A SERMON Preached at the CHURCH OF St. Mary in Nottingham: TO THE SOCIETY FOR Reformation of Manners. On July the 6th. being the usual Lecture-Day. By DANIEL CHADWICK Vicar of Arnhall, and one of the Lecturers there.  Malachy 3.16. Then they that feared the Lord, spoke often one to another. 
London: Printed for John Richard's Bookseller in Nottingham, 1698.   

To all that were Auditors; But more especially to the Gentlemen of the Society for Reformation of Manners, in the Town and County of Nottingham.  
THOUGH I must, and I Hope ever shall, readily own myself an Encourager of this Happy Work of Reformation; yet durst I never think myself Worthy to be a Leader as to this weighty Affair in this Place.  
BUT as GOD hath been pleased to Honour You, by Calling You forth to Engage in, and Manage this generous, and difficult Undertaking; so 'tis You who (under GOD) called Me forth (though very unworthy) to this (more than ordinary) Employment. And I acknowledge myself much bound to GOD, and You all, for doing Me this Honour; as also for Your kind Acceptance of this Mean Service.  
AND as it was at Your Request that I Preached, so that I now Publish this Discourse; not that I think myself able to add any Thing to the Labours of those Worthies who have gone before Me in this Way; but to satisfy You, and to let them and the World know, That there are others (as well as themselves (though an Hundred Miles distant from them) who are hearty Wellwishers to that Blessed Design, which they of that Renowned City have set on Foot; and even, to Admiration successfully managed and promoted; I say promoted;  
SINCE it must be thankfully acknowledged, That it was some Sparks from their Holy-Fire, which have warmed, and inflamed us in this colder Climate.  
AND if this Mite may signify any Thing as to this Sacred Treasury, I humbly, and thankfully offer it, and the Lord Almighty accept, and prosper it,  
NOW Sirs: That GOD would stand by, and strengthen your Hands, and Hearts; may increase Your number; may stir up all Sorts, and Orders of Men to help at this dead-lift: May all Prejudices be laid aside, our Differences Composed, our Hearts, Heads, and Hands United against this common, and dangerous Enemy to GOD, and His Church (viz. Looseness, and Profaneness) may Holiness, Righteousness, and Sobriety be Encouraged and Practised by us all, is the Earnest Request of,  
SIRS, Your affectionate Friend, and faithful Servant Daniel Chadwick.   

A SERMON FOR Reformation of Manners, etc.  PSALM 144. Latter Part of the Last Verse. 
Yea, Happy is the People, whose GOD is the Lord.  
DAVID in the beginning of this Psalm, having praised GOD for the many Favours vouchsafed to his Person; doth in this Latter Part, Pray for further Favours, not towards Himself only, but His People also, Ver. 11, etc. And having enumerated divers Temporal Blessings contributing thereunto; He, in this last Verse, concludes by way of Epiphonema, or Acclamation: Happy is the People that is in such a Case.  
AND the Truth is, That tho' the Blessings forementioned are not necessary to render a Person Happy, yet are they requisite to make a People Happy; since 'tis apparent, That a Person, if truly Holy, may be truly Happy, although he be Poor, afflicted, and despised; but so cannot a People be said to be, unless they be flourishing, and prosperous, and blest with Peace, and Plenty, with Grandeur, and Renown.  
BUT yet that David might not seem altogether to forget GOD, and Himself in this Matter; He tells us further; That though this be a great, yet not the greatest; no, nor the only Happiness; and though a People enjoy these good Things, yet are they not to acquiesce here, but should look further, and higher, and that is, to have GOD to be their LORD: Yea, saith He, Happy is the People, whose GOD is the LORD.  
WHICH Words are spoken by way of Correction, or Revocation; yet not absolutely (as flatly denying any Happiness in those forementioned Temporals.) But rather Comparatively; that is, That there is somewhat before them; not unlike that Expression of our Saviour in the Gospel, Luke 11.28. Yea rather, blessed are all they, who hear the Word of GOD, and keep it. Whence this Conclusion offers itself.  
THAT the Enjoyment of GOD as our GOD, is that, and that only which renders a People truly and completely Happy: Temporals conduce much towards a People's Felicity, and aught therefore thankfully to be acknowledged; yet Temporals without Spirituals, cannot Effect it; but where Temporals, and (especially) Spirituals meet together, that Nation is blest indeed, as Moses tells us, Deut. 4.7, 8. For what Nation is there so great, who hath GOD so nigh unto them, as the LORD our GOD is in all Things that we call upon Him for? And what Nation is there so great, that hath Statutes, and Judgements, so Righteous as all this Law, which I set before you this Day? And David also, Psal. 33.12. Blessed is the Nation whose GOD is the LORD; and the People whom He hath chosen for His own Inheritance.  
BY Way of Explication, we shall briefly Inquire,  
1. WHAT this true, and complete Happiness is? Ans. 'Tis an Aggregation of all good Things: It consists not in any, nor in many, nor in any sort of Good; but in an Affluence of all, and every good Thing so far as the Nature, or State of a Person doth require.  
