
           and
           roars
           for
           the
           disquietness
           of
           his
           soul
           ;
           his
           
             bowels
             are
             turned
             within
             him
          
           ,
           and
           his
           
             soul
             poured
             out
             like
             water
          
           ,
           impatient
           of
           a
           repulse
           in
           such
           a
           
             Cause
             as
             was
             Gods
             own
             Cause
             .
          
        
         
           The
           word
           Cause
           is
           not
           here
           taken
           
           in
           a
           Physical
           or
           
             Metaphysical
             sence
          
           ,
           nor
           in
           a
           natural
           or
           logical
           notion
           ;
           but
           (
           
             sensu
             forensi
             &
             politico
          
           )
           in
           a
           politick
           sense
           ,
           as
           a
           term
           used
           in
           Courts
           of
           Judicature
           (
           
             in
             foro
             vel
             Senatu
          
           )
           to
           shew
           the
           rational
           and
           just
           foundation
           upon
           which
           civil
           Pleas
           ,
           or
           legal
           actions
           are
           grounded
           ;
           and
           
           from
           which
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           point
           of
           right
           or
           wrong
           ,
           all
           controversies
           derive
           the
           force
           and
           efficacy
           ,
           as
           all
           activity
           and
           effects
           do
           from
           
             natural
             causes
          
           .
        
         
           So
           the
           Hebrew
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           denotes
           a
           contest
           ,
           by
           way
           of
           complaint
           ,
           
           rebuke
           and
           repair
           ,
           whence
           the
           waters
           of
           Meribah
           ,
           or
           strife
           had
           their
           name
           ,
           where
           God
           pleaded
           with
           the
           
             murmuring
             people
          
           .
           So
           Gideon
           is
           nick-named
           Jerubbaal
           ,
           for
           pleading
           against
           
             Baal
             ,
             Judges
          
           6.
           31.
           
           And
           the
           LXXII
           .
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           .
           And
           the
           Latin
           ,
           
             Litiga
             litem
             tuam
             Domine
          
           ;
           do
           all
           import
           a
           quarrel
           or
           controversie
           ,
           an
           action
           of
           the
           Case
           in
           point
           of
           Trespass
           ,
           injury
           ,
           or
           indignity
           ,
           wherein
           Gods
           honor
           was
           
           concerned
           ,
           which
           was
           not
           to
           be
           put
           up
           in
           silence
           ,
           but
           a
           just
           reparation
           to
           be
           made
           .
        
         
           In
           this
           sense
           both
           the
           Greeks
           use
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           &
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ;
           Also
           the
           Latins
           ,
           Causa
           ,
           or
           Caussa
           ,
           as
           Tully
           oft
           ,
           and
           other
           ancient
           Orators
           ,
           no
           less
           then
           the
           later
           pleaders
           ,
           according
           to
           our
           common
           ,
           or
           the
           Imperial
           and
           
             Canon
             Laws
          
           .
        
         
         
           Thus
           the
           word
           Cause
           denotes
           ,
           Id
           
           
             quod
             est
             (
             ut
             in
             vita
             &
             voto
             )
             sic
             in
             lite
             causalissimum
          
           ;
           that
           which
           is
           the
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           the
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           or
           optatissimum
           ,
           the
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           the
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ;
           the
           main
           center
           ,
           Hinge
           ,
           Butt
           ,
           or
           Design
           ;
           the
           chief
           
             end
             &
             motive
          
           ,
           that
           grand
           concern
           and
           interess
           which
           men
           are
           most
           fearful
           to
           forfeit
           or
           to
           be
           frustrated
           of
           ,
           and
           to
           lose
           ,
           or
           miscarry
           in
           .
        
         
           Some
           Etymoligists
           in
           their
           (
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           )
           
           Grammatick
           curiosity
           are
           pleased
           to
           derive
           the
           word
           Causa
           ,
           either
           from
           Cautio
           ,
           because
           men
           are
           most
           wary
           not
           to
           fail
           of
           it
           ,
           (
           which
           is
           
             Causa
             cadere
          
           )
           or
           from
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           heat
           ,
           and
           burning
           ,
           indicating
           the
           fervor
           and
           zeal
           with
           which
           men
           prosecute
           their
           main
           cause
           ,
           and
           their
           indignation
           against
           those
           that
           oppose
           ,
           or
           obstruct
           them
           in
           it
           ,
           or
           lastly
           ,
           from
           Chaos
           ,
           as
           that
           which
           contained
           in
           it
           all
           primitive
           ,
           natural
           ,
           and
           elementary
           causes
           .
        
         
           This
           last
           notation
           doth
           very
           unhappily
           
           fit
           our
           sad
           condition
           in
           England
           ,
           when
           under
           pretence
           of
           
             several
             causes
          
           ,
           which
           the
           eager
           ,
           partial
           ,
           
           and
           inordin●te
           prosecution
           of
           them
           (
           pleading
           them
           (
           
             Arte
             &
             Marte
          
           )
           by
           arguments
           and
           arms
           too
           ,
           by
           word
           and
           sword
           ,
           by
           fraud
           and
           force
           ,
           by
           faction
           and
           fury
           )
           we
           have
           run
           our selves
           in
           (
           
             Chaos
             antiquum
          
           )
           almost
           to
           a
           very
           chaos
           or
           confusion
           ,
           both
           in
           things
           civil
           and
           religious
           ;
           as
           if
           we
           were
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             Terrae
             filii
             ,
             gigantum
             fratreculi
          
           )
           a
           company
           of
           Mushroom
           men
           and
           Christians
           sprung
           out
           of
           the
           earth
           but
           yesterday
           ,
           a
           nation
           in
           its
           
             infancy
             or
             minority
          
           ,
           which
           is
           now
           to
           learn
           its
           
             A.
             B.
             C.
          
           of
           Religion
           and
           civil
           government
           ,
           being
           set
           back
           by
           a
           most
           sad
           and
           horrible
           fate
           ,
           from
           
             Homers
             Iliads
          
           ,
           to
           our
           Primmer
           or
           Pueriles
           ,
           by
           I
           know
           nor
           what
           new
           Teachers
           ,
           and
           many
           Masters
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           So
           that
           it
           is
           high
           time
           seriously
           to
           meditate
           ,
           conscientiously
           to
           preach
           ,
           freely
           to
           write
           ,
           and
           fervently
           to
           pray
           upon
           this
           subject
           :
           The
           Cause
           and
           the
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           since
           every
           party
           pretends
           
             a
             Cause
          
           ,
           and
           
             Gods
             Cause
             too
          
           ,
           which
           they
           are
           most
           eager
           and
           ambitious
           not
           only
           to
           plead
           fairly
           (
           but
           to
           )
           obtrude
           
           for
           o●bly
           on
           all
           others
           :
           Thus
           from
           the
           great
           
             Pretenders
             ●●
             the
             Cath
             〈…〉
             Cause
          
           (
           of
           which
           the
           Romanis●●
           would
           seem
           the
           chief
           Patrons
           )
           to
           all
           other
           Sects
           and
           Subsection●
           either
           in
           civil
           or
           religious
           factions
           .
           All
           parties
           are
           divided
           by
           their
           Causes
           ,
           and
           the
           whole
           is
           destroyed
           by
           their
           divisions
           :
           Ask
           any
           side
           why
           they
           thus
           shuffle
           and
           out
           ,
           why
           they
           thus
           divide
           and
           destroy
           ?
           why
           they
           do
           things
           so
           different
           from
           solid
           Reason
           and
           true
           Religion
           ,
           contrary
           to
           all
           Laws
           of
           God
           and
           man
           contrary
           to
           the
           duty
           they
           owe
           ●●
           God
           ,
           their
           Country
           ,
           their
           King
           their
           Posterity
           ,
           the
           Church
           and
           the
           State
           ,
           as
           to
           
             Justice
             ,
             Veracity
             Peace
          
           and
           Charity
           ?
           Ask
           why
           ,
           like
           Ixicons
           wheel
           ,
           or
           Sysiphus
           his
           stone
           ▪
           they
           
             overturn
             ,
             ouerturn
             ,
             overturn
          
           all
           things
           eivil
           and
           sacred
           by
           their
           end
           less
           ver●igoes
           and
           rotations
           ?
           then
           answer
           is
           short
           ,
           as
           that
           of
           David
           to
           his
           brother
           
             Eliab
             ,
             Is
             there
             not
             ●
          
           
           Cause
           ?
        
         
           It
           will
           not
           be
           amiss
           therefore
           
           (
           as
           St.
           John
           adviseth
           Christians
           to
           
             try
             the
             spirits
             whether
             they
             be
             of
             God
          
           
           
             or
             ●o
          
           ,
           of
           Christ
           or
           of
           Antichrist
           ;
           to
           examine
           the
           several
           pretended
           and
           pleaded
           Causes
           ,
           whether
           they
           be
           
             Gods
             Cause
          
           (
           which
           is
           indeed
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             Causarum
             causa
          
           ,
           the
           Cause
           of
           Causes
           :
           The
           Cause
           and
           interest
           of
           all
           the
           
             blessed
             Angels
          
           ,
           and
           all
           
             true
             Saints
          
           ;
           worthy
           of
           Princes
           and
           Peers
           ,
           of
           Gown-men
           and
           Sword-men
           ,
           of
           all
           honest
           and
           good
           men
           ;
           or
           whether
           they
           be
           not
           the
           Cause
           of
           the
           Devil
           ,
           and
           of
           mens
           own
           evil
           ●usts
           ,
           disguised
           with
           this
           larva
           or
           vizard
           on
           them
           ,
           which
           may
           not
           uncharitably
           be
           suspected
           of
           some
           of
           them
           ;
           Since
           it
           is
           most
           certain
           ,
           they
           cannot
           all
           be
           
             Gods
             Causes
          
           ,
           they
           are
           so
           many
           ,
           so
           multiform
           ,
           so
           mutable
           ,
           so
           divided
           ,
           so
           destructive
           to
           each
           other
           ;
           they
           must
           needs
           fail
           either
           of
           the
           main
           end
           and
           ground
           ,
           or
           matter
           and
           method
           of
           
             Godr
             pleading
             his
             own
             Cause
          
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           Of
           which
           I
           shall
           (
           by
           Gods
           
           help
           )
           endeavour
           to
           give
           this
           honorable
           and
           Christian
           Auditory
           such
           an
           account
           ,
           as
           may
           either
           inform
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           confirm
           your
           judgements
           in
           the
           true
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           (
           that
           
           you
           may
           not
           
             be
             tossed
             too
             and
             fr●●
             with
             every
             wind
             of
             causeless
             Causes
             ,
          
           which
           blow
           as
           mens
           passions
           and
           secular
           interests
           do
           arise
           .
           )
           And
           further
           ,
           I
           hope
           to
           excite
           your
           judie●ous
           abilities
           ,
           and
           eloquent
           attentions
           (
           who
           are
           persons
           of
           so
           great
           learning
           ,
           experience
           ,
           and
           publi●●
           influence
           )
           to
           be
           ever
           zealous
           in
           that
           
             good
             Cause
          
           which
           is
           Gods
           as
           (
           
             bon●
             Causidici
          
           )
           honest
           and
           able
           Lawyers
           to
           shew
           your
           skill
           and
           will
           in
           the
           great
           concerns
           of
           God
           ,
           his
           Church
           and
           your
           Country
           ;
           which
           are
           no●
           so
           eagerly
           pleaded
           and
           counter
           pleaded
           among
           us
           .
           Appeals
           bein●
           as
           it
           were
           made
           to
           every
           one
           o●
           us
           ,
           to
           judge
           in
           our selves
           which
           ●●
           the
           
             righteous
             Cause
          
           of
           God
           ,
           tp
           which
           we
           ought
           chearfully
           to
           give
           our
           suffrages
           and
           assistance
           ,
           as
           most
           undoubtedly
           conducing
           to
           our
           publick
           happiness
           both
           in
           Church
           and
           State
           ,
           in
           civil
           and
           religious
           concernments
           ;
           let
           not
           this
           be
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           a
           desolate
           and
           forsaken
           Cause
           ,
           in
           which
           no
           men
           of
           parts
           and
           estate
           will
           appear
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           And
           cartainly
           ,
           if
           I
           had
           less
           
           experience
           then
           I
           have
           of
           the
           favour
           of
           the
           Court
           (
           I
           mean
           of
           this
           
             Christian
             Assembly
          
           )
           which
           is
           met
           in
           Gods
           
             Courts
             and
             presence
          
           ,
           yet
           I
           may
           justly
           have
           great
           confidence
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           merit
           of
           that
           Cause
           ,
           which
           I
           shall
           seek
           to
           present
           to
           you
           ,
           and
           plead
           before
           you
           this
           day
           in
           Gods
           behalf
           ;
           As
           Jotham
           therefore
           said
           to
           his
           Countrymen
           ,
           
             Hearken
             to
             me
          
           ,
           
           
             that
             God
             may
             hearken
             to
             you
             :
          
           Attend
           diligently
           to
           the
           pleading
           of
           
           his
           cause
           ,
           who
           alone
           can
           
             plead
             yours
          
           ;
           yea
           and
           hath
           given
           us
           
             an
             Advocate
             with
             the
             Father
             Jesus
             Christ
             the
             righteous
             ,
             whose
             blood
             speaks
             better
             things
             for
             us
          
           ;
           whose
           wounds
           are
           so
           many
           
             eloquent
             mouths
          
           ,
           whose
           cross
           was
           loaden
           with
           strong
           crys
           for
           us
           ;
           
           whose
           merits
           are
           undeniable
           mediators
           ;
           whose
           Spirit
           continually
           makes
           intercession
           in
           us
           and
           for
           us
           ,
           even
           then
           when
           we
           know
           not
           what
           to
           say
           ,
           or
           how
           to
           pray
           ;
           either
           
             unable
             to
             plead
          
           ,
           or
           
             ashamed
             to
             speak
             for
             our selves
             :
             Gods
             Cause
          
           may
           sometimes
           seem
           to
           want
           our
           pleading
           for
           it
           before
           men
           ;
           but
           our
           cause
           doth
           really
           and
           ever
           need
           the
           pleadings
           
           
             of
             Gods
          
           mercy
           and
           Christs
           merits
           before
           the
           
             Tribunal
             of
             his
             Justice
          
           ,
           that
           there
           may
           be
           a
           prohibition
           granted
           at
           the
           humble
           
             motion
             of
             believing
             and
             penitent
             sinners
             ,
          
           to
           remove
           the
           suit
           or
           action
           from
           the
           
             Bar
             of
             Divine
             Justice
          
           ,
           to
           the
           Throne
           
           
             of
             the
             heavenly
             Grace
          
           ,
           where
           we
           may
           finde
           mercy
           to
           relieve
           us
           in
           all
           our
           distresses
           ,
           despairs
           and
           deaths
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           Before
           I
           set
           before
           you
           the
           main
           fruits
           with
           which
           I
           intend
           to
           entertain
           you
           out
           of
           the
           Text
           ;
           i●
           will
           not
           be
           amiss
           to
           gather
           an
           handful
           of
           those
           fair
           flowers
           which
           offer
           themselves
           at
           the
           first
           view
           of
           the
           words
           ,
           as
           so
           many
           short
           ,
           but
           sweet
           and
           excellent
           observations
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           We
           may
           observe
           .
           That
           God
           
           hath
           his
           Cause
           too
           in
           this
           world
           ,
           his
           great
           
             design
             ,
             concern
          
           and
           interest
           as
           well
           as
           the
           wise
           Statists
           and
           great
           Polititians
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           the
           strong
           ,
           and
           the
           rich
           ,
           and
           the
           learned
           ,
           and
           the
           ambitious
           ,
           and
           the
           malicious
           ,
           and
           the
           voluptuous
           ,
           and
           the
           covetous
           men
           of
           the
           world
           ;
           who
           so
           eagerly
           plead
           and
           pursue
           their
           ,
           own
           projects
           
           and
           Causes
           ,
           that
           they
           not
           only
           many
           times
           forget
           Gods
           ,
           but
           generally
           cross
           ,
           contradict
           and
           oppose
           it
           ,
           as
           with
           their
           sin
           and
           folly
           ,
           so
           to
           their
           shame
           and
           ruine
           ;
           for
           as
           the
           counsel
           ,
           so
           the
           
             Cause
             of
             God
             shall
          
           
           stand
           :
           Nor
           is
           it
           to
           be
           baffled
           by
           any
           either
           force
           or
           fraud
           ,
           strengtl●
           or
           sophistry
           :
           It
           is
           as
           truth
           (
           
             Magna
             &
             praevalebat
          
           )
           a
           great
           Cause
           ,
           and
           will
           prevail
           ,
           by
           the
           help
           of
           a
           wise
           and
           strong
           God
           ;
           though
           for
           a
           time
           it
           may
           be
           unjustly
           condemned
           and
           crucified
           by
           unjust
           men
           (
           as
           Christ
           was
           )
           yet
           it
           will
           at
           last
           be
           raised
           again
           in
           power
           and
           glory
           ;
           yea
           and
           justified
           before
           men
           and
           Angels
           ;
           It
           will
           ,
           as
           Aarons
           rod
           or
           serpent
           ,
           devour
           all
           those
           of
           the
           worlds
           Magicians
           
           and
           Polititians
           .
           It
           is
           a
           Cause
           which
           will
           be
           (
           as
           fire
           )
           consumptive
           of
           all
           other
           ,
           and
           consummative
           of
           it self
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Observ
           .
           As
           God
           hath
           
             his
             Cause
          
           
           in
           this
           world
           ,
           so
           it
           becomes
           him
           
             to
             own
          
           it
           :
           It
           is
           
             opus
             Dei
          
           ;
           the
           work
           of
           
             a
             God
          
           to
           plead
           his
           own
           Cause
           ,
           as
           Gideon
           speaks
           of
           Baal
           .
           Idols
           were
           
           convicted
           to
           be
           
             no
             Gods
          
           ,
           because
           
           they
           could
           not
           plead
           for
           themselves
           by
           speaking
           or
           doing
           good
           or
           evil
           ,
           as
           the
           Prophet
           tells
           Idolaters
           .
           Therefore
           the
           Psalmist
           here
           so
           earnestly
           urgeth
           it
           upon
           God
           ;
           who
           he
           believed
           ever
           did
           and
           would
           own
           his
           own
           Cause
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           
             plead
             it
             himself
          
           ,
           in
           his
           own
           way
           and
           time
           ;
           
           Both
           as
           to
           the
           Majesty
           ,
           truth
           ,
           justice
           ,
           holiness
           and
           honor
           of
           it
           ;
           also
           as
           to
           the
           indignities
           which
           are
           by
           evil
           men
           cast
           upon
           it
           ;
           
             Summus
             Deus
             summas
             patitur
             injurias
          
           ;
           none
           is
           more
           a
           sufferer
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           malice
           and
           insolence
           of
           wicked
           men
           ,
           then
           the
           most
           
             blessed
             God
          
           ;
           who
           yet
           is
           as
           impassible
           ,
           as
           the
           suns
           light
           is
           uninfectible
           with
           the
           filthy
           exhalations
           of
           dunghils
           .
           Plato
           puts
           this
           true
           saying
           into
           the
           mouth
           of
           Socrates
           dying
           under
           the
           malice
           of
           his
           persecutors
           ,
           Anytus
           and
           
             Melitus
             ;
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             &c.
             
             It
             is
             impossible
             for
             evil
             to
             make
             any
             impression
             of
             affliction
             upon
             that
             which
             is
             good
          
           ;
           and
           which
           can
           (
           as
           a
           jewel
           )
           so
           preserve
           its
           native
           goodness
           and
           firmness
           ,
           that
           sufferings
           shall
           make
           it
           not
           onely
           no
           way
           diminished
           ,
           but
           (
           as
           in
           the
           wheel
           and
           
           file
           )
           more
           illustrious
           and
           meritorious
           ;
           such
           were
           the
           sufferings
           of
           Christ
           properly
           ,
           and
           of
           all
           good
           men
           (
           in
           an
           Evangelical
           sense
           )
           being
           for
           a
           
             good
             Cause
          
           ,
           and
           on
           
             Gods
             account
          
           ;
           till
           God
           ceaseth
           to
           be
           just
           ,
           and
           good
           ,
           and
           true
           ,
           and
           faithful
           ,
           vigilant
           and
           zealous
           for
           his
           own
           glory
           ,
           his
           cause
           cannot
           utterly
           miscarry
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Observ
           .
           The
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           may
           
           be
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           eye
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           sense
           of
           the
           best
           men
           ,
           in
           a
           
             most
             sad
             ,
             dejected
             ,
             deplored
             ,
             despised
          
           and
           
             desperate
             estate
          
           ;
           so
           
             sunck
             and
             oppressed
          
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           no
           outward
           
           sign
           of
           its
           being
           ever
           boyed
           up
           and
           recovered
           ;
           thus
           it
           was
           represented
           to
           Elias
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           onely
           were
           left
           to
           
             plead
             a
             lost
             Cause
          
           :
           So
           the
           Disciples
           expressed
           their
           sorrow
           and
           despondency
           ;
           
             We
             verily
             trusted
             this
             had
             been
             he
             who
             should
          
           
           
             have
             redeemed
             Israel
          
           .
        
         
           So
           Mary
           weeping
           to
           the
           Angels
           ,
           answers
           their
           questioning
           of
           her
           tears
           ;
           
             They
             have
             taken
             away
             my
             Lord
             ,
          
           
           
             and
             I
             know
             not
             where
             they
             have
             laid
             him
             :
          
           many
           times
           the
           foundation
           
           of
           Church
           and
           State
           ,
           of
           Justice
           and
           Religion
           ,
           are
           
             so
             out
             of
             course
          
           ,
           that
           
           the
           righteous
           know
           not
           what
           to
           do
           or
           say
           ;
           all
           things
           so
           unhinged
           by
           violent
           ,
           wicked
           ,
           and
           unreasonable
           men
           ,
           that
           nothing
           moves
           by
           any
           order
           or
           written
           Law
           of
           God
           or
           Man
           ,
           but
           by
           the
           power
           and
           impulse
           of
           mens
           own
           lusts
           ;
           who
           from
           Gods
           silence
           ,
           permission
           and
           patience
           ,
           are
           prone
           foolishly
           to
           conclude
           his
           approbation
           and
           liking
           of
           their
           cause
           and
           ways
           ,
           yea
           and
           to
           say
           
             God
             is
             such
             an
             one
             as
             themselves
             :
          
           
           the
           distress
           of
           Gods
           Cause
           may
           be
           such
           ,
           that
           the
           whole
           Church
           may
           be
           ready
           to
           cry
           out
           ,
           as
           the
           Psalmist
           ,
           
             Help
             Lord
             ,
             for
             vain
             is
             the
             help
             of
             man
             ;
             It
             is
             time
             for
             thee
             O
             Lord
             ,
             to
             put
             to
             thy
             hand
             ,
             for
             they
             have
          
           
           
             made
             thy
             Law
             of
             none
             effect
             .
          
           
        
         
           §
           .
           So
           did
           the
           Heathenish
           persecution
           ,
           and
           the
           latter
           Romish
           superstition
           tyrannically
           triumph
           a
           long
           time
           over
           the
           
             slain
             Witnesses
          
           ,
           the
           Law
           and
           Gospel
           ,
           the
           Scriptures
           
           and
           Catholick
           Traditions
           ,
           the
           Preachers
           and
           Professors
           of
           that
           true
           Religion
           ,
           which
           hath
           been
           
           testified
           ,
           both
           as
           to
           moralities
           and
           
             mysteries
             ,
             faith
          
           and
           manners
           ,
           not
           onely
           by
           the
           two
           Testaments
           ,
           but
           also
           by
           the
           confessions
           and
           conversations
           of
           all
           antient
           and
           modern
           Christians
           ,
           conform
           to
           Gods
           Word
           ,
           and
           the
           best
           Churches
           customs
           .
           The
           vapor
           of
           numbers
           ,
           pomp
           ,
           prosperity
           and
           prevalency
           ,
           are
           no
           demonstrations
           ,
           either
           to
           approve
           the
           cause
           of
           Arius
           or
           Antichrist
           ;
           or
           to
           prejudice
           the
           cause
           of
           Christ
           and
           of
           Gods
           true
           Church
           :
           But
           as
           Lucan
           speaks
           of
           the
           cause
           of
           Pompey
           and
           Cesae
           ,
           in
           which
           the
           justice
           of
           the
           first
           was
           overborn
           by
           the
           successes
           of
           the
           second
           ,
           
             Victrix
             causa
             Diis
             placuit
             sed
             victa
             Catoni
          
           ;
           the
           gods
           abetted
           Cesar
           by
           victories
           ,
           but
           Cato's
           constancy
           adhered
           to
           Pompey's
           and
           the
           Senates
           conquered
           cause
           ,
           because
           it
           was
           most
           just
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Obser
           .
           The
           Cause
           of
           the
           true
           
           
             Church
             is
             Gods
             cause
          
           ,
           most
           signally
           and
           peculiarly
           in
           this
           world
           ;
           his
           interests
           and
           concernments
           are
           so
           linked
           with
           its
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           insep●trable
           ;
           as
           Jacobs
           soul
           was
           bound
           up
           in
           Benjamins
           ,
           as
           the
           Husbands
           
           
           honor
           in
           the
           Wives
           ,
           as
           a
           friends
           happiness
           in
           a
           friends
           ,
           so
           is
           the
           relation
           between
           God
           and
           his
           Church
           ;
           if
           that
           be
           
             black
             ,
             God
             is
             eclipsed
          
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           most
           visible
           eradiations
           of
           his
           glory
           to
           this
           world
           ;
           if
           that
           be
           bright
           and
           conspicuous
           ;
           
             as
             a
             City
             on
             a
             hill
             ,
          
           in
           truth
           and
           holiness
           ,
           in
           charity
           and
           prosperity
           ,
           Gods
           great
           name
           ,
           praise
           and
           renown
           are
           most
           glorious
           and
           illustrious
           ;
           Then
           his
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           Truth
           ,
           and
           Justice
           ,
           and
           Power
           ,
           and
           Mercy
           ,
           and
           Patience
           ,
           and
           Goodness
           and
           Faithfulness
           are
           in
           their
           
             meridian
             strength
          
           ,
           as
           the
           Sun
           at
           noon
           day
           .
           If
           the
           Church
           be
           hidden
           ,
           it
           is
           as
           the
           
             moon
             turned
             into
             blood
          
           ;
           or
           the
           Sun
           of
           Righteousness
           into
           sackcloth
           ,
           as
           Joel
           speaks
           ;
           as
           Joshua
           (
           astonished
           
           when
           
             Israel
             turned
             its
             back
             upon
             its
             enemies
          
           )
           said
           to
           God
           ,
           
             And
             what
             wilt
             thou
             do
             O
             Lord
             to
             thy
             great
             Name
             ?
          
           So
           do
           holy
           men
           ,
           they
           are
           prone
           to
           despond
           and
           deplore
           Gods
           own
           condition
           and
           Cause
           ,
           when
           they
           see
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           ,
           or
           any
           part
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           to
           its
           veracity
           ,
           sanctity
           ,
           order
           ,
           peace
           ,
           prosperity
           
           and
           unity
           ,
           decline
           and
           decay
           ,
           under
           error
           ,
           prophaness
           ,
           persecution
           ,
           disorder
           ,
           distraction
           ,
           division
           ,
           or
           any
           uncomfortable
           condition
           ;
           
             Tunc
             periclitatur
             coelum
             ,
             &
             Dei
             res
             agitur
          
           ;
           then
           Gods
           Cause
           is
           at
           stake
           ;
           then
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           Giants
           assault
           ,
           his
           heaven
           is
           in
           hazard
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           were
           in
           danger
           to
           be
           (
           
             numen
             infelix
          
           )
           a
           miserable
           God
           ;
           Then
           is
           
             Christ
             tossed
             in
             the
             storms
          
           ;
           then
           do
           true
           Beleevers
           cry
           out
           ,
           as
           the
           Disciples
           ,
           
             Lord
             save
             us
             ,
             we
             perish
          
           ;
           
           
             Help
             Lord
             ,
             and
             do
             it
             ,
             for
             thy
             own
             name
             sake
             ,
             which
             is
             called
             upon
             by
             us
             :
          
           God
           hath
           no
           
             considerable
             design
          
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           but
           that
           of
           his
           Church
           ;
           when
           this
           is
           consummated
           ,
           the
           world
           ,
           as
           the
           scaffold
           ,
           or
           stage
           ,
           or
           shell
           ,
           or
           chaff
           ,
           is
           to
           be
           destroyed
           .
           The
           Church
           cannot
           be
           undone
           ,
           until
           God
           is
           undone
           and
           bankrupt
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           
             Obser
             .
             No
             Church
             hath
             ever
          
           
           
             been
             so
             famous
             and
             flourishing
             in
             outward
             piety
             ,
             plenty
             ,
             peace
             and
             prosperity
             ,
             but
             it
             may
             fall
             under
             persecution
             and
             great
             oppression
          
           ;
           sometimes
           indeed
           (
           as
           God
           said
           to
           Satan
           ,
           
           
           in
           the
           case
           of
           Jobs
           trials
           )
           without
           a
           cause
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           as
           to
           any
           predominant
           and
           unrepented
           sin
           ,
           at
           present
           provoking
           God
           against
           him
           ;
           but
           only
           as
           Christ
           said
           of
           the
           man
           born
           blind
           ,
           
             That
             the
             work
             of
             Gods
          
           
           
             grace
             and
             Spirit
             might
             be
             manifest
          
           in
           the
           trials
           and
           tribulations
           of
           his
           Church
           :
           So
           in
           the
           first
           ages
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           when
           Religion
           was
           purest
           ,
           and
           love
           warmest
           ,
           yet
           was
           the
           fire
           and
           furnace
           of
           persecution
           hottest
           .
           Sometimes
           indeed
           ,
           as
           a
           
           
             fruitful
             land
             is
             made
             barren
             for
             the
             wickedness
             of
             them
             that
             dwell
             therein
          
           ;
           so
           the
           lukewarmness
           and
           corruptions
           of
           a
           Church
           ,
           the
           Apostasies
           and
           falling
           of
           Christians
           from
           their
           first
           Faith
           ,
           loyalty
           ,
           patience
           ,
           love
           and
           good
           works
           ,
           may
           cause
           God
           to
           hide
           his
           face
           ,
           to
           withdraw
           his
           protection
           ,
           to
           
             remove
             his
             candlestick
          
           ,
           as
           he
           threatens
           ,
           and
           to
           give
           over
           his
           Turtle
           to
           the
           will
           of
           its
           adversaries
           ;
           who
           shall
           set
           up
           their
           banners
           ,
           and
           roar
           in
           the
           Sanctuaries
           ,
           and
           break
           down
           all
           her
           
             carved
             works
          
           ,
           and
           strip
           her
           of
           all
           her
           
             pleasant
             things
             ▪
          
           as
           it
           is
           ,
           and
           hath
           been
           for
           
           some
           years
           in
           England
           ;
           the
           wild
           
           Bore
           and
           the
           Fox
           shall
           then
           do
           their
           pleasure
           by
           force
           and
           fraud
           against
           her
           ;
           this
           is
           the
           variable
           state
           of
           the
           Church
           Militant
           ,
           mutable
           as
           the
           Moon
           ;
           though
           it
           be
           
             cloathed
             with
             the
             light
             of
             the
             Sun
             ,
          
           yet
           it
           may
           be
           so
           eclipsed
           and
           turned
           into
           blo●d
           that
           there
           is
           no
           help
           for
           her
           but
           in
           her
           God.
           Perfect
           and
           perpetual
           felicity
           is
           a
           state
           onely
           expectable
           in
           heaven
           ;
           till
           there
           is
           no
           sin
           or
           spot
           in
           the
           Church
           and
           soul
           ,
           there
           can
           be
           no
           security
           against
           sorrow
           ,
           shame
           and
           sufferings
           ,
           which
           are
           our
           physick
           in
           our
           valetudinary
           constitution
           ,
           to
           which
           this
           life
           is
           subject
           ;
           yea
           Christ
           himself
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           and
           Saviour
           of
           the
           Church
           though
           without
           ●in
           ,
           yet
           was
           not
           without
           suffering
           ,
           while
           he
           was
           found
           in
           the
           form
           of
           sinful
           flesh
           ,
           and
           bare
           by
           way
           of
           susception
           ,
           imputation
           ,
           and
           satisfaction
           ,
           all
           our
           sins
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           
             Obser
             .
             Times
             may
             be
             so
             bad
          
           
           
             and
             on
             such
             a
             desperate
             pin
             ,
             that
             none
             can
             either
             safely
             or
             effectually
             plead
             Gods
             cause
             or
             his
             Churches
             ,
          
           
           
             but
             himself
          
           ;
           who
           onely
           can
           create
           
           deliverances
           and
           mercies
           ,
           who
           alone
           commands
           the
           winds
           and
           
             seas
             to
             obey
             him
          
           ,
           who
           can
           restrain
           the
           
             fury
             of
             man
          
           ,
           and
           turn
           the
           remainder
           of
           wrath
           to
           his
           praise
           ;
           who
           can
           change
           the
           
             heart
             of
             Esa●
          
           ,
           and
           stir
           up
           the
           spirit
           of
           Princes
           ,
           as
           he
           did
           Cyrus
           
           and
           Darius
           to
           
             build
             his
             Temple
          
           ,
           and
           restore
           his
           captives
           ;
           who
           can
           either
           conquer
           Pharaoh
           by
           main
           force
           and
           dint
           of
           judgements
           ,
           or
           change
           the
           decree
           of
           Ahasuerosh
           by
           
             gentler
             operations
          
           ;
           who
           can
           level
           
             great
             mountains
          
           
           before
           Joshua
           and
           Josedeck
           ,
           and
           exalt
           the
           lower
           valleys
           ,
           the
           day
           of
           small
           things
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           despised
           
           Cause
           to
           bring
           forth
           his
           salvation
           ;
           who
           gives
           nursing
           Fathers
           and
           Mothers
           
           to
           his
           flock
           and
           family
           ;
           and
           such
           shepherds
           as
           shall
           seek
           the
           strayed
           ,
           carry
           in
           their
           bosom
           the
           weary
           ,
           feed
           the
           hungry
           ,
           and
           cure
           the
           diseased
           ,
           not
           with
           rigor
           ,
           and
           austerity
           ,
           but
           with
           love
           and
           tenderness
           :
           Thus
           after
           the
           sharpest
           persecution
           of
           Dioclesian
           (
           when
           Christian
           Religion
           (
           as
           Monarchy
           and
           Episcopacy
           hath
           been
           by
           some
           
           in
           our
           days
           .
           )
           was
           triumphed
           over
           ,
           as
           extirpated
           )
           God
           raised
           up
           Constantine
           the
           Great
           ,
           and
           other
           Christian
           Emperors
           after
           him
           ,
           who
           restored
           life
           ,
           liberty
           ,
           honor
           ,
           and
           support
           to
           the
           Church
           ;
           after
           the
           Church
           was
           seemingly
           dead
           ,
           as
           St.
           Paul
           when
           he
           was
           stoned
           ,
           yet
           it
           rose
           up
           again
           ;
           when
           Israels
           burthens
           were
           heaviest
           in
           Egypt
           ,
           then
           was
           their
           redemption
           nearest
           ,
           because
           their
           devotion
           was
           warmest
           ,
           and
           Gods
           ▪
           compassions
           tenderest
           to
           them
           .
           After
           the
           
             Marian
             bonefires
          
           and
           but
           cheries
           of
           so
           many
           
             carbonaded
             Christians
          
           in
           England
           (
           filling
           all
           things
           with
           earthquake
           ,
           fire
           ,
           tempest
           and
           horror
           )
           in
           what
           a
           still
           voyce
           for
           many
           years
           did
           God
           ▪
           plead
           by
           a
           wonderful
           and
           unexpected
           providence
           the
           Cause
           of
           his
           Church
           and
           the
           Reformation
           of
           Religion
           here
           in
           England
           for
           an
           hundred
           years
           ;
           as
           I
           pray
           he
           will
           do
           again
           for
           us
           in
           mercy
           ;
           because
           he
           hath
           not
           forgotten
           to
           be
           gracious
           ,
           nor
           do
           his
           compassions
           fail
           ,
           but
           his
           mercy
           endureth
           for
           ever
           !
        
         
         
           
             7.
             
             Obser
             .
             Gods
             cause
             must
             never
             be
          
           
           
             given
             for
             lost
             or
             desperate
             while
             God
             remains
             ,
             (
             who
             is
             both
             able
             and
             willing
             to
             plead
             it
             ▪
             )
          
           or
           while
           any
           good
           man
           ,
           as
           Moses
           ,
           or
           Samuel
           ,
           or
           Eliah
           ,
           or
           Daniel
           remain
           ;
           who
           by
           fervent
           prayers
           can
           and
           will
           put
           God
           in
           mind
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           excite
           him
           to
           it
           .
           As
           David
           and
           Jehosapha●
           encouraged
           
           themselves
           
             in
             the
             Lord
             then
             God
          
           ;
           so
           must
           good
           men
           in
           bad
           times
           ,
           when
           the
           
             best
             cause
             goes
             by
             the
             worst
             :
          
           A
           man
           would
           even
           willingly
           die
           such
           a
           death
           as
           our
           late
           
             Martyr
             King
          
           did
           ,
           on
           condition
           that
           he
           could
           with
           
             faith
             and
             truth
          
           dye
           with
           that
           divine
           sentence
           in
           his
           mouth
           (
           as
           he
           did
           )
           
             I
             thank
             God
             I
             have
             a
             good
             Cause
             ,
             and
             a
             gracious
             God.
             
          
        
         
           This
           supported
           the
           Martyrs
           and
           Confessors
           so
           of
           old
           ,
           that
           when
           they
           
             were
             s●ain
             for
             Gods
             cause
             all
             the
             day
             long
             ,
          
           yet
           (
           as
           
             Sulpitius
             Severus
          
           says
           of
           them
           )
           they
           then
           hastned
           more
           ambitiously
           to
           Martyrdoms
           ,
           then
           afterward
           in
           times
           of
           peace
           ,
           others
           did
           to
           the
           greatest
           preferments
           in
           Church
           or
           State.
           
        
         
         
           Though
           
             figtree
             ,
             and
             olive
             ,
             and
          
           
           
             flock
             ,
             and
             field
             ,
             and
             all
             fail
             ,
          
           yet
           (
           the
           Prophet
           tells
           us
           )
           he
           will
           rejoyce
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           
             even
             in
             the
             God
             of
             his
             salvation
             :
          
           The
           Lord
           will
           arise
           
           
             as
             a
             Giant
             refreshed
          
           with
           wine
           ,
           to
           plead
           the
           cause
           of
           Sion
           ,
           and
           to
           vindicate
           the
           honor
           of
           his
           great
           name
           ,
           which
           is
           graven
           on
           his
           true
           Church
           ,
           as
           
             on
             the
             signet
             of
             his
             right
             hand
          
           ;
           in
           the
           highest
           storms
           we
           may
           cast
           this
           anchor
           ,
           God
           can
           and
           will
           appear
           for
           
             his
             cause
          
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           the
           
             fiery
             furnace
          
           never
           so
           hot
           ,
           no
           
           less
           then
           in
           the
           
             cool
             of
             the
             day
          
           .
        
