THE TRUE INQVISITION. OR THE SAD SOULS SEARCH: Preached at Newport, May 29. 1632. in the Primary Visitation of the Worshipful Mr. EDWARD BURBYE Archdeacon of Winton.  
By W. JONES, B. of D. Preacher to the Isle of Wight, and Vicar of Arreton.  Let every man prove his own work, Gal. 6. 4 
LONDON Printed by William Jones dwelling in Red-crosse-streete, 1633.   

TO THE WORSHIPFUL, MASTER EDWARD BURBYE, Archdeacon of Winton  
Sir  
UPON your word, this sermon was made and preached. And though the importunity of some drew it to the press beyond my intent: yet it is desirous to return unto you again, that under the wings of your protection, it may remain as a faithful witness of my unfeigned desire, of the reformation of the whole Deanery of the Isle of Wight To which if you according to your place, shall put your helping hand, and deal courageously, the Lord shall be with you: and we shall not cease praying, that you may be an ancient and honourable Father in Israel.  
From my study at Arreton, June 1. 1632. Your Worships at command in the Lord jesus, WILLIAM JONES.   

THE TRUE INQVISITION, OR THE SAD SOULS SEARCH.  LAMENTATIONS 3. 40. Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. 
'tIS Very probable that when the jews were going into captivity, as 'tis threatened, Ierm. 25. then jeremy made this book of Lamentations; wherein he first sets down the greatness of God's judgements.  
Secondly, the heinousness of their sins.  
Thirdly, he exhorts the people to repentance.  
Fourthly, he invites them to lay hold on God's mercy by faith.  
The words of my Text are the sum of the whole book, which may be thus rendered in a few more words.  
Ye see, my dear Countrymen, how the Lord hath afflicted us; and doubtless the cause is our sins. It shall therefore be our wisdom to examine ourselves narrowly, wherein we have transgressed; and then to return into the path of God's Commandments, that he may have mercy upon us, and remove his judgements from us.  
Now behold the judgements of God have long hovered over our land: Wherefore as jeremy then called the jews to search their ways; so is it seasonable for every Minister of the Gospel among us, to call his people to examination of their ways, that the fierce wrath of God may be turned from us.  
And for my part at this time I am called to make a visitation Sermon: ye see the Visitors are come to inquire concerning all our ways. What fitter exhortation than can I make, than this of the wise Prophet? Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.  
In this exhortation I observe two parts; the first stands in searching and trying our ways: the second, in turning again to the Lord.  
Concerning the former part in those words, Let us search and try our ways, I note three particulars.  
First, who be the persons summoned in the particle us.  
Secondly the act, which is twofold, search, and try.  
Thirdly the object to be searched and tried, our ways.  
Touching the first, the persons summoned in the particle, us; No question but jeremy speaks to the body of the jews, including himself. For though he was a righteous man, yet he knew as David saith, Psal. 143. 2. That in God's sight, no man living is justified. To the whole Congregation of Israel therefore doth jeremy speak, including himself when he saith, Let us search, etc.  
In like manner at this time, do I direct my speech to the whole Deanery of the Isle of Wight, not excluding myself, or any of my brethren of the Ministry.  
Nay more, including you also right Worshipful that are come to visit us, and all your officers from the highest to the lowest; yea and all that have any hand in this day's visitation, as Churchwardens and sidemen, Plainetiffes, Defendants, and witnesses, all that prove Wills, or take upon them the administration of other men's goods: in a word, to you all that hear me this day, as also to myself, do I say in the word of the Lord, Let us search and try our ways. For though perhaps some among us are not such heinous sinners as others; yet we cannot but confess if we will speak the truth, that in many things we sin all: and therefore have just cause every one to search and try our ways; wherefore I say again and again, Let us all and every one of us, search and try our ways.  
I do not deny but it is the part of the Magistrate, and the duty of the Minister, and Churchwardens, and all swornemen, to search and try the ways of all that are committed to their charge; and woe be unto them if they do not:  
But yet it is laid as a burden upon every particular person to search himself, according to that 1 Cor. 11. 28. Let a man, i. every man, examine himself, and again, Let every man prove his own work, Gal. 6. 4.  
Neither shall we think it strange, that every man is called to the strict examination of himself, if we mark the reason.  
For first, they to whom the care of others is committed, many times are careless.  