2. WHAT is it to enjoy GOD, or to have GOD to be our LORD? Ans. He is in a Sense, the LORD of all Men and Creatures, in general; Acts 10.36. But of some in Particular; and more especially, of those in Covenant with Him; whom Moses calls a separated People, Exoch 33.16. And a People nigh unto Him, and to whom GOD is said to be nigh: As Deut. 7.4. The one by those Signs of His Presence; His Holy Word, and Ordinances; and the other, by a suitable, and becoming Conversation.  
3. WHAT is that Happiness, which is thus Transcendent? Or wherein doth it exceed all other Happiness? Ans. This is that Happiness which reacheth the Church, as well as State; nay this is the Defence of the one, and the other, the Palladium of a Kingdom: The very Heathens judged themselves safe, whilst they kept their Tutelar Gods among them; and what need that People fear, who can engage the LORD to be their GOD? Consult at your leisure, Isa. 33.16. Ezek. 35.10. Psalm 46.5, 6, 7. Zech. 2.5. for this Purpose, Yea,  
THIS doth extend to men's Souls, as well as Bodies: A Nation, or Person, may have Peace, and Plenty; and yet, if not Peace with GOD, and Peace in their own Souls, they are far from this Happiness; nay  
THIS will fetch in all other Blessings so far as shall be convenient for that People: Godliness is profitable to all Things, having the Promises of this Life, and of a better: 1 Tim. 4.8. And our Saviour gives us his Word, That if we seek the Kingdom of GOD, and His Righteousness, in the first Place, all other Things shall be added, Mat. 6.33. Yea, further  
THIS will engage GOD'S secret, and effectual Blessing upon all we are, and have, and do, without which Prosperity is not useless only, but Pernicious; being one of those four Evil-daughters brought forth by good Mothers: Truth begets Hatred, Security Danger, Familiarity Contempt, Prosperity Pride, and forgetfulness of GOD, and ourselves. And lastly,  
THIS is that Happiness which will render us not only completely, but eternally Happy; and when the shining, and dazzling Glory, and grandeur of this World shall be in its Wane, This shall be in its Full: As David's assures us, Psalm 73.22, 23.  
4. HOW comes this to pass, That a Religious Person or People are thus Happy above all others? Ans. 'Tis partly from the Blessed Nature of GOD; and partly from the Happy Nature, and Tendency of Religion.  
FROM the Nature of GOD, and more particularly from His Holiness, and Justice: From His Holiness, GOD loves every thing that is Godlike: Psalm 11.7. The Righteous LORD loveth Righteousness: And His Justice calls for it, He hath promised a Reward to every good, and virtuous Person, and People.  
NOW as to Persons, their Reward is not always given in to them here; because (as was hinted) there is another Life which will be a more proper Season for Rewards: But as to People, or Societies, they must be either rewarded in this Life, or not at all, since they shall be dissolved, as such, in this World, and are therefore incapable of a Reward in the other World: And  
FROM the Nature of Religion: Solomon tells us, That Righteousness exalteth a Nation, Prov. 14.34. This is the true Interest, and Glory of a People, 1 Sam. 4.21. And should GOD have no Respect or Reward for Virtue, yet must that People be Happy; since every Virtue, and Branch of Piety doth apparently conduce to their Welfare, and Prosperity: But I hasten to Application.  
WHICH shall be directed to all in General; but to you Gentlemen of the Society for Reformation in particular: GOD hath made us an Happy People, as to Temporals; We have (the Lord be praised) a good, and gracious King; a renowned Hero for his Valour, and Virtue; a Real, (not only a Titular) Defender of our Faith. We live under, and are blest with as Happy a Government, as any Nation under Heaven (did we but know our own Happiness;) we are ruled by Laws, and not the Lusts of Men: We have Peace abroad, and Peace at home; our Swords are beaten into Ploughshares, and our Spears into Pruning-hooks, and England is like Israel in those Haltion Days of Solomon, 1 Kings 4.25. Every one sitting under his own Vine, and eating the Fruit of his own Figtree, Eating, and Drinking, and making Merry: No leading into Captivity; nor any just complaining in our Streets: Our Coin is (almost to Admiration) rendered Current: Nor is it wanting, upon any good Occasion: Our Trade is open, and Thriving; our Church and State Prosperous and Flourishing.  
GOD hath sent us Primitive Bishops, our Judges are restored as at the first, and our Councillors and Senators as at the beginning: Our Holy Religion (as Reformed) together with our Liberties, and Properties, are secured: Immorality and Profaneness is disowned and disgraced: Piety and Virtue countenanced and advanced: And we have not only a Freedom, but Encouragement to be as good and virtuous as we Will: And is not that People Happy, that is in such a Case?  
IT hath been a common Saying, That if a Bridge was made over the Sea, all the Women in Europe would come over into England; and I am apt to think that the Men would not be long after them, in regard of those many singular Privileges, and advantages we (both Men and Women) in this Happy Kingdom are Partakers of as well for Souls, as Bodies, above all other People and Countries in the World.  