         
           8.
           
           
             Obser
             .
             When
             all
             means
             fail
             ,
          
           
           
             yet
             the
             prayer
             of
             the
             faithful
             must
             not
             be
             wanting
             to
             Gods
             cause
             :
          
           This
           is
           (
           
             in
             naufragio
             Tabula
          
           )
           the
           rafter
           left
           the
           Church
           in
           the
           greatest
           shipwrack
           ;
           when
           neither
           
             Sun
             ,
             nor
             Moon
             ,
             nor
             Stars
             appear
          
           ;
           yet
           if
           this
           Angel
           
           the
           spirit
           of
           prayer
           appear
           in
           our
           agony
           ,
           we
           may
           be
           of
           good
           chear
           ,
           as
           St.
           Paul
           was
           ;
           A
           good
           Christian
           as
           Moses
           and
           the
           Syrophenician
           woman
           ,
           must
           not
           give
           over
           its
           pious
           importunity
           ,
           though
           God
           seems
           angry
           ,
           and
           Christ
           averse
           .
           God
           
           cannot
           deny
           the
           
             fervent
             prayers
          
           of
           
           the
           righteous
           ;
           they
           will
           be
           effectual
           in
           time
           ,
           even
           to
           
             open
             prison
             doors
          
           ,
           as
           they
           did
           in
           St.
           Peters
           case
           ,
           when
           the
           Church
           prayed
           incessantly
           for
           him
           ▪
           Acts
           12.
           5.
           
           As
           the
           vapors
           that
           ascend
           from
           earth
           to
           heaven
           ,
           are
           after
           returned
           in
           sweet
           showers
           that
           have
           in
           them
           vital
           and
           
             celestial
             influences
          
           ,
           being
           impregnated
           with
           
             etherial
             or
             heavenly
             spirits
          
           ;
           so
           are
           prayers
           of
           the
           faithful
           .
           Devout
           souls
           that
           lay
           to
           heart
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           ;
           cannot
           be
           more
           bold
           then
           welcome
           to
           him
           in
           such
           cases
           ;
           God
           is
           as
           well
           pleased
           with
           their
           excitation
           or
           solicitation
           of
           him
           ,
           even
           to
           a
           kind
           of
           imperious
           commanding
           of
           him
           (
           which
           the
           Prophet
           expresseth
           )
           as
           a
           
           man
           is
           with
           that
           ruder
           importunity
           by
           which
           he
           is
           awaked
           out
           of
           sleep
           ,
           to
           quench
           his
           house
           on
           fire
           ,
           or
           to
           save
           his
           son
           from
           drowning
           .
           There
           is
           more
           efficacy
           in
           praying
           for
           the
           
           
             Peace
             of
             Jerusalem
          
           then
           in
           fighting
           .
           The
           fiery
           chariots
           and
           horses
           that
           are
           in
           the
           brest
           of
           
             zealous
             and
             devout
             Orators
          
           will
           do
           more
           good
           then
           armed
           legions
           of
           Soldiers
           .
        
         
         
           9.
           
           
             Obser
             .
             There
             is
             not
             a
             greater
          
           
           
             sign
             of
             a
             good
             and
             gracious
             heart
             ,
             then
             to
             lay
             to
             heart
             the
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           ;
           even
           then
           most
           passionately
           ,
           and
           earnestly
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           most
           deserted
           ,
           most
           deploring
           ,
           most
           despairing
           ;
           a
           good
           Christian
           must
           make
           good
           what
           St.
           Peter
           said
           well
           to
           Christ
           ,
           but
           performed
           ill
           ,
           
             Though
             all
             men
          
           
           
             forsake
             thee
             ,
             yet
             will
             not
             I
          
           ;
           Is
           God
           touched
           with
           our
           concerns
           ,
           and
           
             afflicted
             in
             our
             afflictions
          
           ,
           and
           zealous
           
           to
           plead
           our
           righteous
           cause
           ;
           to
           contend
           with
           those
           that
           contend
           with
           his
           servants
           ,
           Isa
           .
           49.
           25.
           when
           we
           are
           molested
           or
           oppressed
           in
           any
           kind
           ,
           by
           sin
           ,
           temptation
           ,
           weakness
           ,
           darkness
           ,
           dejection
           ,
           diffidence
           ,
           persecution
           ,
           or
           desertion
           ?
           and
           shall
           we
           ▪
           be
           as
           Gallio
           in
           
             Gods
             cause
          
           ,
           or
           as
           Nabal
           to
           
             Davids
             ,
             not
             caring
             or
             concerned
             ?
          
        
         
           The
           
             Cause
             of
             God
             and
             his
             Church
          
           are
           (
           as
           I
           said
           )
           inseparable
           ;
           no
           man
           is
           affected
           with
           one
           ,
           who
           is
           neglective
           of
           the
           other
           ;
           this
           example
           we
           have
           here
           added
           to
           others
           of
           
             Noah
             ,
             Lot
             ,
             Moses
             ,
             Phineas
             ,
             Samuel
             ,
             Eliah
             ,
             Micaiah
             ,
             Jeremiah
             ,
             Nehemiah
             ,
          
           
           
             Daniel
             ,
             Mordecai
          
           and
           others
           ,
           whose
           vigilancy
           and
           pertinacy
           was
           such
           in
           the
           
             cause
             of
             God
          
           and
           his
           Church
           ,
           that
           they
           were
           resolved
           to
           give
           
             God
             no
             rest
          
           ,
           till
           he
           did
           
             arise
             and
             plead
             his
             own
             cause
          
           ;
           Nothing
           is
           
           more
           imitable
           ,
           nothing
           more
           commendable
           ,
           nothing
           more
           practicable
           ,
           nothing
           more
           comfortable
           ▪
           provided
           we
           rightly
           understand
           what
           the
           Cause
           of
           God
           is
           ,
           and
           apply
           to
           it
           ,
           as
           becomes
           God
           ,
           his
           cause
           and
           our
           duties
           ;
           then
           t
           is
           heroick
           to
           say
           with
           
             Esther
             ,
             If
             I
             perish
             ,
             I
             perish
             :
          
           This
           is
           Angelick
           with
           
           Moses
           (
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           )
           to
           put
           God
           
           to
           the
           blush
           and
           
             silence
             ,
             If
             not
             ,
             blo●
             me
             out
             of
             thy
             book
          
           ;
           and
           t
           is
           super
           
           Angelical
           to
           say
           with
           St.
           
             Paul
             ,
             I
             would
             wish
             to
             be
             accursed
             from
             Christ
             for
             the
             Churches
             sake
             ,
             and
             Gods
             cause
          
           our
           duty
           in
           which
           we
           shall
           the●
           best
           understand
           and
           perform
           ,
           when
           we
           have
           duly
           considered
           these
           four
           things
           .
        
         
           
             1.
             
             
               What
               the
               Cause
               of
               God
               is
               .
            
             
          
           
             2.
             
             
               What
               need
               we
               may
               have
               of
               his
               pleading
               it
               .
            
          
           
             3.
             
             
               How
               God
               doth
               plead
               it
            
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             1.
             
             Immediately
             by
             himself
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Mediately
             by
             such
             instruments
             and
             means
             as
             he
             is
             pleased
             to
             use
             among
             men
             .
          
        
         
           In
           the
           fourth
           place
           is
           to
           be
           shewed
           
             What
             is
             the
             true
             method
             or
             manner
             to
             be
             observed
             by
             all
             good
             men
             in
             pleading
             Gods
             cause
             with
             him
             and
             for
             him
             .
          
        
         
           When
           these
           are
           finished
           ,
           and
           such
           Patheticks
           applied
           by
           way
           of
           use
           ,
           as
           may
           cast
           your
           wills
           in
           the
           mold
           of
           your
           judgements
           ,
           and
           make
           your
           affections
           to
           keep
           pace
           ,
           at
           least
           to
           follow
           your
           understandings
           ;
           I
           shall
           (
           I
           hope
           )
           not
           onely
           discharge
           in
           some
           tolerable
           measure
           my
           own
           duty
           and
           undertaking
           ,
           which
           is
           great
           ,
           but
           answer
           your
           favourable
           and
           Christian
           expectation
           ,
           which
           I
           see
           is
           not
           little
           ;
           for
           I
           abhor
           nothing
           more
           then
           the
           ostentation
           of
           so
           ample
           a
           text
           ,
           to
           so
           ample
           an
           Auditory
           ,
           in
           such
           exigents
           of
           times
           ,
           even
           agonies
           of
           Gods
           cause
           in
           Church
           and
           State
           ,
           in
           Justice
           and
           Religion
           ,
           and
           to
           do
           nothing
           worthy
           or
           proportionable
           to
           them
           ;
           
           which
           defect
           in
           me
           ,
           and
           neglect
           in
           you
           God
           forbid
           ,
           whose
           assistance
           ,
           as
           I
           humbly
           implore
           ,
           so
           I
           may
           not
           despair
           ,
           since
           it
           is
           in
           
             his
             own
             Cause
          
           ;
           which
           must
           needs
           be
           the
           best
           ,
           and
           may
           modestly
           hope
           for
           his
           gracious
           help
           in
           my
           pleading
           and
           preaching
           for
           it
           ,
           against
           all
           frivolous
           ,
           fallacious
           and
           impertinent
           pretenders
           to
           it
           ;
           the
           rather
           because
           it
           is
           not
           onely
           my
           particular
           cause
           ,
           as
           a
           Christian
           and
           a
           Minister
           ,
           but
           all
           yours
           ,
           together
           with
           your
           posterities
           as
           men
           ,
           as
           English-men
           ,
           as
           Christians
           ,
           and
           as
           Protestants
           :
           We
           know
           that
           of
           the
           Orator
           ,
           
             In
             propriacausa
             unusquisque
             sibi
             videtur
             &
             potens
             &
             eloquens
             :
          
           if
           in
           our
           own
           ,
           much
           more
           in
           Gods
           Cause
           (
           which
           is
           our
           own
           too
           )
           we
           ought
           to
           do
           our
           best
           on
           all
           hands
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           
             What
             this
             Cause
             of
             God
             is
             .
          
           
        
         
           I
           take
           it
           for
           granted
           ,
           what
           I
           first
           observed
           ,
           
             That
             God
             hath
             his
             cause
             in
             this
             world
             ,
          
           who
           made
           all
           things
           by
           his
           wisdom
           and
           power
           for
           his
           glory
           ,
           and
           is
           ,
           as
           a
           wise
           Agent
           ,
           
           highly
           concerned
           ,
           as
           to
           do
           nothing
           in
           vain
           ,
           so
           not
           to
           fail
           of
           his
           main
           design
           :
           It
           is
           no
           other
           then
           Atheistical
           blasphemy
           to
           deny
           that
           God
           hath
           any
           concern
           or
           causeon
           earth
           ,
           or
           that
           he
           regards
           them
           that
           doth
           ,
           and
           will
           ever
           plead
           for
           them
           ;
           God
           hath
           not
           
             left
             himself
             without
          
           
           witness
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           looks
           to
           the
           managery
           of
           all
           things
           ;
           specially
           of
           mankind
           ,
           and
           peculiarly
           of
           his
           own
           Cause
           :
           It
           is
           not
           (
           
             natura
             volvente
             vices
             &
             lucis
             &
             anni
          
           )
           that
           all
           things
           are
           fatal
           and
           necessary
           ,
           confining
           God
           as
           well
           as
           man
           to
           inevitable
           events
           ;
           which
           is
           the
           fancy
           of
           those
           (
           
             Qui
             nullo
             credunt
             mundum
             rectore
             moveri
          
           )
           who
           have
           either
           no
           Faith
           in
           God
           ,
           or
           no
           thought
           worthy
           of
           a
           God.
           
        
         
           Gods
           
             silence
             and
             patience
          
           are
           the
           
           prejudices
           which
           men
           have
           taken
           against
           his
           Providence
           ,
           and
           that
           special
           care
           of
           things
           ,
           which
           runs
           (
           as
           
             spiritus
             intus
             agens
          
           )
           in
           all
           permissions
           and
           events
           ,
           which
           are
           not
           ,
           as
           to
           God
           ,
           either
           contingent
           ,
           or
           by
           constraint
           ,
           but
           under
           the
           free
           ,
           and
           
           soveraign
           disposition
           ,
           which
           is
           every
           way
           worthy
           of
           a
           most
           wise
           disposer
           ,
           and
           almighty
           worker
           ;
           hence
           mockers
           ,
           as
           S.
           Peter
           observes
           ,
           are
           prone
           
           to
           ask
           ,
           
             Where
             is
             Gods
             cause
             ,
             where
             the
             promise
             of
             his
             coming
             ?
          
           Where
           are
           his
           prophesies
           ,
           what
           he
           would
           do
           for
           the
           good
           in
           mercy
           ,
           and
           against
           the
           wicked
           in
           justice
           ?
           even
           thus
           of
           old
           the
           Gnostick
           pride
           and
           presumption
           jested
           ,
           when
           vengeance
           was
           at
           the
           door
           ,
           and
           judgement
           overtook
           them
           to
           an
           utter
           desolation
           of
           the
           Jewish
           Polity
           .
           They
           are
           such
           as
           
             live
             without
             God
             in
             the
             world
             ,
          
           that
           say
           he
           
             will
             do
             nor
             good
             nor
             evil
             .
          
        
         
           Many
           are
           
             willingly
             ignorant
          
           that
           God
           hath
           any
           cause
           in
           this
           world
           ;
           and
           many
           are
           mistaken
           in
           the
           true
           Cause
           ,
           and
           in
           their
           pleadings
           for
           it
           ;
           
             without
             right
             understanding
             the
             heart
          
           
           
             cannot
             be
             good
          
           ;
           since
           the
           pregnant
           
           inventions
           of
           men
           
             in
             all
             times
          
           ,
           especially
           in
           ours
           ,
           have
           found
           out
           many
           Causes
           ,
           and
           every
           one
           is
           cryed
           up
           for
           Gods.
           The
           first
           foundation-stone
           to
           be
           laid
           
             in
             this
             building
          
           is
           to
           know
           
             what
             the
             true
             Cause
             of
             God
             is
             ,
          
           
           of
           which
           every
           one
           boasts
           ,
           as
           his
           peculiar
           ,
           
           till
           another
           comes
           and
           finds
           out
           the
           fallacy
           .
        
         
           This
           I
           shall
           shew
           ,
           first
           ,
           by
           giving
           
             general
             characters
             of
             Gods
             Cause
          
           ;
           such
           as
           are
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           &
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           proper
           ,
           essential
           ,
           and
           intrinsick
           marks
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           I
           shall
           by
           way
           of
           Induction
           shew
           you
           the
           particuliar
           parts
           or
           branches
           
             by
             which
             it
             spreads
             it self
             in
             the
             world
             .
          
        
         
           First
           ,
           The
           Cause
           of
           God
           is
           
           known
           by
           these
           marks
           ,
           or
           essential
           properties
           .
        
         
           1
           It
           is
           
             Causa
             optima
          
           ,
           not
           only
           a
           
           
             good
             cause
          
           ,
           but
           the
           very
           best
           ;
           yea
           ,
           the
           onely
           good
           one
           in
           the
           world
           ;
           the
           measure
           or
           standard
           of
           all
           others
           ,
           as
           the
           first
           and
           best
           of
           all
           Causes
           ,
           which
           are
           only
           so
           far
           good
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           conform
           to
           ,
           and
           concurrent
           with
           the
           
             cause
             of
             God
          
           ;
           whose
           
             internal
             rule
             is
             the
             moral
             will
             of
             God
             ,
          
           its
           end
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ;
           It
           is
           good
           in
           its
           principles
           and
           in
           its
           practices
           ,
           every
           way
           
             vera
             ,
             pura
             ,
             justa
             ,
             divina
             .
          
        
         
         
           2.
           
           It
           is
           true
           ,
           according
           to
           Scriptural
           
           verity
           ,
           which
           is
           revealed
           in
           the
           holy
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           fixed
           and
           infallible
           ,
           not
           depending
           on
           uncertainties
           ,
           which
           are
           
             sceptical
             ,
             conjectural
          
           ,
           and
           opinionative
           ;
           much
           less
           upon
           
             fantastical
             and
             enthusiastical
             notions
          
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           fancies
           ,
           dreams
           ,
           and
           inventions
           of
           men
           ,
           that
           are
           rather
           heady
           and
           giddy
           ,
           then
           
             hearty
             and
             godly
          
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           Gods
           Cause
           is
           never
           to
           be
           carried
           on
           by
           fictions
           or
           lyes
           ,
           by
           fables
           or
           legends
           ,
           which
           are
           but
           mans
           devises
           
           and
           the
           
             Devils
             stratagems
          
           ,
           as
           impertinent
           to
           advance
           Gods
           Cause
           ,
           as
           blackness
           is
           to
           augment
           light
           :
           as
           with
           God
           ,
           so
           with
           his
           Cause
           no
           iniquity
           dwelleth
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           It
           is
           an
           holy
           ,
           pure
           and
           just
           
           Cause
           ,
           in
           all
           points
           ,
           as
           it
           regards
           1.
           
           God
           in
           religious
           adoration
           ,
           inward
           reverence
           ,
           and
           outward
           veneration
           .
           2.
           
           Our selves
           in
           chastity
           and
           sobriety
           .
           3.
           
           Others
           ,
           in
           justice
           ,
           humanity
           and
           charity
           ,
           in
           all
           things
           that
           are
           morally
           and
           evangelically
           commanded
           us
           as
           men
           and
           as
           Christians
           ,
           in
           civil
           and
           religious
           societies
           .
        
         
         
           4.
           
           It
           is
           
             Causa
             unica
             &
             catholica
          
           ,
           
           as
           to
           its
           integrality
           or
           completion
           ,
           but
           one
           and
           the
           same
           ,
           as
           to
           its
           main
           ends
           and
           proportions
           ,
           confined
           to
           the
           love
           of
           God
           and
           our
           neighbor
           ,
           uniform
           in
           all
           
             moral
             ,
             spiritual
          
           and
           
             essential
             forms
          
           of
           righteousness
           and
           true
           holiness
           ,
           however
           it
           hath
           had
           some
           different
           dispensations
           as
           to
           outward
           forms
           ,
           and
           variable
           ministrations
           ,
           which
           are
           still
           concentred
           
           in
           one
           true
           God
           ,
           in
           one
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           in
           one
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           in
           one
           
             true
             faith
             once
             delivered
             to
             the
             Saints
             ,
             Jude
          
           2.
           
        
         
           5.
           
           It
           is
           a
           
             constant
             Cause
          
           ,
           not
           any
           
           admitting
           variations
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           main
           end
           ,
           means
           and
           measures
           of
           it
           :
           It
           is
           indeed
           
             causa
             antiquissima
          
           ,
           the
           eldest
           (
           as
           it
           is
           the
           concern
           of
           the
           
             Ancient
             of
             days
          
           )
           affecting
           no
           novelty
           ,
           and
           abhorring
           all
           inconstancy
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           main
           and
           essentials
           of
           it
           :
           change
           of
           
             circumstances
             ,
             customs
          
           and
           ceremonies
           in
           Religion
           ,
           which
           like
           leaves
           grow
           up
           and
           fall
           with
           time
           ,
           is
           nothing
           to
           the
           body
           and
           life
           of
           the
           tree
           ,
           which
           is
           still
           the
           same
           ,
           as
           the
           man
           is
           the
           same
           
           man
           though
           he
           may
           change
           his
           cloaths
           ;
           circumstances
           of
           Religion
           fall
           under
           providence
           and
           prudence
           of
           men
           ;
           but
           the
           substance
           of
           it
           ariseth
           from
           an
           eternal
           fountain
           of
           divine
           Wisdom
           ,
           Power
           and
           goodness
           ,
           carrying
           on
           all
           things
           to
           the
           infinite
           ocean
           of
           Gods
           glory
           ;
           by
           the
           various
           streams
           or
           derivations
           of
           his
           providence
           to
           mankind
           ,
           and
           specially
           to
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           Truth
           ,
           in
           Justice
           ,
           and
           in
           Mercy
           ,
           as
           men
           either
           sincerely
           adhere
           to
           ,
           or
           maliciously
           oppose
           the
           Cause
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           6.
           
           It
           is
           every
           way
           
             causa
             amplissima
          
           ,
           
           
             nobilissima
             &
             augustissima
          
           ,
           the
           
             most
             noble
             and
             ample
             cause
          
           ,
           containing
           in
           it
           the
           greatest
           concernments
           of
           
             Men
             ,
             Angels
             and
             God
             himself
             ,
          
           yea
           it
           is
           accurate
           in
           the
           least
           things
           ,
           essentially
           belonging
           to
           it
           ;
           as
           having
           nothing
           indeed
           
             small
             in
             it●
             nature
             ▪
          
           yea
           and
           aggrandising
           all
           things
           ,
           even
           circumstantial
           ,
           which
           it
           contains
           in
           its
           large
           circumference
           of
           piety
           ,
           charity
           and
           decency
           ;
           even
           to
           the
           least
           ceremonious
           actions
           and
           words
           ,
           yea
           secret
           desires
           and
           thoughts
           ;
           as
           every
           little
           
           point
           in
           a
           great
           circle
           ,
           hath
           its
           great
           relations
           ,
           aspects
           ,
           and
           dimensions
           ,
           in
           reference
           to
           the
           center
           ,
           sphear
           ,
           and
           circumference
           whereto
           it
           stands
           related
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           Although
           this
           magnificence
           be
           
           true
           of
           the
           Cause
           of
           God
           in
           its
           mystical
           and
           moral
           grandeur
           ,
           yet
           its
           name
           and
           honor
           is
           not
           to
           be
           fixed
           or
           confined
           to
           ,
           much
           less
           inscribed
           on
           every
           partial
           and
           
             covenanting
             pretention
          
           ,
           every
           small
           Ceremony
           ,
           outward
           circumstances
           ,
           and
           petty
           opinion
           ,
           which
           are
           mutable
           ,
           dubious
           ,
           dark
           ,
           and
           disputable
           ,
           of
           which
           men
           may
           be
           ignorant
           ,
           or
           doubt
           ,
           or
           deny
           ,
           or
           differ
           without
           
             danger
             of
             salvation
          
           ,
           as
           to
           any
           unbelief
           or
           immorality
           ,
           with
           which
           
             weak
             Christians
          
           
           must
           not
           be
           perplexed
           nor
           entertained
           .
           In
           these
           ,
           many
           times
           prejudices
           and
           presumptions
           of
           men
           do
           much
           mistake
           and
           run
           on
           the
           fallacy
           of
           
             Non
             causa
             pro
             causa
          
           ;
           crying
           things
           up
           or
           down
           ,
           either
           for
           or
           against
           the
           
             cause
             of
             God
          
           (
           just
           as
           they
           interpret
           Prophesies
           in
           Scripture
           )
           according
           to
           their
           own
           presumptions
           and
           passions
           ,
           which
           like
           
           
             Optick
             glasses
          
           ,
           do
           multiply
           or
           magnifie
           them
           in
           their
           fancies
           ,
           agreeable
           to
           their
           factions
           and
           interests
           ;
           wherein
           once
           engaged
           ,
           they
           may
           have
           such
           a
           pride
           ,
           
             obstinacy
             and
             ambition
          
           as
           affects
           to
           do
           and
           suffer
           much
           for
           
             their
             cause
          
           ,
           as
           they
           truly
           call
           it
           ,
           which
           is
           not
           Gods
           ,
           but
           their
           own
           ;
           There
           that
           old
           Maxim
           of
           Martyrdom
           is
           true
           ,
           
             Non
             poena
             ▪
             sed
             causa
             facit
             martyrem
          
           ;
           No
           sufferings
           can
           transmute
           an
           ill
           Cause
           to
           the
           honor
           of
           martyrdom
           :
           Mens
           private
           and
           petty
           causes
           ,
           like
           the
           small
           by
           as
           of
           a
           bowl
           ,
           do
           too
           often
           seek
           to
           over
           sway
           the
           great
           Cause
           of
           the
           great
           God
           ,
           which
           consists
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
           not
           in
           
             meats
             and
             drinks
          
           ,
           or
           any
           minute
           business
           and
           observation
           ,
           but
           in
           
             Righteousness
             ,
             Truth
             ,
             Peace
          
           and
           Holiness
           .
           Outward
           ceremonies
           of
           Religion
           ,
           are
           but
           at
           
             sring
             ▪
          
           or
           lace
           ,
           or
           pins
           ,
           or
           cloathes
           
           to
           the
           body
           or
           being
           of
           a
           man
           ▪
           
             ornamental
             ,
             not
             essential
             ;
             accidental
          
           and
           occasional
           ,
           not
           substantial
           and
           necessary
           ;
           they
           may
           be
           changed
           without
           
           detriment
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           wisdom
           ,
           liberty
           ,
           charity
           and
           order
           
           which
           becomes
           the
           Church
           
             of
             Christ
          
           
           
             and
             the
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           ;
           they
           must
           not
           be
           cumbersom
           and
           uncomly
           ;
           as
           pins
           that
           scratch
           or
           run
           into
           the
           skin
           ;
           or
           as
           garments
           too
           strait-laced
           ,
           heavy
           and
           uneasie
           ;
           there
           must
           neither
           be
           such
           a
           
             nakedness
             and
             deformity
          
           ,
           nor
           such
           an
           affected
           pomp
           and
           variety
           ,
           as
           exposeth
           the
           Cause
           of
           God
           and
           true
           Religion
           to
           laughter
           and
           contempt
           ,
           as
           a
           matter
           of
           pageantry
           or
           penury
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           It
           argues
           men
           have
           less
           sight
           of
           the
           suns
           greater
           light
           ,
           when
           they
           much
           magnifie
           
             Nebulous
             stars
          
           ,
           or
           their
           own
           farthing
           candles
           ,
           or
           every
           glo-worm
           under
           a
           hedge
           ;
           yea
           the
           circumstances
           and
           ceremonies
           of
           Religion
           most
           fall
           off
           as
           the
           mantle
           from
           mens
           eager
           disputes
           ,
           and
           concerns
           for
           or
           against
           them
           ,
           by
           how
           much
           mens
           spirits
           ,
           with
           Eliah
           ,
           ascend
           highest
           ,
           to
           heaven
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           The
           Cause
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           majesty
           of
           its
           verity
           ,
           morality
           and
           charity
           ,
           hath
           in
           some
           ages
           suffered
           much
           eclipse
           ,
           as
           to
           its
           true
           lustre
           and
           grandeure
           ,
           by
           these
           films
           or
           clouds
           ,
           these
           motes
           or
           mists
           which
           have
           
           risen
           in
           men
           eyes
           ,
           otherways
           not
           bad
           or
           blind
           .
           They
           are
           commonly
           
           but
           as
           flies
           ,
           of
           weak
           and
           buzzing
           Christians
           ,
           who
           are
           so
           easily
           catched
           ,
           and
           so
           long
           held
           in
           the
           cobwebs
           of
           ceremonious
           controversies
           ,
           which
           reach
           no
           further
           than
           the
           ski●●●
           and
           suburbs
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           
             circumstantials
             of
             Religion
          
           ;
           yet
           from
           these
           sparks
           (
           good
           God
           )
           how
           great
           fires
           have
           been
           kindled
           and
           continued
           in
           this
           Church
           ?
           As
           of
           old
           in
           that
           one
           dispute
           ,
           which
           was
           so
           eagerly
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           about
           the
           time
           of
           
             celebrating
             Easter
          
           ;
           whether
           the
           fourteenth
           day
           of
           the
           moneth
           ,
           as
           the
           
             Easter
             Churches
          
           used
           ,
           or
           on
           the
           next
           
             Lords
             Day
             after
          
           :
           Holy
           Polycarp
           Bishop
           of
           Smyrna
           ,
           when
           he
           came
           to
           Rome
           ,
           conformed
           to
           the
           custom
           of
           that
           Church
           ,
           in
           the
           first
           Century
           :
           yet
           afterward
           Pope
           Victors
           passion
           excommunicated
           all
           the
           
             Eastern
             Churches
          
           upon
           that
           point
           ;
           which
           precipitancy
           Ir●ne●●
           so
           justly
           reproved
           .
        
         
           There
           are
           some
           innocent
           varieties
           
           (
           in
           things
           indifferent
           )
           which
           are
           admittable
           among
           Christians
           ,
           as
           among
           
           the
           Evangelists
           in
           the
           History
           of
           Christ
           ,
           who
           all
           adhere
           to
           the
           true
           cause
           of
           God
           ,
           serving
           not
           onely
           to
           exercise
           their
           charity
           ,
           and
           to
           shew
           the
           world
           that
           
             unity
             of
             the
             Spirit
             in
             the
             bond
             of
             Truth
             ,
          
           which
           
           they
           yet
           constantly
           hold
           ,
           but
           further
           to
           manifest
           to
           the
           world
           ,
           That
           Christian
           Religion
           is
           not
           a
           matter
           of
           policy
           and
           humane
           conspiracy
           ,
           but
           of
           divine
           verity
           in
           unity
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           main
           ,
           to
           which
           some
           variety
           in
           lesser
           matters
           is
           no
           prejudice
           ,
           but
           rather
           a
           confirmation
           ;
           as
           that
           resemblance
           which
           proclaims
           kindred
           in
           the
           different
           features
           of
           brethren
           ,
           who
           had
           one
           Father
           and
           Mother
           .
           Certainly
           it
           had
           been
           happy
           as
           for
           all
           Christian
           Churches
           ,
           so
           for
           England
           ,
           if
           we
           had
           on
           all
           sides
           more
           minded
           the
           
             great
             things
             of
             Gods
             Cause
          
           ,
           and
           less
           troubled
           our selves
           about
           the
           nails
           and
           hairs
           of
           Religion
           ;
           they
           are
           commonly
           but
           small
           minds
           who
           make
           much
           ado
           about
           little
           matters
           ,
           which
           administer
           
             much
             strife
          
           and
           
             little
             edification
          
           in
           truth
           or
           love
           ;
           Christians
           may
           and
           must
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           keep
           
           the
           truth
           in
           love
           ,
           Ephes
           .
           4.
           though
           they
           do
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           differ
           in
           things
           indifferent
           ;
           the
           substance
           of
           Gods
           Cause
           should
           have
           more
           influence
           to
           unite
           hearts
           ,
           than
           the
           ceremonies
           to
           divide
           them
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           Yet
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           is
           Causa
           
           ordinata
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           very
           regular
           and
           orderly
           in
           all
           its
           motions
           ,
           full
           of
           harmony
           and
           beauty
           ,
           abhorring
           any
           ways
           that
           are
           
             preposterous
             ,
             desultory
             ,
             violent
             ,
             uncomely
             ,
             disorderly
             ,
             tumultuary
             ,
             confused
             :
          
           It
           needs
           none
           of
           these
           devillish
           engines
           to
           carry
           on
           the
           Cause
           of
           him
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           God
           of
           order
           ,
           decency
           and
           peace
           ,
           
           not
           of
           division
           ,
           confusion
           and
           contention
           .
           
           Extravagant
           and
           
             excentric●
             spirits
          
           easily
           lose
           the
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           while
           they
           follow
           it
           in
           a
           preposterous
           
             &
             wrong
             way
          
           ,
           as
           men
           may
           easily
           miss
           the
           centre
           of
           the
           circle
           ,
           who
           lay
           their
           rule
           in
           the
           least
           degree
           awry
           from
           the
           diameter
           ;
           the
           passions
           of
           men
           ,
           and
           their
           popular
           po
           〈…〉
           es
           
             never
             work
             out
             the
             righteousness
             of
             Gods
             Cause
             ,
          
           but
           trouble
           ,
           foil
           ,
           
           blemish
           and
           blaspheme
           it
           .
           Not
           fire
           ,
           and
           earthquakes
           and
           whirlwinds
           ,
           
           but
           the
           
             still
             voyce
          
           and
           calm
           
           spiri●
           do
           best
           bring
           forth
           and
           set
           
           up
           by
           
             meekness
             of
             wisdom
          
           the
           true
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           and
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           
           Church
           ;
           especially
           as
           to
           the
           concerns
           of
           Religion
           :
           Nor
           may
           that
           cause
           of
           
             civil
             Justice
          
           which
           some
           pretend
           to
           ,
           be
           promoted
           by
           any
           unjust
           and
           illegal
           ways
           ,
           of
           tumult
           ,
           sedition
           ,
           and
           rebellion
           ;
           these
           mar
           all
           ,
           and
           instead
           of
           repairing
           or
           purging
           the
           Temple
           ,
           with
           
             Josiah
             ,
             Ezra
             ,
             Josedeck
          
           and
           the
           
             blessed
             Jesus
          
           ,
           they
           set
           both
           Church
           and
           State
           ,
           Temple
           and
           City
           on
           fire
           ,
           as
           did
           Nebuzaradan
           and
           his
           Master
           Nebuchadnezzar
           .
        
         
           ●
           .
           These
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           or
           genuine
           characters
           are
           the
           surest
           and
           safest
           tokens
           by
           which
           to
           discern
           Gods
           Cause
           ,
           both
           in
           its
           own
           merits
           or
           temper
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           minds
           of
           those
           that
           undertake
           to
           manage
           it
           .
        
         
           Other
           novel
           popular
           and
           politick
           
           pretensions
           ,
           as
           to
           
             outward
             providences
             ,
             prosperities
             ,
             successes
             ,
             multitudes
             ,
             prevalencies
             of
             brutal
             and
             irregular
             power
             ,
             vulgar
             flatteries
             ,
             and
             factious
             adherencies
          
           ;
           or
           as
           
           to
           the
           respect
           of
           
             mens
             parts
             ,
             learning
             ,
             eloquence
             ,
             seeming
             zeal
             ,
             and
             cryed
             up
             devotion
             ,
          
           they
           are
           all
           
             spurious
             ,
             partial
             and
             fallacious
          
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           Sun-shine
           of
           ordinary
           providence
           and
           success
           ,
           of
           prosperity
           and
           power
           ,
           may
           fall
           upon
           Causes
           that
           are
           evil
           and
           unjust
           ,
           no
           less
           then
           on
           the
           
             just
             and
             good
          
           .
           Mahomet
           hath
           
           had
           great
           and
           long
           successions
           of
           successive
           power
           to
           assert
           his
           cause
           ,
           and
           multitudes
           do
           follow
           even
           that
           Beast
           as
           well
           as
           the
           Lamb
           or
           the
           Messiah
           :
           Outward
           prosperity
           is
           the
           idol
           of
           fools
           ,
           who
           care
           not
           how
           little
           the
           Cause
           of
           God
           prosper
           and
           prevail
           in
           their
           souls
           ,
           if
           it
           thrive
           as
           to
           their
           purses
           and
           estates
           .
           Successes
           are
           pursued
           by
           silly
           and
           easie
           people
           ,
           as
           gay
           Butterflies
           are
           by
           children
           :
           
             Gods
             Cause
          
           is
           seldom
           seen
           in
           crouds
           ,
           or
           rabbles
           ,
           and
           throngs
           of
           people
           ,
           which
           Christ
           abhorred
           and
           avoided
           :
           As
           its
           course
           is
           strict
           ,
           so
           its
           path
           is
           narrow
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           As
           for
           the
           decoys
           of
           personal
           
           gifts
           and
           endowments
           ,
           of
           zeal
           and
           seeming
           or
           real
           
             severities
             in
             some
             things
          
           .
           King
           Saul
           had
           (
           as
           his
           height
           )
           
           so
           his
           heats
           above
           other
           Jews
           ,
           against
           the
           Gibeonites
           and
           Witches
           ;
           so
           Jehu
           had
           his
           zeal
           against
           the
           house
           of
           Ahab
           and
           
             Baal
             ;
             Paul
          
           once
           breathed
           threatnings
           against
           the
           
             way
             of
             Christ
          
           ,
           with
           equal
           ignorance
           ,
           imperiousness
           and
           confidence
           ;
           Novatus
           wanted
           not
           his
           zelotry
           and
           preciser
           passions
           ;
           nor
           Manes
           and
           Montanus
           their
           spiritual
           and
           seraphick
           pretensions
           ,
           with
           rigid
           fastings
           ;
           Origen
           and
           Tertullian
           had
           their
           
             excellent
             abilities
          
           ,
           which
           
             Vincentius
             Liri
             ▪
             ●ensis
          
           calls
           (
           
             Magnae
             tentationes
             magnorum
             ingeniorum
          
           )
           their
           temptations
           to
           extravagancies
           ;
           they
           were
           like
           fair
           flowers
           and
           fruit
           ,
           which
           are
           too
           big
           for
           themselves
           ,
           and
           so
           crack
           or
           break
           ;
           nor
           did
           Donatus
           want
           his
           devotion
           ,
           nor
           Pelagius
           wit
           and
           learning
           ;
           nor
           
             Faustus
             Socinus
          
           of
           late
           his
           severity
           and
           strictness
           ,
           with
           his
           sophistry
           ;
           nor
           any
           Heretick
           or
           Schismatick
           ever
           failed
           to
           have
           some
           lure
           ,
           either
           of
           sensual
           liberty
           ,
           or
           special
           sanctity
           to
           take
           people
           withal
           :
           So
           the
           Anabaptists
           in
           Germany
           ,
           as
           Sleiden
           and
           others
           tells
           us
           ,
           cryed
           most
           vehemently
           
           for
           Justice
           ,
           Mercy
           and
           Repentance
           ;
           other
           Enthusiasts
           had
           their
           rare
           visions
           ;
           and
           the
           very
           Ideot
           Quakers
           boast
           of
           their
           inward
           illuminations
           ;
           so
           the
           most
           pu●id
           Friars
           ,
           and
           politick
           Monks
           ,
           had
           their
           forged
           miracles
           ,
           and
           forced
           celibacies
           ,
           set
           off
           with
           great
           austerities
           ,
           to
           cover
           over
           their
           fedities
           .
           Satan
           hath
           many
           masks
           and
           vizards
           of
           an
           Angel
           of
           light
           ;
           yet
           he
           is
           never
           further
           off
           from
           Gods
           
           
             Cause
             ▪
          
           then
           when
           he
           most
           sets
           men
           awork
           to
           cry
           it
           up
           ,
           and
           carry
           it
           on
           ,
           in
           ways
           that
           are
           no
           less
           unjust
           ,
           violent
           and
           extravagant
           ,
           then
           perhaps
           for
           a
           time
           successful
           ,
           as
           was
           the
           
             Arrian
             perfidy
          
           ;
           which
           seemed
           so
           zealous
           for
           the
           unity
           of
           the
           Deity
           ,
           that
           they
           sought
           to
           overthrow
           the
           
             sacred
             Trinity
          
           ,
           and
           the
           grand
           foundation
           of
           the
           
             Christian
             Faith
          
           ,
           honor
           and
           comfort
           ,
           the
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           the
           
             Word
             made
             flesh
          
           ,
           the
           Theanthropy
           ,
           and
           Philanthropy
           of
           God
           to
           mankind
           ,
           in
           the
           
             Incarnation
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God.
          