Secondly, no man can take notice of all another's wanderings; The heart is deceit full above measure, who can search it? jer. 17, 9  
Thirdly, Every one of us shall give account to God of himself, Rom. 14, 12. Every man shall bear his own burden, Gal. 6. 5.  
'tis true, if the Magistrate, and Minister, and other overseers, warn not the wicked whom they espy, but let them go on in sin, God will require their blood at their hands; but yet they shall dye in their sins, and bear their own punishment, Ezec. 33. 8. Which being so, every one that is wise will ponder his own paths; Every one that hath understanding will search and try his own ways.  
So ye have the first particular, every man, high or low, rich or poor, learned or unlearned, bond or free, must search and try his own ways.  
The second particular to be considered is the Act, which is twofold, search, and try.  
By searching, we must understand a narrow looking into our courses by taking special view of them all.  
David expresses the meaning when he says, Psal. 119. 59 I considered my ways, that is, as other translations have it, I thought on my ways, or, I called all my ways to my remembrance. So then being in my text commanded to search our ways, 'tis as if we had been enjoined to ponder all our ways, or to call to our remembrance, as much as we can, all our bypast thoughts, words, and deeds.  
Moreover when we have searched, or taken special notice of all our ways, we are commanded in the second place to try them, that is, to weigh them in the balance of the Sanctuary, and prove them by the touchstone of God's word, whether they be good and current, or not.  
Behold then thy Duty, whosoever thou art. Thou must often enter into serious examination and consideration of all thy ways: thou must every day ponder with thyself, whether thy conversation be suitable to Gods will or not.  
Concerning this searching and trying in worldly matters, we are for the most part very wise: he that hath a flock of sheep, will have a shepherd to handle them daily. He that hath much land, will have a bay life to oversee it continually. Ye need not bid the merchant try his silver & gold, and search his other commodities. Who doth not often talk and inquire concerning the estate of his body?  
But concerning the estate of our souls, we are too too negligent. I may say of our days as jeremy 8. 6. I harkened and heard, but they spoke not aright, no man repent him of his wickedness, saying, what have I done? Every one turneth to his course as the horse rusheth into the battle.  
Unto whom shall I compare the men of this generation? certainly they are like the people of Laish: judg. 18. 27. The children of Dan came unto Laish, a quiet people and without mistrust, and smote them with the edge of the sword, etc.  
Even so, though we hear daily, that the Devil like a roaring Lion goes about seeking whom he may devour, 1 Pet. 5. 8. and that our lusts daily war against our souls, 1 Pet. 2. 11. and that the whole world lies in wickedness, 1 joh. 5. 19 yet we lie still snorting in our sins.  
Yea more, though it be most apparent that the Lord hath whet his sword, and prepared instruments of death, as the plague, famine, and the sword, which have in our country and among our neighbours, devoured many thousands, and ten thousands within these few years, yet we are not moved hereby to search and try our ways: We sleep like a man upon the top of a Mast.  
Thus much for the second particular, the twofold act, search and try.  
I come to the third particular, which is the object, or what we must search and try, namely, our ways.  
And here by this word ways, we must understand our thoughts, words, and works: So they are often termed in the Scripture, Gen. 6. 12. All flesh had corrupted his way, i. all mankind had polluted their manners, they were grown dissolute in their thoughts, words, and deeds.  
Now, our thoughts, words and deeds are termed our ways, because by them we walk as 'twere to heaven or hell, as by the King's high way we pass from town to town. He that thinks good thoughts, speaks good words, and doth good works, is walking in the way to heaven. Bona opera sunt via regn: i. good works are the way to the kingdom of heaven; Which God hath ordained that we should walk in them, Ephe. 2. 10.  
He that thinks evil thoughts, speaks evil words, doth evil deeds, is walking in the way to hell. Prov. 7. 27. Solomon saith The house of a whore is the way to hell: i whoremongers and adulterers are walking in the ready way that leads to hell.  
The like may be said of the practice of any sin, in thought, word, or deed; 'tis the way to hell.  
So then, whereas the Prophet says, Let us search and try our ways, 'tis as if he had said, Let us examine our thoughts, words and deeds; Let us consider wherein we have transgressed the Commandments of God, or done aught against his will.  
And here it is to be noted that he says our ways, not other men's ways: In this search we must have an eye to our own thoughts, words and deeds.  