BUT, Sirs, Though this be a great Happiness, and such Blessings (whether National, or Personal) are thankfully to be acknowledged by all who enjoy them; yet is it not the greatest Happiness, or that wherein we are to acquiesce; since the Text informs us, That there is somewhat more, and better to be looked after than all those amount to: Yea, Happy (saith the Text) is the People, whose GOD is the LORD.  
AND therefore, if we would be truly and completely Happy: And would secure this Happiness to ourselves, and entail it on our Posterity; let us, by all Means, engage GOD to vouchsafe his most gracious, and favourable Presence in the midst of us: For which Purpose great Care must be taken for the removal of whatever may Occasion his Departure from us; may stop the Current of his Favours towards us; or draw down his Frowns upon us.  
THIS is a great Truth, That GOD never leaves a Person, or People, till they first leave Him: Nor will He ever Commence Suit against them, till He be apparently wronged by them: And if the LORD have a Controversy with any, 'tis not for any Trivial Matter, Hos. 4.1, 2, 3. The LORD hath a Controversy with the Inhabitants of the Land: Why? Because there is no Truth, nor Mercy, nor Knowledge of GOD in the Land: But Swearing, and Lying, and Killing, and Stealing, and Committing Adultery, and Blood toucheth Blood; therefore shall the Land mourn.  
SIN is of a separating Nature, Isa. 59.2. 'Tis that dark, and thick Cloud which eclipseth the light of GOD'S Countenance from us; and Wall of Partition which interrupts all comfortable Correspondences between Heaven and Earth, Jer. 5.25. This hath ever been the only Make-bait, and most destructive Thing since the World began; and we may take it for granted, That there is some Accursed Thing in the midst of us; when either GOD'S Blessings are with-drawn from us, or His Judgements sent down upon us, Josh. 7.13.  
LET us therefore, by all Means, rid our Hands of Sin, (at least, of all crying, clamorous, ruining and scandalous Sins) and let us do it with what Speed we can; since though we may be secure, yet shall we never be Safe, till this be effected: And the only way to accomplish it is, By true Repentance for Sin past; and a thorough Amendment as to what is amiss for the Future: Nor will the one without the other, answer our Design: We must look backward, and we must look forward also, if we expect that GOD should look favourably upon us, and become our LORD.  
1. LET us look back, and consider how we, and our Forefathers have carried it, and we shall find Matter enough for Repentance: Since 'tis too apparent that both they, and we have greatly offended, and provoked GOD: And, indeed, all Men, and all sorts of Men amongst us must cry guilty, and have Cause to join in that acknowledgement, Dan. 9.7. O LORD, to us belongeth Confusion of Face; to our Kings, Queens, Princes; yea, to our Counsellors, Senators, Ministers, Magistrates, Judges, Gentry, Officers and People, because we have sinned against Thee: Yea, all Parties will be found Transgressor's on this Account.  
FOR whatever we have pretended, professed, or promised to the Contrary; yet when once we are gotten uppermost, we have shamefully forgotten GOD and ourselves: And though we have been ready enough to complain of others, and to cry out, what have such, and such done? Yet would it have been far more becoming the very best of us to have looked nearer Home, and to have said, LORD, what have we done? Since as our Saviour saith, in the like Case; Let him that is without Sin (whether Person, or Party) cast the first Stone, John 8.7.  
AND therefore, there is great occasion of Praying (over and over again) according to that Petition in the Litany: Remember not, O LORD, our Offences, nor the Offences of our Forefathers; neither take thou Vengeance of our Sins, but spare us, O LORD, etc.  
AND this, Sirs, is the most likely way to lay a good Foundation upon which we may build our Future Hopes and Expectations of further Blessings, viz. The Evening of all our old Accounts between GOD and us: Being well assured (as our late most Rd. 
Tillot. v. 1. p. 131.  Father in GOD tells us) That general and crying Sins of a Nation, if not prevented by a serious and general Repentance, never escape public Judgements: GOD may, saith he, defer His Wrath for a Time, and give a People longer Space for Repentance: He may stay till the Iniquities of a Nation be ripe, and full, but, sooner, or later, His Vengeance will overtake them; and usually, the longer Punishment is deferred, it is the heavier when 'tis Executed: And as we are to look back: so  
2. WE are to look forward towards a Reformation: As we are to consider what we have done in Order to the making of our Peace as to Sins past; so must we, no less, consider, what we are to do in Order to the maintaining of that Peace for the Future: And this is what I especially aim now at; In Order to the dispatch of which, I shall endeavour, with what Brevity I can, to give Satisfaction to these Four Demands.  
1. WHO must Reform?  
2. WHAT should be Reform?  
3. WHAT Inducements are there to this Work? And  
4. WHAT Means are proper for this Purpose?  
1. WHO, in this Case, are to become Reformers?  
Ans. All in general; though some, in particular, are more concerned; and therefore, what they said to the Men of Israel, Acts 21.18. I say, in GOD'S Name to You all, Men of England, Help; Magistrates, Help; Ministers, Help; Gentlemen, Help; Officers, Help; yea, all good People, Help: For, as there are not any among us, but we are more, or less concerned; so neither is there any, but may, one way or other, become serviceable on this Account.  