           Their
           disputes
           ,
           as
           St.
           Cyrill
           tells
           us
           ,
           were
           not
           more
           sophistical
           and
           perverse
           ,
           then
           specious
           
           and
           plausible
           ,
           insomuch
           that
           the
           
             pest
             infested
          
           in
           a
           few
           years
           the
           most
           part
           of
           the
           Christian
           world
           ,
           both
           in
           Court
           ,
           Cities
           ,
           and
           Countries
           ;
           which
           was
           (
           as
           St.
           Jerom
           says
           )
           amazed
           to
           see
           it self
           in
           a
           short
           time
           so
           be
           witched
           with
           the
           
             Arrian
             enchantments
          
           ;
           which
           set
           up
           a
           
             new
             Saviour
          
           and
           
             another
             Gospel
          
           then
           was
           primitively
           beleived
           in
           all
           Churches
           .
           So
           the
           Novatians
           and
           Donatists
           ,
           or
           ●ntient
           Catharists
           (
           which
           were
           the
           Christian
           Pharisees
           ,
           or
           Puritans
           )
           pretended
           ,
           as
           Optatus
           and
           others
           tells
           us
           ,
           so
           to
           promote
           the
           Cause
           of
           the
           Churches
           purity
           ,
           that
           they
           destroyed
           its
           unity
           and
           charity
           .
           And
           the
           Pelagians
           so
           stickled
           for
           the
           power
           and
           liberty
           of
           mans
           will
           ,
           that
           they
           derogated
           from
           Gods
           grace
           and
           glory
           ,
           as
           St.
           Augustine
           speaks
           .
        
         
           8.
           
           
             Causa
             crucisixi
             ,
             saepius
             crucisixa
          
           ;
           
           as
           Christ
           ,
           so
           his
           cause
           (
           which
           is
           Gods
           )
           is
           oft
           not
           onely
           circumcised
           but
           crucisied
           with
           him
           ,
           yea
           it
           may
           seem
           dead
           and
           buried
           too
           for
           a
           time
           to
           the
           judgement
           of
           sense
           ;
           we
           must
           not
           look
           for
           the
           
             true
             Church
          
           
           always
           cloathed
           with
           the
           sun
           ,
           but
           rather
           
             flying
             into
             the
             wilderness
          
           ,
           and
           covered
           with
           sackcloth
           :
           The
           prosperities
           
           
             and
             crowns
          
           of
           
             Gods
             Cause
          
           are
           reserved
           
             for
             another
             world
          
           ;
           here
           the
           cross
           ,
           and
           thorns
           ,
           and
           buffettings
           ,
           and
           spittings
           ,
           and
           blood
           ,
           and
           spears
           ,
           and
           nails
           do
           not
           mis-become
           it
           ,
           but
           conform
           it
           to
           its
           head
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           T
           is
           certain
           the
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           was
           then
           purest
           as
           to
           
             faith
             and
             manners
          
           ,
           when
           it
           was
           (
           like
           gold
           in
           the
           furnace
           and
           fiery
           trial
           )
           under
           the
           first
           ten
           persecutions
           ,
           which
           lasted
           ,
           with
           some
           lucid
           intervals
           ,
           
             three
             hundred
             years
          
           .
           In
           vain
           do
           those
           that
           seem
           high
           zealots
           for
           the
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           dream
           and
           speak
           big
           of
           
             houses
             ,
             and
             lands
             ,
             and
             liberties
             ,
             and
             victories
             ,
          
           and
           kingdoms
           ,
           and
           crowns
           ▪
           and
           Judicatures
           ,
           and
           reigning
           with
           Christ
           after
           secular
           methods
           and
           policies
           of
           blood
           and
           fraud
           ;
           these
           are
           figs
           in
           this
           world
           :
           The
           honor
           ,
           riches
           ,
           crowns
           and
           comforts
           of
           true
           Christians
           are
           
             figs
             ,
             and
             grapes
             ,
             and
             olives
          
           that
           are
           not
           to
           be
           gathered
           from
           the
           
             bryars
             and
             thorns
             of
             the
          
           
           
             present
             world
          
           ;
           in
           which
           ,
           whoever
           
           will
           
             live
             godly
             ,
             must
             expect
          
           ,
           and
           patiently
           
           suffer
           ,
           but
           not
           deserve
           ,
           
             persecution
             .
             A
             good
             Cause
          
           must
           not
           think
           it
           strange
           to
           finde
           bad
           entertainment
           on
           earth
           ,
           where
           it
           is
           a
           
             pilgrim
             and
             stranger
          
           :
           Times
           are
           seldom
           so
           good
           ,
           as
           really
           to
           favour
           Gods
           Cause
           ;
           however
           the
           policies
           and
           
             lusts
             of
             men
          
           ,
           their
           pride
           ,
           licentiousness
           ,
           covetousness
           and
           ambition
           may
           seem
           to
           flatter
           it
           so
           far
           as
           suits
           with
           their
           present
           interests
           ;
           which
           are
           most
           what
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           self-seeking
           ,
           partial
           and
           inordinate
           ,
           
             ut
             in
             vitis
             sic
             in
             causis
             homines
             spes
             improbas
             alunt
             :
          
           as
           in
           other
           things
           so
           in
           religion
           ,
           men
           have
           their
           impipious
           ambitions
           ,
           and
           perverse
           hopes
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           Whereas
           the
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           is
           a
           
           
             self
             denying
             cause
          
           ,
           as
           to
           all
           
             ungodliness
             and
             worldly
             lusts
          
           ;
           teaching
           us
           to
           live
           
             contentedly
             ,
             righteously
             ,
             soberly
             and
             godly
          
           in
           all
           things
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           So
           that
           these
           large
           flags
           and
           streamers
           ,
           which
           some
           men
           of
           the
           Roman
           ,
           or
           other
           factions
           of
           later
           editions
           hang
           out
           to
           the
           vulgar
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           potency
           and
           prosperity
           
           of
           their
           Cause
           ,
           argue
           no
           more
           
             Gods
             cause
          
           to
           be
           with
           them
           ,
           or
           they
           with
           it
           ,
           then
           the
           fine
           feathers
           in
           
             fools
             caps
          
           argue
           them
           to
           have
           wit
           or
           
             wisdom
             in
             their
             heads
          
           ;
           coppar
           may
           be
           thus
           stamped
           and
           guilded
           ,
           which
           will
           not
           endure
           the
           
             fiery
             trial
          
           as
           true
           
             gold
             will
          
           ;
           and
           such
           is
           the
           Cause
           of
           God
           ,
           ever
           pure
           ,
           and
           precious
           ,
           just
           and
           holy
           ,
           though
           it
           be
           oppressed
           and
           persecuted
           ;
           as
           a
           jewel
           it
           loseth
           not
           its
           
             native
             lustre
          
           and
           worth
           ,
           though
           it
           be
           ill
           set
           ,
           or
           
             cast
             into
             the
             dirt
          
           .
        
         
           To
           conclude
           this
           general
           description
           
           of
           Gods
           Cause
           ;
           this
           may
           be
           its
           Emblem
           ;
           It
           is
           as
           the
           
             tree
             of
             life
          
           in
           the
           
             Pardise
             of
             God
          
           ;
           the
           root
           of
           it
           is
           the
           
             Truth
             of
             God
          
           in
           his
           word
           the
           sap
           is
           holiness
           or
           
             true
             sanctity
          
           ,
           the
           leaf
           is
           charity
           without
           dissimulation
           ,
           the
           rinde
           or
           bark
           is
           order
           and
           good
           discipline
           in
           the
           Church
           ;
           also
           Equity
           and
           
             civil
             Justice
          
           in
           the
           State
           ;
           the
           lesser
           and
           lower
           fruit
           is
           
             every
             grace
          
           and
           
             good
             work
          
           growing
           in
           us
           or
           from
           us
           ;
           the
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             prime
             and
             topmost
             cluster
          
           is
           
             Gods
             glory
          
           and
           the
           
             salvation
             of
             sinful
          
           
           souls
           ,
           through
           his
           free
           grace
           in
           Jesus
           Christ
           .
        
         
           Having
           shewed
           the
           general
           tokens
           
           or
           marks
           of
           
             Gods
             Cause
          
           ,
           I
           now
           proceed
           by
           way
           of
           Induction
           and
           instance
           to
           set
           forth
           the
           particulars
           in
           which
           it
           consists
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           grand
           Cause
           of
           God
           is
           
           
             his
             own
             glory
          
           ;
           this
           is
           the
           first
           mover
           ,
           great
           conservator
           ,
           and
           last
           consummator
           of
           all
           things
           ,
           which
           the
           divine
           Wisdom
           contrives
           ,
           or
           his
           Patience
           permits
           ,
           or
           his
           Power
           performs
           ,
           or
           his
           Justice
           ,
           Goodness
           and
           Mercy
           moderates
           ,
           or
           his
           Word
           commands
           .
           For
           this
           cause
           he
           hath
           made
           and
           manageth
           all
           things
           in
           heaven
           and
           earth
           ,
           that
           the
           glory
           of
           his
           being
           may
           appear
           to
           men
           and
           Angels
           ,
           who
           are
           with
           all
           humility
           ,
           gratitude
           ,
           adoration
           ,
           service
           and
           admiration
           ,
           to
           return
           the
           just
           
             recognition
             and
             praises
             due
             to
             the
             divine
             Majesty
             ,
          
           for
           all
           his
           
             essential
             excellencies
          
           ,
           and
           his
           
             gracious
             emanations
          
           :
           every
           Attribute
           and
           Perfection
           of
           God
           is
           by
           them
           to
           be
           owned
           ,
           with
           due
           respect
           
           of
           
             Faith
             ,
             Fear
             ,
             Love
             ,
             Duty
             ,
             Adoration
             and
             Admiration
          
           ;
           thus
           his
           Power
           ,
           Wisdom
           ,
           Justice
           ,
           Mercy
           ,
           Immensity
           ,
           Eternity
           ,
           Veracity
           ,
           Immutability
           ,
           &c.
           are
           to
           be
           considered
           by
           men
           and
           Angels
           ,
           with
           suitable
           affections
           reflecting
           from
           them
           to
           God.
           And
           among
           Christians
           the
           unity
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           together
           with
           the
           Trinity
           of
           the
           sacred
           Persons
           or
           relations
           ,
           distinguished
           by
           the
           names
           of
           
             Father
             ,
             Son
          
           and
           
             Holy
             Spirit
          
           ,
           must
           be
           ever
           owned
           ,
           celebrated
           and
           adored
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           wonted
           Doxology
           ,
           or
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           used
           in
           the
           Orthodox
           Churches
           .
        
         
           This
           Cause
           ,
           God
           hath
           in
           all
           ages
           
           pleaded
           ,
           as
           his
           own
           
             royal
             concern
          
           ,
           against
           
             Atheists
             ,
             Polytheists
             ,
             Idolaters
             ,
             Antitrinitarians
             ,
             Anthropomorphites
          
           ;
           against
           
             prophane
             and
             proud
             livers
          
           ,
           who
           live
           as
           if
           there
           were
           
             no
             God
             above
             them
          
           ;
           also
           against
           vain
           and
           false
           swearers
           ,
           who
           blaspheme
           the
           name
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           bring
           a
           curse
           on
           their
           souls
           ,
           families
           and
           countries
           ;
           against
           presumptuous
           wicked
           doers
           ,
           who
           are
           their
           own
           gods
           and
           worshippers
           ,
           both
           self-Idols
           and
           self-Idolaters
           .
           
           This
           is
           the
           first
           ,
           most
           immediate
           cause
           or
           concern
           of
           the
           
             Divine
             Nature
          
           and
           Glory
           ,
           that
           God
           be
           owned
           ,
           and
           none
           beside
           him
           ,
           or
           comparable
           to
           him
           :
           This
           will
           be
           made
           good
           against
           wicked
           men
           and
           Devils
           ;
           by
           the
           pleas
           and
           principles
           of
           right
           Reason
           ,
           by
           the
           sensible
           beauty
           ,
           order
           ,
           harmony
           ,
           proportion
           ,
           usefulness
           and
           constancy
           of
           Gods
           Works
           in
           the
           world
           ;
           by
           his
           signal
           providences
           in
           judgement
           or
           mercy
           ;
           by
           his
           preservation
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           and
           the
           Church
           with
           true
           Religion
           ;
           by
           the
           predictions
           fulfilled
           ;
           and
           lastly
           by
           the
           terrors
           ,
           convictions
           and
           presages
           of
           mens
           consciences
           ,
           which
           are
           that
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           the
           little
           God
           in
           our
           own
           brests
           ▪
           as
           
             Mar.
             Aurelius
          
           calls
           it
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           next
           great
           concern
           or
           
           Cause
           of
           God
           is
           that
           of
           the
           
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
          
           ,
           the
           eternal
           Word
           ,
           and
           coessential
           
             Son
             of
             God
          
           ,
           the
           blessed
           Messiah
           ,
           the
           
             brightness
             of
             the
             divine
             glory
          
           ,
           and
           express
           image
           of
           the
           Father
           .
           It
           is
           not
           enough
           now
           to
           beleive
           in
           God
           ,
           as
           Creator
           ,
           and
           Preserver
           of
           men
           ,
           but
           we
           must
           also
           beleive
           
           
           in
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           as
           Redeemer
           of
           beleiving
           penitent
           and
           obedient
           sinners
           ,
           by
           the
           mercy
           ,
           love
           and
           free
           grace
           of
           God
           ;
           
             This
             is
             the
             beloved
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             whom
             we
          
           
           
             must
             hear
             ;
             the
             onely
             name
             under
             heaven
          
           
           
             by
             which
             we
             may
             be
             saved
          
           ;
           he
           that
           doth
           not
           obediently
           beleive
           the
           testimony
           of
           Prophets
           and
           Apostles
           ,
           of
           Miracles
           and
           Angels
           ,
           of
           Martyrs
           and
           Confessors
           ,
           of
           the
           Church
           Catholick
           and
           an
           enlightned
           conscience
           ,
           in
           this
           great
           
             Cause
             of
             the
             Messias
          
           ,
           even
           the
           crucified
           Jesus
           ,
           
           is
           under
           peremptory
           condemnation
           ,
           while
           such
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           Of
           this
           great
           and
           mysterious
           Cause
           ,
           God
           gave
           the
           world
           an
           account
           of
           old
           ,
           under
           
             types
             ,
             figures
             ,
             sacrifices
             and
             many
             ceremonies
             ,
          
           as
           shadows
           and
           resemblances
           under
           the
           Law
           ;
           but
           now
           the
           Substance
           ,
           and
           
             Son
             of
             Righteousness
          
           is
           come
           ,
           and
           hath
           fully
           taught
           his
           Church
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           work
           such
           sinners
           have
           to
           do
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           repent
           
           and
           
             beleive
             in
             him
          
           ,
           whom
           the
           
           
             Father
             hath
             sent
          
           ;
           who
           so
           beleiveth
           not
           ,
           
             makes
             God
             a
             lyar
          
           ,
           and
           is
           already
           
           
           condemned
           ,
           to
           which
           must
           
           be
           added
           to
           compleat
           the
           cause
           of
           the
           sacred
           Trinity
           ,
           the
           belief
           and
           adoration
           of
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           as
           God
           ;
           one
           with
           the
           Father
           ,
           and
           the
           Son
           in
           the
           Divine
           essence
           and
           glory
           ,
           though
           a
           distinct
           person
           as
           to
           the
           emanation
           from
           ,
           and
           relation
           to
           both
           .
        
         
           ●
           .
           The
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           extends
           to
           
           the
           true
           
             Church
             of
             God
          
           ,
           as
           an
           holy
           corporation
           or
           society
           of
           such
           as
           do
           truely
           
             believe
             inwardly
          
           ,
           or
           outwardly
           ,
           and
           profess
           with
           Order
           and
           Charity
           ,
           the
           word
           ,
           worship
           and
           service
           of
           the
           true
           God
           ,
           with
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           the
           blessed
           Spirit
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           rule
           of
           the
           Scripture
           .
        
         
           ●
           .
           God
           owns
           himself
           in
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           as
           the
           Father
           ,
           friend
           ,
           head
           and
           Husband
           of
           the
           Church
           ;
           such
           as
           fight
           against
           that
           ,
           fight
           against
           God
           ,
           and
           afflict
           the
           apple
           of
           his
           
           eye
           ;
           God
           is
           concerned
           ,
           that
           the
           foundation
           of
           his
           Church
           ,
           which
           is
           
           Scripture
           ,
           (
           written
           by
           the
           Prophets
           and
           Apostles
           )
           be
           preserved
           free
           from
           Apocryphal
           additions
           ,
           Fabulous
           
           traditions
           ,
           Humane
           
             inventions
             ▪
          
           and
           Phanatick
           inspirations
           .
        
         
           That
           the
           Ministers
           of
           it
           by
           
           
             Bishops
             ,
             Presbyters
          
           ,
           and
           Deacons
           ,
           as
           to
           its
           Authority
           ,
           Order
           and
           supports
           ,
           be
           maintained
           ,
           agreeable
           to
           the
           primitive
           pattern
           instituted
           by
           Christ
           ,
           in
           the
           Twelve
           Apostles
           
           and
           the
           Seventy
           Disciples
           ,
           with
           their
           attendants
           in
           holy
           offices
           ;
           this
           is
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           that
           of
           
           Embassadors
           ,
           and
           their
           followers
           ,
           in
           the
           cause
           of
           those
           Princes
           that
           send
           them
           so
           Commissionated
           and
           instructed
           ;
           they
           that
           receive
           them
           ,
           receive
           Christ
           ;
           and
           they
           that
           reject
           them
           ,
           reject
           him
           ;
           and
           they
           that
           defraud
           or
           rob
           ,
           divide
           and
           destroy
           the
           Church
           and
           Ministry
           of
           Christ
           ,
           are
           Robbers
           of
           
             God
             ,
             Sacrilegious
             Felons
          
           ,
           from
           the
           blessed
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           is
           Heir
           of
           all
           ,
           and
           to
           whom
           we
           owe
           all
           we
           have
           ,
           as
           redeemer
           of
           is
           ,
           and
           all
           blessings
           we
           enjoy
           .
        
         
           The
           great
           Seals
           of
           the
           Church
           
           also
           ;
           the
           two
           Sacraments
           are
           the
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           prophaned
           ,
           or
           neglected
           ;
           For
           which
           cause
           God
           sharply
           punished
           the
           
           Corinthians
           with
           sickness
           and
           death
           :
           Much
           less
           may
           they
           be
           changed
           or
           diminished
           ,
           or
           added
           to
           in
           point
           of
           duty
           and
           necessity
           ,
           beyond
           the
           stamp
           and
           inscription
           of
           
             Divine
             institution
          
           ,
           and
           that
           
             Catholick
             practice
          
           or
           use
           of
           them
           ,
           which
           was
           ever
           owned
           by
           the
           Church
           ;
           whose
           veracity
           or
           fidelity
           is
           not
           to
           be
           questioned
           ,
           in
           things
           of
           
             universal
             observance
          
           ,
           such
           as
           were
           those
           of
           the
           Lords
           day
           for
           the
           Christian
           Sabbath
           ;
           of
           the
           books
           of
           
             Canonical
             Scriptures
          
           ;
           of
           the
           Baptizing
           of
           Christians
           Infants
           ;
           whose
           cause
           is
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           Covenant
           with
           the
           faithful
           and
           their
           seed
           ;
           so
           of
           the
           giving
           of
           the
           cup
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           the
           consecrated
           bread
           ,
           to
           all
           Communicants
           ,
           as
           well
           Lay
           as
           Clergy
           ;
           and
           lastly
           as
           to
           
           the
           constant
           Order
           and
           Government
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           in
           its
           several
           distributions
           by
           many
           Presbyters
           ,
           subordinate
           and
           assistant
           to
           some
           one
           paternal
           ,
           yet
           authoratative
           Bishop
           ,
           as
           sons
           to
           a
           presidential
           Father
           ;
           This
           Government
           by
           Episcopacy
           is
           Gods
           Cause
           ,
           as
           the
           God
           of
           order
           ,
           and
           the
           Apostles
           cause
           as
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           settled
           and
           sealed
           by
           their
           wisdome
           ,
           and
           the
           Churches
           consent's
           ,
           as
           a
           primitive
           Catholick
           custom
           ,
           the
           veracity
           and
           antiquity
           of
           which
           is
           asserted
           by
           the
           Churches
           testimony
           ,
           both
           as
           to
           all
           Histories
           ,
           and
           in
           its
           practice
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           doubted
           ,
           desparaged
           denied
           or
           abolished
           without
           great
           in
           solency
           and
           peevishness
           ,
           either
           to
           gratifie
           Presbytery
           ,
           or
           Independency
           ,
           both
           which
           are
           novel
           ties
           ,
           of
           yesterday
           ,
           and
           so
           cannot
           be
           Gods
           Cause
           ,
           which
           is
           
             verissi●●a
             &
             antiquissima
          
           ,
           as
           old
           as
           it
           is
           true
           and
           good
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           The
           Cause
           of
           Gods
           Church
           ,
           as
           to
           its
           Honour
           ,
           Order
           ,
           Fidelity
           ,
           support●
           ,
           rule
           and
           government
           ,
           is
           so
           far
           
             Gods
             Cause
          
           ,
           as
           he
           hath
           made
           his
           Church
           the
           Pillar
           and
           ground
           of
           truth
           ,
           and
           as
           himself
           is
           the
           God
           of
           Order
           and
           Polity
           ,
           yea●
           and
           the
           
           Churches
           cause
           is
           Gods
           as
           to
           that
           
             prudential
             liberty
          
           and
           variety
           ,
           which
           his
           wisdome
           hath
           granted
           and
           indulged
           to
           it
           in
           the
           several
           parts
           or
           distributions
           of
           it
           ,
           under
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           circumstantial
           or
           ceremonial
           rites
           of
           Religion
           ,
           incident
           or
           annexed
           
           to
           the
           outward
           decency
           of
           
           worship
           and
           profession
           ,
           in
           several
           ages
           and
           places
           ,
           so
           as
           may
           most
           conduce
           to
           the
           planting
           ,
           propagating
           ,
           preserving
           ,
           and
           reforming
           of
           true
           Religion
           among
           all
           Nations
        
         
           Lastly
           the
           unity
           of
           the
           Church
           
           belongs
           to
           Gods
           cause
           ,
           who
           is
           but
           one
           ,
           and
           his
           Son
           one
           ,
           and
           his
           Spouse
           one
           .
           Such
           as
           cause
           Schism
           and
           divisions
           in
           the
           true
           Church
           ,
           by
           giving
           or
           taking
           unnecessary
           ,
           and
           
           so
           unjust
           scandals
           ,
           and
           thereby
           raising
           uncharitable
           separations
           ,
           these
           are
           injurious
           to
           the
           God
           of
           peace
           ,
           and
           the
           Prince
           of
           peace
           ;
           
             Nostrum
             laceratur
             in
             arbore
             corpus
          
           :
           Christians
           tear
           God
           &
           rend
           the
           body
           of
           Christ
           in
           their
           Schisms
           ,
           which
           divide
           them
           from
           the
           love
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           for
           his
           sake
           of
           one
           another
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           great
           Character
           of
           Christs
           Disciples
           .
           Joh.
           13.
           35.
           
        
         
           §
           .
           Therefore
           all
           the
           Methods
           of
           
           
             Ecclesiastical
             Polity
          
           ,
           which
           were
           used
           in
           primitive
           times
           ,
           by
           which
           to
           keep
           the
           Catholick
           Church
           in
           an
           holy
           unity
           ,
           and
           brotherly
           correspondency
           ,
           by
           
             Bishops
             ,
             Arch-Bishops
             ,
             Primates
          
           ,
           
           Metropolitans
           ,
           and
           Patriarchs
           ,
           yea
           and
           in
           latter
           ages
           when
           Christians
           were
           multiplied
           ,
           by
           
             Arch-Deacons
             ,
             Suffragans
          
           or
           
             Chorepiscopacy
             ,
             (
             i.
             e.
          
           )
           rural
           Deans
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           ,
           were
           so
           far
           from
           being
           Antichristian
           projects
           and
           evil
           policies
           ,
           that
           they
           were
           the
           Counsels
           and
           results
           of
           Christs
           spirit
           ,
           as
           helps
           in
           Government
           ,
           for
           the
           Order
           and
           Unity
           ,
           Polity
           and
           Authority
           ,
           meet
           to
           be
           observed
           in
           his
           Church
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           Nor
           is
           it
           of
           any
           weight
           which
           some
           urge
           odiously
           and
           enviously
           against
           these
           subordinations
           ,
           and
           degrees
           ,
           fitted
           for
           the
           
             unity
             of
             the
             Church
          
           ,
           (
           which
           capacitated
           them
           to
           meet
           and
           correspond
           as
           by
           general
           and
           lesser
           Councils
           ,
           in
           several
           places
           ,
           so
           by
           Letters
           communicatory
           in
           all
           the
           world
           )
           that
           hence
           the
           Papal
           arragancy
           and
           Pride
           ,
           did
           get
           footing
           ,
           and
           his
           prescripts
           became
           decrees
           .
        
         
           For
           if
           all
           things
           of
           piety
           or
           prudence
           ,
           
           must
           be
           abolished
           with
           the
           policy
           or
           superstition
           ,
           (
           if
           man
           lists
           to
           abuse
           them
           )
           we
           shall
           leave
           very
           little
           to
           true
           Religion
           ;
           So
           far
           Popes
           ,
           and
           
           Bishops
           ,
           and
           Presbyters
           ,
           and
           People
           too
           have
           shewed
           themselves
           in
           many
           things
           to
           be
           but
           men
           ,
           subject
           to
           prejudices
           ,
           and
           passions
           ;
           yet
           are
           they
           no
           way
           capable
           to
           destroy
           or
           deprave
           the
           true
           principles
           or
           practices
           of
           Christian
           wisdom
           ,
           much
           less
           of
           Divine
           and
           
             Apostolick
             institution
          
           ,
           either
           binding
           and
           perpetual
           ,
           or
           prudential
           and
           occasional
           ,
           which
           lawfully
           may
           be
           used
           ,
           and
           are
           not
           rashly
           to
           be
           abolished
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Next
           the
           Churches
           cause
           ,
           which
           
           is
           eminently
           contained
           in
           Gods
           ,
           comes
           that
           of
           all
           mankind
           ,
           as
           God
           is
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           and
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           the
           lover
           and
           preserver
           of
           men
           ,
           in
           the
           way
           of
           civil
           societies
           ,
           the
           Hings
           or
           Axis
           ,
           and
           
             popular
             points
          
           of
           which
           ,
           are
           
             Justice
             commutative
          
           and
           distributive
           ,
           
           private
           and
           publique
           ;
           the
           just
           God
           is
           concerned
           ,
           that
           justice
           be
           done
           to
           all
           ,
           and
           by
           all
           ,
           according
           to
           their
           place
           and
           station
           .
        
         
           The
           rule
           and
           measure
           of
           all
           civil
           and
           Politique
           Justice
           ,
           for
           matter
           and
           manner
           ,
           for
           what
           is
           to
           be
           done
           ,
           and
           by
           whom
           ,
           for
           the
           equity
           of
           retribution
           ,
           and
           authority
           of
           dispensation
           ,
           
           is
           that
           custome
           and
           law
           ,
           
           which
           is
           prevalent
           by
           publique
           consent
           in
           
             every
             Nation
             ▪
          
           not
           contrary
           to
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           ;
           what
           ever
           is
           ,
           done
           contrary
           to
           this
           ,
           is
           ,
           
             in
             Deiinjuriam
          
           ,
           and
           makes
           the
           actors
           (
           
             reolaesae
             Majestatis
             divinae
             ▪
          
           as
           well
           as
           humanae
           )
           guilty
           of
           doing
           injury
           to
           the
           justice
           and
           Majesty
           ,
           not
           onely
           of
           men
           but
           of
           God
           ,
           whose
           are
           the
           laws
           and
           Polities
           ,
           the
           Princes
           ,
           Kings
           ,
           
           and
           lawful
           Magistrates
           of
           every
           state
           ,
           Kingdom
           and
           Common-wealth
           ,
           which
           are
           Gods
           Ordinances
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           resisted
           by
           tumult
           or
           
           armed
           force
           ,
           by
           sedition
           ,
           or
           Treason
           ,
           without
           an
           high
           sin
           ,
           which
           subjects
           
           men
           to
           damnation
           ,
           as
           Rebels
           to
           God
           ,
           as
           enemies
           to
           the
           good
           of
           their
           Country
           ,
           to
           the
           duty
           they
           ow●
           to
           parents
           ,
           and
           indeed
           to
           the
           good
           of
           all
           mankind
           ,
           who
           would
           soon
           be
           as
           miserable
           as
           beasts
           ,
           and
           Devils
           ,
           if
           they
           were
           not
           restrained
           from
           private
           extravagancie
           ,
           preserved
           in
           their
           honest
           enjoyments
           by
           the
           publique
           laws
           ,
           and
           that
           Soveraigne
           power
           which
           is
           in
           Gods
           name
           and
           stead
           to
           enact
           and
           execute
           them
           .
        
         
         
           Hence
           as
           the
           
             just
             cause
          
           of
           every
           
           man
           is
           Gods
           ,
           who
           may
           say
           with
           David
           and
           others
           ,
           
             Psal
             .
             35.
             1.
             
             Plead
             my
             cause
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           Though
           never
           so
           poor
           ,
           mean
           and
           helpless
           ,
           yet
           their
           cause
           must
           not
           be
           despised
           ,
           or
           wronged
           and
           oppressed
           .
           God
           will
           avenge
           the
           meanest
           Subjects
           injuries
           against
           the
           greatest
           Princes
           or
           Potentates
           :
           so
           the
           cause
           of
           even
           subordinate
           Magistrates
           is
           Gods
           
           cause
           :
           But
           (
           above
           all
           )
           their
           cause
           is
           Gods
           ,
           whom
           God
           hath
           placed
           as
           Supreme
           above
           all
           ,
           in
           Empires
           ,
           and
           Kingdomes
           ,
           for
           the
           good
           of
           all
           :
           Certainly
           that
           of
           
             I
             have
             said
             ye
             are
             Gods
             ,
          
           and
           ,
           Thou
           
             shall
             not
             curse
          
           
           
             the
             Gods
             ,
             or
             Rulers
             of
             thy
             people
             ,
          
           and
           that
           of
           
             Touch
             not
             mine
             annointed
          
           ,
           and
           do
           my
           Prophets
           no
           harm
           .
           That
           of
           
             Davids
             tenderness
             to
             King
             Saul
          
           ,
           
           
             of
             all
          
           good
           mens
           subjection
           in
           all
           ages
           ,
           Jewish
           and
           Christian
           ,
           to
           their
           princes
           ,
           though
           evil
           ,
           persecutive
           and
           oppressive
           ;
           those
           orders
           of
           Christ
           to
           
             give
             to
             Cesar
             the
             things
          
           
           
             that
             are
             Cesars
          
           ;
           and
           so
           the
           Canons
           
           of
           the
           two
           great
           Apostles
           ,
           S.
           Peter
           and
           S.
           Paul.
           to
           obey
           ,
           to
           be
           subject
           ,
           
           by
           all
           means
           in
           all
           things
           ,
           actively
           or
           passively
           ,
           to
           Kings
           and
           all
           in
           authority
           ,
           by
           whose
           safety
           the
           whole
           state
           is
           safe
           ,
           if
           they
           be
           resisted
           or
           injured
           and
           destroyed
           ,
           Iliades
           of
           miseries
           like
           torrents
           of
           blood
           ,
           usually
           break
           in
           on
           all
           sorts
           of
           people
           .
        
         
           Those
           divine
           Oracles
           besides
           the
           
           
             Catholick
             constant
          
           and
           
             eminent
             practice
          
           of
           the
           primitive
           Christians
           (
           the
           best
           commentary
           on
           Scripture
           )
           when
           they
           wanted
           not
           numbers
           and
           armes
           ,
           as
           Tertullian
           and
           others
           tell
           us
           ,
           yet
           they
           never
           used
           other
           weapons
           then
           patience
           ,
           prayers
           and
           tears
           ,
           petitions
           and
           Apologies
           to
           the
           persecuting
           Princes
           ;
           all
           those
           put
           together
           do
           shrewdly
           evince
           ,
           that
           those
           men
           are
           no
           friends
           to
           ,
           or
           assertors
           of
           the
           
             true
             cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           who
           are
           not
           so
           ,
           of
           settled
           laws
           and
           Government
           ,
           of
           
             Magistratick
             power
          
           ,
           and
           civil
           
             justice
             ,
             of
             which
             not
             the
          
           will
           and
           
             power
             of
             man
          
           ,
           but
           the
           Law
           of
           
             God
             in
             general
          
           ,
           and
           the
           particular
           
             Laws
             ,
             customs
          
           ,
           and
           constitution
           of
           every
           Nation
           and
           Polity
           ,
           are
           Arbitrators
           and
           Judges
           ;
           What
           ever
           ●
           
           done
           or
           taught
           by
           Prince
           or
           People
           ,
           contrary
           to
           these
           ,
           under
           any
           splendid
           form
           ,
           and
           
             novel
             names
          
           of
           
             Arbitrary
             prerogative
          
           ,
           or
           popular
           liberty
           ,
           or
           
             high
             Justice
          
           ,
           is
           the
           
             highest
             Injustice
          
           ,
           and
           done
           with
           an
           high
           hand
           (
           
             in
             Dei
             contumeliam
          
           )
           in
           affront
           to
           Gods
           Ordinances
           ,
           and
           of
           Law
           ,
           Order
           ,
           Peace
           and
           Government
           for
           the
           good
           of
           mankind
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           Nor
           may
           any
           Subjects
           here
           fly
           by
           
           way
           of
           appeale
           to
           the
           common
           Dictates
           of
           reason
           ,
           and
           loose
           principles
           of
           
             natural
             liberty
          
           ,
           or
           I
           know
           not
           what
           necessity
           ,
           after
           once
           by
           publique
           consent
           ,
           they
           are
           limited
           and
           confined
           to
           the
           inclosures
           of
           laws
           and
           rules
           of
           obedience
           ,
           either
           active
           or
           passive
           ;
           To
           which
           God
           and
           mans
           Laws
           ,
           oblige
           all
           men
           ;
           otherwise
           there
           will
           be
           no
           quiet
           or
           setling
           in
           any
           State
           ;
           for
           there
           will
           never
           want
           some
           whose
           discontentments
           or
           ambition
           ,
           think
           the
           Laws
           themselves
           too
           strict
           and
           injurious
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           liberties
           which
           are
           necessary
           to
           attain
           their
           designs
           ,
           and
           fullfil
           their
           lusts
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           All
           true
           Christians
           will
           rest
           
           either
           content
           or
           patient
           ,
           being
           never
           so
           concerned
           in
           any
           worldly
           
             momentary
             business
          
           ,
           as
           to
           sin
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           either
           getting
           or
           preserving
           it
           :
           They
           have
           enough
           while
           they
           can
           in
           Righteousness
           and
           peaceful
           ways
           
             possess
             their
             own
             soul
          
           
           in
           good
           consciences
           ,
           which
           enjoy
           God
           and
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           holy
           Spirit
           .
           Christians
           must
           be
           very
           insatiable
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           content
           with
           
             such
             society
          
           and
           liberty
           ,
           which
           will
           not
           suffer
           them
           to
           want
           what
           is
           necessary
           for
           life
           and
           godliness
           .
        
         
           After
           the
           cause
           of
           
             publique
             Justice
          
           and
           peace
           ,
           which
           are
           a
           branch
           of
           
           
             Gods
             cause
          
           ,
           every
           
             private
             mans
             cause
          
           as
           to
           sin
           and
           grace
           ,
           vice
           and
           virtue
           ,
           good
           or
           evil
           ,
           trouble
           or
           comfort
           ,
           is
           Gods
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           they
           are
           on
           Gods
           side
           and
           take
           his
           part
           against
           the
           evil
           of
           
             World
             ,
             Flesh
          
           ,
           and
           Devil
           ;
           his
           word
           and
           spirit
           will
           plead
           for
           them
           ,
           against
           Satan
           accusing
           ,
           and
           conscience
           condemning
           :
           against
           their
           fear
           and
           jealousies
           of
           God
           or
           themselves
           ,
           against
           doubts
           ,
           dejections
           and
           despaires
           .
        
         
           The
           cause
           also
           of
           the
           poor
           ,
           the
           
           fatherless
           and
           the
           Widows
           is
           peculiarly
           
           Gods
           cause
           ,
           which
           he
           is
           patrone
           to
           ,
           and
           promiseth
           to
           protect
           them
           ,
           if
           they
           trust
           in
           him
           ,
           as
           he
           threatens
           their
           oppressors
           and
           despisers
           ,
           
           that
           he
           will
           plead
           their
           cause
           against
           them
           ,
           Pro.
           22.
           23.
           
        
         
           Yea
           
             the
             cause
          
           not
           only
           of
           good
           
           men
           but
           of
           
             wicked
             men
          
           ,
           is
           so
           far
           Gods
           ,
           as
           they
           have
           reason
           and
           justice
           
             or
             right
          
           on
           their
           side
           ;
           they
           may
           not
           be
           wronged
           or
           robbed
           because
           they
           are
           wicked
           or
           Idolaters
           ;
           God
           pleads
           the
           cause
           of
           Nebuchadnezzer
           ,
           though
           an
           heathen
           ,
           a
           persecutor
           and
           oppressor
           ,
           against
           King
           Zedekiah
           ;
           
           because
           of
           the
           Oath
           and
           Covenant
           ,
           which
           was
           in
           Gods
           name
           passed
           between
           them
           ;
           So
           he
           did
           that
           of
           Amurath
           that
           great
           Turk
           against
           Ladislaus
           a
           Christian
           King
           of
           Hungary
           ,
           when
           he
           violated
           the
           accord
           sworn
           between
           them
           ,
           having
           from
           the
           Pope
           a
           dispensation
           for
           his
           perjury
           ,
           which
           God
           never
           gives
           in
           lawful
           Oaths
           ,
           as
           he
           never
           obligeth
           to
           or
           by
           unlawful
           ones
           .
        
         
           §
           True
           Religion
           binds
           us
           to
           such
           as
           are
           irreligious
           ,
           to
           Hereticks
           ,
           to
           Mahometans
           
           hometans
           and
           to
           all
           ;
           it
           is
           a
           damnable
           divillish
           and
           
             Antichristian
             Doctrine
          
           ,
           that
           to
           them
           (
           much
           more
           to
           Christians
           )
           no
           faith
           is
           to
           be
           kept
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           no
           civil
           right
           to
           any
           thing
           :
           That
           they
           are
           Egyptians
           and
           may
           be
           robbed
           :
           or
           killed
           by
           such
           as
           fancy
           or
           call
           themselves
           
             Israelites
             ,
             Moses's
          
           or
           Saints
           ;
           God
           hath
           given
           the
           
             earth
             to
             the
             children
             of
             men
          
           as
           such
           ,
           in
           natural
           and
           civil
           successions
           ,
           not
           as
           to
           his
           Children
           and
           Saints
           ,
           by
           
           grace
           and
           Regeneration
           ;
           God
           hath
           
             better
             things
          
           in
           store
           for
           them
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           which
           who
           so
           believes
           ,
           will
           never
           by
           fraud
           or
           force
           ,
           and
           so
           by
           way
           of
           sin
           and
           in
           justice
           ,
           seek
           to
           shark
           and
           scramble
           for
           these
           earthly
           things
           ,
           which
           God
           gives
           as
           a
           portion
           and
           reward
           sometimes
           to
           wicked
           men
           ,
           and
           is
           indeed
           their
           all
           that
           they
           desire
           or
           expect
           from
           God.
           