This is a singular point of wisdom; But very many of us fail most grossly therein. We are for the most part like those whom St. August. 10. Confess. calls, Curiosum genus hominum ad Cognoscendum vitam alienam, desidiosum ad Corrigendum suam: We are curious in searching other men's ways, negligent in correcting our own.  
I do not deny but a man may take notice of his neighbours wanderings, and rebuke him too; 'tis the Lords own Commandment, Levit. 19 17. Thou shalt freely rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. And verily we have all much to answer for, because we have not seasonably reproved our offending neighbours.  
But the course that I now tax, is, that many are so buysie in searching other men's ways, that they neglect their own: and yet they think themselves wise men. But a wiser than the wisest saith, Prov. 9 12. If thou be'st wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself. Yea the heathen man Platarch de Curiosit. saith, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 'tis the end of Philosophy, to know a man's own evils. And the Orator saith very well, Ne quicquam sapit qui sibi non sapit, He is wise in vain, that is not wise for himself.  
Wherefore let us carefully hearken to the counsel of the wisdom of God, which saith, Prov. 4. 25. Let thy eye lids direct thy way before thee; ponder the path of thy feet: And let all thy ways be ordered aright. And whereas he says, Let all thy ways be ordered, it gives me occasion to put you in mind, that he that will make a true search, must search all his ways, and try all his thoughts, words, and deeds. 'tis not sufficient to examine some, or many of our ways: but we must ponder all our ways. If a Ship spring three leaks, and only two be stopped, the third will sink the Ship. If a man have two grievous wounds in his body, and take order to cure only one, that which is neglected will kill him.  
Quidve exempta juvat spinis de pluribus una? Even so if we having diverse lusts which fight against our souls, do mortify but some of them, 'tis to no purpose.  
God cannot endure these halfe-services. He that will be a man after Gods own heart, must with David, Ps. 119. 104. utterly abhor all falswais.  
The pharisees were very precise in manythings; yet Christ calls them hypocrites, and cries woe unto them, because they walked not circumspectly in all their ways.  
The truth is, he that unfeignedly bends his mind against any one sin, hates all sins; and he that favours himself in any one sin never so small, never so secret: this man hates no sin heartily, what show soever he makes. He may perhaps eschew some sins, for some sinister respects, as namely because they will not sort with his ordinary courses; or are not ageeable to his complexion; or would hinder him more another way; or because he is taken up of so many other unclean spirits, that give him no leisure for these.  
Who will contend the covetous Crib, for hating prodigality, and excess in meat, drink, and apparel? Who knows not that he hence reaps no small advantage?  
What considerate man will think the better of a prodigal spend thrift, because he hears him rail against this or that miserable Churl?  
judas was angry at the waste of the box of precious ointment, and said it might have been sold and given to the poor: But 'twas not because he loved the poor, or hated waste, but because he carried the bag and was a thief.  
The pharisees were very strict in tything Mint, anise & Cummin, but if they had done this sincerely, they would not have neglected the weightier matters of the Law. For he that looks to some of his ways in obedience unto God's Commandment, for the same reason must and will look unto all: And he that hath not an eye to all his ways, in truth regards none.  
So then let all that hear me this day, take special notice that we are all summoned this day, to search and try all our ways: I say again; we are all bound and commanded, to search and try all our ways. Though in regard of some of our courses we are applauded in the world, and know that we have done worthily; yet we must proceed further, and narrowly search and examine all our whole conversation, and all the passages of our life. 1 Sam. 15. 13. when Saul returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, he said unto Samuel, Thou blessed of the Lord, I have performed the commandment of the Lord: And yet ye know, he had spared Agag the King, and the fat cattle, contrary to the commandment.  
In like manner there be very many in these days, who think themselves good Christians, because they have done & do many good things, and eschew many evil ways: They hear the word preached, they pray, they come to the Lords table, they give alms; they are no murderers, adulterers, thieves; Hereupon they conclude, as Saul did, they have performed the commandment of the Lord: whereas if they would search and try all their ways, they would see that they come far short in other points. For though they hear God's word duly, they hate to be reform: though they keep some part of the Lords day holy, they spend some other part profanely: though they often call upon God's name devoutly, they oftener take his name in vain most fearfully. Though they steal not their neighbours good, they rob him of his good name: though they will not strike with the sword, their hearts are full fraught with murderous and malicious thoughts.  
For this cause we must search and try all our ways; we must suffer no one to escape without due examination.  