MAGISTRATES by their Power, and Authority, becoming Terrors to Evil doers, and a Praise to them that Do well: Ministers, by their exemplary Lives, and sound Doctrine; when the one is Lightning, and the other Thunder (as was said of that great Nazianzen). Gentlemen, by their good Examples, and the laying out themselves, their Parts, their Estates and Interest, for GOD, and the good of others. Officers, by being Vigilant, and Industrious to detect, and delate Offenders, and bring them to Condign Punishment: (And what might not a Constable, or Churchwarden do, if faithful to GOD, and to their Trust, or made any Conscience of their Oaths, and Obligations?)  
NOR may Private Persons stand out, or be Excused, since even such also may Help by their earnest Prayers; by their convincing and gaining Conversations; by the well-ordering of Themselves and Families; by comforting, and strengthening the Hearts and Hands of each other, by Christian Reproof, 
Mat. 3.16. 1 Pet. 2.12. Eph. 5.11.  wholesome Instructions, and friendly Admonitions; and in some Cases, and at some times, by Information against notorious and obstinate Offenders.  
NOR let any be shy of, or boggle much at that Word or Work of Information on such account as this; since, however scandalous, and infamous, that Term hath appeared in these late Days, whilst some have been Agents for the Devil, and made it their Design to Ruin Men, and enrich themselves: Yet 'tis no less honourable, and commendable, to Act for GOD, and for the Salvation of Men; nor are we without very good Warrant from GOD'S Word, in so doing; Having both Precepts and Examples in this Matter.  
Matth. 18.17. Tell it to the Church; If He be stubborn, make his Offence Public: Yea, not to the Church only, but to the State also; not inform the Minister only, but the Magistrate too: Deut. 13.8. Thou shall not Consent unto him (that is, to any who should entice thee to Idolatry) nor harken to him; neither shalt thine Eye pity him (though a near; yea, the nearest Relation) neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal Him: To the End that fit Censures, and temporal Chastisements may be seasonably applied for the seasonable Prevention of his Eternal Ruin: Nay, though Estate and Life of a Son lay apparently at Stake, yet were the Parents themselves (among the Jews) obliged to this Office of an Informer, Deut. 21.19. Which how severe soever it seemed to be to the Person; yet was it a kindness to the People, as ver. 21. That all Israel may hear, and fear. And as we are not without Precept; so nor without Example.  
SINCE we find some of no mean Rank or Quality; either for Greatness, or Goodness, who have gone before us in this way, Ezra 9.1, 2. We read that some of the Princes themselves (not the common Rabble, but Men of chief Note among the Jews) did not think it unworthy of, or below themselves to turn Informers in a Case of this Nature; when the Honour of GOD, and the Welfare of his Church and People called them forth thereunto.  
NAY, and what is further observable; their great Impartiality and undaunted Courage; for they spared no Sort, nor any Persons of any Sort, of what Rank or Quality soever: They balk neither Priest nor Levite; no nor Princes, nor Rulers; but accuse them as chief among the Transgressor's: Which minds me of what is Reported concerning that great Captain Epaminondas.  
THAT when his Enemies envied his Greatness and Virtues, they resolved to humble him, by thrusting an Inferior and mean Office upon him, to which he readily submitted, declaring, That before he quitted it, he doubted not but (through his well-management of it) to render it as honourable, useful and commendable as any other Office in that Commonwealth; and the Application thereof is very easy: But  
2. WHAT must we thus endeavour to Reform?  
Ans. Whatever is contrary, and destructive to sound Doctrine, or good Manners: Whatever apparently opposeth the Laws of GOD or Man: Whatever is notoriously dishonourable to GOD; a reproach to our Religion, and destructive to our Church or State, whether they be Matters of Opinion or Practice, should be amended.  
IF any Opinions have a direct or indirect tendency, either towards shaking the Foundations of Christianity; or to debauch the Lives of those who profess it; we are, in our respective Places, strenuously to oppose them; as ever we hope to enjoy this Happiness in the Text: And more Particularly,  
IF any shall be so bold as to declare, That there is no such Thing as Religion; but that 'tis a mere Fancy and Conceit, a State-Trick, or a piece of Priest-craft: Or that Men may be saved by any Religion, and that therefore 'tis no Matter what Religion any Man is of, as some have done.  
IF any shall decry our First-Principles, and ridicule our Profoundest Mysteries of Christianity, attacking the Holy, and Blessed Trinity: The Divinity, Eternity, the Incarnation and Satisfaction of our only Lord and Saviour (the very Basis of all our Hope, and Comfort in this World, and that to come) denying (as St. Peter saith, 2 Epist. 2.1.) The very LORD that bought them; as others have done.  