        
         
           Lastly
           
             every
             creature
          
           is
           so
           far
           
           included
           to
           the
           
             cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           as
           it
           
             hath
             his
             Stamp
          
           and
           
             Character
             upon
          
           it
           .
           The
           abusing
           of
           them
           to
           
             sin
             ,
             riot
             ,
             luxury
             ,
             cruelty
             ,
          
           is
           the
           Gods
           dishonour
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           made
           them
           for
           
           no
           better
           use
           and
           
             ends
             .
             Veneranda
             est
             ,
             non
             erubescenda
             natura
             ,
          
           as
           Tertullian
           speaks
           ,
           
             God
             is
             to
             be
             reverenced
             in
             all
             his
             works
             ,
             and
             not
             reproached
          
           ;
           The
           not
           owning
           God
           in
           them
           ,
           not
           blessing
           him
           for
           them
           ,
           and
           not
           serving
           him
           by
           them
           ,
           makes
           the
           users
           of
           them
           impleadable
           at
           
             Gods
             Bar
             and
             Tribunal
             ;
             Redde
             ratioonem
             ,
             Redde
             deprosium
          
           ;
           Give
           an
           account
           of
           the
           Corn
           ,
           and
           Wine
           ,
           
           and
           Oyle
           ,
           the
           Silk
           ,
           and
           Flax
           ,
           and
           the
           Wool
           ;
           the
           
             beauty
             ,
             strength
             ,
             estate
          
           and
           
             honour
             ,
             time
             ,
             wit
             ,
             learning
             ,
          
           and
           all
           other
           
             enjoyments
             ;
             Non
             hos
             quaesitum
             munus
             in
             usus
             :
          
           as
           they
           are
           not
           ours
           by
           merit
           or
           by
           making
           the
           least
           of
           them
           ,
           so
           Gods
           action
           lies
           against
           us
           for
           every
           one
           of
           them
           ,
           if
           abused
           ,
           or
           not
           used
           as
           lent
           us
           by
           him
           ,
           who
           is
           
             Lord
             Paramount
          
           in
           chief
           above
           all
           ,
           of
           whom
           we
           have
           and
           hold
           all
           things
           in
           
             Frank
             Almoinage
          
           ,
           as
           so
           many
           Almes
           or
           Beadsmen
           ,
           Tenants
           at
           will
           ,
           and
           only
           by
           the
           courtesie
           of
           the
           grand
           Lord
           ,
           being
           less
           then
           the
           least
           of
           his
           mercys
           ,
           as
           Jacob
           humbly
           and
           
           ingenuously
           confessed
           .
           It
           will
           be
           
           eternally
           inculcated
           upon
           wicked
           men
           ,
           with
           repeated
           torments
           ,
           not
           onely
           as
           to
           their
           injustice
           to
           God
           and
           man
           ,
           (
           
             discite●justitiam
             moniti
             ,
             &
             netemnite
             divos
          
           )
           but
           as
           to
           that
           which
           was
           said
           to
           the
           
             rich
             fool
          
           ,
           
           whose
           are
           all
           those
           good
           things
           now
           ,
           whose
           will
           they
           be
           when
           thy
           soul
           is
           taken
           from
           thee
           ?
           enjoying
           neither
           thy self
           ,
           nor
           any
           thing
           ,
           since
           thou
           enjoyest
           not
           God
           the
           chiefest
           good
           of
           all
           .
           And
           that
           ,
           
             Son
             remember
             thou
             enjoyedst
             thy
             good
          
           
           
             things
             in
             thy
             life
             time
          
           ,
           not
           as
           Gods
           ,
           but
           as
           thine
           own
           ,
           and
           as
           thy
           chiefest
           goods
           ,
           which
           made
           them
           evil
           to
           thee
           ,
           both
           as
           to
           sinning
           then
           ,
           and
           to
           suffering
           now
           .
           But
           I
           have
           done
           with
           the
           first
           particulars
           ,
           shewing
           you
           ,
           first
           ,
           that
           God
           hath
           his
           cause
           in
           this
           world
           ,
           and
           what
           this
           cause
           is
           ,
           in
           the
           particular
           instances
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           The
           second
           General
           Quere
           I
           
           proposed
           ,
           was
           ,
           1.
           
           How
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           comes
           to
           stand
           in
           need
           of
           his
           pleading
           .
           2.
           
           And
           why
           the
           Lord
           in
           his
           providence
           permits
           it
           to
           come
           
           to
           come
           to
           such
           
             lapses
             ,
             low
             ebbs
          
           and
           distresses
           ?
        
         
           1.
           
           If
           we
           consider
           that
           
             cause
             of
          
           
           God
           which
           is
           on
           foot
           in
           all
           the
           world
           among
           all
           Nations
           ,
           according
           to
           what
           of
           God
           and
           his
           glory
           is
           made
           known
           to
           them
           by
           the
           
             works
             of
             his
             power
             ,
             wisdom
             ,
             bounty
          
           and
           providence
           ;
           also
           by
           those
           innate
           and
           self-demonstrating
           principles
           of
           right
           reason
           ,
           which
           remain
           in
           mens
           hearts
           ,
           as
           the
           measures
           of
           Justice
           ,
           rules
           of
           chastity
           ,
           sobriety
           ,
           veracity
           ,
           humanity
           ,
           and
           the
           impulses
           to
           some
           religion
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           agnition
           and
           reverence
           of
           the
           
             Divine
             Majesty
          
           ;
           even
           this
           
             common
             cause
             of
             God
             in
             nature
             ,
          
           may
           stand
           in
           need
           of
           his
           
             special
             pleading
          
           ,
           by
           the
           great
           degeneration
           of
           
           people
           ,
           when
           they
           have
           
             generally
             corrupted
          
           their
           ways
           ,
           so
           that
           they
           
           are
           
             turned
             beasts
             ,
             monsters
             ,
             devils
          
           in
           pride
           ,
           lust
           ,
           oppression
           and
           cruelty
           in
           contempt
           of
           all
           
             true
             Religion
          
           ,
           in
           
             professed
             and
             practised
             Atheism
          
           ,
           and
           it
           s
           giantly
           consequences
           ,
           prostituting
           all
           things
           to
           debauchery
           and
           villany
           .
        
         
         
           §
           .
           Here
           the
           
             righteousness
             of
             God
             from
             heaven
          
           is
           usually
           so
           revealed
           by
           the
           way
           of
           great
           judgements
           upon
           such
           persons
           ,
           people
           ,
           and
           Nations
           ,
           by
           war
           and
           famine
           ,
           or
           plagues
           ,
           or
           inundations
           ,
           or
           fires
           or
           earthquakes
           ,
           that
           the
           remnant
           may
           learn
           to
           
             fear
             God
          
           ,
           and
           do
           no
           more
           so
           presumptuously
           .
           So
           when
           the
           
             Old
             world
          
           
           had
           polluted
           it self
           in
           all
           sensual
           fedities
           ,
           and
           
             Cyclopick
             villanies
          
           ,
           God
           rinsed
           the
           earth
           with
           a
           flood
           ,
           and
           washed
           the
           whole
           race
           of
           mankind
           ,
           
             like
             dung
             ,
             from
             the
             face
             of
             the
             earth
             ,
          
           except
           eight
           persons
           ,
           one
           
             righteous
             Noah
          
           ,
           and
           his
           
             seven
             relations
          
           ;
           God
           makes
           even
           Heathens
           and
           Idolaters
           as
           he
           did
           the
           Athenians
           to
           acknowledge
           there
           is
           (
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           )
           
             an
             unknown
             God
          
           ,
           who
           
           is
           too
           hard
           for
           all
           their
           Idols
           ;
           too
           wise
           for
           their
           policies
           ,
           and
           too
           just
           to
           be
           either
           deceived
           or
           despised
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           Thus
           
             Gods
             cause
          
           was
           driven
           to
           a
           necessity
           of
           some
           judicial
           and
           extraordinary
           pleading
           against
           those
           
             proud
             and
             presumptuous
             builders
          
           of
           
           Babel
           ,
           who
           fancied
           to
           ascend
           (
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           )
           above
           the
           reach
           of
           a
           future
           
           flood
           ,
           forgetting
           that
           God
           had
           not
           only
           Seas
           and
           waters
           to
           bring
           upon
           them
           from
           the
           great
           deep
           ,
           but
           thunderbolts
           also
           and
           fire
           from
           above
           to
           cast
           upon
           them
           ,
           as
           he
           did
           upon
           Sodom
           and
           those
           other
           Cities
           who
           burning
           
           with
           unnatural
           lusts
           (
           the
           effect
           of
           high
           feeding
           and
           idleness
           )
           were
           made
           the
           fuel
           of
           everlasting
           flames
           .
        
         
           So
           when
           the
           sins
           of
           the
           Canaanitish
           
           Nations
           were
           ripe
           ,
           and
           their
           
             measure
             full
          
           ,
           God
           brings
           in
           the
           sickle
           of
           the
           
             Israelites
             swords
          
           ;
           a
           Nation
           which
           ▪
           of
           all
           in
           the
           world
           they
           would
           not
           have
           feared
           or
           suspected
           ,
           having
           lately
           been
           under
           hard
           bondage
           in
           Egypt
           ,
           and
           their
           spirits
           so
           infinitely
           cowed
           ,
           that
           being
           Six
           hundred
           thousand
           fighting
           men
           ,
           they
           durst
           not
           make
           head
           against
           their
           accustomed
           Masters
           ,
           the
           Egyptians
           ;
           yet
           by
           these
           did
           God
           plead
           against
           the
           abominations
           of
           these
           mighty
           Nations
           which
           cried
           to
           heaven
           for
           vengeance
           ,
           even
           to
           an
           utrer
           extirpation
           of
           men
           ,
           women
           and
           children
           ,
           beyond
           all
           pitty
           and
           sparing
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           So
           in
           
             humane
             histories
          
           ,
           we
           shall
           still
           finde
           such
           remarkable
           instances
           
           of
           Gods
           Justice
           ,
           making
           Nations
           punish
           one
           the
           other
           ,
           by
           dashing
           them
           against
           each
           other
           ,
           by
           bringing
           some
           
             desolating
             judgements
          
           upon
           them
           ,
           that
           mankind
           might
           still
           preserve
           some
           fear
           of
           the
           
             Divine
             Majesty
          
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           Thus
           he
           brings
           the
           Median
           and
           Persian
           power
           under
           Cyrus
           and
           Darius
           
           to
           hew
           down
           the
           great
           tree
           of
           the
           
             Babylonian
             pride
             and
             Monarchy
          
           ,
           when
           Balshazzars
           saoriledge
           grew
           so
           impudent
           ,
           as
           to
           use
           the
           holy
           vessels
           of
           Gods
           Temple
           ,
           as
           measures
           for
           his
           drunkenness
           and
           excess
           .
        
         
           After
           this
           ,
           when
           the
           
             Persian
             Monarchy
          
           was
           dissolved
           to
           excessive
           luxury
           and
           tyranny
           under
           the
           last
           Darius
           ,
           God
           brings
           the
           
             Grecian
             sword
          
           by
           the
           conduct
           and
           valour
           of
           
             Alexander
             the
             Great
          
           ,
           to
           mow
           down
           those
           
             Eastern
             Nations
          
           by
           thousands
           and
           ten
           thousands
           ,
           yea
           by
           
             hundred
             thousands
          
           in
           a
           few
           years
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           When
           the
           
             Greoian
             Princes
          
           which
           set
           up
           for
           themselves
           ,
           in
           their
           seve
           ral
           shares
           of
           that
           
             Macedonian
             Empire
          
           ,
           in
           Persia
           ,
           in
           Egypt
           ,
           in
           the
           
           lesser
           Asia
           ,
           and
           in
           Greece
           ,
           when
           these
           were
           debased
           to
           all
           vile
           affections
           and
           actions
           ,
           against
           the
           principles
           of
           their
           own
           Philosophy
           and
           Divinity
           (
           to
           which
           they
           pretended
           .
           )
        
         
           Then
           did
           the
           Lord
           stir
           up
           the
           fourth
           Beast
           ,
           the
           
             Roman
             Empire
          
           ,
           
           with
           Iron
           Feet
           and
           Teeth
           ,
           to
           tear
           ,
           devour
           and
           trample
           ,
           all
           the
           others
           power
           and
           glory
           ,
           their
           riches
           and
           dominions
           .
           As
           all
           private
           judgements
           are
           Gods
           pleading
           against
           
             single
             persons
          
           ;
           so
           
             Epidemick
             miseries
          
           ,
           do
           proclaim
           some
           publique
           indignities
           and
           extraordinary
           injuries
           offered
           to
           the
           Divine
           Majesty
           ,
           contrary
           to
           those
           principles
           of
           reason
           justice
           and
           Religion
           ,
           which
           were
           known
           among
           them
           ;
           their
           very
           light
           being
           
             turned
             into
             darkness
          
           ,
           and
           the
           bounty
           
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           all
           manner
           of
           wickedness
           ;
           when
           his
           blessings
           to
           them
           had
           in
           vain
           been
           witness
           of
           his
           goodness
           to
           them
           ,
           he
           comes
           as
           a
           swift
           witness
           in
           storms
           and
           tempests
           of
           desolation
           ,
           against
           them
           ,
           which
           none
           could
           withstand
           ,
           or
           escape
           ;
           as
           is
           to
           this
           day
           oft
           seen
           
           even
           among
           
             Mahometans
             ,
             Tarters
             ,
             Chineses
          
           ,
           and
           Indians
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Since
           the
           Church
           of
           
           God
           is
           more
           peculiarly
           and
           eminently
           
             his
             Cause
          
           ,
           under
           his
           special
           care
           and
           cognisance
           ,
           the
           chief
           Quaere
           is
           ,
           how
           this
           comes
           to
           need
           Gods
           
             own
             immediate
             pleading
          
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           By
           open
           
             enemies
             ,
             persecuting
          
           ,
           
           opposing
           ,
           and
           many
           times
           utterly
           
             oppressing
             the
             Church
             of
             God
          
           ,
           as
           Vultures
           or
           Eagles
           seising
           on
           Pigeons
           ,
           or
           as
           
             Lions
             ,
             Bears
          
           and
           Wolves
           ,
           on
           Lambs
           and
           Sheep
           .
        
         
           So
           when
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           
           grew
           from
           a
           family
           ,
           to
           the
           Nation
           
             of
             the
             Jews
          
           ,
           and
           were
           owned
           by
           God
           as
           his
           
             peculiar
             people
          
           and
           concern
           above
           all
           the
           world
           ,
           all
           the
           world
           was
           generally
           against
           them
           ,
           and
           sought
           not
           onely
           to
           despise
           but
           destroy
           them
           as
           
             gentem
             exitiabilem
          
           ,
           a
           vile
           and
           execrable
           Nation
           ,
           as
           Tacitus
           terms
           them
           :
           So
           Pharoah
           first
           and
           the
           Egyptians
           held
           them
           under
           hard
           bondage
           ,
           till
           they
           were
           weary
           of
           life
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           of
           their
           burthens
           ;
           
           there
           was
           none
           to
           plead
           their
           cause
           ,
           
             but
             God
          
           ,
           who
           did
           it
           at
           last
           to
           purpose
           ,
           
           with
           an
           high
           hand
           ,
           and
           
             out-stretched
             arm
          
           ,
           confuting
           Pharaohs
           Pride
           and
           obstinacy
           (
           with
           the
           
             Egyptian
             Gods
          
           )
           in
           the
           red
           Sea
           ;
           when
           no
           other
           miracles
           in
           lesser
           drops
           would
           soften
           their
           hard
           hearts
           ,
           he
           soaked
           them
           in
           such
           
             great
             waters
          
           ,
           as
           quite
           drowned
           them
           .
        
         
           After
           this
           ,
           how
           oft
           was
           the
           little
           flock
           of
           Gods
           Church
           ,
           as
           a
           
             speckled
             Bird
          
           in
           the
           Wilderness
           ,
           surrounded
           with
           Enemies
           ,
           as
           a
           Lilly
           
           among
           Thorns
           ?
           there
           was
           Gebal
           ,
           and
           
           Ammon
           ,
           and
           Ameleck
           ,
           the
           Philistines
           
           and
           they
           of
           Tyre
           ,
           the
           
             Assyrian
             ,
             Arabian
             ,
             Egyptian
          
           ,
           all
           were
           against
           them
           ;
           from
           not
           onely
           reason
           of
           State
           ,
           but
           of
           Religion
           ,
           where
           different
           principles
           make
           the
           most
           
             deadly
             antipathies
          
           ,
           and
           
             desperate
             f●wds
          
           .
        
         
           Thus
           the
           wild
           Bore
           sometimes
           
           with
           power
           ,
           other
           while
           the
           subtil
           Foxes
           ,
           of
           
             Mungril
             Jews
          
           ,
           and
           half
           Idolaters
           ,
           with
           fly
           insinuations
           ,
           sought
           to
           pull
           down
           and
           waste
           the
           peace
           ,
           honour
           ,
           plenty
           ,
           safety
           ,
           and
           Religion
           of
           the
           Jews
           .
        
         
           Thus
           the
           Heathens
           raged
           ,
           and
           their
           Princes
           set
           themselves
           against
           
           the
           Lord
           and
           his
           cause
           ,
           fulfilled
           that
           
           first
           prophecy
           of
           an
           
             irreconcileable
             enmity
          
           between
           the
           
             Serpent
             and
             the
             seed
             of
             the
             Woman
          
           ;
           All
           the
           gods
           and
           Demons
           ,
           all
           the
           Oracles
           and
           Priests
           ,
           all
           the
           Poets
           and
           Prophets
           ,
           all
           the
           
             Orators
             &
             Historians
          
           ,
           all
           the
           
             great
             Princes
          
           and
           
             valiant
             Soldiers
          
           ,
           and
           
             subtil
             Polititians
          
           
           all
           the
           
             Wise
             men
          
           and
           Philosophers
           ,
           set
           themselves
           to
           despise
           ,
           to
           reproach
           ,
           to
           oppress
           ,
           and
           extirpate
           the
           name
           and
           Nation
           ,
           and
           
             Religion
             of
             the
             Jews
          
           ,
           (
           which
           was
           that
           of
           the
           true
           God
           ,
           )
           from
           under
           Heaven
           ,
           as
           a
           most
           
             pestilent
             people
          
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           most
           
             detestable
             superstition
          
           .
        
         
           Afterwards
           when
           the
           
             blossoms
             of
          
           
           
             Judaick
             ceremonies
          
           fell
           off
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           fulness
           of
           time
           the
           ripe
           fruit
           of
           Messias
           came
           into
           the
           world
           ,
           in
           
             spirit
             and
             in
             truth
          
           ,
           that
           all
           Nations
           
           might
           worship
           the
           true
           God
           aright
           ,
           in
           every
           place
           ,
           without
           confinement
           ,
           I
           need
           not
           tell
           you
           (
           who
           are
           not
           ignorant
           of
           Scriptural
           ,
           and
           
             Ecclesiastical
             Histories
          
           )
           how
           from
           Herods
           malice
           and
           subtilty
           ,
           seeking
           
           to
           destroy
           Christ
           in
           his
           cradle
           ,
           and
           satiating
           his
           defeated
           malice
           (
           like
           
           a
           worrying
           Wolf
           ,
           or
           raging
           Bear
           ,
           with
           the
           massacring
           of
           so
           many
           innocent
           children
           (
           who
           were
           ever
           esteemed
           by
           the
           antient
           Church
           ,
           as
           Infant-Martyrs
           ,
           suffering
           in
           Christs
           stead
           ,
           and
           upon
           the
           first
           occasion
           of
           
             his
             cause
          
           pleaded
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           by
           the
           baptism
           of
           their
           own
           blood
           ,
           until
           Constantine
           the
           Great
           's
           days
           of
           refreshing
           and
           rest
           for
           a
           season
           )
           the
           
             true
             Church
          
           and
           
             cause
             of
             God
          
           was
           never
           out
           of
           the
           
             furnace
             of
             tribulation
          
           ,
           martyrdoms
           ,
           fears
           ,
           afflictions
           ,
           and
           
           dayly
           deaths
           :
           true
           ,
           the
           bellows
           did
           not
           always
           blow
           up
           the
           fire
           and
           fury
           of
           men
           to
           the
           same
           flames
           ,
           but
           there
           wanted
           not
           those
           ,
           as
           Decius
           and
           others
           ,
           who
           envied
           Christians
           their
           numerous
           ,
           cheerful
           and
           speedy
           Martyrdoms
           ,
           of
           which
           they
           were
           so
           ambitious
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           Nothing
           was
           more
           wonted
           in
           the
           mouths
           of
           the
           people
           ,
           than
           ,
           what
           they
           clamored
           against
           ,
           Polycarp
           ,
           (
           a
           primitive
           Bishop
           of
           Smyrna
           in
           S.
           Johns
           days
           )
           
             Tolle
             Atheos
          
           ,
           away
           with
           these
           Atheists
           ,
           and
           
             Christiani
             ad
             Leones
          
           ;
           Christians
           were
           thought
           such
           beasts
           ,
           that
           they
           
           were
           onely
           fit
           to
           fight
           with
           ,
           and
           to
           feed
           Beast
           ;
           or
           to
           be
           baited
           in
           Beasts
           skins
           ;
           Yea
           
             nomen
             ,
             crimen
          
           ,
           (
           as
           Tertullian
           observes
           )
           men
           were
           so
           mad
           against
           them
           ,
           and
           gnashed
           
             on
             them
          
           ,
           as
           the
           Jews
           
             against
             S.
             Stephen
          
           ,
           
           that
           they
           would
           not
           examine
           their
           cause
           or
           crime
           ,
           thinking
           it
           accusation
           enough
           ,
           that
           they
           owned
           themselves
           Christians
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           Dioclesian
           makes
           such
           havock
           (
           as
           
             Decumanus
             fluctus
          
           )
           after
           others
           ,
           that
           he
           not
           onely
           cut
           up
           the
           harvest
           ,
           but
           raked
           the
           gleaning
           of
           Christians
           in
           all
           the
           
             Roman
             Empire
          
           (
           even
           so
           far
           as
           here
           in
           England
           ,
           where
           S.
           Albanus
           and
           others
           were
           Martyred
           )
           that
           he
           gloried
           and
           triumphed
           ,
           and
           set
           up
           Trophies
           for
           the
           
             extirpation
             of
             the
             Christian
             superstition
          
           .
           At
           this
           
             dead
             lift
          
           was
           the
           Church
           of
           Christ
           and
           
             cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           when
           the
           Bishops
           of
           the
           Churches
           were
           banished
           ,
           or
           Butchered
           ;
           the
           Presbyters
           starved
           ,
           destroyed
           ,
           and
           scattered
           ;
           The
           Oratories
           and
           Temples
           ,
           or
           Churches
           all
           demolished
           ,
           or
           put
           to
           prophane
           uses
           ;
           the
           Christian
           people
           condemned
           to
           the
           
             Mettals
             ,
             Islands
             ,
             Prisons
          
           ,
           
           
             Limekills
             ,
             Racks
             ,
             Gibbets
          
           ,
           and
           Fires
           .
        
         
           Thus
           did
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           as
           to
           the
           Christian
           Church
           stand
           ,
           or
           rather
           fal
           ,
           for
           the
           first
           three
           hundred
           years
           ,
           under
           Heatheninsh
           Persecutors
           ,
           and
           the
           oppositions
           of
           Philosophy
           ,
           or
           science
           falsely
           so
           called
           ,
           which
           yet
           afterward
           came
           to
           naught
           ,
           as
           all
           power
           and
           polity
           will
           at
           last
           do
           ,
           which
           set
           themselves
           to
           oppose
           the
           cause
           ,
           the
           truth
           ,
           the
           Church
           and
           servants
           of
           the
           living
           God.
           
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           After
           the
           Church
           had
           
           some
           rest
           in
           Constantines
           time
           ,
           by
           the
           suppression
           of
           
             Heathenish
             fury
          
           ,
           and
           
             Idolatrous
             folly
          
           ;
           yet
           was
           the
           
             cause
             of
             God
          
           not
           without
           its
           following
           conflicts
           ,
           by
           reason
           of
           Hypocrites
           ,
           
           
             Hereticks
             ,
             Schismaticks
             ,
             false
             Apostles
             ,
             Hucksters
             of
             religion
             ,
          
           
           
             deceitful
             workers
             ,
             Wolves
             in
             sheeps
          
           
           cloathing
           ,
           who
           delighted
           to
           divide
           and
           destroy
           ,
           to
           shake
           foundations
           ,
           and
           shipwrack
           consciences
           ,
           to
           lead
           
             Disciples
             after
             them
          
           by
           factions
           ,
           partialities
           ,
           and
           respect
           of
           persons
           ,
           either
           darkening
           the
           verity
           ,
           or
           dividing
           the
           unity
           ,
           or
           defacing
           the
           
           uniformity
           ,
           or
           destroying
           the
           authority
           ,
           or
           confounding
           that
           order
           and
           subordination
           which
           Christ
           and
           his
           Apostles
           left
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           Christ
           ;
           men
           full
           of
           lusts
           and
           pride
           ,
           daily
           spawned
           innovations
           in
           the
           doctrine
           ,
           or
           in
           the
           faith
           ,
           or
           in
           the
           customs
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           forms
           of
           Religion
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           Such
           were
           all
           those
           pristine
           Hereticks
           and
           Schismaticks
           ,
           whose
           names
           and
           deeds
           deserve
           to
           be
           buried
           with
           their
           damnable
           doctrines
           ,
           and
           uncharitable
           factions
           in
           eternal
           forgetfulness
           ;
           they
           are
           too
           many
           and
           too
           odious
           to
           repeat
           :
           I
           would
           to
           God
           they
           were
           not
           digged
           up
           out
           of
           their
           graves
           in
           our
           days
           by
           some
           carrionly
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           who
           searching
           the
           graves
           ,
           and
           raking
           the
           kennels
           of
           old
           errors
           ,
           seek
           to
           fill
           the
           
             English
             world
          
           with
           such
           odious
           ,
           noysom
           and
           unsavory
           spectacles
           both
           of
           opinions
           and
           practices
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           Who
           that
           is
           learned
           can
           be
           ignorant
           of
           the
           prevalent
           numbers
           and
           powers
           of
           the
           
             Novatians
             ,
             Arrians
          
           and
           Donatists
           ;
           what
           petulancy
           and
           cruelty
           they
           used
           against
           
           the
           
             Orthodox
             Cause
          
           ,
           challenging
           the
           Cause
           and
           Church
           of
           God
           wholly
           and
           only
           to
           themselves
           ;
           what
           despite
           they
           had
           against
           St.
           
             Cyprian
             ,
             Athanasius
          
           ,
           St.
           Cyril
           ,
           St.
           Hilary
           ,
           St.
           
             Augustine
             ,
             Optatus
          
           and
           others
           ,
           that
           opposed
           ,
           routed
           and
           confounded
           their
           contumacious
           impudence
           ?
           Thus
           was
           the
           Cause
           of
           Christ
           one
           whole
           age
           or
           century
           ,
           like
           
             Noahs
             Ark
          
           ,
           floating
           in
           a
           deluge
           of
           
             Arrian
             perfidy
          
           and
           persecution
           ,
           to
           its
           own
           grief
           and
           astonishment
           ,
           till
           God
           took
           the
           matter
           into
           
             his
             own
             hand
          
           ,
           and
           pleading
           the
           Cause
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           his
           eternal
           Godhead
           against
           both
           people
           ,
           and
           Bishops
           ,
           and
           Emperors
           ,
           that
           were
           infected
           with
           that
           pestilence
           ;
           for
           the
           inundation
           of
           the
           Goths
           and
           Vandals
           ,
           the
           Huns
           and
           Heruls
           ,
           the
           Gauls
           and
           Daci
           ,
           seemed
           no
           other
           but
           the
           fountains
           of
           the
           
             great
             deep
          
           ,
           broke
           up
           to
           wash
           away
           with
           
             humane
             blood
          
           the
           blasphemies
           ,
           with
           which
           the
           Christian
           world
           was
           then
           polluted
           ,
           against
           the
           glory
           and
           honor
           of
           the
           Son
           and
           
             Spirit
             of
             the
             blessed
             God
          
           ;
           when
           times
           were
           such
           that
           
           men
           would
           not
           endure
           
             sound
             doctrine
          
           ,
           
           but
           heaped
           up
           teachers
           ,
           and
           clucked
           together
           Councils
           and
           conventicles
           according
           to
           their
           own
           lusts
           and
           interests
           ,
           without
           any
           regard
           to
           the
           primitive
           Faith
           ,
           and
           practice
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           Christ
           ,
           which
           was
           so
           zealously
           tender
           for
           the
           Cause
           of
           Christ
           ,
           that
           they
           loved
           not
           their
           lives
           unto
           death
           ,
           but
           rather
           chose
           (
           
             mille
             mortes
          
           )
           a
           thousand
           deaths
           ,
           then
           once
           to
           
             crucifie
             again
             ,
             or
             deny
             the
             Lord
             that
             bought
             them
             .
          
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           The
           
             Cause
             of
             God
             may
          
           
           
             need
             his
             special
             pleading
          
           ,
           by
           reason
           of
           the
           
             great
             corruption
             of
             manners
          
           ,
           which
           like
           weeds
           grow
           in
           the
           
             garden
             of
             God
          
           ,
           or
           as
           tares
           in
           the
           field
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           which
           was
           first
           
           sown
           with
           good
           seed
           .
           Thus
           as
           
             Eusebius
             ,
             Salvian
             ,
             Suspitius-Severus
          
           and
           othes
           observe
           ,
           Christian
           Religion
           suffered
           more
           by
           the
           
             evil
             lives
             of
             Christians
          
           ,
           then
           by
           the
           
             malice
             of
             persecutors
          
           ,
           or
           Hereticks
           ;
           men
           that
           had
           sound
           heads
           as
           to
           doctrine
           and
           Faith
           ,
           yet
           had
           
             foul
             hearts
          
           ;
           their
           brains
           good
           ,
           but
           their
           
             breath
             ,
             lungs
          
           
           and
           liver
           were
           naught
           .
           This
           contagion
           sometimes
           seised
           Pastors
           and
           Flocks
           ,
           by
           
             idleness
             ,
             pride
             ,
             luxury
             ,
             vain
             pomps
             ,
          
           and
           superfluous
           ceremonies
           ,
           by
           secular
           policies
           ,
           uncharitable
           actions
           ,
           and
           scandalous
           practices
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           made
           the
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           and
           the
           name
           
             Christ
             to
             be
             blasphemed
          
           and
           abhorred
           by
           many
           ;
           while
           they
           could
           not
           reconcile
           the
           holiness
           of
           Christians
           faith
           and
           doctrine
           ,
           with
           the
           solecisms
           of
           their
           sordid
           actions
           ,
           and
           shameful
           lives
           .
        
         
           Hence
           came
           over
           the
           Western
           
           Churches
           that
           thick
           
             Egyptian
             darkness
          
           for
           many
           hundred
           of
           years
           ;
           in
           which
           religion
           was
           made
           up
           for
           the
           most
           part
           with
           Images
           and
           Pictures
           ,
           with
           beads
           and
           
             latin
             prayers
          
           ,
           with
           repeated
           
             Pater
             nosters
          
           and
           
             Ave
             Maries
          
           ;
           which
           people
           understood
           not
           ,
           nor
           the
           Priests
           many
           times
           ;
           with
           
             Purgatory
             ,
             Masses
          
           and
           Indulgencies
           ,
           with
           infinite
           superstitious
           ceremonies
           ,
           and
           empty
           formalities
           ,
           besides
           idle
           fables
           ,
           and
           vain
           janglings
           ,
           which
           like
           
             heaps
             of
             chaff
          
           had
           buried
           the
           good
           
             wheat
             of
             Gods
          
           
           floor
           ,
           and
           the
           glory
           of
           divine
           institutions
           ,
           to
           make
           way
           for
           Monastick
           superstitions
           ,
           Idolatrous
           adorations
           ,
           and
           Papal
           usurpations
           ,
           which
           were
           built
           on
           the
           flatteries
           of
           some
           ,
           and
           the
           fedities
           of
           others
           ,
           who
           easily
           dispenced
           with
           the
           honor
           of
           marriage
           ,
           when
           they
           had
           so
           cheap
           pardons
           for
           those
           extravagancies
           and
           impurities
           ,
           in
           which
           many
           lived
           ,
           under
           the
           vail
           of
           celibacy
           ,
           but
           far
           enough
           from
           pure
           ,
           unspotted
           ,
           and
           unviolated
           virginity
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           To
           this
           
             Augean
             stable
          
           was
           the
           Church
           of
           Christ
           and
           Cause
           of
           God
           brought
           ,
           by
           the
           depravedness
           of
           Christian
           manners
           ,
           by
           the
           rust
           and
           moss
           of
           superstition
           ,
           before
           the
           Reformation
           began
           to
           dawn
           in
           this
           western
           World
           ;
           An
           
             hundred
             grievances
          
           ,
           were
           at
           once
           complained
           of
           ,
           many
           confessed
           ,
           some
           for
           very
           shame
           reformed
           by
           even
           those
           of
           the
           Roman
           party
           ,
           who
           with
           infinite
           blood-shed
           in
           former
           ages
           ,
           fought
           (
           under
           the
           Notion
           of
           
             holy
             Wars
          
           )
           not
           only
           against
           
             Turks
             ,
             Jews
          
           ,
           and
           Sarazens
           ,
           but
           against
           good
           ,
           at
           
           least
           tolerable
           Christians
           ,
           who
           might
           have
           their
           errors
           and
           fayling
           in
           some
           things
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           sure
           they
           kept
           nearer
           to
           the
           primitive
           piety
           ,
           purity
           ,
           and
           patience
           ,
           both
           in
           faith
           ,
           administrations
           and
           manners
           ,
           than
           did
           their
           proud
           and
           merciless
           destroyers
           ;
           who
           eat
           up
           those
           ,
           poor
           Christians
           ,
           as
           bread
           ,
           and
           turned
           their
           cruel
           Croisadoes
           to
           crucifie
           their
           brethren
           ,
           breaking
           their
           fast
           sometimes
           with
           20000.
           of
           the
           poor
           
             Albigenses
             ,
             Lugdunenses
             ,
             Waldenses
             ,
             Berengarians
             ,
             VVicklesites
             ,
             Hussites
             ,
             Bohemians
          
           and
           others
           ;
           proportionably
           were
           their
           dinners
           and
           suppers
           when
           the
           Popes
           flatterers
           and
           vassals
           had
           a
           mind
           to
           fall
           upon
           them
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           Yea
           ,
           and
           at
           this
           day
           (
           even
           
           among
           the
           reformed
           Churches
           )
           the
           
             purity
             ,
             simplicity
             ,
             honesty
             ,
             charity
             ,
             modesty
             ,
          
           and
           
             equanimity
             of
             Reformers
          
           is
           so
           abated
           and
           wasted
           by
           the
           
             pride
             ,
             animosity
             ,
             bitterness
             ,
             sacriledge
             ,
             rapines
             ,
             cruelties
             ,
             ambitions
          
           and
           covetousness
           among
           Protestants
           ,
           besides
           their
           endless
           factions
           ,
           under
           pretentions
           of
           reformation
           ,
           immoderations
           ,
           novellizings
           .
           
           and
           confusions
           .
           That
           thi●
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           true
           reforming
           of
           religion
           and
           just
           protesting
           against
           Romish
           errors
           and
           enormities
           ,
           is
           brought
           very
           low
           ,
           as
           in
           other
           places
           and
           Churches
           ,
           so
           in
           England
           ,
           which
           was
           the
           greatest
           
             beauty
             ,
             honour
             ,
             stability
             ,
             refuge
          
           and
           safety
           of
           the
           reformed
           Religion
           ▪
           and
           that
           cause
           
             of
             Christ
          
           which
           hath
           been
           so
           learned
           and
           valiantly
           pleaded
           by
           the
           Clergy
           and
           Layty
           ,
           the
           Princes
           and
           Parliaments
           ,
           the
           Martyrs
           and
           professors
           ,
           reverend
           Bishops
           and
           learned
           Presbyters
           ,
           against
           the
           Roman
           Usurpation
           ,
           
             Superstition
             ,
             Sacriledg
          
           ,
           and
           Idolatry
           ,
           which
           are
           (
           without
           doubt
           )
           so
           far
           Antichristian
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           clearly
           against
           the
           
             Doctrine
             ,
             example
          
           and
           
             institution
             of
             Christ
          
           ,
           besides
           the
           judgment
           and
           practice
           of
           his
           primitive
           Churches
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           Even
           this
           cause
           (
           I
           say
           )
           is
           now
           ●ick
           and
           ashamed
           of
           it self
           ,
           so
           decayed
           ,
           disparaged
           ,
           and
           divided
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           next
           degree
           to
           being
           destroyed
           ,
           and
           despised
           by
           all
           ,
           unless
           
             God
             arise
          
           by
           some
           extraordinary
           
           way
           of
           his
           providence
           to
           plead
           and
           assert
           this
           his
           own
           cause
           of
           a
           just
           and
           due
           reformation
           ,
           against
           the
           factious
           policies
           and
           Fanatick
           fallacies
           of
           unreasonable
           men
           ,
           whose
           (
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           )
           immoderations
           and
           transports
           have
           marred
           all
           by
           their
           King
           killing
           ,
           rapine
           and
           sacriledg
           ,
           unless
           God
           arise
           to
           judge
           the
           earth
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           Nor
           is
           this
           the
           first
           time
           that
           God
           hath
           helped
           this
           Church
           and
           the
           
             Reformed
             Religion
          
           at
           a
           
             dead
             lift
          
           ;
           for
           so
           it
           was
           in
           
             Queen
             Maries
             days
          
           ,
           when
           the
           reformed
           party
           made
           conscience
           not
           to
           rebel
           against
           their
           persecuting
           Soveraigne
           Princess
           ,
           when
           her
           persecution
           was
           according
           to
           her
           perswasion
           and
           conscience
           ,
           yea
           they
           pleaded
           and
           asserted
           her
           civil
           rights
           ,
           committing
           the
           cause
           of
           their
           Religion
           and
           
           Reformation
           to
           God
           ,
           with
           their
           loyal
           souls
           and
           consciences
           in
           well
           doing
           and
           patience
           :
           There
           did
           God
           arise
           in
           his
           due
           time
           ,
           and
           do
           his
           own
           works
           in
           his
           own
           way
           ,
           to
           the
           great
           honour
           of
           the
           reformed
           Religion
           ,
           which
           had
           first
           the
           crowns
           of
           so
           many
           Martyrdoms
           on
           its
           head
           ,
           
           without
           the
           least
           spot
           of
           civil
           
             Tumults
             ,
             Wars
             ,
             Seditions
          
           ,
           or
           Rebellions
           ,
           on
           the
           hearts
           or
           hands
           of
           the
           reforming
           Clergy
           ,
           and
           reformed
           people
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           By
           which
           
             preposterous
             methods
          
           of
           latter
           years
           ,
           mightily
           cryed
           up
           and
           carryed
           on
           by
           some
           men
           in
           order
           to
           reformation
           of
           Religion
           ,
           not
           onely
           Religion
           is
           become
           retrograde
           many
           degrees
           ,
           if
           we
           look
           to
           the
           
             Dial
             of
             Gods
             word
          
           ,
           and
           the
           primitive
           ,
           Christians
           practice
           ,
           as
           it
           pretends
           to
           be
           reformed
           ;
           but
           even
           as
           it
           is
           Christian
           too
           ▪
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           
           Doctrine
           and
           imitation
           of
           a
           crucified
           ,
           not
           a
           crucifying
           Saviour
           :
           The
           lines
           which
           some
           men
           have
           drawn
           ,
           as
           the
           measures
           of
           their
           Doctrine
           and
           deeds
           ,
           are
           very
           excentrick
           and
           wide
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           wonted
           ▪
           centre
           of
           Gods
           glory
           ,
           the
           circumference
           of
           Scripture
           truth
           ,
           and
           that
           strait
           rule
           of
           charity
           by
           which
           those
           two
           were
           wont
           to
           meet
           in
           the
           conscience
           and
           
             conversation
             of
             good
             Christians
          
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           Nor
           will
           either
           
             Christian
             Religion
          
           or
           
             just
             Reformation
          
           appear
           in
           their
           true
           beauty
           and
           honor
           ,
           while
           
           these
           are
           so
           far
           at
           distance
           and
           separated
           from
           each
           other
           ,
           that
           either
           verity
           and
           charity
           ,
           patience
           and
           subjection
           ,
           truth
           and
           peace
           are
           wanting
           in
           the
           ways
           of
           Christians
           .
        