Moreover, if upon sound trial of our own personal ways, we be able to say truly with Ezechiah, Isay 38. 3. we have walked before God in truth, and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in his sight, & as David saith Ps. 18. 23. have kept ourselves from our own iniquity; yet we must not here cease searching; we must proceed to searchand try all the ways of those that are committed unto our charge, because we must answer unto God for them.  
job was a man perfect and upright, and one that feared God and eschewed evil, by Gods own testimony, job 1. 8. yet job thought not this enough, but continued sanctifying his children, and offering sacrifice for them, job. 1. 5.  
Go thou and do likewise. Thou must be as careful in searching and trying all the ways of thy servants and children, etc. as thine own; wherein because Eli failed, he was fearfully plagued by the Lord, 1 Sam. 4.  
To conclude this point, if thou be a private man, thou must not pry into the ways of thy neighbours: but concerning those abominations which are openly committed in the land, thou art bound with them, Ezech 9 4. to bewail the same: But if thou art a Magistrate, thou must search out and reform all abuses in thy quarter: thou must not bear the sword in vain: For thou art the Minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil, Rom. 13. 4.  
Lastly, though this course of searching and trying our ways, must be taken principally when God visiteth us with any plague: or when the Civil, or Ecclesiastical Magistrate (as now) comes to inquire concerning our ways; yet ought it to be daily and continually used, because we are apt to go astray continually, & to wander every moment. But the most convenient time, for this searching and trying all our ways, by St. Chrysostome and others, is thought to be every evening.  
Thus have I showed unto you a point of singular wisdom, to be put in practise every day by all men, all the days of their lives.  
Many therefore of this generation, are not so wise as they would be accounted, because either altogether, or in part, they neglect this duty of searching and trying their ways.  
Some (let all things go how they will) pass their days in sottish security, and never say to their own souls so much as, What have I done, until with the rich glutton, they be suddenly plunged into hell.  
Others, though they be earnestly exhorted to search and try their ways, will by no means entertain any counsel in this kind, but go on resolutely as they have done.  
In this rank stand, first our recusant Papists, who will do as their Fathers and Grandfathers have done, tell them what ye can.  
Secondly of this number are very many profane wretches, which seem to hate instruction, and put off all admonition with a scoff.  
Thirdly, here also may be ranged much people, men and women, who having entered into some unlawful course, wherein they find, either pleasure, as Herod in his brother Philip's wife, Luk. 3. or profit, as the Craftsmen in making Shrines for the Temple of Diana, Acts 19 25. or honour, as Naaman in going with his Mr. to his idolatrous house, 2 Kings 5. cannot endure to hear, that they must search and try their ways, because they are resolved whatsoever they hear not to change their course.  
Such are in these days our common Stage-players, gamehousekeepers, ministrells, jesters, typlers, stews, usurers, etc.  
All these abhor this searching and trying of their ways. They will not endure to have the lawfulness of their courses called in question.  
Others there are which perform this duty but only in part, and of these there are diverse sorts; first, are they which do but talk of it, as Felix, Acts 24. 25. who when Paul preached of righteousness, temperance, and judgement to come, trembled, but said, Go thy way, and when I have a convenient time, I will send for thee: but he never sent.  
Even so many in these days, when they hear a searching Sermon, say here is good Doctrine, 'tis pity but it should be followed, but after that time never think upon it again.  
Secondly, some are almost persuaded to search their ways, as Agrippa who said to Paul, Acts 26. 28. Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. But this almost will not serve the turn.  
Thirdly, some search and try their ways, but friendly as Ahab, 1 Kings 21. 27. when he heard Elias threatening, rend his clothes and put on sackcloth and fasted, etc. But as soon as the storm was over, he was the same man: Even so now, when God sends any judgement, public or private, there be many that will cast down their countenance, and speak humbly, and mournfully; but when God ceases the plague, their submission is ended.  
Fourthly some seem to search and try their ways sound, but 'tis only some of their ways; others must not be touched. We have an example in Herod, Mark. 6. 20. Herod when he heard john did many things at his preaching: But when john told him of his incest with his brother's wife, he could no longer bear, but cast john into prison.  
Even so now, there are not a few which are persuaded to search and try many of their ways, but they will by no means examine all: And among these, first, some search only great and gross sins, as may appear, because they usually say, I am no whore, nor thief, I am no murderer, no adulterer; and yet they abound with lesser sins.  