IF any shall (on any pretence whatever) advance, and justify that Impostor Mahomet; and shall vilify or degrade our Holy Jesus; telling us, That many Historians (but Names not one) assures us that Mahomet was an honest Man; and that his Design of pretending himself to be a Prophet was only to Restore the belief of the Unity of a Godhead, which, at that Time, was extirpated and lost among the Christians by their new, upstart Doctrines of the Trinity and Incarnation; as some now do. Once more,  
IF any shall cry up Natural Religion in Opposition to all Revealed Religion; or tell us, That we must be guided by the Light within us, and not the Word without us; and that we are to walk by Reason, and not Faith: If they shall dispute the Divinity or Authority of the Sacred Scriptures, or any Part thereof; if they shall Preach any other Doctrine than what is fetched from thence, we must Reject them (saith St. John 2 Epist. ver. 10, 11.) Let him be accursed (saith St. Paul, again, and again, Gal. 1.8, 9) 
Pool.  Which Text (saith an Expositor) looks dreadfully, not only upon the Jew, or Papists; but on many called Protestants amongst us at this Day: And Oh that ever these Things should be told in Gath, or published in Askelon; and that there should be found amongst ourselves such filthy Birds, as thus shamefully to defile their own Nests!  
BUT shall these be so bold as to belch forth these most horrid and abominable Blasphemies against our most excellent Religion, and shall we hold our Peace? Oh how shall we answer it to our great LORD and Master?  
WOULD Turks, Pagans, Infidels endure such Affronts as to their False-Worship, and Dung-hill-Gods; and shall we be unconcerned? Or if we can, will GOD endure it? No sure; He commends the Church of Ephesus for withstanding; and condemneth the Church of Pergamos for tolerating such dangerous Persons, and pestilent Doctrines as these, Rev. 2.1, 2, 3. and ver. 14, etc.  
AND as these Doctrines, so all lose and immoral Practices are to be redressed: Oh how Epidemical, how impudent and brazenfaced are all sorts of Vices, yea, even of the most enormous, among us? Not acted in Corners only, but on the Housetop, nor in the Dark, or in the Night only; but at Noonday, and in the Face of the Sun; into what Places, or Houses can we go; or into what Company can we, ordinarily, fall, where we do not probably, see, or hear something of this Nature?  
HOW commonly is that most Holy and Fearful Name of GOD blasphemed by Swearing (and perhaps by Forswearing too) by horrible Curse and hellish Execrations? How is His Holy Day openly profaned, by Buying and Selling, Tippling and Drinking; Idle-visiting, and needless Travelling: How grossly do Men abuse themselves, and GOD'S good Creatures by Rioting and Drunkenness; by Chambering and Wantonness, against the known Laws of GOD and Man? And how rarely are these Offenders enquired after, or laid hold upon? Oh that these Matters wanted Proof. But,  
3. WHAT Inducements are there to excite to this difficult and weighty Work?  
Ans. WE have an unquestionable, and a loud Call thereunto;  
1. FROM GOD himself, and that both as to his Word and Works: This is the Language of his commanding, promising, threatening Word, this is the Tenor of Law and Gospel, to Repent and Amend: And if we expect his Blessing, we must hearken to his Word: And his faithful Ministers have been Calling, and Crying aloud in GOD'S Name; yea warning, and beseeching Men (sometimes with Tears) to break off from Sin, to be reconciled unto GOD that they may be saved.  
AND as by his Word, so by his Works: Sometimes by very dreadful Judgements; Fire, Plague, War at home and abroad, and his Rod, as it hath a voice, so this is its especial Errand, Reformation, Leu. 26.23, etc. Amos 4.6, etc.  
AND sometimes again by signal, and singular Mercies and Deliverances, formerly and lately; How often, Sirs, have we been as Brands snatched out of the Fire? And wherefore is all this? Surely, not that we should grow Lose and Wanton, and Profane; such a return is most abhorrent, Jer. 7.10. Should we make no better Improvement of his Blessings than such; we may justly expect the like Measure from GOD which we find threatened against that untoward People, Judg. 11.12, 13. That He will deliver us no more: Let us rather consider those Words of Ezra 9.13. Shall we again break GOD'S Commandments after such Deliverances as these?  
2. THE King, and our Late Queen of Blessed Memory (who being Dead, yet speaketh) call by those Pious and Strict Injunctions to put the Laws in Execution against all scandalous Offenders, and more particularly against those crying Abominations of Cursing, and Swearing, of Sabbath-breaking, Uncleanness, Common-Tipling, and Drunkenness: And surely all Loyal Subjects will obey the Laws, and Commands of their Superiors, especially when so apparently for the good of all in general, and of every one in Particular: Yea, since these things have been inculcated by an especial and moving Proclamation, at the Instance of the Lords and Commons in Parliament Assembled.  
3. THE Welfare of Church, and State calls for it; since neither the one, or other; neither King nor Kingdom, can be long in Safety, unless this Work be promoted: Sin will prove a Worm at the Root of the most flourishing Kingdom; and the Experience of all Ages, as well as Scripture, hath made this Good: All along the Old Testament, we find the interchangeable Providences of GOD towards His People Israel evermore suited to their Manners; and they were constantly Prosperous or afflicted, as Piety and Virtue flourished, or declined among them.  
NOR did GOD use this method toward His own People only, but other Nations also: The Roman Empire, whilst the Virtues of that People remained firm, was as strong as Iron, according to that Representation, Dan. 2.33. But upon the Dissolution of their Manners, the Iron began to be mixed with miry Clay.  