         
           In
           the
           close
           of
           this
           second
           general
           
           Question
           ,
           it
           is
           fit
           to
           answer
           that
           other
           branch
           of
           it
           also
           ,
           Why
           God
           so
           wise
           ,
           so
           potent
           ,
           so
           good
           ,
           s
           gracious
           ,
           so
           compassionate
           and
           so
           vigilant
           for
           his
           
             own
             Cause
          
           ,
           that
           is
           his
           Glory
           and
           great
           Name
           (
           which
           is
           so
           much
           bound
           up
           in
           his
           Churches
           welfare
           )
           yet
           suffers
           it
           many
           times
           so
           far
           to
           
             run
             to
             lapse
          
           ,
           seeming
           ruine
           and
           despair
           in
           the
           eyes
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           in
           the
           triumphs
           of
           his
           enemies
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           despondencies
           of
           his
           servants
           ;
           that
           they
           give
           all
           for
           gone
           ,
           save
           only
           a
           little
           hold
           and
           hope
           they
           have
           in
           their
           prayers
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           precious
           promises
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           whom
           nothing
           is
           impossible
           or
           hard
           that
           is
           worthy
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           
             who
             is
             a
             present
             help
          
           ,
           both
           inward
           and
           outward
           ,
           
             in
             time
             of
             trouble
          
           ,
           when
           his
           time
           of
           help
           is
           come
           ?
        
         
           The
           Reasons
           of
           Gods
           permitting
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           his
           Cause
           thus
           to
           lapse
           for
           a
           time
           ,
           as
           silent
           and
           unconcerned
           ,
           or
           as
           not
           seeing
           ,
           nor
           regarding
           the
           
             low
             estate
             of
             his
             Church
          
           ,
           may
           in
           brief
           be
           these
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           To
           let
           wicked
           men
           see
           what
           
           is
           in
           
             fundo
             cordium
          
           ,
           in
           the
           bottom
           and
           lees
           of
           their
           hearts
           ,
           if
           they
           be
           let
           alone
           unpunished
           and
           unrestrained
           
           to
           the
           very
           dregs
           of
           their
           malice
           ,
           what
           a
           perfect
           enmity
           and
           hatred
           they
           have
           to
           
             God
             and
             his
             Cause
          
           ,
           which
           is
           his
           
             Truth
             ,
             Word
             and
             VVorship
          
           ,
           yea
           every
           grace
           ,
           and
           vertue
           ,
           or
           good
           work
           ,
           yea
           all
           rules
           of
           justice
           ,
           good
           laws
           and
           decent
           order
           in
           Church
           and
           State
           ;
           that
           as
           the
           
             thoughts
             of
             their
             hearts
             are
             onely
             evil
             and
             that
             continually
             ,
          
           so
           will
           the
           actings
           of
           their
           lives
           ,
           if
           left
           to
           themselves
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           For
           the
           trial
           of
           his
           grace
           in
           
           those
           that
           are
           
             upright
             in
             heart
          
           ,
           and
           on
           Gods
           side
           ,
           that
           their
           
             prayers
             ,
             faith
             ,
             zeal
             ,
             patience
             ,
             perseverance
             ,
          
           and
           
             Christian
             courage
          
           ,
           together
           with
           
           their
           love
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           charity
           even
           to
           enemies
           ,
           with
           their
           compassion
           for
           the
           Church
           ,
           may
           be
           manifested
           :
           
           Hence
           (
           as
           St.
           Paul
           tells
           us
           1
           Cor.
           11.
           )
           God
           permits
           Heresies
           ,
           and
           Apostasies
           ,
           and
           Schisms
           ,
           to
           rise
           and
           
             prevail
             in
             the
             Church
          
           ,
           yea
           and
           many
           sinful
           ,
           at
           least
           superstitious
           corruptions
           in
           doctrine
           and
           manners
           ;
           that
           by
           such
           trials
           the
           sounder
           sort
           may
           be
           approved
           ,
           who
           in
           the
           hour
           of
           temptation
           persevere
           without
           shipwrack
           of
           faith
           or
           good
           conscience
           ,
           either
           in
           their
           judgement
           or
           conversation
           ,
           which
           is
           still
           such
           as
           
             becomes
             the
             Gospel
             of
             Christ
          
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           God
           permits
           these
           
             lapses
             and
          
           
           
             oppressions
             of
             Religion
          
           ,
           to
           punish
           by
           penal
           induration
           and
           blindness
           the
           obstinate
           and
           presumptuous
           sinners
           ,
           who
           gratifie
           their
           immoralities
           and
           lusts
           ,
           by
           their
           errors
           and
           Apostacies
           ,
           letting
           them
           alone
           to
           
             add
             sin
             to
             sin
          
           ,
           
           and
           
             to
             fill
             up
             the
             measure
             of
             their
             iniquity
             .
          
           Hence
           they
           are
           given
           up
           
             to
             strong
             delusions
             ,
             to
             believe
             fables
             ,
             and
          
           
           
             speak
             lyes
             in
             hypocrisie
          
           ,
           because
           they
           
             with-held
             the
             truth
             in
             unrighteousness
          
           ,
           
           
           and
           loved
           the
           darkness
           of
           sottish
           
           superstition
           and
           confusion
           ,
           more
           then
           the
           truth
           and
           power
           ,
           purity
           
           and
           order
           of
           Religion
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           The
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           is
           many
           
           times
           under
           
             great
             depressions
          
           ,
           that
           by
           such
           
             fiery
             trials
          
           God
           may
           purge
           away
           the
           dross
           of
           such
           as
           are
           for
           the
           main
           sincerely
           good
           ;
           but
           yet
           gradually
           lukewarm
           ,
           too
           secure
           ,
           too
           sensual
           ,
           too
           carnal
           and
           worldly
           ,
           too
           self-conceited
           ,
           and
           self-seeking
           ;
           they
           are
           cast
           into
           the
           furnace
           of
           affliction
           to
           wean
           their
           affections
           from
           the
           fleshly
           and
           sensual
           world
           ,
           to
           prepare
           them
           for
           death
           ,
           and
           a
           better
           life
           ,
           by
           a
           nearer
           conformity
           to
           Christ
           in
           his
           cross
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           not
           think
           the
           greatest
           reward
           of
           Christian
           piety
           to
           be
           had
           in
           this
           world
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           embrace
           (
           
             nudum
             Christum
             &
             crucifixum
          
           )
           Christ
           with
           the
           cross
           as
           well
           as
           with
           the
           crown
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           Lastly
           ,
           It
           is
           
             magnum
             praejudicium
          
           
           
             futuri
             judicii
          
           ;
           an
           evident
           token
           of
           after
           judgement
           and
           future
           recompences
           ,
           which
           shall
           reward
           the
           patience
           and
           perseverance
           of
           the
           godly
           ,
           with
           a
           crown
           of
           glory
           ,
           and
           the
           wicked
           after
           all
           their
           prosperous
           oppressions
           with
           
           the
           fruit
           of
           their
           own
           ways
           ,
           by
           the
           impressions
           of
           divine
           Justice
           ,
           in
           the
           
             ballancing
             of
             eternity
          
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           third
           General
           Head
           is
           ,
           
           
             How
             God
             pleads
             his
             own
             Cause
          
           ;
           1.
           
           Immediately
           ,
           by
           his
           own
           special
           appearing
           for
           it
           against
           his
           and
           his
           Churches
           enemies
           .
           2.
           
           Mediately
           ,
           by
           such
           instruments
           ,
           as
           he
           stirs
           up
           to
           be
           on
           his
           side
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           God
           hath
           his
           pleadings
           in
           several
           
           Courts
           .
           1.
           
           
             In
             foro
             conscienciae
          
           ,
           in
           that
           Court
           of
           conscience
           which
           is
           within
           men
           ;
           sometimes
           God
           pleads
           against
           them
           there
           ,
           filling
           them
           with
           terrors
           and
           stupors
           ,
           with
           horror
           and
           inquietude
           ,
           as
           in
           Cain
           (
           those
           
             surda
             fulmina
             &
             secreta
             fulgura
          
           )
           those
           silent
           thunders
           ,
           and
           unseen
           lightnings
           ,
           which
           make
           them
           self-arraigned
           ,
           accused
           ,
           convinced
           ,
           judged
           and
           condemned
           in
           
             interiori
             tribunali
          
           ,
           at
           the
           bar
           or
           tribunal
           of
           their
           own
           brests
           ,
           as
           were
           Josephs
           brethren
           when
           they
           came
           into
           trouble
           ,
           and
           were
           more
           afraid
           then
           hurt
           ;
           yet
           guilty
           consciences
           
           are
           afraid
           of
           a
           leafs
           shaking
           ,
           and
           their
           own
           shadow
           :
           
             There
             is
             no
             peace
             (
             saith
             my
             God
             )
          
           that
           is
           no
           true
           ,
           well-grounded
           
           and
           constant
           )
           
             to
             the
             wicked
          
           ,
           as
           such
           ;
           they
           are
           as
           
             a
             restless
             sea
          
           ,
           not
           only
           foaming
           out
           their
           rage
           and
           fury
           
             against
             God
          
           ,
           but
           filling
           and
           fowling
           themselves
           with
           mire
           and
           
             dirt
             ;
             Prima
             est
             haec
             ultio
             ;
             quod
             se
             Judice
             nemo
             nocens
             absolvitur
          
           ;
           thus
           the
           heathens
           found
           and
           owned
           that
           the
           accuser
           ,
           witness
           ,
           judge
           ,
           condemner
           ,
           and
           tormentor
           ,
           which
           every
           wicked
           man
           had
           in
           his
           own
           soul
           ,
           was
           of
           all
           most
           inexorable
           and
           intolerable
           .
           
             Poena
             autem
             vehemens
          
           ,
           &c.
           
             Nocte
             dieque
             a
             suum
             gestere
             in
             pectore
             testem
             ,
          
           yea
           pestem
           ;
           that
           they
           seem
           sometime
           quiet
           ,
           jolly
           ,
           merry
           and
           secure
           ,
           it
           is
           but
           as
           a
           puddle
           of
           fowl
           water
           ,
           which
           stinks
           the
           more
           it
           stands
           still
           ,
           or
           as
           a
           warm
           gleam
           before
           a
           smart
           showre
           ;
           these
           are
           the
           
             sharp
             Indictments
          
           in
           mens
           own
           souls
           ,
           not
           
             verbal
             pleas
          
           onely
           ,
           but
           forked
           arrows
           ,
           and
           
             poysoned
             darts
          
           ,
           which
           drink
           up
           their
           very
           spirits
           ,
           as
           so
           many
           furies
           ,
           or
           (
           
             animarum
             hirudines
          
           )
           leeches
           of
           their
           souls
           .
        
         
         
           2.
           
           Other
           times
           God
           pleads
           his
           
           
             own
             Cause
          
           in
           the
           
             Court
             of
             conscience
          
           ,
           for
           us
           ,
           and
           in
           our
           behalf
           ,
           in
           troubles
           ,
           doubts
           ,
           darkness
           and
           desertions
           ;
           when
           by
           the
           evil
           of
           times
           (
           as
           Eliah
           ,
           
           
             Jeremiah
             ,
             Baruch
          
           )
           we
           are
           dejected
           ,
           or
           by
           the
           evil
           of
           temptations
           ,
           buffetted
           and
           tossed
           as
           St.
           Paul
           in
           a
           
           long
           and
           dismal
           storm
           ,
           that
           we
           
             see
             no
             light
          
           ;
           there
           the
           promises
           and
           Spirit
           of
           God
           pleads
           for
           us
           ,
           crying
           and
           
             making
             intercession
          
           with
           us
           ,
           commanding
           us
           to
           lay
           
             hold
             on
             his
             strength
          
           ;
           God
           furnisheth
           us
           with
           strong
           reason
           ,
           bidding
           us
           plead
           with
           him
           ,
           and
           urge
           his
           own
           name
           ,
           and
           
           glory
           and
           goodness
           ,
           as
           Moses
           did
           to
           disarm
           an
           angry
           God
           :
           He
           then
           puts
           us
           in
           mind
           of
           Christs
           merits
           ,
           
           who
           is
           our
           righteousness
           ,
           of
           Gods
           free
           gift
           ,
           of
           pardoning
           
             sin
             for
             his
             own
             sake
          
           ,
           of
           the
           
             Law
             fulfilled
          
           ,
           of
           the
           
             no
             condemnation
             to
             them
             that
             are
             in
             Christ
             ,
          
           of
           his
           
             not
             quenching
             the
             smoaking
             flax
          
           ,
           or
           
             breaking
             the
             bruised
             reed
          
           ;
           These
           and
           the
           like
           are
           Gods
           gracious
           pleadings
           in
           us
           and
           for
           us
           ,
           when
           we
           can
           say
           nothing
           for
           our selves
           ;
           as
           a
           Judge
           that
           turns
           Advocate
           for
           a
           
           modest
           and
           
             penitent
             prisoner
          
           .
           God
           stops
           the
           mouth
           of
           the
           great
           accuser
           the
           Devil
           ;
           Christ
           answers
           for
           us
           all
           doubts
           and
           objections
           ,
           all
           debts
           and
           indictments
           ;
           they
           are
           paid
           and
           cancelled
           by
           his
           rich
           and
           gratuitous
           grace
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           God
           pleads
           his
           Cause
           many
           times
           
             in
             foro
             seculi
          
           ,
           by
           the
           visible
           
           instances
           of
           his
           
             special
             power
             and
             providence
          
           ,
           which
           makes
           all
           men
           to
           see
           there
           
             is
             a
             God
             that
             judgeth
             the
             world
             ,
          
           who
           is
           neither
           
             deaf
             nor
             dumb
          
           ,
           neither
           
             negligent
             nor
             impotent
          
           ,
           only
           
             patient
             and
             long-suffering
          
           toward
           his
           adversaries
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           see
           they
           
             had
             space
             of
             repentance
          
           .
           Here
           ,
           the
           pleadings
           of
           God
           ,
           when
           he
           ariseth
           
             terribly
             to
             judge
             the
             world
          
           ,
           and
           
           to
           
             ease
             him
             of
             his
             adversaries
          
           ,
           and
           to
           plead
           the
           cause
           of
           his
           oppressed
           Church
           ,
           are
           most
           worthy
           of
           the
           divine
           majesty
           :
           For
        
         
           1.
           
           They
           are
           most
           just
           in
           themselves
           .
           
           2.
           
           They
           are
           most
           pregnant
           and
           convictive
           in
           mens
           consciences
           ,
           as
           the
           pleas
           of
           God
           ,
           3.
           
           They
           are
           unavoidable
           ,
           and
           irrisistible
           ,
           and
           potent
           .
           4.
           
           They
           carry
           the
           cause
           (
           at
           
           last
           )
           against
           all
           opposition
           ;
           the
           
             highest
             cedars
          
           are
           feld
           by
           it
           ,
           the
           
           greatest
           mountains
           levelled
           :
           Gods
           Cause
           like
           Moses
           his
           serpent
           devours
           all
           those
           Enchanters
           and
           Magicians
           .
           5.
           
           They
           are
           impartial
           ,
           without
           
             respect
             of
             persons
          
           ,
           great
           or
           strong
           ,
           rich
           or
           noble
           ,
           wise
           or
           foolish
           ,
           few
           or
           many
           :
           God
           sometimes
           so
           pleads
           it
           ,
           as
           to
           pour
           contempt
           even
           upon
           Princes
           ;
           to
           pull
           down
           the
           mighty
           
           from
           
             their
             seats
          
           ,
           to
           confound
           their
           counsels
           ,
           to
           break
           the
           arm
           
             of
             their
             strength
          
           ,
           to
           lop
           off
           all
           their
           branches
           ,
           yea
           to
           
             stub
             up
             their
             roots
          
           ,
           as
           to
           their
           posterity
           and
           renown
           ,
           which
           was
           done
           against
           
             Nebuchadnezzar
             ,
             Haman
             ,
             Balshazzar
          
           ,
           and
           Judas
           .
        
         
           Sometimes
           God
           pleads
           his
           cause
           
           even
           by
           
             miraculous
             appearings
          
           in
           signs
           and
           wonders
           ,
           full
           of
           terror
           and
           destruction
           ;
           so
           against
           Pharoah
           and
           the
           Egyptians
           ;
           so
           against
           Senacherib
           and
           his
           hoast
           ,
           sending
           a
           destroying
           
           
             Angel
             to
             confute
             in
             one
             night
             his
             bl●sphemous
             insolency
             ,
          
           by
           slaying
           the
           greatest
           part
           and
           flower
           of
           his
           Army
           ,
           sending
           him
           away
           with
           shame
           ,
           which
           was
           followed
           with
           the
           parricide
           
           of
           his
           
             two
             sons
             ,
             who
             slew
             him
          
           ;
           So
           in
           privater
           cases
           ,
           God
           pleads
           against
           Miriams
           murmuring
           ,
           by
           leprosie
           ;
           
           so
           against
           Nadab
           and
           Abihu
           ,
           by
           fire
           ;
           So
           against
           Korah
           and
           his
           
           mutinous
           complices
           ,
           God
           wrought
           
             a
             new
             way
          
           of
           burying
           them
           alive
           ,
           Numb
           .
           16.
           33.
           
           So
           against
           the
           pride
           of
           Herod
           ,
           whose
           popular
           diety
           was
           confuted
           by
           
             worms
             ,
             Act.
          
           12.
           23.
           
           Sometimes
           God
           fills
           his
           enemies
           with
           
             Pannick
             terrors
          
           ,
           and
           makes
           them
           
             sheath
             their
             swords
             in
             their
             own
             bowels
             ,
          
           to
           become
           executioners
           of
           his
           vengeance
           ;
           yea
           and
           we
           read
           
             Achitophels
             or
             acular
             wisdom
          
           ended
           in
           a
           halter
           ;
           even
           so
           let
           all
           perfidious
           and
           impenitent
           
             Polititians
             perish
             O
             Lord
          
           ,
           that
           are
           enemies
           to
           thy
           Cause
           ,
           in
           true
           Religion
           and
           just
           Government
           .
           Sometimes
           God
           stirs
           up
           unexpected
           and
           
             despicable
             enemies
          
           against
           them
           ,
           who
           kindle
           such
           fires
           of
           intestine
           or
           foraign
           wars
           ,
           as
           consume
           his
           proudest
           adversaries
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           Kings
           of
           Israel
           and
           Judah
           ,
           when
           they
           forsook
           and
           rebelled
           against
           God.
           
        
         
           When
           God
           ariseth
           to
           
             plead
             his
          
           
           
           
             own
             Cause
          
           ,
           he
           fears
           the
           
             face
             of
             none
          
           ,
           he
           spares
           none
           ;
           not
           Families
           ,
           or
           Cities
           ,
           or
           Nations
           ,
           or
           a
           
             whole
             world
          
           (
           as
           in
           Noahs
           days
           )
           or
           the
           whole
           race
           and
           nature
           of
           mankind
           ,
           as
           in
           Adam
           and
           Eve
           ,
           who
           fell
           under
           the
           curse
           ,
           
           with
           their
           posterity
           ,
           when
           they
           beleived
           and
           obeyed
           the
           serpent
           more
           then
           God
           :
           Against
           some
           he
           pleads
           vvith
           fire
           ,
           famine
           ,
           pestilence
           ,
           evil
           
           beasts
           ,
           War
           ,
           Deluges
           :
           Nay
           he
           spared
           not
           the
           rebellious
           Angels
           ,
           but
           cast
           them
           out
           of
           heaven
           ,
           into
           
             hell
             fire
          
           ,
           from
           the
           light
           of
           his
           blessed
           
           presence
           to
           
             chains
             of
             eternal
             darkness
          
           .
        
         
           Nay
           God
           spares
           not
           his
           ovvn
           servants
           ,
           
           People
           and
           Church
           ;
           he
           pleaded
           sorely
           against
           
             Davids
             sin
          
           ,
           vvhich
           argued
           his
           
             despising
             of
             God
          
           ,
           vvhen
           he
           preferred
           
             his
             lust
          
           ,
           and
           caused
           the
           
           enemies
           of
           God
           to
           
             blaspheme
             all
             religion
          
           and
           grace
           ,
           by
           the
           scandal
           of
           his
           extravagancy
           ;
           God
           shevvs
           us
           that
           as
           Saints
           may
           sin
           ,
           so
           he
           sees
           sin
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           vvill
           not
           let
           it
           go
           unpunished
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           So
           he
           pleads
           against
           Eli
           and
           his
           
           sons
           ,
           even
           to
           their
           untimely
           death
           ,
           
           and
           the
           extirpation
           of
           that
           family
           from
           the
           honor
           of
           Priesthood
           :
           So
           against
           King
           Uzziah
           ,
           for
           his
           sacrilegious
           
           intruding
           on
           the
           
             Preists
             office
          
           .
           So
           against
           King
           Saul
           for
           his
           rebellion
           ,
           
           
             which
             was
             us
             witchcraft
          
           .
           So
           against
           King
           Solomon
           vvhen
           his
           
             wisdom
             left
             him
          
           ,
           or
           he
           left
           it
           ,
           and
           fell
           to
           so
           gross
           a
           folly
           and
           effeminacy
           ,
           
           as
           to
           countenance
           and
           tolerate
           Idolatry
           ,
           in
           an
           uxorious
           vanity
           and
           inconstancy
           ;
           
           So
           against
           King
           Hezekiah
           ,
           
           vvhen
           his
           pride
           made
           him
           forgetful
           of
           so
           great
           a
           mercy
           ,
           as
           his
           miraculous
           recovery
           and
           delivery
           .
        
         
           Nay
           God
           pleaded
           oft
           (
           against
           the
           
           vvhole
           Church
           of
           the
           Jews
           in
           their
           Apostasies
           )
           the
           Cause
           of
           his
           Lavv
           ,
           Worship
           ,
           Service
           ,
           and
           Servants
           ,
           the
           Prophets
           
             whom
             they
             slew
          
           ,
           by
           cutting
           them
           short
           ,
           by
           pulling
           dovvn
           ,
           and
           abasing
           the
           
             crown
             of
             their
             glory
          
           ,
           by
           giving
           their
           adversaries
           dominion
           over
           them
           to
           destroy
           them
           ,
           to
           burn
           their
           Cities
           and
           Temple
           ,
           to
           desolate
           their
           Land
           ,
           to
           lead
           them
           into
           captivity
           ,
           and
           so
           to
           give
           the
           Land
           its
           
             rest
             and
             Sabboth
          
           ,
           
           which
           they
           had
           prophaned
           :
           Thus
           did
           he
           oft
           plead
           the
           controversies
           he
           had
           with
           that
           Church
           and
           people
           ,
           that
           City
           and
           Sanctuary
           ,
           which
           was
           called
           by
           his
           
             own
             name
          
           ,
           with
           whom
           at
           last
           he
           reckoned
           for
           all
           the
           blood
           of
           the
           Prophets
           ,
           and
           that
           of
           the
           Messias
           too
           ,
           which
           filled
           up
           the
           cup
           of
           
             Gods
             wrath
          
           against
           them
           ,
           
           to
           
             an
             utter
             desolation
          
           ,
           which
           hath
           held
           now
           for
           near
           
             sixteen
             hundred
             years
          
           .
        
         
           In
           like
           sort
           did
           the
           
             Spirit
             of
             God
          
           
           
             plead
             his
             Cause
             against
             the
             famous
             seven
             Churches
             in
             Asia
             ,
          
           and
           their
           Angels
           or
           Bishops
           ,
           of
           which
           we
           read
           in
           the
           second
           and
           third
           chapters
           of
           the
           Revelations
           ,
           reproving
           and
           threatning
           them
           sorely
           ,
           both
           Fathers
           and
           children
           ,
           Bishops
           and
           Presbyters
           ,
           Pastors
           and
           people
           ,
           except
           they
           did
           repent
           .
           So
           against
           all
           the
           Greek
           and
           Eastern
           Christian
           Churches
           ,
           whose
           heresies
           ,
           luxuries
           ,
           schisms
           ,
           ambitions
           and
           hypocrisies
           have
           at
           this
           day
           put
           them
           under
           the
           
             Mahometan
             bondage
             and
             tyranny
          
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           scarce
           
             now
             a
             name
          
           to
           live
           as
           Christians
           or
           Churches
           .
        
         
         
           §
           .
           Nor
           was
           
             God
             wanting
             to
             plead
             his
             Cause
             by
             many
             terrible
             judgements
          
           against
           the
           depraved
           state
           of
           these
           
             Western
             Churches
          
           ,
           when
           overgrown
           with
           Image-Saints
           ,
           and
           Angels-worship
           ;
           with
           
             Tyranny
             and
             superstition
             ,
             with
             covetousness
             and
             ambition
             ,
             with
             sottery
             and
             debauchery
             ,
          
           even
           from
           the
           Popes
           or
           cheif
           Bishops
           chair
           ,
           to
           the
           
             Princes
             ,
             and
             Peers
             ,
             and
             Clergie
             ,
             and
             Gentry
             ,
             and
             people
          
           of
           all
           sorts
           ,
           how
           were
           they
           tossed
           too
           and
           fro
           in
           the
           sactions
           of
           Gnelphs
           and
           Gibelins
           ,
           wasted
           in
           the
           
             holy
             Wars
          
           ,
           as
           they
           called
           them
           ;
           terrified
           with
           excommunication
           and
           bans
           ,
           that
           
           there
           
             was
             no
             peace
             to
             him
             that
             came
             in
             ,
             or
             to
             him
             that
             went
             out
             .
          
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           God
           sometimes
           
             pleads
             his
          
           
           Cause
           (
           and
           gives
           evident
           token
           it
           is
           his
           )
           by
           an
           
             unexpected
             way
          
           ,
           even
           by
           suffering
           it
           to
           fall
           into
           
             fiery
             trials
          
           ,
           and
           many
           temptations
           ;
           not
           as
           offended
           with
           his
           Church
           ,
           but
           as
           giving
           the
           world
           experience
           of
           the
           
             mighty
             power
             of
             his
             grace
          
           ,
           and
           the
           eminent
           
             faith
             ,
             courage
             ,
             patience
          
           and
           constancy
           of
           his
           servants
           ,
           who
           love
           
           not
           their
           lives
           to
           the
           death
           ;
           but
           can
           
           set
           all
           the
           loss
           and
           dung
           of
           this
           world
           at
           stake
           
             for
             Christs
             sake
          
           :
           So
           the
           primitive
           Martyrs
           and
           Confessors
           ,
           Apostles
           and
           others
           
             glorified
             God
          
           ;
           So
           many
           
             Bishops
             ,
             Presbyters
             ,
             Virgins
             young
             and
             old
             ,
          
           filled
           the
           
             world
             with
             admiration
          
           of
           that
           cause
           ,
           for
           which
           they
           were
           so
           resolved
           and
           undaunted
           ,
           that
           their
           pious
           perseverance
           (
           as
           
             Justin
             Martyr
          
           and
           others
           tell
           us
           )
           ,
           with
           their
           (
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           )
           pertinacy
           ,
           as
           
             Mar.
             Aurelius
          
           calls
           it
           )
           was
           a
           most
           powerful
           way
           to
           commend
           the
           
             glorious
             Gospel
             of
             Christ
             to
             the
             world
             :
          
           Thus
           the
           blessed
           company
           and
           holy
           Hoste
           ,
           after
           Christs
           example
           ,
           did
           assert
           the
           
             cause
             of
             God
             and
             his
             Christ
             ,
          
           not
           by
           armed
           forces
           fighting
           ,
           but
           by
           sober
           preaching
           ,
           and
           patient
           suffering
           :
           This
           
             Spirit
             of
             glory
          
           was
           a
           riddle
           (
           indeed
           )
           and
           a
           new
           way
           to
           advance
           the
           
             Evangelical
             cause
          
           ,
           against
           the
           powerful
           oppositions
           found
           on
           all
           hands
           ,
           yet
           it
           was
           Gods
           way
           and
           prevailed
           ,
           by
           the
           power
           of
           his
           Word
           ,
           and
           the
           testimony
           
           of
           his
           Spirit
           of
           patience
           and
           glory
           which
           rested
           on
           them
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           As
           the
           first
           foundation
           stone
           
           of
           the
           Gospel
           or
           Church
           of
           Christ
           was
           laid
           in
           
             John
             Baptists
          
           and
           Christs
           blood
           ,
           so
           it
           was
           after
           builded
           up
           by
           St.
           Stephens
           ,
           St.
           James
           and
           their
           followers
           :
           Then
           Christians
           ,
           like
           Parthians
           ,
           fought
           flying
           ,
           and
           prevailed
           by
           not
           resisting
           ,
           and
           were
           
           more
           then
           conquerors
           when
           they
           were
           most
           conquered
           ;
           the
           blood
           of
           Martyrs
           being
           the
           seed
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           their
           ashes
           as
           the
           compost
           ormendment
           of
           the
           world
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           It
           remains
           that
           I
           
           shew
           how
           God
           pleads
           his
           and
           his
           Churches
           Cause
           ,
           not
           always
           by
           miraculous
           and
           immediate
           instances
           ;
           but
           by
           the
           
             mediate
             instruments
          
           of
           
           his
           ordinary
           providence
           ;
           whom
           he
           stirs
           up
           to
           protect
           ,
           to
           favour
           ,
           to
           speak
           comfortably
           to
           his
           Sion
           ,
           that
           
             his
             warfare
             is
             finished
          
           ,
           that
           the
           days
           
           
             of
             refreshing
             are
             come
          
           ;
           such
           were
           some
           good
           or
           tollerable
           Kings
           among
           
           the
           Jews
           ,
           
             Asa
             ,
             Uzziah
             ,
             Hezekiah
          
           and
           Iosiah
           ;
           such
           was
           
             Constantine
             the
             Great
          
           ,
           and
           some
           other
           following
           Emperors
           ,
           that
           were
           Christian
           and
           orthodox
           too
           .
        
         
         
           So
           since
           the
           Reformation
           ,
           God
           hath
           given
           (
           specally
           in
           these
           British
           Churches
           )
           Kings
           and
           Queens
           to
           be
           
             Nursing
             Fathers
             and
             mothers
          
           to
           true
           Religion
           ,
           
             Defenders
             of
             the
             true
             Faith
          
           ,
           and
           the
           Professors
           of
           it
           ,
           who
           had
           long
           ere
           this
           been
           martyred
           and
           
             burned
             ,
             butchered
          
           or
           
             massacred
             ,
             blown
             up
          
           and
           extirpated
           as
           Hereticks
           ,
           if
           the
           
             Romish
             Sea
          
           had
           not
           had
           bounds
           of
           national
           Laws
           ,
           and
           soveraign
           power
           set
           to
           it
           ,
           which
           said
           
             Hitherto
             and
             no
             further
             thou
             shalt
             go
          
           ;
           here
           thy
           proud
           and
           
             threatning
             waves
          
           shall
           be
           stopped
           :
           I
           pray
           God
           we
           have
           not
           sinned
           away
           our
           
             defence
             and
             glory
          
           ,
           making
           breaches
           upon
           the
           banks
           of
           our
           
             Laws
             ,
             Government
          
           and
           Religion
           ,
           so
           wide
           as
           will
           let
           in
           at
           last
           that
           over-flowing
           scourge
           again
           upon
           us
           ,
           under
           the
           names
           of
           
             Liberty
             ,
             Toleration
          
           ,
           and
           Super-reformation
           .
        
         
           Again
           ,
           God
           pleads
           his
           
             own
             cause
             as
             to
             true
             Religion
             ,
          
           by
           furnishing
           his
           Church
           ,
           First
           of
           the
           Jews
           with
           extraordinary
           Prophets
           ;
           such
           as
           was
           
             Moses
             ,
             Samuel
             ,
             Eliah
             ,
             Micah
             ,
             Isaiah
             ,
             Ieremiah
             ,
             Ezekiel
             ,
             Daniel
          
           and
           others
           ,
           
           till
           the
           Messiah
           came
           ;
           After
           the
           Apostles
           (
           
             who
             were
             Master-builders
          
           )
           God
           gave
           to
           his
           Christian
           Church
           such
           Heroes
           of
           learning
           ,
           zeal
           and
           courage
           ,
           as
           in
           all
           ages
           undertook
           all
           those
           Goliahs
           and
           sons
           of
           
             Anak
             ,
             who
             de●ied
             the
             host
             of
             God
          
           ;
           such
           of
           old
           were
           
             Irenaeus
             ,
             Origen
             ,
             Tertullian
             ,
             Cyprian
             ,
             Clemens
             ,
          
           the
           Cyrils
           ,
           the
           
             Basils
             ,
             Chrysostom
             ,
             Epiphanius
          
           ,
           the
           Gregories
           ,
           the
           great
           Athanasius
           ,
           St.
           Augustine
           ,
           St.
           Jerom
           ,
           St.
           
             Hilary
             ,
             Optatus
             ,
             Prosper
          
           and
           others
           ,
           during
           the
           heat
           of
           heathenish
           ,
           and
           heretical
           or
           schismatical
           persecution
           ;
           And
           this
           not
           singly
           onely
           ,
           but
           socially
           ,
           
             junctis
             viribus
          
           ;
           in
           Councils
           or
           Synods
           ,
           
           which
           were
           
             Ecclesiastical
             Parliaments
          
           ,
           either
           greater
           or
           lesser
           ,
           in
           several
           Diocesses
           or
           Provinces
           ,
           or
           National
           or
           Oecumenical
           of
           all
           the
           Christian
           world
           ,
           by
           their
           
             Pastors
             and
             Representatives
          
           ;
           these
           did
           mightily
           plead
           the
           
             cause
             of
             Christ
          
           ,
           against
           heretical
           novelties
           ,
           and
           schismatical
           partialities
           ;
           these
           kept
           the
           faith
           and
           peace
           of
           the
           true
           Church
           intire
           ;
           these
           guided
           ,
           gathered
           and
           healed
           the
           
             erring
             ,
             scattered
          
           
           and
           worried
           of
           the
           flock
           ;
           these
           by
           many
           hands
           made
           walls
           against
           the
           seas
           and
           mighty
           floods
           ,
           which
           the
           devil
           cast
           out
           of
           his
           mouth
           
           against
           the
           Woman
           cloathed
           with
           the
           sun
           ;
           the
           
             Church
             professing
             Christ
          
           .
           Thus
           the
           famous
           Council
           of
           Nice
           ,
           so
           pleaded
           the
           cause
           of
           Christs
           Divinity
           ,
           that
           they
           crushed
           the
           
             Arrian
             Serpent
             in
             the
             egg
          
           ,
           and
           gave
           that
           cockatrice
           its
           deadly
           wound
           ,
           which
           it
           never
           recovered
           ,
           though
           it
           made
           a
           foul
           strugling
           a
           long
           time
           :
           So
           the
           Council
           of
           Constantinople
           pleaded
           the
           cause
           of
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           ,
           against
           the
           cavils
           of
           Macedonius
           :
           So
           the
           Council
           of
           Ephesus
           pleaded
           the
           unity
           of
           Christs
           Person
           ,
           God
           and
           Man
           against
           Nestorius
           :
           And
           the
           Council
           of
           Chalcedon
           the
           distinction
           of
           his
           Natures
           ,
           against
           Eutyches
           his
           confoundiug
           of
           them
           ;
           so
           in
           other
           cases
           ,
           as
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           and
           his
           Church
           required
           ,
           Councils
           were
           soveraign
           Physitians
           ,
           and
           applied
           excellent
           cordials
           ,
           till
           they
           came
           to
           be
           servile
           to
           the
           
             private
             causes
          
           ,
           lusts
           ,
           power
           and
           interests
           of
           men
           ,
           and
           less
           intent
           to
           the
           Word
           and
           Spirit
           
           of
           Christ
           (
           as
           the
           first
           Council
           of
           Jerusalem
           was
           ,
           which
           ought
           to
           be
           the
           pattern
           of
           all
           after
           Synods
           .
           )
        
         
           And
           afterwards
           in
           the
           eclipse
           ,
           
           decline
           ,
           superstition
           and
           darkness
           of
           times
           in
           the
           Western
           Churches
           ,
           yet
           there
           were
           not
           wanting
           some
           that
           did
           still
           plead
           the
           
             cause
             of
             God
          
           as
           his
           witnesses
           ,
           against
           the
           
             Apostacies
             ,
             extravagancies
          
           and
           luxuries
           of
           the
           Romish
           tyranny
           and
           pride
           .
           So
           was
           St.
           
             Bernard
             ,
             Nicolaus
             ,
             Clemangis
             ,
             Alvarus-Pelaegius
             ,
             Wickliff
             ,
             John
             Hus
             ,
          
           and
           Jerom
           of
           Prague
           ;
           our
           
             Lincolniensis
             Baleus
          
           ,
           and
           others
           .
        