Secondly, some strain at a gnat, and swallow a Camel: they are very precise in searching out some small faults, and yet suffer grand sins to reign without control.  
Thirdly, some are zealous for the first table; they abhor Atheism, they hate Idols, they will not swear, nor break the Sabbath: but they little regard the second table: for they oppress, defraud and wrong their neighbours many ways without scruple.  
Fourthly some will stand upon their justification, that they deal justly and charitably with all men; but yet make no bones of taking God's name in vain, or breaking the Sabbath.  
Fiftly, some seem so to look to their ways, that they cannot greatly be taxed for the open breach of the first or second table, as they concern God & their neighbour: but touching their own persons, they are very irregular; they walk not soberly, temperately, humbly; but proudly, wantonly, or riotously.  
In the fifth place, some search and try all their own ways, but they are negligent in searching and trying the ways of those that are committed to their charge.  
In the sixth place, some seem fully to put this precept in execution; they search and try all their ways, and the ways of their friends and families, and set all in a good course: but on a sudden, upon some temptation of wealth, pleasure or honour, they start back & with Demas embrace this present world.  
Thus ye see how many are defective in the due performance of this main, and most necessary duty of searching and trying their ways. What remains but that I exhort every one of you, to take special notice of the sore of his own heart; I mean the particular case wherein he hath offended, touching this searching and trying of his ways, that so for the time to come, he may better perform the same.  
I press this duty of searching and trying our ways the rather, because I find that many among the heathen have done it very diligently. Cicero de senectute, brings in Cato saying, Quid quoque die dixerim, audierim, egerim, commemoro vesperi, i. What I have said, heard, done, every day, I recount at evening. Seneca lib. 3. de Ira, cap. 36. says that Sextius was wont every night to call himself to a reckoning, saying, Quod hodie malum tuum sanasti, i. what evil of thine haste thou cured this day? Again, Seneca saith of himself, that he was wont without fail, every night to examine himself upon his bed, concerning the foregoing day. I might cite many more, but others have done it; and these are enough to cry shame upon us Christians, if we will not practise such an excellent duty, which hath so many commandments, promises, and threatenings in the Scripture.  
Besides, there is no course in the world which is more available, either to bring us into God's favour, or to keep us from wand'ring, than this daily searching and trying of our ways.  
For the first, one says very well, Illam animam diligit Deus quae se sinecessatione considerate, et sine simalatione judicat, God loves that soul, which without ceasing searches itself, and without guile judges itself: and if we would thus judge ourselves, we should not be judged of the Lord, 1 Cor. 11. 31.  
Secondly, there's no better means to keep us from wand'ring, than this daily searching & trying our ways. If we would stand upon our watch, & daily examine all our thoughts, words and deeds, only concerning these two questions, whence they come, and whither they tend; 'tis impossible we should fall into sin, at least lie in sin as we commonly do.  
For want of this searching and trying their ways, it is, that all the posterity of Adam fall so foully.  
Nay, if Eve had tried the words of the Serpent; or Adam considered the gift of his wife; neither the one, nor the other had eaten the forbidden fruit.  
If Cain had but said to his soul, when he went about to kill Abel, what art thou now about to do? he would never have done it.  
If David had tried his strange lust, when he first saw Vriahs' wife, he would have made a covenant with his eyes as job did.  
All the fearful falls of the children of God when they were negligent, are so many testimonies, that without this daily searching and trying our ways, we cannot be safe, and no marvel. For no sin appears at the first in its own proper hue, but masked, and in the likeness of some virtue. If therefore we neglect this point of wisdom: I mean, if we do not daily search and try our ways, we must needs entertain some vice in stead of virtue.  
For neglect of this searching & trying, it comes to pass that in these days, there be so many drunkards, fornicators swearers, etc. The drunkard saith to his mates, Come sirs, shall we go play the good fellows? he will not say for shame, shall we go and be drunk? then few but would seem to abhor the motion.  
The fornicator, that he may compass his desire, comes to a maid, and promises her present marriage. How many have been thus deluded? and yet few will take heed.  
The swearer alleges for himself, that either he is constrained to swear, or that he swears nothing but the truth.  
In like manner, all other sins come stealing upon us under virtuous names: Pride in apparel and building, will be styled neatness; covetousness, thrift; riotous behaviour and filthy talk, merriment; malice, a good stomach; revenge, courage; prodigality, a kind heart, etc.  
If therefore we be not careful to search and try all our ways, ye see how easily we may be deceived.  