FROM whence we may Collect (as our forementioned Reverend Author Observes) That GOD will evermore Bless a virtuous, and Blast a vicious People; and therefore if any shall ask that Question, 2 Kings 9.18. Is it Peace? The same Answer may be returned, which we find ver. 22. What hast thou to do with Peace, so long as Sin is abetted, and allowed of by us?  
AND as the Kingdom in general, so the King in Particular is endangered: Nor is that Threat which looks this way, to be despised, 1 Sam. 12.25. But if ye will not cease to do wickedly, ye shall be Consumed both ye, and your King; nor is it all his Guards that can interpose and Defend him from those Dangers which our Sins expose him unto: And how much the Welfare of these Kingdoms is wrapped up in the Welfare of our King, I Hope we are not to Learn.  
IT's too true, that some may be of another Opinion; and may Conceit that we may be as well, if not better, without Him: But even these will find that true, which the Philosopher said on the like occasion, when the Sun is set, it will be Night notwithstanding all the Stars: Yea,  
4. OUR Religion calls: 'Tis fallen among Thiefs, is sore wounded, and in no small Danger; Her beautiful Face is so defaced, that She can scarcely be known; exposed to much Contempt, and is dwindled into Froth and Foam: There is indeed, among some of us, Vox & praeterea nihil; or, as we say, A great Cry, and little Wool; Forms, and Shows, but little of the Power of Godliness: But as to the Generality of us, there is neither the one, nor the other; neither Fruit nor Leaves of Profession to be found.  
RELIGION stands on TipToes (as one of our Worthies long ago complained) and the Glory of this our Israel seems to be on the Threshold, 
Herbert.  and upon its Departure (Ezek. 9.3.) And woe be unto us, if GOD depart from us, Hos. 9.12. Nay further,  
5. CONSCIENCE Calls: The Vows of GOD are upon every one of us; and as GOD hath obliged us, so have we obliged ourselves; and thoughsome of us lie under more Oaths and Obligations than others; yet have we all solemnly engaged at our Baptism (which many of us have as solemnly renewed at the Lords Table) not only to Renounce the Devil, and all his Works, as to ourselves: But to Fight under his Banner, as his faithful Soldiers, against the World, the Flesh, and the Devil: And how shall we answer the neglect hereof unto GOD?  
6. THE present Season, and juncture of Affairs Calls: And that as it is a Time of great Provocation, as also of great Expectation.  
SINS of all Sorts cry aloud from all Corners and Quarters, for Vengeance against us, and shall we be silent? The Devil and his Agents are exceeding busy, and shall we sit still? Sleidan in his Commentaries, tells us, That the Munster Devil was a foolish Devil, because he tempted Men to Looseness and Uncleanness; whereas, saith he, he should rather have tempted them to Hypocrisy, and shows of Holiness: But had Sleidan lived in our Days, he would perhaps have changed his Opinion; since the Devil seems to have taken a more effectual Course for the Advancement of his Kingdom.  
FOR though Hypocrisy be a great Sin (as our forementioned Rd. Author observes) and very odious unto GOD, yet is it not of so pernicious Consequence, as Profaneness: For Hypocrisy is a more modest way of sinning; it shows some Reverence to Religion, and doth so far own the worth of it, as to acknowledge that it deserves to be Counterfeited; whereas Profaneness proclaims open War against it, and endeavours to make a Party to drive it out of the World; so that the Knife seems to be at the Throat, and therefore speak now, or for ever hold your Peace.  
AND a time of no less Expectation, as it is a Time of Peace, wherein we have little else to do, but to serve GOD, and our Generation: Inter Arma silent leges, Wars render Laws unpracticable; but now a Price is put into our Hands; and GOD forbidden that we should become Fools in not knowing and considering it: Nay, rather let us imitate the Men of Issachar, 1 Chron. 12.32. Who were wise, and had Understanding of the Times, and knew what Israel was to do: And certainly, as the LORD on this account, hath done great Things for us; so GOD, and good Men expect some return of this Nature from us at this Day: And  
7. CHRISTIAN Charity calls: And as to the Souls of Men, exposed manifestly to utter Ruin by these profligate, and profane Courses: How many wretches are Posting towards Hell, and there is no visible way, or probable, (excepting this) to prevent or restrain them? A Minister of the Sword Preacheth, ordinarily far more effectually, than a Minister of the Word. And also  
TOWARDS many distressed Families, who might live much more quietly and comfortably, if such Prodigal Husbands (who Riot away abroad, what should Maintain their Wives and Children at Home) were kerbed and restrained. Yea, And this Charity might reach and relieve the Poor also, who might far much the better by the very Penalties, if duly inflicted, on all common Offenders, as Swearers, Drunkards, Sabbath-breakers, etc.  
AND consequently our Towns and Parishes hereby eased (as to some part at least) of those Burdens and Taxes, which for their Relief, are imposed: And 'tis observable (even to admiration) what a short time, in some places, hath effected in this matter: I shall conclude this Particular with what a Reverend Author saith to this purpose, 
Dr. Ashton.  not unworthy of Consideration.  