         
           Yea
           when
           God
           arose
           mightily
           to
           shake
           this
           
             Western
             world
          
           ,
           and
           to
           rack
           us
           off
           from
           our
           Monastick
           and
           
             Roman
             lees
          
           ,
           who
           can
           sufficiently
           muster
           up
           the
           armies
           of
           Worthies
           ,
           both
           abroad
           and
           at
           home
           ,
           of
           
             reverend
             Bishops
          
           ,
           and
           other
           
             learned
             Divines
          
           ,
           who
           have
           either
           stood
           in
           the
           gap
           with
           their
           arms
           ,
           or
           at
           the
           bar
           with
           their
           strong
           arguments
           ,
           pleading
           
             Gods
             cause
          
           by
           Scripture
           and
           antiquity
           ,
           by
           
             learned
             writings
          
           and
           
             holy
             lives
          
           ,
           against
           all
           oppositions
           :
           I
           will
           name
           none
           ,
           because
           I
           will
           not
           seem
           
           partially
           silent
           to
           the
           merit
           of
           any
           ;
           This
           only
           I
           may
           without
           envy
           say
           ,
           none
           have
           exceeded
           the
           
             worthy
             Bishops
          
           ,
           and
           others
           of
           the
           Reformed
           Church
           of
           England
           ,
           who
           were
           and
           ever
           will
           be
           in
           
             impartial
             judgements
          
           esteemed
           among
           the
           first
           therein
           ;
           and
           the
           headmost
           ranks
           of
           
             Martyrs
             ,
             Confessors
             ,
             Reformers
             ,
             Preachers
             ,
             Disputers
             ,
             Writers
             and
             Livers
             ,
          
           while
           we
           were
           happy
           to
           enjoy
           such
           Fathers
           and
           such
           Sons
           of
           this
           Church
           ,
           as
           
             were
             worthy
          
           to
           enjoy
           those
           favours
           and
           Honors
           ,
           which
           this
           Nation
           heretofore
           grudged
           not
           to
           confer
           upon
           them
           ,
           and
           
             abhorred
             to
             take
             from
             them
          
           ,
           and
           their
           Episcopal
           Order
           ,
           which
           was
           excellently
           martialled
           and
           imployed
           by
           worthy
           Bishops
           ,
           as
           
             Jewel
             ,
             Usher
             ,
             Andrews
             ,
             Davenant
             ,
             Morton
             ,
             Prideaux
             ,
             Hall
             ,
             White
             ,
             Bilson
             ,
             Babington
          
           and
           others
           ;
           Also
           by
           
             Hooker
             ,
             Willet
             ,
             Sutliff
             ,
             Rogers
          
           and
           others
           of
           the
           Presbyterian
           subordination
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           T
           is
           true
           they
           
             were
             all
             men
          
           ,
           and
           so
           might
           have
           their
           infirmities
           more
           or
           less
           ;
           but
           they
           were
           such
           men
           of
           
             might
             and
             weight
          
           ,
           and
           of
           valour
           
           and
           renown
           ,
           that
           (
           with
           all
           the
           grains
           of
           allowance
           )
           they
           far
           out-weighed
           all
           that
           popular
           stuff
           or
           pomp
           of
           either
           learning
           or
           vertue
           ,
           gifts
           or
           graces
           ,
           Scholarship
           or
           Saintship
           ,
           which
           ▪
           hath
           swelled
           their
           adversaries
           ,
           rather
           then
           
             filled
             them
          
           ,
           with
           any
           
             real
             truth
          
           ,
           or
           
             ingenuom
             worth
          
           ,
           comparable
           to
           them
           :
           And
           however
           now
           (
           indeed
           )
           the
           Reformed
           Church
           and
           Religion
           of
           England
           doth
           look
           like
           an
           Army
           ,
           that
           hath
           been
           so
           harrased
           and
           routed
           ,
           as
           it
           hath
           lost
           most
           of
           its
           gallant
           commanders
           ,
           which
           gave
           life
           and
           courage
           and
           skill
           to
           the
           
             whole
             Protestant
             party
          
           ,
           and
           the
           cause
           of
           the
           Reformed
           Religion
           ;
           yet
           we
           must
           not
           despair
           but
           that
           God
           will
           return
           in
           mercy
           to
           us
           ,
           if
           once
           our
           lives
           and
           manners
           be
           but
           as
           reformed
           as
           our
           doctrine
           was
           ;
           this
           needeth
           not
           ,
           though
           the
           other
           do
           ,
           reforming
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           And
           because
           there
           will
           be
           failers
           and
           infirmities
           on
           the
           best
           
           mens
           part
           in
           
             pleading
             Gods
             cause
          
           in
           this
           world
           ;
           therefore
           to
           make
           amends
           there
           is
           a
           third
           Court
           ,
           wherin
           
           God
           will
           (
           unavoidably
           )
           plead
           his
           cause
           against
           every
           evil
           doer
           ,
           and
           all
           nakedness
           in
           the
           world
           ;
           this
           will
           be
           in
           
             foro
             poli
          
           or
           coeli
           ,
           at
           the
           last
           day
           ,
           when
           the
           books
           of
           
             Omniscience
             ,
             conscience
          
           and
           Scripture
           shall
           be
           opened
           ;
           
           and
           mens
           sins
           ,
           with
           their
           
             wilful
             ,
             immoral
          
           and
           
             impenitent
             errors
          
           shall
           be
           set
           in
           order
           before
           them
           ;
           Then
           the
           
             great
             Accuser
             within
          
           and
           without
           shall
           be
           heard
           ,
           and
           sentence
           
           given
           
             secundum
             allegata
             &
             probata
          
           ;
           according
           to
           the
           merit
           and
           evidence
           of
           mens
           works
           :
           This
           is
           the
           last
           appeal
           of
           the
           oppressed
           
             righteous
             cause
          
           ;
           where
           it
           shall
           be
           heard
           ,
           and
           have
           right
           done
           it
           :
           For
           then
           ,
           as
           St.
           Bernard
           tells
           Judges
           ,
           and
           Juries
           ,
           and
           Lawyers
           ,
           
             Omnia
             judicata
             rejudicabuntur
          
           ;
           All
           judgements
           and
           causes
           shall
           be
           reviewed
           and
           rejudged
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           But
           the
           consideration
           of
           such
           
           Instruments
           ,
           as
           God
           is
           pleased
           to
           〈◊〉
           up
           to
           plead
           his
           cause
           in
           this
           world
           ,
           Leads
           me
           to
           the
           last
           particular
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           shew
           the
           manner
           and
           method
           ▪
           (
           
             legitimi
             litigandi
          
           )
           of
           mans
           pleading
           ,
           as
           becomes
           
           him
           ,
           this
           holy
           
             cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           when
           he
           is
           called
           to
           it
           in
           an
           ordinary
           (
           which
           all
           are
           )
           or
           extraordinary
           way
           ,
           as
           some
           may
           be
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           It
           is
           not
           only
           the
           work
           of
           God
           to
           plead
           his
           own
           cause
           (
           as
           Joash
           said
           
           of
           
             Baal
             ,
             If
             he
             be
             a
             God
             ,
             he
             can
             and
             will
             plead
             for
             himself
          
           )
           But
           it
           is
           the
           duty
           of
           every
           good
           Christian
           that
           loves
           God
           ,
           to
           be
           a
           worker
           and
           
             pleader
             together
             with
             him
          
           in
           Gods
           cause
           and
           way
           ;
           we
           must
           be
           all
           willing
           to
           be
           retained
           on
           
             Gods
             side
          
           ,
           to
           be
           his
           Advocates
           and
           Attorneys
           ,
           when
           he
           calls
           us
           to
           this
           work
           ,
           to
           contest
           for
           God
           against
           an
           evil
           ,
           perverse
           ,
           and
           adulterous
           generation
           ,
           either
           by
           
             living
             or
             dying
          
           ,
           by
           
             doing
             or
             suffering
          
           ,
           by
           
             preaching
             or
             disputing
          
           ,
           by
           
             discoursing
             or
             writing
          
           .
        
         
           It
           will
           be
           demanded
           ,
           why
           I
           add
           
           not
           by
           fighting
           ?
           which
           is
           now
           much
           cryed
           up
           ,
           and
           used
           by
           some
           ,
           as
           a
           most
           speedy
           and
           effectual
           way
           to
           
             plead
             Gods
             Cause
          
           ,
           and
           set
           up
           Christ●
           Kingdom
           .
        
         
           I
           answer
           ,
           The
           
             cause
             of
             God
          
           is
           sometimes
           to
           be
           pleaded
           by
           the
           way
           of
           fighting
           .
        
         
         
           1.
           
           In
           defence
           of
           any
           Church
           and
           State
           ,
           against
           unjust
           and
           
             foreign
             invasion
          
           ,
           or
           intestine
           rebellion
           and
           sedition
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           By
           way
           of
           a
           Princes
           relieving
           his
           oppressed
           Subjects
           and
           Confederates
           in
           
             other
             States
          
           and
           Dominions
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           By
           way
           of
           asserting
           the
           proceedings
           of
           Justice
           as
           
             to
             Law
          
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           power
           which
           is
           established
           in
           any
           Kingdom
           or
           Polity
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           As
           to
           the
           Cause
           of
           Religion
           ;
           it
           is
           no
           further
           to
           be
           asserted
           by
           the
           Sword
           ,
           then
           as
           it
           is
           established
           by
           the
           Law
           ,
           and
           under
           the
           protection
           of
           the
           
             Soveraign
             Power
          
           ;
           there
           to
           plead
           its
           cause
           by
           such
           a
           Sword
           ,
           as
           is
           the
           sword
           of
           
             God
             ,
             and
             of
             Gideon
          
           ,
           
           is
           lawful
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           done
           by
           
             lawful
             command
          
           and
           Supreme
           (
           which
           is
           in
           England
           )
           Regal
           Authority
           .
        
         
           Otherwise
           no
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           as
           to
           
           Religion
           ,
           is
           to
           be
           either
           planted
           and
           propagated
           ,
           or
           reformed
           ,
           or
           vindicated
           by
           the
           sword
           of
           Subjects
           against
           any
           Princes
           or
           chief
           Magistrates
           will
           and
           power
           ,
           in
           whose
           hand
           the
           sword
           is
           :
           True
           ,
           God
           by
           a
           special
           Prophet
           ,
           and
           a
           commission
           
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           confirmed
           by
           many
           miracles
           ,
           did
           once
           put
           a
           sword
           into
           
             the
             Jews
             hand
          
           ,
           to
           make
           their
           way
           against
           those
           Nations
           ,
           which
           were
           declared
           by
           Divine
           Justice
           worthy
           to
           
             be
             destroyed
          
           .
           But
           the
           Evangelical
           spirit
           
             is
             not
          
           of
           that
           temper
           ;
           the
           Commission
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           Christs
           
           
             Spiritual
             Militia
          
           ,
           by
           which
           he
           conquers
           the
           World
           ,
           is
           not
           to
           fight
           ,
           and
           kill
           and
           slay
           ;
           but
           to
           preach
           ,
           to
           pray
           ,
           
           and
           to
           suffer
           .
           They
           grosly
           mistake
           Christs
           Kingdom
           ,
           and
           Gods
           Cause
           now
           ,
           that
           fancy
           it
           is
           to
           be
           pleaded
           by
           the
           
             Arm
             of
             Flesh
          
           ;
           by
           popular
           furies
           and
           forces
           ,
           by
           tumults
           and
           violences
           ;
           by
           subverting
           and
           opposing
           Magistratick
           power
           ,
           and
           breaking
           over
           the
           boundaries
           of
           good
           Laws
           and
           Customs
           ,
           Civil
           and
           Ecclesiastical
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           Christ
           commanded
           
             Peters
             gladiatorum
          
           
           forwardness
           in
           his
           defence
           ,
           to
           put
           up
           his
           sword
           into
           his
           sheath
           .
           Christ
           had
           two
           other
           swords
           ,
           of
           the
           Word
           and
           Spirit
           ,
           which
           were
           enough
           to
           do
           
             his
             work
          
           ;
           not
           by
           Souldiers
           ,
           but
           Ministers
           ;
           not
           by
           Colonels
           and
           Captains
           ,
           but
           hy
           Bishops
           and
           Presbyters
           .
        
         
         
           There
           are
           other
           ways
           to
           exercise
           a
           Christians
           love
           ,
           zeal
           ,
           and
           courage
           for
           
             Gods
             cause
          
           ;
           which
           as
           it
           is
           most
           worthy
           of
           our
           pleading
           ,
           so
           we
           must
           take
           care
           to
           
             plead
             it
          
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           and
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           as
           becomes
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           :
           It
           is
           a
           caution
           which
           Quintilian
           a
           great
           Orator
           gave
           to
           all
           
             Pleaders
             ,
             Cavendum
             ne
             bonam
             causam
             male
             litigando
             perdamus
             :
          
           Many
           men
           are
           untowardly
           forward
           to
           plead
           
             Christs
             cause
          
           ;
           like
           hot
           mettal'd
           and
           heady
           horses
           ,
           neither
           well
           mouthed
           ,
           nor
           well
           wayed
           and
           managed
           :
           They
           endanger
           more
           by
           their
           rashness
           ,
           then
           they
           advance
           by
           their
           capring
           activity
           .
        
         
           The
           Cause
           then
           of
           God
           must
           in
           times
           ,
           places
           ,
           and
           points
           ,
           be
           pleaded
           so
           as
           becomes
           the
           
             Majestie
             ▪
          
           Truth
           and
           Honor
           of
           the
           
             great
             God.
          
           
        
         
           1.
           
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ▪
           Wisely
           ,
           with
           understanding
           ;
           
           by
           the
           clear
           and
           potent
           demonstrations
           of
           it
           ;
           grounded
           on
           
           the
           
             Word
             of
             God
          
           ;
           not
           by
           
             humane
             fancies
          
           ,
           wilde
           notions
           ,
           and
           extravagant
           
           presumptions
           ,
           and
           fanatick
           fetches
           :
           The
           Word
           of
           God
           is
           able
           to
           make
           us
           
             perfect
             pleaders
             of
             his
             Cause
          
           .
           
           We
           must
           not
           adde
           to
           ,
           nor
           detract
           from
           that
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           compleat
           armour
           ,
           offensive
           and
           defensive
           :
           If
           any
           plead
           not
           according
           to
           
             that
             rule
          
           of
           
           Law
           and
           Gospel
           ;
           of
           Faith
           and
           Loyalty
           ;
           of
           patience
           and
           obedience
           ,
           it
           is
           because
           there
           is
           no
           light
           of
           truth
           ,
           or
           grace
           of
           humility
           in
           them
           .
           Gods
           Cause
           needs
           no
           cavilings
           nor
           sophisms
           ;
           no
           wisdom
           or
           eloquence
           of
           mans
           invention
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           joyn
           humane
           fraud
           and
           force
           ,
           meer
           froth
           and
           folly
           to
           divine
           sufficiency
           :
           As
           if
           one
           would
           muster
           up
           Frogs
           and
           Mice
           ,
           with
           their
           bulrushes
           ,
           to
           joyn
           with
           Angels
           in
           Gods
           battels
           ,
           to
           help
           the
           Lord
           against
           the
           mighty
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Gods
           cause
           is
           to
           be
           pleaded
           by
           
           man
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           sincerely
           ,
           for
           
             Gods
             sake
          
           ,
           not
           for
           self-ends
           and
           interests
           ,
           for
           our
           glory
           ,
           gain
           ,
           or
           advantage
           ,
           as
           to
           our
           persons
           or
           parties
           ,
           our
           secular
           and
           civil
           interests
           of
           power
           and
           preferment
           ;
           which
           are
           many
           times
           the
           dead
           Flie
           cast
           into
           this
           
           
             precious
             Oyntment
          
           ;
           as
           Jehu
           did
           ,
           whose
           ambition
           was
           the
           belows
           and
           blazoner
           of
           his
           zeal
           .
           So
           they
           that
           
           preached
           the
           Gospel
           out
           of
           Envy
           
           and
           
             ill
             will
          
           ,
           or
           for
           filthy
           lucres
           sake
           ,
           
           to
           serve
           
             their
             bellies
          
           ,
           and
           not
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ;
           to
           please
           men
           ,
           and
           not
           
           God
           ;
           seeking
           not
           the
           salvation
           of
           souls
           ,
           or
           the
           
             good
             of
             the
             Church
          
           and
           State
           ,
           but
           their
           own
           emoluments
           and
           preferments
           :
           These
           are
           in
           all
           ages
           the
           greatest
           deformers
           of
           Christian
           Religion
           ,
           exposing
           it
           first
           to
           popular
           fury
           ,
           and
           after
           to
           the
           shame
           and
           contempt
           of
           all
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Gods
           cause
           must
           be
           pleaded
           
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           Integre
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           solidly
           and
           entirely
           ;
           not
           picking
           and
           chusing
           what
           parts
           ,
           or
           points
           ,
           or
           duties
           of
           it
           most
           suit
           with
           our
           
             fancies
             ,
             opinions
          
           ,
           parties
           ,
           designs
           ,
           desires
           and
           private
           interests
           :
           We
           must
           not
           so
           plead
           for
           the
           first
           table
           in
           piety
           ,
           as
           to
           neglect
           the
           second
           in
           equity
           and
           charity
           :
           So
           to
           contend
           against
           superstition
           in
           Gods
           worship
           ,
           as
           to
           overthrow
           the
           order
           and
           decency
           which
           ought
           to
           be
           solemnly
           observed
           in
           it
           ;
           or
           that
           duty
           and
           obedience
           we
           owe
           to
           those
           which
           are
           in
           Church
           or
           State
           called
           Fathers
           ,
           and
           to
           whom
           we
           stand
           obliged
           by
           the
           
           first
           Commandment
           with
           promise
           ▪
           We
           must
           not
           so
           plead
           or
           urge
           our
           duty
           to
           God
           ,
           as
           to
           skip
           over
           our
           duty
           to
           our
           neighbour
           ;
           nor
           so
           plead
           against
           Idolatry
           ,
           as
           to
           indulge
           
             Sacri
             ▪
          
           ledge
           ;
           or
           against
           Adultery
           ,
           as
           to
           acquit
           Murther
           ;
           or
           so
           cry
           up
           Religion
           or
           Reformation
           ,
           as
           to
           encourage
           Rebellion
           and
           Sedition
           :
           No●
           may
           we
           so
           inculcate
           and
           insist
           on
           one
           duty
           ,
           as
           to
           omit
           and
           slight
           others
           ;
           to
           be
           meer
           Euchites
           for
           prayer
           ,
           or
           Acoits
           for
           hearing
           ;
           or
           (
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           )
           Pragmaticks
           ,
           impertinently
           and
           irregularly
           busie
           in
           Church
           and
           State
           ,
           as
           to
           neglect
           the
           Sacraments
           ;
           or
           to
           be
           so
           eager
           in
           dispute
           for
           Truth
           (
           even
           the
           
             minores
             veritates
          
           )
           as
           to
           forget
           the
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           )
           great
           things
           of
           God
           in
           which
           the
           Kingdoms
           of
           the
           Gospel
           consists
           ;
           so
           magnifying
           faith
           ,
           that
           we
           omit
           good
           works
           ;
           and
           crying
           down
           ceremonies
           ,
           to
           the
           overthrow
           of
           all
           orderly
           and
           uniform
           Devotion
           ;
           to
           cast
           out
           Commandments
           ,
           Lords
           Prayer
           ,
           Creed
           ,
           and
           all
           settled
           Liturgy
           out
           of
           the
           Church
           .
        
         
         
           4.
           
           The
           Cause
           of
           God
           must
           be
           
           pleaded
           by
           us
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           and
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             holily
             ,
             justly
          
           ,
           and
           lawfully
           ;
           according
           to
           our
           place
           and
           duty
           ;
           after
           a
           righteous
           manner
           ,
           also
           peaceably
           and
           orderly
           :
           Nor
           (
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           )
           
             violently
             ,
             rudely
          
           ,
           and
           injuriously
           :
           This
           is
           the
           first
           thing
           God
           requires
           of
           us
           ,
           to
           do
           justice
           ,
           and
           
           then
           to
           shew
           mercy
           ,
           and
           walk
           humbly
           with
           him
           .
           Extravagant
           motions
           mar
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           rather
           prejudice
           it
           ,
           then
           any
           way
           plead
           it
           :
           We
           must
           not
           
             commit
             Robbery
          
           to
           
             do
             Sacrifice
          
           ;
           nor
           lye
           or
           oppress
           ,
           upon
           
           
             Gods
             account
          
           :
           We
           must
           not
           be
           so
           
           
           far
           partial
           to
           
             Gods
             Cause
          
           ,
           as
           
             to
             do
          
           
           
             evil
             that
             good
             may
             come
             thereby
          
           ;
           this
           is
           to
           turn
           the
           staff
           of
           Moses
           into
           a
           Serpent
           :
           The
           great
           care
           of
           the
           Apostles
           was
           ,
           to
           have
           Mysteries
           of
           Religion
           made
           good
           by
           Moralities
           .
           Cardinal
           Poole
           well
           expressed
           ,
           that
           those
           would
           best
           understand
           the
           eleven
           first
           Chapters
           of
           the
           Epistle
           to
           the
           Romans
           (
           which
           are
           full
           of
           high
           mysteries
           and
           disputes
           )
           who
           did
           most
           practice
           the
           five
           last
           ,
           which
           exhort
           to
           holy
           life
           ;
           teaching
           such
           
           as
           believed
           well
           ,
           to
           do
           all
           things
           well
           ,
           that
           the
           Cause
           and
           Name
           of
           God
           might
           not
           be
           
             evil
             spoken
          
           of
           .
           
           We
           must
           not
           violate
           the
           good
           laws
           of
           
             civil
             Societies
          
           ,
           under
           pretence
           to
           exalt
           the
           Law
           
             of
             God
          
           ;
           nor
           run
           Church
           and
           State
           into
           confusion
           ,
           to
           set
           up
           Reformation
           of
           either
           in
           seditious
           ways
           .
           Gods
           Cause
           needs
           not
           the
           Devils
           engines
           ;
           either
           plead
           it
           as
           becomes
           it
           ,
           or
           let
           it
           alone
           .
           It
           will
           support
           it self
           ,
           without
           the
           rash
           hand
           of
           Uzzah
           to
           stay
           it
           :
           If
           thou
           canst
           not
           plead
           it
           actively
           ,
           thou
           mayest
           do
           it
           passively
           ,
           and
           much
           more
           to
           purpose
           ,
           as
           primitive
           Christians
           did
           ,
           then
           by
           any
           
             inordinate
             activity
             :
             No
             man
          
           ,
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
           
             that
             striveth
             ,
             is
             crowned
             ,
             unless
             he
             strive
             lawfully
             :
             Secundum
             leges
             Athleticas
             ,
          
           such
           as
           the
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           the
           Institutor
           and
           Umpire
           had
           appointed
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           Gods
           Cause
           must
           be
           pleaded
           
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           with
           
             moderation
             ,
             discretion
          
           ,
           and
           calmness
           ;
           so
           as
           not
           to
           suffer
           any
           
           transports
           of
           passion
           and
           precipitancy
           to
           over
           sway
           us
           ,
           to
           an
           (
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           )
           excess
           or
           indecency
           :
           We
           must
           not
           so
           
           plead
           against
           superstition
           ,
           as
           to
           reproach
           or
           weaken
           true
           Religion
           ;
           or
           against
           humane
           corruptions
           ,
           as
           to
           vacate
           and
           voyd
           ,
           Divine
           institutions
           ;
           or
           against
           the
           abuse
           of
           things
           ,
           as
           to
           abolish
           the
           good
           use
           of
           them
           :
           to
           have
           no
           
             Our
             Father
          
           ,
           because
           we
           would
           have
           no
           
             Ave
             Marys
          
           in
           our
           Prayers
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           Reformation
           must
           not
           run
           to
           the
           ruine
           of
           Church
           ,
           or
           the
           riot
           of
           State
           ;
           as
           if
           a
           Physitian
           should
           destroy
           the
           body
           with
           the
           disease
           ,
           purging
           away
           the
           spirits
           with
           ill
           humors
           ,
           such
           as
           their
           former
           methods
           seem
           to
           be
           ,
           who
           will
           have
           no
           Bishops
           according
           to
           the
           primitive
           and
           Catholique
           order
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           because
           some
           Bishops
           in
           after
           times
           had
           their
           fauls
           and
           frailties
           ;
           or
           no
           Ministers
           ,
           because
           some
           of
           them
           have
           been
           too
           blame
           ;
           or
           no
           Sacraments
           ,
           because
           some
           may
           be
           unworthy
           receivers
           :
           These
           as
           immoderations
           and
           madnesses
           ,
           become
           not
           those
           ,
           that
           undertake
           to
           plead
           Gods
           Cause
           ;
           It
           is
           like
           
           theirs
           who
           would
           starve
           themselves
           ,
           because
           some
           have
           been
           gluttons
           ,
           or
           destroy
           all
           Vines
           ,
           because
           of
           some
           mens
           drunkenness
           ,
           or
           have
           no
           singing
           ,
           because
           some
           may
           sing
           out
           of
           tune
           ;
           it
           is
           an
           ordinary
           error
           in
           men
           to
           suffer
           their
           pleas
           to
           pass
           from
           the
           cause
           to
           the
           persons
           ,
           and
           so
           from
           the
           persons
           to
           the
           cause
           ,
           which
           transports
           of
           envy
           and
           anger
           ,
           arise
           from
           the
           overboyling
           of
           mens
           passions
           ,
           which
           wasts
           their
           judgments
           ,
           and
           make
           them
           instead
           of
           snuffing
           dim
           candles
           ,
           to
           put
           them
           quite
           out
           ;
           an
           error
           that
           I
           fear
           hath
           been
           too
           prevalent
           in
           some
           mens
           spirits
           and
           practises
           among
           us
           ;
           whose
           meaning
           and
           intentions
           possibly
           might
           be
           good
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           not
           so
           bad
           as
           the
           event
           .
        
         
           Sixthly
           ,
           Valiantly
           and
           couragiously
           ,
           
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           generosity
           and
           magnanimity
           of
           a
           true
           Christian
           spirit
           ,
           which
           is
           rather
           good
           ,
           then
           great
           ;
           or
           therefore
           great
           because
           good
           ;
           not
           by
           a
           
             military
             robus●ness
          
           ,
           
           and
           
             boysterous
             forwardness
          
           ,
           or
           childish
           pertinacy
           ,
           that
           resolves
           to
           maintain
           any
           cause
           they
           once
           ingage
           for
           ;
           but
           such
           a
           cool
           and
           sober
           valour
           ,
           as
           first
           hath
           made
           a
           just
           conquest
           of
           our selves
           ,
           as
           to
           all
           irregular
           passions
           ,
           inordinate
           lusts
           ,
           &
           oblique
           designes
           ;
           that
           being
           listed
           in
           Christs
           spiritual
           Militia
           ,
           and
           having
           given
           our
           names
           to
           him
           ,
           we
           may
           put
           on
           that
           
             spiritual
             armour
          
           ,
           which
           becomes
           a
           Christian
           in
           truth
           ,
           faith
           ,
           love
           ,
           zeal
           ,
           patience
           ,
           justice
           ,
           sobriety
           ,
           sanctity
           ,
           and
           constancy
           ,
           for
           these
           are
           the
           solid
           grounds
           ,
           and
           sure
           guides
           of
           a
           Christians
           courage
           in
           
             Gods
             cause
          
           ;
           whose
           sacrifice
           might
           not
           be
           offered
           with
           strange
           
           fire
           ,
           or
           strange
           incense
           ,
           nor
           may
           
           his
           
             cause
             be
             pleaded
          
           by
           
             brutish
             valour
          
           ,
           or
           by
           turbulent
           passions
           .
           For
           that
           were
           like
           baking
           the
           shewbread
           of
           the
           sanctuary
           
             with
             mans
             dung
          
           ,
           which
           the
           Prophet
           Ezekiel
           so
           much
           abhorred
           ,
           and
           deprecated
           .
        
         
           Seventhly
           ,
           Gods
           cause
           must
           be
           pleaded
           by
           us
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           becoming
           
           Christ
           and
           Christians
           ,
           who
           are
           persons
           under
           the
           severest
           restraints
           of
           any
           men
           ,
           with
           
             modesty
             ,
             gravity
          
           ,
           
           humility
           ,
           and
           due
           respects
           to
           our
           betters
           and
           superiors
           be●itting
           their
           place
           authority
           ,
           and
           dignity
           :
           So
           the
           ancient
           Martyrs
           and
           other
           confessors
           ,
           (
           in
           their
           Apologies
           petitions
           and
           Remonstrances
           ,
           as
           
             Iustin
             Martyr
             ,
             Tertullian
          
           and
           others
           presented
           to
           the
           Emperors
           or
           Senates
           )
           owned
           them
           with
           
             due
             honour
          
           ,
           and
           payed
           that
           reverence
           to
           them
           which
           their
           dignity
           required
           ,
           and
           Gods
           word
           either
           commanded
           or
           permitted
           .
           They
           never
           used
           rayling
           
           accusations
           against
           them
           ;
           nor
           spake
           
           evil
           of
           dignities
           ,
           to
           set
           a
           gloss
           and
           soyl
           on
           their
           good
           cause
           ,
           no
           not
           in
           their
           greatest
           agonies
           ,
           in
           their
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           when
           they
           were
           dying
           ,
           and
           suffering
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           disputing
           ,
           preaching
           ,
           or
           writing
           ;
           they
           blessed
           those
           that
           cursed
           them
           :
           and
           prayed
           for
           those
           that
           spitefully
           
           used
           them
           ;
           This
           gave
           repute
           to
           the
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           and
           shewed
           the
           spirit
           
           of
           God
           was
           in
           them
           of
           a
           truth
           :
           they
           did
           not
           speak
           but
           act
           great
           things
           ,
           and
           if
           they
           could
           less
           dispute
           ,
           they
           would
           yet
           readily
           dye
           for
           that
           cause
           ,
           which
           was
           delivered
           to
           them
           by
           the
           Pillar
           and
           ground
           of
           Truth
           ,
           the
           Church
           of
           Christ
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           Charitative
           ,
           
           with
           charity
           to
           all
           sorts
           of
           people
           ,
           pittying
           their
           blindness
           and
           barbarity
           ,
           in
           meekness
           of
           wisdom
           instructing
           them
           ,
           as
           holy
           Polycarp
           did
           ,
           fervently
           and
           humbly
           praying
           for
           them
           ,
           yea
           ,
           (
           
             osculando
             prodit
             orem
          
           )
           even
           kissing
           our
           betrayers
           ,
           and
           destroyers
           ,
           as
           Crysologus
           observes
           of
           Christ
           :
           not
           behaving
           themselves
           as
           vermin
           in
           a
           trap
           or
           wild
           Buls
           in
           a
           Net
           ,
           but
           as
           Lambs
           and
           Sheep
           of
           
           Christs
           Flock
           and
           Mark
           ,
           who
           opened
           
           not
           his
           mouth
           ,
           save
           onely
           to
           pray
           for
           his
           crucifiers
           ;
           as
           also
           did
           the
           first
           Martyr
           S.
           Stephen
           ,
           whose
           
           name
           imports
           the
           comfort
           and
           crown
           of
           his
           thus
           suffering
           for
           
             Christs
             Cause
          
           :
           not
           as
           an
           
             evil
             doer
          
           ,
           
           
           or
           an
           
             evil
             speaker
          
           ,
           some
           mens
           stomacks
           are
           so
           full
           of
           Choler
           ,
           gall
           and
           virulency
           ,
           that
           they
           do
           not
           plead
           for
           
             Gods
             cause
          
           so
           much
           ,
           as
           spit
           and
           spue
           upon
           it
           ;
           when
           pretending
           high
           zeal
           and
           godliness
           ,
           they
           so
           foully
           disgorge
           themselves
           in
           ill
           language
           against
           their
           superiors
           and
           betters
           every
           way
           ;
           no
           Magistrate
           no
           Minister
           
           escape
           their
           dirt
           and
           mire
           ;
           All
           are
           Beasts
           and
           Antichrists
           ,
           and
           Satans
           and
           Enemys
           ,
           and
           fit
           to
           be
           destroyed
           ,
           that
           do
           not
           comply
           with
           the
           cause
           they
           look
           to
           set
           up
           (
           together
           with
           themselves
           )
           by
           pulling
           down
           all
           that
           stands
           in
           their
           way
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           What
           scurrilous
           and
           
             scandalous
             Libels
          
           ,
           have
           some
           men
           made
           ,
           like
           the
           wast
           and
           filthy
           papers
           of
           
             Martin
             Marprelate
          
           and
           others
           of
           that
           bran
           ,
           to
           wrap
           up
           their
           several
           causes
           in
           ;
           what
           undecencies
           ,
           what
           barbarities
           ,
           what●edities
           ,
           whatfuries
           what
           menaces
           ,
           have
           their
           Sermons
           and
           Prayers
           abounded
           with
           ?
           and
           so
           their
           action
           ▪
           s
           ▪
           by
           a
           superfluity
           of
           
           self
           conceit
           ,
           passion
           ,
           pride
           ,
           arrogancy
           ,
           envy
           ,
           desire
           of
           revenge
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           enormous
           distempers
           ?
           so
           far
           beyond
           a
           Christian
           ,
           that
           they
           would
           make
           a
           modest
           and
           ingenuous
           heathen
           blush
           ,
           and
           abhor
           any
           cause
           that
           is
           pleaded
           or
           managed
           by
           such
           poy
           sonous
           pens
           ,
           such
           polluted
           lips
           ,
           and
           unwashed
           hands
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           I
           may
           truly
           say
           with
           St.
           Iames
           ,
           my
           
             brethren
             these
             things
             ought
             not
             to
          
           
           
             be
             so
          
           ,
           these
           are
           not
           the
           methods
           of
           Christians
           pleading
           their
           Gods
           and
           Saviour●
           cause
           ,
           either
           bitterly
           to
           rail
           like
           Rabsakeh
           ,
           or
           pompously
           to
           vapour
           and
           flatter
           like
           Tertullus
           ,
           crying
           up
           every
           cause
           as
           Gods
           ,
           that
           is
           uppermost
           ,
           either
           in
           power
           or
           in
           popular
           applause
           ,
           or
           vulgar
           pitty
           ,
           which
           are
           no
           true
           Touch-stones
           of
           
             Gods
             cause
          
           ,
           either
           as
           to
           
             civil
             Iustice
          
           ,
           or
           true
           Religion
           .
        
         
           And
           thus
           (
           O
           worthy
           and
           Christian
           Auditors
           )
           have
           I
           finished
           the
           demonstrative
           or
           doctrinal
           part
           ,
           which
           shewed
           first
           ,
           the
           nature
           of
           Gods
           
           cause
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           the
           manner
           of
           pleading
           it
           ,
           and
           Thirdly
           what
           method
           we
           must
           use
           in
           our
           pleading
           it
           ;
           so
           as
           to
           observe
           the
           holy
           laws
           and
           orders
           ,
           which
           become
           our
           respects
           to
           the
           
             cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           and
           to
           our
           Superiors
           ,
           yea
           ,
           to
           all
           men
           :
           whose
           rules
           are
           his
           written
           word
           rightly
           understood
           ,
           not
           wrested
           and
           depraved
           by
           sinister
           passions
           and
           presumptuous
           dispensations
           of
           what
           is
           our
           duty
           indeed
           to
           God
           and
           man.
           
        
         
           I
           will
           not
           
             abuse
             your
             patience
          
           ,
           while
           I
           crave
           the
           use
           of
           a
           little
           time
           ,
           to
           feel
           how
           the
           pulse
           of
           
             your
             affections
          
           and
           resolutions
           do
           beat
           ,
           and
           whether
           
             your
             understandings
          
           have
           transmitted
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           to
           your
           heart
           ,
           that
           knowing
           your
           duty
           in
           so
           great
           a
           concern
           ,
           you
           may
           resolve
           to
           do
           it
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Vse
           of
           instruction
           :
           to
           shew
           
           us
           what
           is
           that
           cause
           which
           is
           most
           worthy
           our
           pleading
           ,
           with
           all
           the
           wisdom
           ,
           power
           and
           capacities
           we
           have
           ;
           it
           is
           Gods.
           For
           this
           cause
           as
           
           
           Christ
           speaketh
           ,
           he
           came
           into
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           into
           the
           bosome
           of
           the
           true
           Church
           ;
           for
           this
           cause
           we
           are
           endowed
           with
           understanding
           ,
           memory
           ,
           eloquence
           ,
           conscience
           ,
           civil
           influences
           in
           Counsel
           and
           in
           authority
           ;
           publique
           and
           private
           :
           for
           this
           cause
           we
           were
           baptised
           by
           the
           
             Blood
             of
             Christ
          
           ,
           and
           dedicated
           to
           him
           ,
           sutably
           educated
           and
           instructed
           ;
           also
           nourished
           and
           refreshed
           by
           his
           body
           and
           blood
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           plead
           
             for
             Gods
             glory
          
           ,
           for
           our
           
             Saviours
             truth
          
           ,
           Worship
           ,
           
             Ministry
             ,
             servants
          
           ,
           and
           institutions
           against
           our
           own
           iusts
           and
           Passions
           ,
           against
           the
           ignorance
           ,
           
             Athe●sme
             ,
             prophaneness
             ,
             licentiousness
             ,
             hypocrisie
             ,
             novelty
             ,
             extravagancy
             ,
             error
             ,
             superstition
             ,
             idolatry
             ,
             Flattery
             ,
             sacriledge
             ,
          
           and
           security
           of
           the
           world
           .
           It
           is
           a
           shame
           for
           us
           to
           be
           so
           
             zealous
             industrious
          
           ,
           solicitous
           and
           importune
           in
           our
           own
           petty
           concerns
           ,
           for
           a
           little
           profit
           ,
           honour
           ,
           or
           pleasure
           ;
           and
           to
           neglect
           that
           cause
           ,
           which
           is
           worth
           all
           we
           are
           and
           have
           ,
           even
           our
           estates
           
           liberties
           and
           
             lives
             ,
             Nec
             propter
             vitam
             vivendi
             per
             dere
             causam
          
           ;
           if
           we
           expect
           God
           to
           plead
           ours
           we
           must
           plead
           his
           ,
           and
           with
           a
           vehemency
           as
           much
           above
           all
           other
           causes
           ,
           as
           heaven
           is
           above
           earth
           ,
           eternity
           above
           a
           moment
           ,
           and
           the
           excellency
           of
           Christ
           above
           the
           loss
           and
           dung
           ,
           the
           
             seraps
             and
             excrements
             of
             this
             world
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           Vse
           of
           Caution
           ;
           but
           as
           we
           
           must
           be
           careful
           to
           adhere
           to
           ,
           and
           assert
           
             Gods
             cause
          
           ,
           so
           it
           must
           be
           in
           
             Gods
             way
          
           ,
           with
           Iustice
           ,
           holiness
           ,
           order
           ,
           humility
           ,
           patience
           ,
           charity
           ,
           sincerity
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           bonds
           of
           Gods
           and
           mans
           laws
           ,
           not
           with
           tumult
           ,
           violence
           ,
           saction
           ,
           sedition
           sraud
           ,
           sury
           ,
           partiality
           ,
           injustice
           and
           hypocrisie
           ;
           Gods
           Ark
           though
           it
           ●otters
           must
           not
           be
           stayed
           or
           held
           up
           by
           such
           rash
           hands
           ;
           better
           it
           do
           
             honeste
             cadere
          
           ,
           then
           
             inhoneste
             stare
          
           .
           These
           Midwives
           are
           not
           fit
           for
           the
           birth
           of
           Gods
           children
           ;
           Such
           as
           call
           in
           the
           assistance
           of
           these
           ,
           either
           
             mistake
             Gods
             cause
          
           ,
           or
           they
           make
           
           his
           cause
           but
           a
           stale
           and
           visard
           to
           their
           own
           private
           interests
           and
           designes
           ;
           or
           lastly
           they
           are
           ignorant
           of
           Gods
           methods
           ,
           and
           the
           way
           of
           his
           Saints
           in
           all
           ages
           ;
           or
           they
           greatly
           distrust
           his
           power
           and
           goodness
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           were
           not
           sufficient
           to
           vindicate
           himself
           and
           his
           cause
           ,
           by
           such
           means
           as
           are
           onely
           worthy
           of
           him
           ,
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           of
           us
           as
           his
           servants
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Vse
           of
           trial
           and
           reproofe
           ,
           
           you
           may
           see
           clearly
           what
           cause
           they
           plead
           ,
           who
           observe
           not
           Gods
           course
           and
           method
           ,
           but
           think
           to
           justifie
           evil
           pleading
           by
           the
           goodness
           of
           the
           cause
           .
           To
           such
           violent
           injurious
           ,
           perfidious
           ,
           and
           unreasonable
           men
           ,
           we
           may
           put
           that
           question
           which
           God
           
             doth
             ,
             Psalm
          
           .
           50.
           16.
           