On the other side, if we daily and truly search & try every course that is propounded to us, before we adventure upon it, we shall be preserved from many sins, as we may see by the example of joseph, Gen. 39 7. Joseph's Masters wife, an honourable woman, cast her eyes upon joseph, & she said, lie with me. joseph trying and examining the motion, answers v. 9 how can I do this great wichednesse, and sin against God?  
In like manner if we would try & examine all motions which are made to us, we should be innocent from great offences.  
But perhaps some will say unto me as David doth, Psal. 19 12. Who can understand his errors? if we cannot understand them, how shall we search and try them?  
I answer, when I say that every man must search and try all his ways, I do not imagine that every one can presently understand all his errors; Satan by his subrilty will so blind us; the world by evil customs will so sway us; the flesh by her sweet allurements will so be witch us, that though we be never so circumspect in searching, some small faults will escape a long time.  
But if we heartily pray for the pardon of all secret faults, and continue daily to use all wholesome means to find them out, God will accept our honest endeavour.  
But ye will say further, what means must we use in searching and trying our ways?  
Answ. The Philosophers make reason, the touchst one of all our actions. To reason also some of the Fathers seem to ascribe too much. But the truth is, humane reason is so corrupt since the fall of Adam, that it is not fit to be the chief in this business.  
But thanks be to God we have 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a more sure word, as 'tis called 2 Pet. 1. 19 to this if we take heed we do well.  
This word was given by inspiration, 2 Pet. 1. 21. This word is pure, enlightening the eyes, Psal. 19 8. 'tis a light unto our paths, Psal. 119. 105. 'tis able to make us wise unto salvation, 2 Tim 3. 15. 'tis profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, v. 16. In a word, The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the deviding asunder of the soul and spirit, and is a discerner of the thoughts & intents of the heart, Heb. 4. 12. Lastly, we shall be judged by the word, at the day of judgement, joh. 12. 48. Ro. 2. 16. All which considered, 'tis most plain, that the word of God is the best light and rule to search and try all our actions.  
And now if all we, which are here gathered together, should examine our ways by this word of God, certainly many of them would be found very crooked.  
It is not possible for me in the short space allotted for this exercise, to touch all our ways: I will therefore meddle only with those, which are most properly inquirable at this visitation Court.  
And because the messenger of God, must be as God himself, no respecter of persons, I will begin with the chief and mine own Coat, and tell them wherein their ways are thought, not to be agreeable to God's word.  
And because Right Worshipful, you and your officers, come to inquire what fame there goes of us, I think it very requisite, to inform you first what fame goes of yourselves, that ye may take occasion to search and try your own ways, before ye meddle with others.  
This then is the common fame of the country, that, whether it be through the fault of the chief Magistrate, and his official, Commissary, or Surrogates, or Register, or Summoners; offenders are not ordinarily censured, according to the nature of their offence. And that the great and rich, get through your Ecclesiastical nets, as easily as hornets through the spider's web. But that the poorer sort stand excommunicated a long time, though they be never so penitent, only because they have no money to pay.  
Moreover, that in your visitation Courts, most of you are more greedy of gain, than solicitous for reformation, which is the main end of these assemblies.  
Lastly, that in your Consistory, you and the Proctors prolong trifling causes, for the multiplying of fees: and that factious plaintiffs, which wage law for the vexation of their neighbours, find too favourable entertainment.  
Now for my part, I do not accuse any man, but if these reports be true: then I must needs admonish you in the word of the Lord, jam. 4. 8. that ye cleanse your hands, and purify your hearts, & be afflicted, and mourn and weep. And I pray you remember as Saint Paul saith, Rom. 13. 4. that you bear not the sword in vain. Remember also what the rock and God of Israel said to David, 2 Sam. 23. 3. He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.  
Wherefore as good jehosaphat said to his judges, 2 Chron. 19 6. Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in judgement; wherefore now let the fear of God be upon you, take heed and do it. For there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of Gifts.  
Gifts, as God saith, Deut. 16. 19; blind the eyes of the wise.  
Lastly, to all the officers of this Court, I say in the name of the Lord, as john Baptist said to the Publicans, Luke 3. 13. Exact no more than is appointed you, remembering that extortion is a damnable sin. And what shall it profit a man to win the whole world, and lose his own soul? says Christ Mat. 16. 26.  