'TIS a great Sin and Shame, and worthy of the Correction (as well as Consideration) of the Magistrate; That a Workman or Labourer should be so extravagant, as to spend the fruits of their Six Day Labours, upon the Seventh Day, for which the poor Wife and Children must pinch and starve all the Week after: And when he (whose Duty it was by his honest Labour to provide for his Charge) hath either drunk himself to Death, or for Debt is thrown into Prison, or by Disorder hath disabled himself, than the Parish must bear the burden, and his honest industrious Neighbours must Cark and Care, be Taxed and Assessed for his Extravagancy. But  
4. WHAT Ways and Means are proper for the promoting of this good Work?  
Answ. 1. LET us begin this Work at Home, according to our Saviour, Matth. 7.5. Let us cast out the Beam out of our own eyes, before we meddle with the Mote in our Brother's Eye. Let all, but especially Magistrates and Ministers, be careful to amend what is amiss as to Themselves and Families in the first place:  
FOR can a Minister Preach hearty, and without blushing, against that Sin, which he knows himself (yea, and all his Neighbours also, know him) to be Guilty of? Rom. 2.21. Or, Will a Magistrate break his Shine for haste, to lay hold on a Drunkard, a Swearer, etc. if he indulge the same in himself?  
BUT besides all this, If ever we expect a National Reformation, it must take its first Rise from our Persons and Families: Since we all know, That Kingdoms consist of Towns; Towns of Families, and Families of Persons.  
2. UNION; Many hands, we say, makes light work; and two, saith Solomon, are better than one, and a threefold Cord is not easily broken, Eccl. 4.12. This Trade is not to be driven on but by a Joint-Stock. 'Tis not a Work for a few single Persons; no, nor for some particular Party to Undertake, since 'tis both weighty and difficult; and therefore all, whose GOD is the LORD, should join their Hands, Heads and Hearts together in this matter: And though we may disagree in some smaller things, as to matters of Discipline or Modes of Worship, yet is there no reason why, in this, we should not be unanimous.  
VISUS unita fortior: Even weak things joined together become strong; and strong things, without Union, become weak: Satan's Kingdom is not divided; The Devil and his Agents stick together, Psalm 83.3. etc. Those several Nations, and different Inteterests, lay aside their private Quarrels and Animosities, and Confederate against GOD and his People, and so they do at this day: And is it not high time for us to consult how we may withstand them, as they did on the like occasion? Mal. 3.16.  
AT this Backdoor of our Un-natural Divisions, have all these Mischiefs of Atheism, Blasphemies, Looseness, and all sorts of Baseness broken in upon us; and if these Devils be Cast out, it must be by an United Force: Come therefore, and in pursuance of our Baptismal Covenant, let us, as Christians, join together; and instead of fight one against another, let us fight against these Common Enemies of GOD and his Church, The World, the Flesh and the Devil.  
IT was a rare Example which the Poets tell us of, concerning Castor and Pollux: These Two being Twins, (as they feigned) and the one Born Mortal, and the other Immortal; Pollux to show his love to his Brother, yielded so far as to take to himself a part of his Brother's Mortality, and to impart to him as much of his own Immortality; being better satisfied to enjoy one half Immortality with the good of his Brother, than a whole one by himself: And was there but somewhat more of this Brotherly Affection, Self-Denial, and Christian Condescension, how would this Work of Reformation prosper!  
3. RESOLUTION; Such as once put their hands to this Plough, must not think of looking back: Let us remember the Work is GOD'S, and let us therefore be neither afraid nor ashamed: Let us (as we may be concerned) mind our Business, and conclude with Esther, chap. 4. ver. 16. If we perish, we perish: Since as Luther said (when engaged about the like Work of Reformation); 'Tis better to fall with Christ, than to stand with Caesar. And for your encouragement, Ponder what GOD himself saith, Isai. 51.12. I, even I am he, saith the LORD, that comforteth you; who art thou that thou should be afraid of a Man that shall die, and of the Son of Man which shall be made as Grass?  
AS also what he said to Ezekiel, chap. 2.6. Son of Man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their Words, though Briars and Thorns be with thee, and thou dwell among Scorpions; be not afraid of their Words, neither be dismayed at their Looks, though they be a rebellious People: And therefore,  
4. THERE must be due Consideration as to this Matter; and according to our Saviour's Advice, Luke 14.28. Let us sit down, and think beforehand what this Undertaking will cost, and let us accordingly lay-in an extraordinary Measure of Faith, Patience; of Meekness and Self-denial; since this very probably, may be a Time of great layings out: Such must expect (with the blessed Apostles) to go through good Report, and bad Report, 2 Cor. 6.8. Frowns, Threats, Brow-beating, Scourges of the Tongue (if they escape those of the Hands) yea whole Loads of Calumnies, and Volleys of hard Names; as Hypocrites, Proud, Rude, Factious, Singular (and what not) shall certainly attend them.  
