january 20. 1644.  
Imprimatur  
Ja. Cranford.   

Occasus Occidentalis: OR, JOB IN THE WEST.  
As it was laid forth in two several SERMONS, at two Public FASTS, for the Five Associated Western Counties.  
BY john Bond B. L. late Lecturer in the City of Exon, now Minister at the Savoy, London.  
A Member of the Assembly of Divines.  
Job 19.23, 24. Oh that my words were now written, oh that they were printed in a book:  
That they were graven with an iron pen, and lead, in the rock for ever!  
Lament. 1.12. Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me, in the day of his fierce anger.  
London, Printed by J.D. for Fran. Eglesfield, and are to be sold at his Shop, at the sign of the Marigold in Paul's Churchyard. 1645.   

To the Right Honourable the Committees for the Five Western Counties, of Wilts, Dorset, Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall, Associated by the Ordinances of Parliament, of July 1. and August 20. 1644.  
Right Honourable, Right Worshipful, and Beloved, Men, Fathers, and Brethren,  
HAd I but beheld as a Traveller, the stripped, wounded, half-dead condition of the West, and so had passed by on the other side, I might for that fault have been reckoned with the merciless Priest and Levite in the Gospel, 
Luke 10.30, etc.  even worse than a Samaritan: but, besides the common tye of humanity, there are many special bonds of Nature, Justice, Religion, which do constrain me to poure-in the utmost of my little oil and wine to the wounds of those Countries; yea, and to lay out these my two pence (mites rather) in this pair of Sermons, towards their relief. First, the lot of my Nativity did fall unto me 
a Chard.  near the centre of those five Western Counties, betwixt sea and sea, betwixt East and West: and the two largest of them I may call, my 
b Somerset.  Mother and my 
c Devon.  Nurse; so that the whole is (according to the 
d Municipibus duas esse censeo patrias, unam Natura, alteram Civitatis. Cicer. de Leg lib. 2.  Orator) doubly my native Country. This consideration did move me to 
e Isai. 51.1.  look unto the rock whence I am hewn, and the hole of the pit whence I was digged. I have observed, that even a clod of earth hath so much of nature in it, as will carry it strongly towards its own native element and centre. Next, Justice and Equity did call upon me; for mine own ears and eyes have been present witnesses to divers Scenes of this Western Tragedy: so that concerning the Substantials of this Treatise, I may generally say in truth, 
f joh. 3 11.  We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and yet the same cares and eyes of mine have heard and seen too many aspersions that have been unjustly cast upon the people of those Counties, as most unworthy of all pity;  — 
g Juven.  Et quis iniqui Tam patiens orbis?— 
I may add, lastly, a tye of Religion, even that Charge of a Watchman's office, unto which (though most unworthy) I was called in those parts: And this office hath not only given me the advantage of prospect above some others in this business; but hath laid upon me the duty of pleading for my Country with God and man: as also, of giving the Alarm both to it, and to other places. All these relations (besides the calling which I had from some of yourselves, and many others: have enforced me to the preaching and publication of this work; though, I must confess, that in respect of the meanness of mine own abilities, it may be reckoned amongst the Western miseries, that they are set forth by so weak an Orator: But, better a mean friend, than none at all. Besides, I thought with myself, that the 
h In causâ sacili cuivis li●●●,— etc.  Copia of the Subject might supply the narrowness of the Speaker. And the occasion is so just and necessary, that if every man should hold his peace, the very stones might cry out.  
There is an history of a son, who, though he was dumb from his birth, yet when he saw one about to kill his father, cried out, Villain, wilt thou kill my Father? And you know what beast it was that did speak with man's voice, when the drawn sword was before him. The common mother of all the children of the West is now a massacring, therefore good warrant, yea, great need, I conceive, there was for some man, and (in case of none other) for myself to speak, writ, and Print the Map of her miseries. Next, as for the inscription of your noble Names upon it, I must confess, I durst not think upon any other Patrons; for, are not ye the finest of the wheat-flower, which the Western enemy, like a Sieve or Range, hath bolted and driven out of your Country, whilst generally the bran and husks are by them preserved and left behind? Are not ye the crop of that very small remnant, 
Isai. 1.9.  which except the Lord of Hosts had left unto us (in the West) we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah? Ye know (right Honourable and beloved) that those Cities of the plain might have been spared for ten righteous persons: yea, 
Gen. 18.32.  they were once rescued by the Militia of one righteous Abraham and his family; and, after that, 
Gen. 14.16.  one of the five (Zoar) was saved by one righteous Lot: so we that are the inferior exiles and Pilgrims of the West do look upon you, (next unto God and this Parliament,) as our abraham's, which must rescue our Country by arms; as our Lots, which must authoritatively reform and preserve it; in which there are so many precious Saints under the enemy, so many poor souls under darkness: and according to this your double work of Rescue and Reformation, and our double hopes of them both, is this following Treatise proportioned; for it doth partly spread before you the sins, partly the sufferings of the West: the former (our sins) you may read over as ye are the Representatives, and do bear the iniquities of your Country, that so they may continually mind and quicken you in the work of Reformation: the latter (our sufferings) you may be pleased to peruse, as an help to continue your great activity in sending down succours; for which, all the well-affected of those parts have already abundant cause to bless the Lord, and to honour your Names. There are also in this Treatise, a true (though too narrow) Vindication of the West from some unjust aspersions, and a Directory for an effectual way of commiserating those most afflicted Counties. If your leisure will permit you to read through the Book, you may in it travel Westward with safety, and, I hope, with profit. All the rest that I have to say, is, but as one that hath been sometimes a Chaplain to the Western Forces, to pray for your Militia, that the God of Abraham would be a sun and a shield to all your Catechised Soldiery, (for such was abraham's) that you have, or shall send down; but, especially, as a Public, and somewhat Representative Minister, I shall continually cry to heaven for your good success in the all-in-all of Reformation; 
Zech. 8.7, 8  and that the Lord of hosts will save his people from the East Country, and from the West Country; and will bring them that they may dwell in the midst of [our] Jerusalem, that they may be his people, and he their God, in truth and in righteousness: And let the Lord, 
Heb. 6. ●0.  which is not unrighteous, never forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed towards his Name, in that ye have minstred to the Saints, and do minister: And we desire, that every one of you do show the same diligence, 
Verse 11.  to the full assurance of our hope unto the end. This is the prayer of  
Your Honours humble and real Servant, John Bond. Savoy, Jan. 20. 1644.   