           
             What
             hast
             thou
             to
             do
             ,
             to
             take
             my
             cause
             into
             thy
             hand
             ,
             or
             my
             word
          
           
           
             into
             thy
             mouth
             ,
             since
             thou
             hatest
             to
             be
             reformed
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           On
           which
           words
           they
           report
           that
           Origen
           after
           his
           lapse
           ,
           commented
           with
           his
           tears
           .
           
           Those
           that
           
             plead
             Gods
             cause
          
           any
           way
           by
           fighting
           or
           writing
           ,
           speaking
           or
           doing
           ,
           must
           have
           
             written
             in
             their
             hearts
          
           ,
           and
           affections
           on
           their
           forehead
           and
           hands
           ,
           as
           the
           Horses
           in
           Zacharies
           vision
           had
           on
           their
           bels
           
           or
           
             bridles
             ,
             holiness
             to
             the
             Lord
          
           ;
           St.
           Chrisostome
           observes
           in
           the
           disorders
           and
           corruptions
           which
           distracted
           ,
           with
           
             exstatick
             convulsions
          
           and
           madness
           the
           heathen
           Sybils
           and
           Prophets
           in
           their
           Oracles
           ;
           and
           in
           the
           calmness
           or
           harmony
           ,
           which
           was
           in
           Gods
           Prophets
           ,
           how
           great
           a
           difference
           there
           is
           between
           
             Diabolical
             possession
          
           ,
           and
           
             divine
             inspiration
          
           ;
           such
           is
           the
           disorder
           that
           attends
           men
           in
           their
           own
           cause
           ,
           and
           the
           order
           ,
           which
           they
           observe
           ,
           
             who
             intend
          
           Gods.
           There
           was
           wont
           to
           be
           proclaimed
           before
           the
           
             olympian
             games
          
           ,
           and
           
             Athletick
             agonies
          
           ;
           That
           none
           who
           were
           misbegotten
           ,
           or
           slaves
           ,
           or
           vile
           or
           
             infamous
             persons
          
           ,
           should
           offer
           to
           enter
           the
           lists
           ,
           or
           contest
           ,
           in
           those
           famous
           and
           solemn
           ,
           yea
           
             sacred
             conflicts
          
           ,
           which
           were
           
           not
           for
           private
           gain
           ,
           but
           for
           the
           honour
           of
           their
           gods
           ,
           and
           the
           Victors
           ;
           such
           a
           proclamation
           may
           I
           make
           ,
           as
           to
           Gods
           cause
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           let
           no
           proud
           ,
           prophane
           ,
           covetous
           ,
           ambitious
           ,
           sacrilegious
           ,
           perjurious
           ,
           popular
           ,
           partial
           ,
           parasitick
           ,
           insolent
           ,
           disorderly
           and
           licentious
           persons
           pretend
           to
           plead
           it
           ,
           since
           they
           do
           more
           prejudice
           and
           disparage
           it
           ,
           then
           any
           way
           advance
           or
           forward
           it
           ;
           good
           and
           wise
           men
           are
           ashamed
           ,
           and
           weak
           men
           are
           jealous
           and
           affraid
           to
           be
           s●en
           in
           that
           
             good
             cause
          
           ,
           wherein
           wicked
           men
           appear
           (
           not
           good
           but
           great
           sticklers
           )
           as
           Magots
           do
           in
           what
           was
           a
           good
           dish
           of
           meats
           ;
           not
           to
           garnish
           or
           adorne
           it
           ,
           but
           to
           defile
           and
           
             devour
             it
          
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Use
           ,
           
             fear
             to
             oppose
             Gods
             cause
          
           ,
           
           or
           by
           anyforcible
           or
           fallacious
           ways
           to
           plead
           against
           it
           ,
           for
           it
           will
           be
           as
           a
           burthensome
           stone
           ,
           a
           rock
           of
           offence
           ,
           
           who
           ever
           dasheth
           against
           it
           ,
           or
           on
           whom
           it
           falls
           at
           last
           ,
           with
           the
           
           weight
           of
           Gods
           vindication
           ,
           It
           will
           dash
           them
           to
           pieces
           ;
           who
           
             ever
             contended
             against
          
           God
           and
           his
           cause
           ,
           and
           prospered
           ?
           For
           it
           will
           at
           last
           be
           pleaded
           with
           fire
           and
           brimstone
           ,
           with
           an
           omni
           potent
           and
           unexorable
           justice
           ,
           which
           will
           consume
           as
           fire
           doth
           stubble
           ,
           all
           the
           opposing
           powers
           ,
           and
           fallacious
           pretensions
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           Vse
           of
           exhortation
           when
           we
           
           have
           done
           our
           duty
           in
           
             Gods
             cause
          
           ,
           and
           in
           his
           way
           ,
           according
           to
           our
           place
           ,
           and
           see
           that
           we
           profit
           nothing
           as
           to
           the
           publique
           ,
           but
           onely
           to
           our
           own
           peace
           and
           discharge
           of
           
             good
             consciences
          
           ;
           yet
           cease
           not
           to
           follow
           God
           with
           our
           prayers
           ,
           and
           holy
           importunities
           ,
           that
           he
           would
           
           take
           the
           matter
           into
           his
           own
           hand
           ,
           
             Bonae
             causae
             sufficit
             unus
             patronus
             bonus
             ,
             Gods
             cause
          
           is
           never
           to
           be
           despaired
           of
           ;
           though
           it
           have
           no
           patron
           or
           advocate
           among
           men
           ,
           yet
           it
           hath
           one
           above
           who
           is
           
             optimus
             &
             maximus
          
           ,
           the
           greatest
           and
           best
           of
           all
           ;
           
           It
           may
           (
           as
           a
           bladder
           )
           
             be
             forced
             under
             water
          
           ,
           for
           a
           while
           ,
           but
           it
           will
           buoy
           up
           again
           :
           The
           Church
           may
           be
           as
           the
           ship
           in
           which
           Christ
           was
           tossed
           and
           covered
           with
           waves
           ,
           yet
           
             Christum
             vebit
             &
             causam
             Christi
          
           ,
           (
           as
           Caesar
           said
           to
           the
           fearful
           Mariners
           ,
           of
           himself
           and
           his
           fortune
           )
           God
           oft
           lets
           things
           run
           to
           low
           ebbs
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           shew
           his
           mighty
           power
           ,
           and
           make
           the
           extremities
           of
           his
           cause
           the
           opportunities
           of
           
             his
             help
          
           ;
           however
           let
           not
           thy
           faith
           or
           Prayers
           fast
           ,
           which
           have
           a
           kind
           of
           omnipotency
           in
           them
           ,
           to
           remove
           Mountains
           ,
           and
           to
           do
           miracles
           ,
           at
           a
           dead
           lift
           ;
           Gods
           arme
           is
           not
           shortned
           ,
           though
           mans
           be
           withered
           :
           let
           God
           alone
           with
           his
           own
           cause
           ,
           the
           gates
           
             of
             bell
          
           shall
           not
           prevail
           against
           it
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           Vse
           ,
           Measure
           not
           the
           
             cause
             of
          
           
           God
           by
           outward
           prevailings
           and
           prosperities
           ;
           the
           gayest
           
             feathered
             foul
          
           are
           not
           the
           best
           meat
           ;
           we
           must
           condemne
           the
           
             generation
             of
          
           Gods
           
           
             people
             and
             the
             cause
             of
             the
             righteous
             ,
          
           
           if
           we
           think
           that
           the
           
             worst
             cause
          
           ,
           which
           hath
           the
           worst
           
             usage
             or
          
           success
           in
           
             this
             world
          
           ,
           look
           to
           the
           Prophets
           from
           righteous
           Abel
           to
           
             John
             Baptist
          
           ,
           look
           to
           the
           Apostles
           and
           the
           best
           of
           their
           successors
           ,
           look
           to
           the
           holy
           Preachers
           and
           people
           ,
           we
           shall
           find
           they
           had
           always
           enough
           to
           do
           to
           plead
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           and
           his
           truth
           ,
           against
           the
           many
           open
           persecutions
           and
           secret
           underminings
           of
           evil
           men
           and
           devils
           ;
           who
           many
           times
           so
           prevayled
           by
           Gods
           just
           judgment
           ,
           that
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           seemed
           wholly
           routed
           ,
           such
           were
           their
           powers
           ,
           their
           victories
           ,
           their
           numbers
           ,
           their
           policies
           ,
           their
           cruelties
           ,
           all
           bent
           against
           the
           
             cause
             of
             God
          
           :
           yet
           ,
           even
           their
           banishment
           and
           prison
           ,
           and
           tortures
           ,
           and
           plundrings
           ,
           and
           sequestrations
           ,
           and
           loss
           of
           all
           ,
           even
           to
           life
           it self
           ,
           these
           with
           a
           good
           
             cause
             ,
             and
             a
             good
             conscience
             ,
          
           were
           infinitely
           to
           be
           preferred
           before
           all
           the
           Treasures
           ,
           and
           Triumphs
           ,
           and
           Thrones
           ,
           and
           
           successes
           and
           applauses
           of
           impious
           
           prosperity
           or
           prosperous
           impiety
           .
           The
           just
           must
           live
           by
           faith
           not
           by
           
           sense
           ;
           the
           touch
           stone
           of
           
             Gods
             cause
          
           is
           Godsword
           ,
           both
           as
           to
           the
           end
           ,
           and
           the
           means
           the
           usual
           badg
           or
           mark
           of
           
             Christs
             cause
          
           is
           
             Christs
             cross
          
           ,
           to
           which
           we
           were
           all
           devoted
           in
           our
           baptism
           :
           nor
           must
           we
           fly
           from
           those
           colours
           ,
           
           least
           the
           
             Lord
             answer
             us
          
           ,
           as
           those
           that
           plead
           with
           him
           at
           the
           
             last
             day
          
           ,
           have
           we
           not
           prophecyed
           in
           thy
           name
           and
           cast
           out
           Devils
           &c.
           
           So
           have
           we
           not
           pleaded
           
             thy
             cause
             O
             Lord
             by
             tumults
             ,
             mutinies
             ,
             falsities
             ,
             sedition
             ,
             rebellion
             ,
          
           by
           plunder
           and
           rapine
           ,
           by
           sacriledge
           and
           perjury
           ,
           by
           blood
           and
           violence
           ;
           To
           whom
           the
           Lord
           will
           reply
           ,
           
             depart
             from
             me
             ye
             hypocrites
             ,
             and
             accursed
             ,
             I
             know
             you
             not
             ,
             you
             pleaded
             the
             cause
             of
             your
             own
             lusts
             and
             belly
             ,
             of
             your
             pride
             ,
             envy
             ,
             covetousness
             ,
             ambition
             and
             revenge
             ,
             and
          
           not
           of
           my
           
             holy
             name
          
           ,
           and
           true
           Religion
           ,
           and
           reformation
           ,
           which
           owns
           no
           such
           manner
           of
           pleading
           or
           practising
           .
        
         
         
           7.
           
           Vse
           ,
           Is
           by
           way
           of
           examination
           ,
           
           wherein
           I
           will
           propound
           two
           Questions
           to
           you
           ,
           with
           such
           answers
           ,
           as
           I
           conceive
           may
           suit
           them
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           
             Question
             is
          
           ,
           What
           
             may
             be
             that
          
           
           
             cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           for
           which
           he
           thus
           pleads
           in
           wrath
           against
           us
           in
           England
           ?
           So
           far
           that
           his
           hand
           hath
           been
           a
           long
           time
           stretched
           forth
           against
           us
           ,
           and
           his
           wrath
           is
           not
           yet
           turned
           away
           
             from
             us
          
           ,
           but
           burnes
           as
           a
           
             consuming
             fire
          
           ,
           to
           the
           very
           foundations
           ,
           in
           a
           long
           war
           ,
           and
           the
           worst
           
             of
             all
          
           ,
           a
           
             civil
             war
          
           ,
           which
           destroys
           even
           humanity
           it self
           ,
           setting
           nearest
           relations
           at
           distances
           ,
           and
           friends
           at
           distances
           ,
           and
           neighbours
           at
           enmity
           ,
           and
           countrimen
           at
           mortal
           contentions
           .
           Yea
           ,
           and
           this
           upon
           the
           worst
           account
           ,
           even
           religious
           dissentions
           and
           jealousies
           no
           less
           then
           secular
           ;
           if
           we
           ask
           why
           the
           Lord
           hath
           brought
           all
           this
           evil
           upon
           a
           people
           ,
           that
           were
           once
           called
           by
           his
           name
           ,
           and
           but
           too
           happy
           ,
           the
           very
           wonder
           joy
           or
           envy
           of
           all
           
           Churches
           ,
           and
           Nations
           ,
           and
           Kingdomes
           ;
           Why
           is
           it
           that
           the
           Lord
           hath
           
             pleaded
             thus
          
           severely
           ,
           against
           our
           Kings
           and
           Princes
           ,
           our
           Parliaments
           and
           Peers
           ,
           our
           Bishops
           and
           Clergy
           ,
           our
           Gentry
           and
           Commonalty
           even
           all
           sorts
           of
           people
           ,
           against
           Church
           and
           State
           ,
           against
           our
           peace
           ,
           our
           laws
           ,
           our
           government
           ,
           our
           liberties
           ,
           our
           estates
           and
           our
           plenty
           ,
           against
           the
           prosperity
           ,
           and
           the
           honour
           of
           the
           Nation
           ,
           yea
           against
           our
           very
           Religion
           ,
           and
           reformation
           it self
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           did
           abhor
           us
           ,
           So
           that
           we
           seem
           condemned
           to
           everlasting
           torments
           ,
           to
           contend
           with
           ,
           and
           devoure
           each
           other
           ,
           with
           
             endless
             diesolations
          
           and
           confusions
           ,
           turning
           like
           Ixion
           in
           the
           wheel
           ,
           or
           Sisyphus
           his
           stone
           ,
           or
           St.
           
             Laurence
             from
          
           one
           side
           to
           the
           other
           ,
           upon
           the
           grid●ron
           of
           dayly
           exactions
           ,
           vexations
           ,
           terrors
           and
           vastations
           ,
           while
           
             Manasseh
             is
             against
             Ephraim
             ;
             and
             Ephraim
             against
             Manasseh
             ,
             and
             Iudah
             against
             both
          
           ;
           That
           we
           cannot
           find
           or
           will
           not
           follow
           
             the
             way
             of
             peace
          
           .
           With
           
           what
           Earthquakes
           ,
           and
           Shakings
           ,
           and
           Overturnings
           ,
           and
           
             bloody
             Battels
          
           ,
           and
           
             mutual
             Exhaustings
          
           ,
           and
           
             unplacable
             Annimosities
          
           ,
           have
           we
           been
           wasted
           many
           years
           ,
           and
           are
           still
           threatned
           every
           day
           ,
           besides
           the
           bitter
           feuds
           and
           factions
           ,
           the
           divisions
           and
           subdivisions
           ,
           which
           like
           fire
           have
           seised
           on
           the
           Temple
           and
           House
           of
           God
           ,
           this
           so
           famous
           Church
           ,
           and
           our
           reformed
           religion
           ,
           heretofore
           so
           blessed
           with
           piety
           and
           peace
           ,
           gifts
           and
           graces
           ,
           with
           the
           beauty
           and
           holiness
           ,
           and
           the
           crown
           of
           double
           honour
           ;
           against
           all
           which
           God
           hath
           written
           bitter
           things
           and
           powred
           contempt
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           These
           frowns
           and
           fightings
           do
           
           all
           testifie
           to
           our
           faces
           ,
           that
           God
           hath
           a
           controversie
           
             with
             the
             land
          
           ,
           
           against
           Church
           and
           State
           ,
           that
           he
           
           pleads
           as
           an
           adversary
           against
           Court
           and
           City
           ,
           and
           Country
           ,
           against
           all
           estates
           and
           
             degrees
             of
             men
          
           ;
           Among
           whom
           such
           an
           evil
           spirit
           is
           risen
           ,
           as
           
             between
             Abimeleck
          
           ,
           and
           the
           men
           
           of
           Sichem
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           no
           peace
           
           to
           him
           that
           goes
           out
           or
           comes
           in
           ,
           we
           are
           left
           as
           sheep
           without
           a
           sheepherd
           ;
           as
           a
           ship
           in
           a
           storme
           ,
           without
           
           a
           Pilot
           ;
           as
           Orphanes
           without
           a
           Father
           ,
           and
           as
           Widows
           without
           an
           Husband
           ,
           in
           a
           
             desolate
             ,
             deplorable
             ,
             self-destroying
             condition
             .
          
           Of
           which
           abysse
           or
           ocean
           of
           troubles
           ,
           we
           see
           no
           bounds
           or
           bottom
           ,
           being
           condemned
           to
           an
           
             arbitrary
             subjection
          
           ,
           to
           a
           partial
           monopoly
           of
           power
           ,
           and
           to
           a
           meer
           
             military
             protection
          
           ,
           in
           which
           not
           Philosophers
           (
           as
           Plato
           wished
           )
           but
           Souldiers
           and
           men
           of
           blood
           ,
           must
           be
           our
           Governours
           ,
           and
           our
           exactors
           ,
           our
           Protectors
           ;
           Who
           keep
           us
           quiet
           that
           they
           may
           fleece
           us
           ,
           and
           fleece
           us
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           keep
           us
           in
           subjection
           ,
           of
           whom
           we
           shall
           find
           that
           true
           ,
           which
           is
           said
           of
           Physitians
           ,
           many
           of
           them
           are
           but
           a
           further
           disease
           to
           
             a
             Patient
             ,
             qui
             medice
             ,
             sic
             qui
             militariter
             vivit
             ,
             misere
             vivit
             ,
          
           It
           is
           but
           a
           
             sad
             life
          
           ,
           which
           must
           be
           maintained
           by
           dayly
           leeches
           ,
           and
           bloodlettings
           ,
           by
           laneings
           and
           searings
           
           and
           cuttings
           of
           some
           parts
           of
           the
           body
           which
           are
           not
           so
           unsound
           ,
           as
           those
           that
           are
           the
           executioners
           of
           them
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           Certainly
           God
           is
           too
           wise
           ,
           and
           too
           indulgent
           a
           Physitian
           ,
           to
           use
           so
           
           long
           and
           so
           great
           
             evacuations
             ,
             purgations
          
           ,
           and
           corrosives
           to
           this
           
             body
             politique
          
           ,
           if
           there
           were
           not
           many
           foul
           and
           marbose
           or
           
             malignant
             humours
          
           in
           it
           ?
           the
           Heathens
           were
           wont
           in
           publique
           and
           long
           Calamities
           after
           they
           had
           tried
           allways
           to
           appease
           their
           angry
           Gods
           by
           supplications
           and
           sacrifices
           ,
           and
           yet
           were
           never
           the
           better
           ,
           to
           send
           to
           some
           famous
           Oracle
           for
           its
           direction
           :
        
         
           Do
           not
           presume
           to
           be
           your
           Oracle
           ,
           
           but
           let
           Gods
           word
           be
           it
           ,
           this
           will
           give
           you
           a
           clear
           and
           unambiguous
           answer
           ,
           why
           the
           Lord
           hath
           done
           all
           this
           evil
           against
           us
           ,
           why
           he
           thus
           implacably
           pleads
           against
           this
           Church
           and
           State
           ,
           which
           formerly
           were
           his
           cheif
           favorites
           and
           darlings
           ,
           ●●
           the
           signets
           or
           bracelets
           on
           his
           hand
           and
           arme
           ,
           as
           the
           vine
           
           
           which
           himself
           had
           planted
           ,
           and
           watered
           ,
           and
           wonderful
           preserved
           ,
           which
           is
           now
           become
           a
           scorn
           
           and
           shame
           to
           it self
           ,
           no
           less
           then
           an
           hissing
           and
           astonishment
           to
           all
           the
           Nations
           round
           about
           .
        
         
           As
           the
           
             Lord
             pleads
          
           against
           his
           
           Vine
           of
           the
           
             Jewish
             Church
          
           and
           State
           ,
           appealing
           to
           the
           men
           of
           Judah
           and
           Jerusalem
           ,
           to
           judge
           
           
             between
             him
             and
             his
             vine
          
           ,
           so
           may
           it
           be
           said
           in
           our
           case
           .
        
         
           What
           
             could
             the
             Lord
             have
             done
          
           more
           for
           us
           then
           he
           did
           ,
           and
           what
           could
           we
           have
           done
           less
           for
           his
           cause
           than
           we
           have
           done
           ,
           or
           more
           against
           it
           ?
           How
           were
           we
           planted
           ,
           and
           watered
           and
           weeded
           ,
           and
           fenced
           ,
           and
           fortified
           ,
           and
           loaded
           with
           the
           choisest
           blessings
           of
           heaven
           and
           earth
           ?
           What
           was
           there
           wanting
           in
           England
           to
           make
           us
           happy
           ,
           but
           holy
           ,
           humble
           and
           thankful
           hearts
           ,
           with
           sutable
           lives
           ,
           the
           good
           grapes
           which
           God
           expected
           ;
           instead
           of
           which
           ,
           Oh
           what
           sower
           grapes
           did
           we
           bring
           forth
           to
           God
           and
           man
           ,
           
           O
           how
           weary
           were
           we
           of
           Gods
           blessings
           ,
           as
           if
           God
           had
           cloyed
           and
           
             overladen
             us
          
           ?
           How
           like
           the
           nansueating
           Iews
           ,
           we
           lothed
           
             this
             Manna
          
           ,
           the
           reformed
           religion
           ,
           with
           all
           holy
           institutions
           and
           Christian
           Sacraments
           ,
           and
           decent
           devotions
           and
           orderly
           Government
           .
           How
           neglected
           ?
           how
           prophaned
           ?
           how
           despised
           were
           these
           by
           many
           wanton
           Christians
           ?
           how
           many
           scornfully
           washt
           off
           their
           infant
           Baptism
           ,
           by
           a
           Fanatick
           and
           Schismatick
           novelty
           of
           
             Anabaptisme
             contrary
             to
             the
             Analogy
          
           of
           faith
           ,
           and
           practise
           of
           all
           Churches
           in
           all
           ages
           .
           How
           have
           many
           vomited
           up
           their
           
             former
             Lords
             Suppers
          
           ,
           and
           as
           if
           they
           had
           surfited
           heretofore
           have
           fasted
           from
           them
           these
           twice
           seven
           years
           .
           How
           impatient
           have
           they
           been
           of
           such
           Pastors
           and
           Preachers
           ,
           such
           Bishops
           and
           Presbyters
           as
           told
           them
           the
           truth
           ,
           &
           sought
           to
           restrain
           those
           inordinate
           libertys
           ,
           which
           they
           wickedly
           affected
           ?
           how
           hateful
           have
           these
           Michajahs
           been
           to
           those
           that
           loved
           
           to
           be
           flattered
           in
           sin
           ?
           how
           have
           many
           gnashed
           their
           teeth
           against
           such
           Stephens
           as
           have
           sowed
           no
           pillows
           under
           their
           elbows
           ?
           Yea
           how
           over
           
           zealous
           have
           we
           been
           in
           pleading
           our
           own
           secular
           and
           
             civil
             causes
          
           ,
           to
           much
           civil
           War
           and
           blood
           ;
           pretending
           to
           preserve
           our
           liberty
           till
           we
           overtook
           our
           slavery
           ,
           and
           really
           intending
           on
           all
           sides
           to
           get
           places
           of
           profit
           and
           preferments
           to
           our selves
           ,
           to
           feather
           our
           nests
           ,
           and
           set
           up
           our
           
             selves
             on
             high
          
           ,
           above
           all
           that
           was
           called
           Gods
           among
           us
           .
           What
           vast
           sums
           have
           been
           expended
           to
           make
           us
           miserable
           ?
           on
           the
           other
           side
           O
           how
           
             cold
             ,
             careless
             ,
             formal
          
           and
           indifferent
           have
           we
           been
           as
           to
           
             God's
             great
             Cause
          
           ,
           for
           the
           good
           of
           souls
           ,
           the
           true
           Preaching
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           the
           due
           administration
           of
           Religion
           ,
           the
           preservation
           of
           our
           happy
           reformation
           ,
           for
           the
           order
           ,
           honour
           ,
           government
           ,
           support
           ,
           and
           just
           incouragement
           of
           able
           and
           faithful
           Ministers
           in
           this
           Church
           ,
           which
           are
           and
           ever
           will
           be
           wanting
           in
           
           many
           places
           of
           this
           Nation
           ,
           where
           there
           is
           as
           yet
           no
           provender
           for
           the
           Ox
           that
           should
           tread
           out
           the
           Corn
           ;
           Hence
           St.
           Austin
           observed
           ,
           
             Quod
             Christus
             non
             capit
             ,
             capit
             fiscu●
             ,
          
           what
           Sacriledge
           cetaines
           from
           Christ
           ,
           is
           wasted
           for
           no
           purpose
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           We
           have
           with
           
             great
             clamour
          
           pretended
           Gods
           Cause
           ,
           Religion
           and
           reformation
           on
           all
           sides
           ,
           but
           this
           on
           all
           sides
           is
           worsted
           ,
           abased
           ,
           deformed
           ,
           discountenanced
           ,
           diminished
           ,
           and
           by
           many
           evil
           eyes
           sought
           to
           be
           wholy
           improverished
           and
           starved
           .
           God
           pleads
           against
           us
           
           for
           our
           hypocrisie
           and
           pretensions
           ,
           for
           our
           Sacrilegious
           invasions
           and
           confusions
           ,
           which
           rob
           God
           of
           his
           honour
           ,
           Christ
           of
           his
           right
           and
           homage
           ,
           the
           Church
           of
           its
           portion
           and
           patrimony
           ,
           Ministers
           ▪
           of
           their
           maintenance
           ,
           The
           nation
           of
           its
           liberality
           ,
           the
           dead
           of
           their
           bequeathings
           or
           legacies
           ,
           true
           Religion
           of
           its
           support
           ,
           and
           all
           sorts
           of
           people
           ,
           of
           that
           piety
           charity
           and
           hospitality
           ,
           which
           was
           intended
           them
           ,
           by
           
           those
           holy
           honest
           and
           legal
           donations
           ,
           against
           which
           no
           man
           pleads
           ,
           that
           hath
           not
           a
           mind
           to
           purloyn
           them
           ,
           or
           to
           have
           a
           good
           peniworth
           of
           them
           ,
           at
           the
           Devils
           Marke●
           .
           God
           pleads
           against
           us
           for
           our
           
             trusting
             too
             much
             to
             the
             arme
             of
             flesh
             ,
          
           and
           
             prophaning
             Gods
             Cause
          
           with
           evil
           means
           ,
           with
           sinister
           policies
           and
           practises
           ,
           bringing
           to
           Gods
           ●ltar
           ,
           the
           lame
           and
           lean
           ,
           and
           defective
           and
           
             deformed
             Sacrifices
          
           of
           
             parsimonious
             and
             sordid
          
           spirits
           ,
           which
           are
           not
           propitiations
           but
           pollutions
           ,
           which
           the
           Majesty
           of
           God
           is
           so
           far
           from
           accepting
           ,
           that
           he
           abhors
           ,
           and
           casts
           as
           dung
           in
           the
           deceivers
           face
           ,
           
             God
             is
             not
             to
             be
             mocked
             .
          
        
         
           §
           .
           God
           pleads
           against
           our
           unthankefulness
           
           as
           to
           God
           ,
           so
           to
           man
           ,
           our
           discontented
           humors
           and
           impatience
           that
           knew
           not
           how
           to
           
             bless
             God
             and
             man
          
           ,
           for
           moderate
           blessings
           ,
           God
           pleads
           against
           the
           perjuries
           and
           forswearings
           among
           us
           ;
           The
           little
           or
           no
           conscience
           made
           of
           
             contradictory
             Oaths
          
           ,
           the
           familiar
           
           but
           vain
           and
           most
           rude
           swearings
           ,
           which
           are
           so
           common
           among
           ,
           not
           onely
           the
           dregs
           and
           beasts
           of
           the
           people
           ,
           but
           even
           those
           persons
           who
           pretend
           to
           some
           good
           breeding
           ;
           who
           by
           evil
           speaking
           corrupt
           good
           manners
           .
        
         
           God
           pleads
           against
           us
           Ministers
           
           of
           all
           degrees
           ,
           for
           our
           insufficiencies
           ,
           presumptions
           ,
           popularities
           ,
           inconstancies
           ,
           and
           scandals
           ,
           for
           not
           better
           employing
           the
           great
           advantages
           and
           Talents
           they
           had
           ,
           to
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           and
           his
           Churches
           good
           ,
           rather
           then
           private
           Pomp
           ,
           profit
           or
           pleasure
           .
           God
           pleads
           
           against
           you
           Lawyers
           for
           your
           failing
           in
           those
           duties
           ,
           which
           the
           law
           ,
           your
           callings
           ,
           and
           your
           consciences
           call
           you
           to
           ,
           in
           all
           righteous
           causes
           ,
           publique
           and
           private
           ;
           God
           pleads
           against
           the
           Gentry
           and
           Nobility
           for
           their
           luxury
           and
           idleness
           ,
           
           for
           the
           looseness
           and
           sottery
           of
           their
           lives
           ,
           doing
           so
           little
           good
           where
           they
           have
           so
           much
           means
           and
           opportunities
           ,
           wanting
           nothing
           but
           
           good
           hearts
           ,
           and
           a
           true
           sense
           of
           honour
           ,
           which
           aimes
           in
           all
           things
           at
           Gods
           glory
           ,
           the
           Churches
           flourishing
           ,
           and
           their
           countrys
           peace
           .
           God
           pleads
           against
           all
           sorts
           of
           people
           
           in
           and
           out
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           for
           their
           servility
           and
           flattery
           ;
           their
           partialitie
           and
           compliances
           with
           any
           powerful
           lusts
           and
           predominant
           humors
           of
           men
           ,
           never
           so
           palpably
           against
           law
           ,
           reason
           ,
           religion
           ,
           oaths
           ,
           and
           conscience
           ,
           
             prostituting
             Parliamentary
             honour
          
           ,
           and
           priviledges
           ,
           fulness
           and
           freedome
           ,
           not
           onely
           to
           interne
           factions
           ,
           but
           to
           extern
           tumults
           ,
           and
           violent
           impressions
           ,
           after
           which
           open
           rapes
           there
           is
           no
           great
           cause
           for
           some
           men
           ever
           to
           plead
           their
           
             Parliamentary
             virginity
          
           and
           honor
           .
        
         
           God
           pleads
           against
           the
           
             common
             people
          
           for
           their
           
             Phanatick
             giddiness
          
           and
           
             factious
             foolery
          
           ,
           that
           loves
           to
           have
           many
           Masters
           ,
           to
           heap
           
             up
             teachers
          
           to
           themselves
           ,
           having
           itching
           
           ears
           that
           will
           not
           
             endure
             sound
             doctrine
          
           ,
           but
           delight
           to
           be
           carryed
           
           about
           with
           every
           wind
           of
           doctrine
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           sleights
           and
           cheats
           of
           those
           that
           ly
           in
           weight
           to
           deceive
           unstable
           and
           silly
           souls
           ,
           which
           are
           ever
           learning
           ,
           and
           
             never
             come
          
           to
           the
           
             knowledge
             of
             the
             truth
          
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           God
           
             pleads
             against
             the
             Souldiery
          
           ,
           for
           their
           
             variableness
             ,
             violences
             ,
             insolencies
          
           
           and
           inconstancies
           ;
           For
           their
           carrying
           on
           private
           and
           
             partial
             interests
          
           ,
           so
           much
           and
           so
           long
           to
           the
           prejudice
           of
           the
           
             publique
             safety
             ,
             peace
          
           and
           honour
           ,
           making
           their
           places
           and
           payes
           ,
           their
           bellies
           and
           backs
           ,
           the
           Common-wealth
           ;
           putting
           the
           military
           interest
           into
           the
           scale
           against
           the
           whole
           Nations
           :
           To
           the
           exasperating
           of
           so
           many
           of
           their
           countrimen
           and
           brethren
           ,
           who
           have
           not
           patience
           to
           see
           themselves
           ,
           their
           Parliaments
           and
           Country
           so
           oft
           bafled
           and
           defeated
           ,
           of
           their
           long
           looked
           for
           peace
           ,
           and
           pretended
           settlement
           .
           Hence
           they
           that
           should
           be
           the
           bulworks
           and
           defence
           of
           the
           Nation
           are
           looked
           upon
           by
           many
           ,
           as
           the
           
             le
             〈…〉
             s
          
           and
           incubusses
           ,
           
           that
           suck
           the
           blood
           and
           spirits
           of
           it
           ,
           making
           themselves
           the
           onely
           Soveraigne
           Senate
           ,
           the
           necessary
           imployment
           and
           absolute
           Government
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           God
           pleads
           against
           
             Rich
             men
          
           
           for
           the
           uncharitableness
           of
           some
           in
           hard
           times
           ,
           the
           unhospitableness
           of
           others
           in
           the
           distresses
           of
           many
           ,
           even
           excellent
           Ministers
           ,
           who
           for
           their
           consciences
           sake
           ,
           and
           as
           they
           think
           for
           
             Gods
             cause
          
           ,
           have
           been
           reduced
           to
           a
           morsel
           of
           bread
           .
           For
           their
           racking
           and
           oppressing
           poor
           tenants
           ;
           for
           their
           pusillanimity
           and
           
             cowardise
             in
             a
             good
             cause
          
           ;
           for
           being
           so
           prodigal
           of
           their
           souls
           and
           true
           Religion
           ,
           to
           save
           their
           estates
           or
           their
           skins
           .
        
         
           §
           .
           
             God
             pleads
             against
             us
             all
          
           ,
           and
           as
           a
           Nation
           full
           of
           men
           that
           are
           wantonly
           wicked
           ,
           and
           
             industriously
             injurious
             to
             God
             and
             man
             ,
          
           delighting
           to
           destroy
           its
           self
           ,
           refusing
           as
           
           Babylon
           to
           be
           healed
           ,
           when
           God
           and
           good
           men
           would
           have
           done
           it
           long
           ago
           .
           Men
           that
           make
           a
           mock
           
           of
           such
           sins
           as
           the
           sober
           and
           modest
           heathens
           ,
           though
           Idolaters
           did
           abhor
           ;
           a
           people
           as
           sacrilegious
           robers
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           prophaning
           his
           house
           ,
           that
           in
           affliction
           sinned
           more
           and
           more
           ,
           &
           contracted
           dross
           even
           in
           the
           very
           fiery
           furnace
           ;
           that
           hath
           so
           little
           fear
           of
           God
           or
           reverence
           of
           man
           ,
           or
           sense
           and
           conscience
           of
           duty
           to
           either
           ,
           that
           it
           hath
           shut
           its
           eyes
           as
           wilfully
           blind
           ,
           and
           is
           most
           impatient
           to
           see
           or
           seek
           and
           follow
           the
           things
           that
           belong
           to
           the
           
             publique
             peace
          
           ;
           turning
           piety
           into
           policy
           ,
           and
           reformation
           into
           faction
           ,
           and
           the
           true
           interests
           of
           Religion
           into
           those
           of
           parties
           and
           opinions
           ;
           that
           hath
           so
           oft
           prayed
           and
           fasted
           in
           vain
           ,
           because
           we
           prayed
           amiss
           ,
           to
           consume
           
           blessings
           on
           our
           lusts
           ,
           fasting
           onely
           for
           strife
           ,
           &
           for
           debate
           ,
           to
           smite
           and
           destroy
           one
           another
           ,
           that
           might
           and
           not
           right
           should
           take
           place
           :
           a
           Nation
           that
           is
           self
           condemned
           and
           self
           punished
           ,
           yet
           still
           dares
           to
           pursue
           or
           applaud
           most
           unjust
           and
           unwarrantable
           actions
           (
           that
           
           is
           downright
           villanies
           and
           horrid
           evils
           )
           pretending
           that
           
             good
             willcome
             thereby
          
           ;
           so
           that
           from
           the
           crown
           of
           the
           head
           (
           if
           we
           had
           either
           
             Crown
             or
             Head
          
           )
           to
           the
           
             soal
             of
             the
             feet
          
           it
           is
           full
           of
           biles
           and
           putrified
           sores
           ,
           both
           of
           sins
           and
           pains
           :
           We
           have
           made
           necessities
           of
           sinning
           ,
           and
           God
           hath
           made
           necessities
           of
           our
           sufferings
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           hath
           God
           suffered
           us
           to
           run
           
           to
           this
           
             great
             consumption
          
           ,
           and
           satisfied
           us
           with
           our
           own
           delusions
           ;
           therefore
           are
           we
           
             smitten
             once
             and
             again
          
           by
           the
           
             sword
             and
             rod
             of
             God
          
           ,
           which
           crieth
           aloud
           to
           us
           ▪
           making
           upon
           us
           the
           wounds
           of
           an
           enemy
           ,
           which
           are
           not
           
             healed
             by
             any
             friendly
             hand
          
           ,
           because
           we
           are
           not
           yet
           turned
           to
           
             him
             that
             smote
             us
          
           ;
           therefore
           
             do
             our
             eyes
             fail
          
           ,
           not
           only
           with
           the
           expectation
           of
           the
           calamities
           that
           are
           coming
           upon
           us
           ,
           but
           also
           with
           
             looking
             for
             good
             things
             ,
             when
             behold
             saluation
             is
             far
             from
             us
             ,
          
           because
           our
           iniquities
           have
           blinded
           us
           ,
           and
           not
           only
           bereaved
           us
           of
           ,
           but
           still
           keep
           
           
             good
             things
             from
             us
          
           ,
           yet
           still
           we
           trust
           to
           I
           know
           not
           what
           Physicians
           or
           
             State
             Montebanks
          
           ,
           that
           are
           either
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           or
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           or
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           or
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           either
           many
           and
           cannot
           agree
           ,
           or
           
             unsk
             lful
          
           and
           of
           no
           value
           ,
           or
           unfaithful
           to
           others
           ,
           or
           unhealthful
           
           themselves
           (
           
             insani
             &
             insanabiles
          
           )
           of
           
             inauspicious
             looks
             and
             lives
          
           ,
           yea
           &
           for
           the
           most
           part
           
             incurable
             as
             to
             their
             sins
             and
             sores
          
           ;
           loving
           ,
           as
           
             vitiated
             appetites
          
           ,
           to
           feed
           not
           on
           wholesom
           food
           ,
           but
           on
           
             trifles
             &
             trash
          
           ;
           not
           
             Reason
             and
             Religion
             ,
             Law
             and
             Gospel
             ,
          
           but
           the
           froth
           of
           
             seraphick
             fancies
          
           ,
           and
           
             unbounded
             raptures
          
           ,
           which
           the
           better
           to
           colour
           over
           and
           excuse
           the
           miseries
           and
           ruines
           of
           three
           
             flourishing
             Kingdoms
          
           ,
           pretend
           to
           expect
           a
           
             glorious
             kingdom
          
           of
           Christ
           on
           earth
           ,
           such
           as
           he
           never
           yet
           enjoyed
           for
           sixteen
           hundred
           years
           ,
           nor
           ever
           will
           after
           their
           methods
           of
           blood
           and
           violence
           ,
           which
           are
           the
           weapons
           of
           Antichrist
           and
           Belial
           ,
           not
           of
           Christ
           or
           good
           Christians
           .
        