5. SINCERITY: Be not only Hearty and Resolute, but Upright in your Ends, as to what you thus do; let the Glory of GOD, the public Welfare, and the Salvation of Souls be in your Eye: As we must not do the Work of the LORD negligently, so nor foolishly: Let there be no mixture of Pride, Passion, Hatred, Malice, Faction or Partiality; The Wrath of Man worketh not the Righteousness of GOD, James 1.20. Nor our own Comfort: But Sincerity (whatever befalls us) will keep up our Heads and Hearts from sinking, and will readily answer for us before GOD and all the World, 2 Cor. 1.12. For our rejoicing is this, the Testimony of our Conscience, that in Simplicity and Godly Sincerity; not with fleshly Wisdom, but by the Grace of GOD we have had our Conversation in the World.  
6. DISCRETION: The Wisdom of the Serpent must accompany the Innocency of the Dove: As we must not under-do, so nor , our Christian Work: Solomon's Caution is not unseasonable, Eccles. 7.16. Be not Righteous overmuch, neither be thou over-wise; not too severe, inquisitive, or rigid in Censuring, or punishing beyond Rules of Equity; without due allowances of humane Frailty, Temptations, or other Circumstances, as to men's Persons, as to the Places you inspect, etc. considering that  
MEN (especially in Matters of Religion) are very apt to run into extremes; and as some are too Cold, so others are too Hot: Some drive on heavily, others furiously: Nor is there any thing (saith one) more natural than for extremes in Religion to beget one another; like the Vibrations of a Pendulum, which the more violently you swing it one way; the farther will it return to the other: Oh let Zeal, and Discretion go together!  
7. PRAYER and Supplication unto GOD, that great Wheel which sets all the rest going: In whose Hand are the Tongues, Hands and Hearts of all Men from the highest to the lowest, together with the Issues of all our Undertake: And three Things should we especially crave on this Account.  
1. THAT He will vouchsafe more of these stout Champions to assert the Truth, and to maintain the Principles of our Religion against all who assault, or undermine it: 
Hornock.  'Tis to be acknowledged (saith one) as an especial Act of GOD'S Providence and Goodness towards his Church; that in all Ages, as Weeds have sprung up, some Worthies have been raised, who have not slept but have observed, and choked them, opposing the spreading Infection by the speedy Application of suitable and proper Antidotes.  
AND the same GOD (his Name be praised) hath not left himself without a Witness in our Days: And therefore, let us Pray, That GOD will send forth more of these vigilant Labourers into his Vineyard; more burning and shining Lights to dispel those Fogs, and Clouds of Darkness.  
2. THAT He will stir up the King, his Councillors; our Senators, and all in Authority under him, together with all others (as they may be concerned) to exert their Power in Order to the restraining of these threatening Disorders in Church and State; all dangerous Opinions, destructive to true Piety and Virtue; and all Immoral and Scandalous Practices utterly unbecoming Men, and much more Christians: As the Apostle directs, 1 Tim. 2.1, 2. I exhort that first of all, Prayers and Supplications, and giving of thanks be made for all Men: For Kings (more particularly) together with all in Authority, that we may lead peaceable and quiet Lives in all Godliness and Honesty.  
3. THAT GOD will vouchsafe an extraordinary measure of his Holy Spirit, and Presence to direct, assist, and prosper you in this weighty and worthy Undertaking: What Luther's Friend advised him at the Time of his engaging in that dangerous and difficult Work of Reformation; I say (in the Name of GOD) to you of this Society; Abi in Cellam, & dic miserere mei; Implore GOD'S especial Mercy and Blessing upon your Persons, Consultations and Endeavours: I shall conclude with those encouraging Words of David to Solomon, 1 Chron. 22.16. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with you: Amen, Amen. So be it, O LORD!  
FINIS.   

Books Sold by Tho. Parkhurst, at the Bible and Three Crowns, in Cheapside near Mercers-Chappel.  
THe Fountain of Life opened, or a Display of Christ in his Essential and Mediatorial Glory; containing Forty Two Sermons on various Texts.  
A Treatise of the Soul of Man, wherein the Divine Original, excellent and immortal Nature of the Soul are opened; its Love and Inclination to the Body, with the necessity of its Separation from it, considered and improved.  
The Method of Grace in bringing home the Eternal Redemption, contrived by the Father, and accomplished by the Son, through the Effectual Application of the Spirit unto God's Elect, being the second Part of Gospel-Redemption.  
The Divine Conduct or Mystery of Providence, its Being and Efficacy asserted and vindicated: All the Methods of Providence in our Course of Life opened, with Directions how to apply and improve them.  
Navigation spiritualised, or a new Compass for Seamen, consisting of Thirty Two Points of pleasant Observations, profitable Applications, serious Reflections, all concluded with so many spiritual Poems, etc.  
Two Treatises, the first of Fear, the second the Righteous Man's Refuge in the evil Day.  
A Saint indeed, the great Work of a Christian.  
A Touchstone of Sincerity, or Signs of Grace, and Symptoms of Hypocrisy, being the second Part of the Saint indeed.  
A Token for Mourners, or boundaries for Sorrow for the Death of Friends.  
Husbandry spiritualised: Or the Heavenly use of Earthly Things. All these Ten by Mr. John Flavel.