In the second place, touching us Ministers, there be many complaints that we do not according to the word of the Lord, take heed to ourselves, and the flocks, over which the holy Ghost hath made us overseers.  
Some of us are careless touching our own lives; we are not examples to our people, as the Spirit commands, 1 Tim. 4. 12, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Yea 'tis verified of some of us which was spoken, Hos. 4.9. There shall be like people, like Priest.  
Again, though the Spirit charge us all, 2 Tim. 4, before God and the Lord jesus, to preach the word, and be instant in season, out of season; to reprove, rebuke, exhort: Yet diverse of us, are more careful in feeding ourselves, than in feeding our flocks.  
But above all, we are said to be generally defective, in that most necessary part of our office, Catechising, whereunto we have of late years been so often exhorted, both by our Kings and Bishops. I know what most do allege, that parents and Masters, will not cause their children and servants to come to be Catechised; but I know withal, that if we had been as zealous in the Lord's cause, as we are for the most part for our own Commodities, we might have done a great deal more good this way than we have done.  
Wherefore, my dear brethren, I beseech you all in the name of the Lord jesus, who hath committed his lambs, as well as his sheep to our care; let us all with one heart, and with all our might, set upon this most laudable and profitable exercise of Catechising; without which, we shall do little good by our preaching.  
The third sort of people that are agents in this visitation Court, are the Churchwardens and Sidemen, who are bound by oath to present unto the judge all offenders.  
But except there be some notorious crime which they think cannot lie hid, they use to present omnia bene; and herein they think they deal very wisely. For as I have heard some of them say, we shall bring fees to the Court, and nothing shall be the better.  
But I pray you consider, in the mean time ye forswear yourselves, and incur the heavy wrath of God. For God will not take it for an excuse that ye say, though we should present, the judge will not reform. The judge shall bear his own burden; and what a fearful thing it is for you to fall into the hands of the living God, by that abominable sin of perjury?  
Wherefore what conceit soever ye have had here tofore, touching these visitation Courts. Now I admonish you in the name of him who shall judge both quick and dead, present all offenders against the Canons without fear or favour: ye are ordained as the eyes and watchmen of the judge in every parish. And if ye were careful according to your oath, wherewith you bind your souls every visitation, to present drunkards, swearers, railers, scolds, slanderers, ribaudes, sowers of discords, fornicators, adulterers, Sabbath breakers, etc. Doubtless iniquity would not abound in every parish as it doth.  
Lastly, I may say to the whole Congregation, and to every sort and degree, from the highest to the lowest, that if we would search and try our ways by the rule of God's word, they will appear very irregular▪ yea more, those things wherein we walk most suitable to Gods will, 'tis to be feared, we do them only superficially, & for form and fashion, rather than for conscience and obedience to God and his word. We which are Gods Ministers, for the most part preach for form, and ye which profess yourselves to be God's people, hear for form. For when the sermon is ended, we all depart, and think upon it no more, as if we had fully done our duty in speaking, and ye in hearing, and there were no more required at our hands.  
This is the cause why though there be so much Preaching in the land daily, yet there is very small progress in piety.  
Which being so, what remains, but that I admonish you all and myself also, in the words of the second part of my text, to turn again to the Lord?  
This is the only course for all that have gone astray, as you may see, joel 2. 12. 13. there the Lord exhorts the sinful jews, and all that have sinned as they did, saying, Turn ye even to me withal your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning, and rend your hearts & not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God: for he is gracious, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. i. If we weep and rend our hearts for all our wanderings, and turn from all our bypaths to serve the Lord, in sobriety, righteousness, and godliness, God will remove from us, all the plagues and judgements which he hath sent or threatened. But if we go on in our evil ways, than the Lord will pour down his vials of indignation upon us: God will wound the hairy scalp of such as go on still in their trespasses, Psal. 68 21. Wherefore I say again for a conclusion, let us throughly search and try all our ways, and whiles 'tis called to day begin to turn to the Lord our God with all our hearts, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: Oh let us rend & tear our souls with godly sorrow for all our transgressions of God's ordinances, and especially at this time, for our formal and perfunctory usage of these visitation Courts, which are ordained merely, for the reformation of the faults of the Country; so shall not iniquity be our destruction: for the Lord desires not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should repent and live.  
This repentance unto life he give us, who gave himself for us, even jesus Christ our righteousness. To whom with the Father, and the holy Ghost, be honour and power everlasting, Amen.  
FINIS.