         
           This
           then
           is
           the
           answer
           which
           I
           may
           
           with
           too
           much
           truth
           and
           justice
           give
           as
           from
           the
           Lord
           to
           you
           or
           any
           that
           enquire
           of
           the
           
             burthen
             of
             the
             Lord
          
           ,
           why
           he
           
             pleads
             ,
             writes
          
           ,
           and
           
             acts
             such
             bitter
             things
          
           against
           us
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           would
           be
           no
           more
           en
           treated
           by
           us
           ,
           nor
           his
           
             heart
             could
             be
             toward
          
           such
           a
           people
           as
           we
           are
           ,
           whose
           iniquities
           have
           
             forfeited
             former
             blessings
          
           ;
           the
           sins
           of
           peace
           made
           way
           for
           war
           ;
           and
           war
           for
           
             domestick
             confusion
          
           ,
           and
           these
           for
           
             foraign
             invasions
          
           ,
           and
           this
           for
           
             Romish
             superstitions
          
           and
           
             Papal
             usurpations
          
           ;
           for
           there
           
           want
           not
           factors
           at
           home
           and
           abroad
           ,
           
           who
           are
           earnest
           sticklers
           for
           
             a
             Cause
          
           ;
           (
           which
           they
           call
           the
           
             Catholick
             Cause
          
           )
           what
           it
           means
           ,
           as
           to
           our
           civil
           and
           
             religious
             concern
          
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           honor
           of
           this
           Nation
           ,
           and
           the
           prosperity
           ,
           or
           peace
           ,
           or
           liberty
           of
           the
           
             Reformed
             Religion
          
           ,
           you
           cannot
           be
           such
           strangers
           in
           the
           Christian
           world
           as
           not
           to
           consider
           .
        
         
           How
           long
           (
           as
           Eliah
           said
           to
           the
           Israelites
           )
           
           will
           you
           halt
           between
           two
           opinions
           ,
           between
           
             two
             Causes
          
           ;
           nay
           now
           they
           are
           multiplied
           to
           twenty
           ;
           if
           the
           
             Reformed
             Church
          
           and
           Religion
           ,
           which
           God
           so
           blessed
           with
           temporal
           and
           
             spiritual
             blessings
          
           ,
           with
           excellent
           
             gifts
             and
             graces
          
           ,
           to
           your
           forefathers
           in
           the
           last
           century
           of
           
             Englands
             honor
             and
             happiness
          
           ;
           if
           it
           be
           Gods
           Cause
           
             grounded
             on
             his
             word
          
           ,
           sealed
           by
           
             his
             Spirit
          
           ,
           and
           conform
           to
           the
           best
           of
           
             primitive
             Churches
          
           ,
           let
           us
           plead
           and
           assert
           this
           against
           
             all
             other
          
           ;
           for
           it
           will
           be
           our
           wisdom
           and
           our
           strength
           ,
           our
           honor
           ,
           our
           peace
           and
           our
           safety
           ,
           as
           it
           was
           to
           our
           forefathers
           for
           the
           greatest
           part
           of
           an
           
             hundred
             years
          
           ,
           while
           they
           joyned
           Loyalty
           to
           Religion
           ,
           and
           thought
           nothing
           further
           from
           Reformation
           then
           Rebellion
           against
           lawful
           
           Magistrates
           and
           their
           
             lawful
             power
          
           .
        
         
           The
           Second
           Question
           you
           may
           make
           
           to
           me
           is
           ,
           
             What
             is
             this
             Cause
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             we
             are
             now
             to
             plead
             in
             England
             ?
             or
             what
             is
             there
             left
             for
             us
             to
             do
             ?
          
        
         
           I
           Answer
           as
           Joseph
           to
           his
           brethren
           ,
           
             this
             do
             and
             live
          
           :
           First
           ,
           retain
           righteous
           
           principles
           as
           to
           civil
           Justice
           and
           true
           Religion
           ,
           in
           your
           own
           judgements
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Court
           of
           your
           consciences
           ;
           that
           you
           be
           not
           warped
           in
           them
           ,
           so
           as
           by
           any
           events
           or
           successes
           ,
           to
           
             call
             evil
             good
             ,
             and
             good
             evil
             ,
             darkness
             light
             ,
          
           and
           
           
             light
             darkness
          
           :
           Though
           you
           have
           not
           opportunity
           ,
           or
           power
           ,
           or
           courage
           at
           present
           to
           plead
           according
           to
           your
           principles
           ,
           yet
           turn
           not
           from
           them
           ,
           comply
           not
           with
           such
           as
           are
           false
           ,
           unjust
           ,
           irreligious
           ;
           though
           it
           be
           so
           evil
           a
           time
           ,
           that
           
             prudence
             adviseth
          
           ,
           and
           piety
           indulgeth
           you
           silence
           ;
           yet
           time
           may
           come
           when
           you
           may
           plead
           for
           
             Gods
             Cause
          
           according
           to
           your
           principles
           :
           Mean
           time
           ,
           as
           by
           your
           speaking
           you
           do
           not
           strengthen
           the
           hands
           of
           an
           evill
           cause
           and
           evill
           doers
           ,
           so
           by
           your
           silence
           and
           reserve
           ,
           you
           do
           cast
           a
           
             just
             reproach
          
           and
           discountenance
           upon
           them
           ;
           there
           is
           yet
           hope
           of
           a
           
             good
             Cause
          
           ,
           if
           
           the
           Court
           and
           Judge
           be
           not
           corrupted
           :
           Notwithstanding
           that
           some
           evil
           pleaders
           cry
           it
           down
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           As
           you
           have
           
             power
             and
          
           
           opportunity
           given
           you
           ,
           dare
           to
           
             own
             and
             plead
             for
             Gods
             Cause
             :
          
           1.
           
           In
           your
           own
           brests
           and
           consciences
           ,
           every
           grace
           and
           vertue
           ,
           every
           good
           thought
           and
           
           motion
           is
           Gods
           ,
           plead
           them
           against
           
             thy
             own
             lusts
             and
             the
             Devils
             temptations
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           In
           thy
           
             Family
             and
             relations
          
           ,
           plead
           
           
             Gods
             Cause
          
           against
           
             lying
             ,
             swearing
             ,
             idleness
             ,
             prophaness
             ,
          
           &c.
           
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           In
           civil
           affairs
           plead
           the
           
           cause
           of
           Justice
           against
           any
           injury
           and
           oppression
           ;
           the
           
             poorest
             mans
             cause
          
           if
           just
           ,
           is
           Gods
           ;
           yea
           and
           the
           
             cause
             of
             a
             wicked
             mans
          
           so
           far
           as
           it
           is
           just
           ,
           is
           Gods.
           Specially
           
           in
           
             causes
             of
             publick
             Justice
          
           ,
           there
           thou
           must
           not
           be
           wanting
           to
           speak
           out
           ,
           by
           pleading
           when
           called
           to
           it
           ,
           by
           petitioning
           and
           praying
           for
           Justice
           ,
           yea
           and
           acting
           for
           it
           ,
           according
           to
           what
           is
           just
           and
           lawful
           ;
           but
           a
           just
           Cause
           must
           not
           be
           set
           ,
           as
           the
           Ark
           on
           the
           cart
           of
           injustice
           ;
           we
           must
           not
           so
           plead
           Gods
           cause
           as
           to
           injure
           Cesars
           ,
           nor
           Cesars
           ,
           as
           to
           injure
           Gods.
           
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           Plead
           the
           cause
           of
           true
           Religion
           
           
           of
           our
           
             reformed
             Religion
          
           ,
           of
           the
           
           
             Church
             of
             England
          
           ,
           and
           its
           excellent
           constitutions
           against
           the
           
             Pseudo
             Catholick
             Church
             of
             Rome
          
           ;
           the
           cause
           of
           Christs
           merits
           and
           intercession
           against
           all
           mixtures
           humane
           or
           Angelick
           ;
           the
           cause
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           against
           all
           
             Apocryphal
             traditions
          
           ,
           and
           
             fanatick
             illuminations
          
           ,
           which
           are
           false
           illusions
           ,
           and
           not
           divine
           inspirations
           ;
           The
           cause
           of
           the
           
             Lords
             Supper
          
           in
           its
           compleatness
           ,
           against
           the
           subductions
           and
           seductions
           of
           the
           Mass
           ,
           which
           loseth
           the
           bread
           to
           all
           ,
           and
           steals
           away
           the
           wine
           from
           the
           Laity
           ;
           the
           cause
           of
           the
           
             worship
             of
             God
             in
             a
             known
             tongue
             ,
          
           to
           edification
           ,
           against
           
             Latin
             service
          
           ,
           which
           
             few
             understand
          
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           say
           Amen
           to
           what
           is
           prayed
           ;
           So
           the
           
             cause
             of
             chast
             and
             honorable
             mariage
          
           against
           scorched
           and
           affected
           coelebacy
           .
           Further
           ,
           Plead
           as
           for
           the
           verity
           ,
           so
           for
           the
           unity
           of
           the
           Reformed
           
           Religion
           and
           this
           Church
           ,
           against
           those
           
             lice
             and
             locusts
          
           ,
           those
           
             noxious
             and
             noysom
             vermine
          
           of
           factions
           ,
           which
           have
           so
           
             gnawed
             and
             deface●
             this
             Church
          
           ,
           &
           the
           
             reformed
             religion
          
           ,
           and
           which
           seek
           to
           deprive
           your
           children
           of
           one
           ,
           and
           your selves
           of
           
             both
             the
             holy
             Sacraments
          
           .
        
         
           Plead
           for
           the
           
             Churches
             patrimony
          
           ,
           for
           
           the
           support
           and
           honor
           of
           an
           able
           ,
           learned
           ,
           
           authoritative
           and
           worthy
           Ministry
           ,
           in
           due
           order
           and
           government
           of
           it
           ,
           against
           those
           
             sacrilegious
             spirits
          
           ,
           who
           with
           Judas
           grudge
           all
           as
           wast
           ,
           that
           is
           by
           a
           
             grateful
             charity
          
           and
           
             devout
             superfluity
          
           ,
           poured
           on
           Christ
           for
           the
           honor
           of
           his
           name
           ,
           and
           the
           
             encouragement
             of
             his
             Ministers
          
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           
             general
             tenor
             of
             Gods
             word
          
           ,
           not
           only
           permiting
           ,
           but
           commanding
           us
           by
           personal
           or
           
             national
             donations
          
           ,
           to
           
             honor
             God
             with
             our
             substance
          
           .
        
         
           Plead
           for
           our
           due
           ordination
           &
           subordination
           
           
             as
             Ministers
          
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           not
           by
           
             novel
             projects
          
           of
           
             levelling
             confusion
          
           ,
           &
           
             plebeian
             Anarchy
          
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           be
           driven
           from
           conformity
           with
           the
           ancient
           Fathers
           ,
           and
           the
           order
           and
           
             universal
             government
             of
             all
             Christian
             Churches
             ,
          
           as
           wel
           as
           our
           own
           from
           our
           first
           being
           Christian
           .
        
         
           If
           you
           think
           us
           able
           or
           worthy
           to
           take
           care
           of
           your
           
             souls
             eternal
             welfare
          
           ,
           and
           to
           administer
           to
           you
           
             spiritual
             things
          
           :
           Do
           not
           think
           us
           worthy
           to
           be
           condemned
           to
           
             live
             to
             dye
          
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           buried
           even
           yet
           alive
           ,
           
             with
             the
             meanest
             of
             the
             people
             ▪
          
           since
           by
           what
           I
           have
           now
           discoursed
           to
           you
           ,
           it
           may
           appear
           that
           we
           are
           neither
           ignorant
           of
           nor
           enemies
           to
           the
           true
           
             cause
             of
             God
          
           &
           
             Jesus
             Christ
          
           ,
           as
           our
           blind
           and
           bitter
           
           enemies
           do
           maliciously
           pretend
           .
           Of
           which
           cause
           I
           have
           in
           all
           my
           discourse
           not
           spoken
           my
           own
           private
           sense
           only
           ,
           but
           the
           sense
           of
           my
           Fathers
           &
           Brethren
           ,
           of
           all
           true
           Bishops
           and
           Presbyters
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           whole
           Church
           of
           England
           .
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           Since
           I
           hope
           you
           are
           as
           willing
           
           
             as
             able
          
           to
           
             plead
             Gods
             cause
          
           ;
           and
           since
           I
           know
           you
           pray
           that
           God
           would
           plead
           your
           and
           your
           posterities
           cause
           in
           Church
           and
           State
           ,
           that
           he
           would
           make
           yours
           his
           
             own
             cause
          
           ;
           Keep
           ,
           I
           beseech
           you
           ,
           always
           in
           your
           souls
           this
           
             holy
             resolution
          
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           wanting
           in
           your
           place
           &
           to
           your
           power
           to
           assert
           
             Gods
             cause
             ;
             corde
             et
             ore
             ,
             consilio
             &
             exemplo
             ,
             prece
             &
             praxi
             ,
             atramento
             &
             sanguine
             :
          
           In
           which
           behalf
           you
           cannot
           form
           your
           thoughts
           to
           a
           
             better
             tune
             and
             words
          
           then
           Luther
           did
           when
           he
           undertook
           that
           great
           
             Cause
             of
             religious
             reformation
             ,
             Aut
             propugnemus
             causam
             Dei
             ,
             aut
             succumbamus
             cum
             causa
             Dei
          
           Either
           let
           us
           stand
           by
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           ,
           or
           let
           us
           fall
           with
           it
           ;
           for
           as
           it
           will
           rise
           again
           in
           due
           time
           ,
           so
           it
           will
           raise
           those
           with
           it
           to
           
             eternal
             glory
          
           ,
           who
           stood
           sted
           fastly
           by
           it
           ;
           
             Which
             that
             we
             may
             ever
             do
             ,
             God
             of
             his
             mercy
             grant
             us
             wisdom
             &
             courage
             through
             Jesus
             Christ
             our
             blessed
             Saviour
             ;
             to
             whom
             with
             the
             Father
             and
             holy
             Spirit
             be
             everlasting
             glory
             .
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
         
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A42475-e6390
           
             The
             scope
             of
             the
             psalm
             .
          
           
             The
             sad
             eclipse
             of
             true
             Religion
             in
             any
             Nation
             .
          
           
             1
             Sam
             4.
             1.
             
          
           
             Observ
             .
          
           
             The
             Author
             of
             this
             Psalm
             .
          
           
             Iames
             5.
             13.
             
          
           
             His
             Sympathy
             with
             the
             Church
             .
          
           
             Verse
             1.
             
          
           
             Verse
             2.
             
          
           
             Verse
             3.
             
          
           
             Verse
             9.
             
          
           
             Gods
             fear
             of
             mant
             reproaches
             .
          
           
             Versa
             1●
             .
          
           
             Psal
             .
             64.
             2.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             13
             ,
             14
             ,
             15
             ,
          
           
             Verse
             16.
             
          
           
             Verse
             19.
             
          
           
             The
             division
             or
             parts
             of
             the
             Text.
             
          
           
             Of
             the
             word
             Cause
             .
          
           
             Exod.
             17
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             15.
             4●
             
          
           
             It
             s
             sense
             or
             import
             here
             .
          
           
             The
             Etymology
             of
             Cause
             .
          
           
             The
             many
             pretonded
             causes
             which
             men
             plead
             as
             Gods.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             17.
             29.
             
          
           
             Trial
             of
             Causes
             .
             1
             Iohn
             4.
             
          
           
             Address
             to
             the
             Auditors
             ●n
             behalf
             of
             Gods
             Cause
             .
          
           
             Iudges
             9.
             7.
             
          
           
             God
             alone
             ca●
             plead
             our
             cause
             .
             1
             Iohn
             2.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             24.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             4.
             16.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Obs
             .
             God
             hath
             his
             cause
             in
             this
             world
             .
          
           
             Psal
             .
             33
             11.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             7.
             12.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Obs
             .
             God
             ever
             did
             and
             will
             plead
             his
             own
             cause
             in
             his
             due
             time
             .
          
           
             ●dges
             ●
             .
             ●●
             
          
           
             1
             King.
             8.
             59.
             
          
           
             3
             O●s
             .
             Gods
             cause
             may
             be
             in
             a
             very
             deplored
             state
             .
          
           
             1
             Kings
             19.
             10.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             24.
             31.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             20.
             13.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             11.
             3.
             
          
           
             and
             50.
             21.
             
          
           
             and
             60.
             11.
             
          
           
             and
             119.
             126.
             
          
           
             ●v
             .
             21.
             4.
             
          
           
             ●
             .
             Obs
             .
             The
             cause
             of
             the
             Church
             is
             signally
             Gods
             cause
             .
          
           
             Gen.
             ●●
             .
             30.
             
          
           
             Iosh
             .
             7.
             9.
             
          
           
             Mark
             8.
             25.
             
          
           
             5
             Obs
             .
             The
             most
             flourishing
             Church
             may
             be
             under
             great
             depressions
             .
          
           
             Iob
             2.
             3.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             9.
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             107.
             34.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             80.
             3.
             
          
           
             `
             Obs
             .
             Times
             may
             be
             such
             that
             none
             but
             God
             can
             plead
             his
             Cause
             .
          
           
             Psal
             .
             78.
             60.
             70
             and
             80.
             
          
           
             Ezra
             1.
             1.
             
          
           
             Zach.
             4.
             7.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             49.
             23.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             40.
             11.
             
          
           
             7
             Obs
             .
             Gods
             cause
             is
             (
             ●●t
             )
             never
             desperate
             .
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             30.
             6
             
          
           
             Hab.
             3.
             
             1●
             .
          
           
             Psal
             .
             78.
             65.
             
          
           
             Dan.
             3.
             
          
           
             8
             Obs
             .
             When
             all
             means
             fail
             ,
             prayer
             must
             be
             applied
             to
             Gods
             Cause
             .
          
           
             Acts
             27.
             24.
             
          
           
             Iames
             5.
             16.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             5
             11.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             123.
             6.
             
          
           
             6
             Obs
             .
             It
             is
             a
             sure
             sign
             of
             a
             gracious
             heart
             to
             lay
             to
             heart
             Gods
             cause
             .
          
           
             Match
             .
             26.
             33.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             63
             9.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             6●
             .
             7
             ▪
             
          
           
             Esther
             4.
             16.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             32.
             32.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             9.
             3.
             
          
           
             The
             four
             main
             subjects
             of
             the
             Discourse
             .
          
           
             1
             General
             ,
             What
             this
             cause
             of
             God
             is
             .
          
           
             Acts
             14.
             17.
             
          
           
             Gods
             silence
             and
             patience
             in
             his
             own
             cause
             .
          
           
             2
             Pet
             ▪
             3.
             3.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             19.
             2.
             
          
           
             Eccles
             .
             7.
             
             ●9
             .
          
           
             Prov.
             18.
             17.
             
          
           
             The
             marks
             and
             pr●peri●es
             o●
             Gods
             cause
             .
          
           
             ●
             .
             The
             best
             cause
             .
          
           
             2
             most
             true
             according
             to
             Scriptural
             verity
             .
          
           
             Psal
             .
             5.
             4.
             
          
           
             3
             It
             is
             a
             most
             hol●
             ,
             pure
             and
             just
             cause
             .
          
           
             4
             It
             is
             an
             intire
             and
             catholick
             cause
             .
          
           
             Ephes
             .
             1.
             6.
             
          
           
             5
             Constant
             to
             it self
             .
          
           
             6
             The
             most
             a●●le
             and
             august
             cause
             ▪
             
          
           
             Y●t
             the
             cause
             of
             Go●
             consists
             not
             in
             minute
             matters
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             14.
             1.
             
          
           
             But
             in
             grand
             and
             clear
             case●
             of
             faith
             and
             manners
             .
             Rom.
             1●
             .
             1●●
             
          
           
             Of
             ornamentals
             and
             essentials
             in
             Religion
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             14.
             40.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             14.
             40.
             
          
           
             The
             cobwebs
             of
             small
             controversies
             catch
             fli●●
             .
          
           
             Of
             varieties
             ●
             among
             good
             Christians
             .
          
           
             Ephes
             .
             4.
             3.
             
          
           
             7
             The
             cause
             of
             God
             is
             orderly
             and
             comely
             i●
             all
             things
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             1●
             .
             33.
             
          
           
             Iames
             ▪
             1●
             .
             16.
             
          
           
             Iames
             ●
             .
             20.
             
          
           
             ●
             Kings
             19.
             12.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             2.
             25.
             
          
           
             Iames
             3.
             13.
             
          
           
             Of
             populer
             and
             false
             marks
             put
             on
             the
             Cause
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             ●t
             .
             5.
             45.
             
          
           
             Of
             mens
             rare
             gifts
             ,
             great
             endowments
             ,
             and
             severe
             Professions
             
          
           
             ●atan
             a
             pretender
             to
             Gods
             Cause
             .
          
           
             Gods
             Cause
             most
             what
             a
             crucisied
             Cause
             .
          
           
             Reve.
             12.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             1.
             29.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim
             ▪
             3.
             12.
             
          
           
             Tit
             ▪
             ●
             .
             12.
             
          
           
             An
             Embleme
             of
             Gods
             Cause
             
          
           
             2.
             
             Particular
             ,
             wherein
             the
             cause
             of
             God
             cheifely
             consists
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             his
             Glory
             as
             God
             be
             owned
             in
             the
             world
             .
          
           
             Gods
             plea
             against
             Atheists
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             cause
             of
             Iesus
             Christ
             is
             Gods
             Cause
             .
          
           
             Iohn
             .
             14.
             1.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             6.
             35.
             
          
           
             Acts.
             4.
             12.
             
          
           
             1
             Iohn
             .
             3.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             .
             17.
             3
             
          
           
             Iohn
             .
             14.
             1.
             
          
           
             1
             Iohn
             .
             5.
             10.
             
          
           
             1
             Iohn
             .
             5.
             7.
             
          
           
             3
             The
             Cause
             of
             the
             Church
             is
             Gods
             Cause
             .
          
           
             Zack
             .
             2.
             8.
             
          
           
             The
             Scripture
             is
             the
             tate
             of
             Gods
             Cause
             .
          
           
             The
             Ministry
             Gods
             Cause
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             2.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             10.
             40.
             
          
           
             The
             Sacraments
             ,
             Gods
             Cause
             .
          
           
             The
             Churches
             government
             ,
             Gods
             cause
             .
          
           
             The
             Churches
             liberties
             is
             Gods
             Cause
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             14.
             40.
             
          
           
             The
             Churches
             unity
             Gods
             cause
             .
          
           
             ●om
             .
             16.
             17.
             
          
           
             Primitive
             Churches
             care
             to
             keep
             unity
             and
             charity
             among
             Christians
             .
          
           
             Of
             abolishing
             things
             once
             abused
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             The
             good
             of
             mankind
             is
             Gods
             Cause
             .
          
           
             In
             civil
             justice
             .
             Isa
             .
             59.
             1.
             
             Micah
             6.
             8.
             1
             
             Cor.
             6.
             8.
             
             Col.
             3.
             25.
             
          
           
             In
             settled
             Laws
             .
          
           
             In
             Polity
             and
             Magistracy
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             13.
             1.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             2.
             13.
             
          
           
             8.
             
             Every
             private
             just
             cause
             is
             Gods.
             
          
           
             The
             cause
             of
             Magistrates
             is
             eminently
             Gods.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             22.
             28.
             
             Psal
             .
             105.
             15.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             24.
             6.
             and
             26.
             11.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             22.
             21.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             2.
             13.
             
             Rom.
             13.
             1.
             2.
             
          
           
             No
             friends
             to
             Gods
             cause
             who
             are
             enemies
             to
             lawful
             Magistracy
             .
          
           
             Of
             common
             principles
             of
             reason
             and
             liberty
             urged
             as
             Gods
             cause
             against
             Magistracy
             and
             secled
             Laws
             .
          
           
             Luke
             21.
             19.
             
          
           
             6
             ▪
             Gods
             cause
             is
             in
             every
             mans
             conscience
             .
          
           
             The
             cause
             of
             the
             poor
             and
             fatherless
             and
             widows
             is
             Gods.
             
          
           
             Pro.
             3●
             .
             9.
             ●ob
             29.
             12.
             
          
           
             The
             just
             cause
             of
             a
             wicked
             and
             unholy
             man
             is
             Gods.
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             17.
             19.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             115.
             16.
             
             Heb.
             11.
             40.
             
          
           
             7.
             
             The
             cause
             of
             every
             good
             creature
             is
             Gods.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             2.
             5.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             32.
             10.
             
          
           
             Luke
             12.
             20.
             
          
           
             Luke
             16.
             25.
             
          
           
             2
             General
             .
             How
             and
             why
             the
             cause
             of
             God
             oft
             needs
             his
             pleading
             .
          
           
             ●u
             the
             great
             degeneracy
             or
             corruption
             of
             mankind
             as
             to
             common
             principles
             of
             reason
             and
             Religion
             .
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             12.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             1.
             24.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             ●
             .
             &
             7.
             
          
           
             Acts
             17.
             23.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             11.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             19.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             15.
             
             ●●
             .
          
           
             Dan.
             4.
             
             1●
             .
          
           
             Dan.
             7.
             ●9
             
          
           
             Matth
             :
             ●
             23
             
          
           
             2
             In
             the
             Churches
             great
             depressions
             .
          
           
             1
             By
             heathenish
             persecution
             
          
           
             Against
             the
             Church
             of
             the
             Iews
             
          
           
             Exod
             :
             5
             
          
           
             Ier
             :
             12.
             9
             
          
           
             Cant
             :
             2.
             28
             
          
           
             Psalm
             83.
             11
             
          
           
             Psalm
             ●0
             ●3
             
          
           
             Psalm
             2.
             1
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Gor
             ,
             1
             
          
           
             Persecut
             on
             of
             Heathen
             against
             the
             Church
             Christian
             
          
           
             Iohn
             4.
             24
             
          
           
             Matth
             :
             2
             
          
           
             Rom
             :
             8.
             36.
             
          
           
             Acts
             7.
             54
             
          
           
             ●
             The
             Churches
             depression
             by
             Hereticks
             and
             Schismaticks
             .
          
           
             Gal.
             2.
             4
             ▪
             
          
           
             2
             Cor
             :
             2.
             17
             
          
           
             Acts
             20.
             29
             ,
             30
             
          
           
             2
             Tim
             :
             4.
             5
             
          
           
             4
             ▪
             The
             Churches
             decline
             by
             corruption
             of
             manndrs
             among
             true
             beleivers
             
          
           
             Aeatth
             :
             13.
             25
             
          
           
             The
             darkness
             and
             decay
             of
             the
             western
             Churches
             unper
             Popery
             .
          
           
             5
             The
             deccay
             of
             the
             reformed
             Churches
             
          
           
             1
             Pet
             ▪
             4.
             19
             
          
           
             1
             Pe●
             ▪
             3
             1●
             
          
           
             2
             Parti●●●ar
             ,
             Why
             God
             suffers
             his
             cause
             to
             lapse
             
          
           
             1
             To
             shew
             the
             malice
             that
             is
             in
             mens
             hearts
             
          
           
             Psalm
             50.
             21
             
          
           
             2
             To
             try
             and
             exercise
             the
             graces
             of
             the
             godly
             
          
           
             1
             Pet
             :
             2.
             21
             
             Iames
             1.
             2
             ,
             &
             4
             
          
           
             3
             To
             punish
             the
             malitious
             by
             penal
             hardning
             
          
           
             Hosea
             4.
             17
             
          
           
             2
             Thess
             :
             2.
             1
             
          
           
             2
             Tim
             :
             4
             4
             
          
           
             Rom
             :
             ●
             :
             18
             
          
           
             Iohn
             3.
             19
             
          
           
             4
             To
             purge
             away
             the
             dross
             of
             his
             gold
             
          
           
             5
             To
             give
             the
             world
             presages
             of
             an
             after
             judgment
             and
             pleading
             .
             Psalm
             ●3
             .
             19
             and
             11.
             16
             
             Isai
             3.
             11
             and
             6●
             .
             24
             
          
           
             3
             General
             ,
             How
             God
             pleads
             his
             own
             cause
             
          
           
             1
             More
             immediately
             in
             the
             Court
             of
             conscience
             against
             us
             
          
           
             Isai
             57.
             21
             and
             48.
             22
             
          
           
             2
             God
             pleads
             his
             cause
             in
             our
             conscience
             for
             us
             .
          
           
             Isa
             :
             ●0
             .
             10
             
          
           
             Isa
             :
             41.
             21
             
          
           
             Exod
             :
             33.
             12
             
          
           
             Rom
             :
             8.
             1
             
          
           
             3
             God
             pleads
             his
             cause
             before
             all
             the
             world
             by
             his
             providences
             Psalm
             58.
             1●
             
          
           
             Isai
             1.
             24
             
          
           
             The
             nature
             of
             Godspleadings
             in
             the
             world
             
          
           
             Against
             the
             greatest
             and
             highest
             Princes
             
          
           
             Psalm
             107.
             4
             
          
           
             Miraculous
             pleadings
             of
             Gods
             cause
             
          
           
             Isai
             37.
             39
             
          
           
             Isai
             37.
             37
             
          
           
             Iudges
             7.
             22
             
          
           
             Gods
             pleas
             impartial
             
          
           
             Gen.
             3
             
          
           
             Ier
             :
             15.
             3
             
          
           
             2
             Pet
             ,
             2.
             4
             
          
           
             Gods
             pleadings
             against
             the
             sins
             of
             the
             best
             men
             ,
             as
             
               David
               ,
               &c.
            
             
          
           
             2
             Sam
             :
             12.
             10
             ,
             ●
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             2.
             
          
           
             1
             Kings
             15.
             5
             
          
           
             1
             Sam
             :
             15.
             23
             
          
           
             1
             Kings
             ii
             
          
           
             Isai
             29
             ,
             5
             
          
           
             2
             Kings
             20
             
          
           
             4
             Gods
             pleading
             against
             the
             ews
             
          
           
             Matth.
             23
             ▪
             35
             
          
           
             Gods
             pleading
             against
             Christian
             Churches
             
          
           
             2
             Chron
             :
             ●5
             .
             5
             
          
           
             5
             Gods
             pleading
             his
             cause
             by
             persecutions
             Phil
             :
             1
             
          
           
             Rev
             ▪
             12.
             12
             
          
           
             1
             Pet
             :
             4.
             14
             
          
           
             Rom
             :
             ●
             .
             37
             
          
           
             4
             General
             ,
             Gods
             immediate
             pleading
             his
             Cause
             by
             men
             .
          
           
             By
             pious
             Princes
             .
          
           
             Isai
             41.
             2
             
          
           
             Acts
             3.
             19
             
          
           
             By
             Councils
             and
             Synods
             .
          
           
             Rev
             :
             12
             
          
           
             Gods
             pleading
             in
             the
             reformed
             Churches
             .
          
           
             Gods
             pleading
             at
             the
             day
             of
             judgement
             
          
           
             Rev.
             20.
             12
             
          
           
             and
             20.
             13
             
          
           
             5
             The
             right
             method
             of
             mans
             pleading
             Gods
             Cause
             .
          
           
             Iudges
             6.
             31
             
          
           
             Of
             pleading
             Gods
             cause
             by
             fighting
             .
          
           
             Iudg.
             ●
             ▪
             1●
             .
          
           
             Of
             Religion
             to
             be
             asserted
             by
             the
             sword
             .
          
           
             Luke
             9.
             55.
             
          
           
             Mark
             16.
             15.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             26.
             52.
             
          
           
             Gods
             cause
             to
             be
             pleaded
             by
             men
             .
          
           
             1
             Vnderstandingly
             .
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             3.
             17.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             ●
             .
             20.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             Sincerely
             .
          
           
             2
             Kings
             10.
             16.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             1.
             15.
             
          
           
             Tit.
             1.
             11.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             1.
             10.
             
          
           
             3.
             
             Entirely
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Holily
             ,
             an●
             justly
             ,
             or
             lawfully
             .
          
           
             Micah
             .
             6.
             8.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             61.
             8.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             4.
             15.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             2.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             3.
             8.
             
          
           
             1
             Pe●
             .
             2.
             12.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             2.
             5.
             
          
           
             5.
             
             With
             moderation
             and
             discretion
             .
          
           
             Phil.
             4.
             5.
             
          
           
             ●
             With
             Christian
             courage
             and
             magnanimity
             .
          
           
             Exod.
             30.
             9.
             
          
           
             Lev.
             10.
             1.
             
          
           
             With
             respect
             and
             modesty
             to
             superiours
             .
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             11.
             
          
           
             Iude
             ●
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             5.
             44.
             
          
           
             2
             With
             charity
             and
             compassion
             to
             all
             men
             .
          
           
             1
             Pet
             ▪
             2.
             23.
             
          
           
             Acts
             8.
             32.
             
          
           
             Acts
             7.
             60.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             3.
             16.
             
          
           
             Of
             rude
             and
             riotous
             pleadng
             Gods
             cause
             
          
           
             Iames.
             3.
             10.
             
          
           
             1
             Vse
             to
             direc●
             us
             to
             the
             best
             cause
             that
             is
             to
             be
             pleaded
             .
          
           
             Iohn
             18.
             37.
             
          
           
             2
             Vse
             ,
             Caution
             to
             plead
             Gods
             cause
             in
             Gods
             way
             .
          
           
             Of
             mistakers
             and
             mispleaders
             of
             Gods
             cause
             .
          
           
             Psal
             .
             50.
             16.
             
          
           
             Zach.
             14.
             20.
             
          
           
             4.
             
             Vse
             of
             Terror
             ,
             to
             such
             as
             oppose
             Gods
             cause
             .
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             2.
             8●
             
          
           
             5.
             
             Vse
             ,
             of
             exhortation
             ,
             and
             comfort
             in
             the
             lowest
             ebb
             to
             plead
             Gods
             cause
             by
             our
             prayers
             .
          
           
             Ps
             al.
             119.
             126.
             
          
           
             6.
             
             Vse
             ,
             not
             to
             measure
             Gods
             cause
             by
             false
             rules
             .
          
           
             Psal
             .
             73.
             15.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             2.
             4.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             1.
             17.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             7.
             22.
             
          
           
             Vse
             of
             examination
             by
             putting
             two
             Questions
             .
          
           
             1
             Quest
             ▪
             what
             is
             the
             cause
             which
             God
             thus
             pleads
             against
             us
             in
             England
             .
          
           
             Gods
             controversie
             with
             the
             Land.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             4.
             1.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             25.
             31.
             
          
           
             Iudges
             9.
             23.
             
          
           
             2
             Chron.
             15.
             5.
             
          
           
             Gods
             long
             and
             sore
             pleading
             against
             us
             .
          
           
             Answer
             to
             the
             first
             Quaere
             .
          
           
             Hag
             ,
             2.
             23.
             
          
           
             Isaiah
             .
             5.
             
          
           
             God
             pleads
             against
             our
             unthankfulness
             to
             God.
             
          
           
             Isaiah
             5.
             3.
             
          
           
             Against
             our self
             seeking
             ▪
             
          
           
             Against
             our
             Hypocrisie
             and
             Sacriledg
             ,
          
           
             Against
             our
             unthankfulness
             to
             man.
             
          
           
             God
             pleads
             against
             Ministers
             .
          
           
             Against
             Lawyers
             .
          
           
             Against
             Nobility
             and
             Gentry
             
          
           
             Against
             the
             people
             in
             and
             out
             of
             their
             Parliaments
             .
          
           
             2
             ▪
             Tim.
             4
             ,
             3.
             
          
           
             Against
             the
             Souldiery
             .
          
           
             God
             pleads
             against
             rich
             men
             .
          
           
             Against
             our
             incorigibleness
             and
             obstinacy
             .
          
           
             Iames
             4.
             3.
             
          
           
             God
             pleads
             against
             us
             by
             the
             voyce
             of
             his
             rod
             ,
             &
             sore
             afflictions
             .
          
           
             Our
             too
             greattrust
             in
             State
             Physicians
             .
          
           
             Answer
             to
             the
             first
             Question
             .
          
           
             Factors
             for
             the
             Romish
             Cause
             .
          
           
             1
             King.
             18.
             
             ●●
             .
          
           
             2
             Query
             ,
             what
             is
             the
             cause
             of
             God
             we
             now
             are
             to
             plead
             in
             England
             .
          
           
             Ans
             .
             Maintain
             honest
             and
             just
             principles
             with
             in
             .
          
           
             ●sa
             .
             5.
             20.
             
          
           
             2
             Plead
             as
             you
             have
             power
             and
             opportunity
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             In
             thy
             own
             soul
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             In
             thy
             family
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             In
             the
             publick
             .
          
           
             As
             to
             justice
             .
          
           
             As
             to
             true
             religion
             .
          
           
             The
             verity
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             The
             unity
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             For
             the
             Churches
             patrimony
             .
          
           
             For
             right
             ordination
             and
             subordination
             among
             Ministers
             .
          
           
             Peroration
             or
             conclusion
             of
             Gods
             cause
             and
             the
             pleadings
             of
             it
             .