To all well-affected, tenderhearted Christians, inhabiting the famous City of London and within the Line of Communication.  
Duly Honoured, and Beloved,  
I Have read, that there grows a 
a Caussin. Hieroglyph. lib. 10. Parab. 4.  tree not far from Malaca, whose roots do spread diversely abroad; those of them which do run towards the East, are wholesome and medicinal, yea they are an antidote against poisons; but such as do spread themselves towards the West, are venomous and deadly: such a tree as this it hath pleased the Lord now to plant in this land; and (me thinks) it grows upon the border betwixt the old kingdoms of the East and West- Saxons; that is, in the most Easterly edge of Hampshire, for all the Counties beyond that place Westward, are overspread with sad roots of bitterness, bringing forth nothing but gall & worm wood; whereas the other Counties of the land, on this side Eastward, are safe and medicinal; and these contrary dispensations of providence, as they do call upon you, 
Amos 4.7.  the children of the East to bless that Lord which causeth it to rain (mercy or judgements) upon one Country and not upon another; so do they enforce and encourage us Western exiles to implore some healing for our Country from those wings of yours, under whose feathers many of our pilgrims have already found a covering. In hope and pursuance of that healing, was I emboldened to offer unto you a midwives' place in the birth of this Treatise; and, that you may adventure to read it over, I shall promise you, that this Western history is not like your creatures of a day at Westminster, 'tis not like your every days Mercurian dew of News, which is daily exhaled and evaporated (that is, grown stolen and doubtful) by that time the sun ariseth in ' its strength; but, in many of these sad passages, I do but testify what I have seen, in others. I have considered, that Fame in these days hath lost her credit, and therefore (accordingly) I have not trusted her without sufficient sureties: So that the sad history of this book is but too true, though, I confess, not full enough. Once I had thought to have added marginal instances, but did forbear, partly because I conceived them not the most fit company for a sermon; and partly because I found them too many and copious for a margin. Pauper is est numerare pecus. As for the divine matter of these sermons, they do Apologise, Confess, Petition, Direct, for the good of your most afflicted brethren. By the first, I hope, they will undeceive such as shall read impartially; and as for others, which will 
a Non amo te Sabidi, nee possum dicere quare, etc.  not believe any good reports of the West, because they will not; I shall only answer them that they will mis-judge, because they will. By the second, third, and fourth, (which are the discoveries of the great evils, of those most lamentable Counties, etc.) we do call for pity from all brethren and friends, but especially from this great City, which the Lord hath hitherto made a public fountain of help, and the very pool of Bethesda to all impotent parts, and (almost) people of the land: 
John 5.7.  but the West hath lain longest in the porch, wanting a hand to put it into the waters. Surely there was a time when those five Counties did by their 
b Devon.  Kerseys, 
c Wilts.  Corn, 
d Somerset.  Cattle, 
e Dorset.  Sheep, and 
f Cornwall.  Tin, afford in good measure, both ᵇ clothing, ᶜ bread, and ᵈ flesh, yea ᵉ dishes, and all to this great City; and such a time again may return: but, at present, those Shires (and the well-affected of them) would feign borrow a bucket or two of help from your ocean, to set their pumps a going; I mean, to put them into an able posture for the defence of themselves. I remember, 'tis recorded, that the 
g Keker. in praesat. ad Geegraph.  Queen of Castillia did sell her jewels to furnish Columbus for his discovering voyage to the West-Indies, when he had showed his Maps, (though the English Courtiers, saith mine Author, did deride his proffers) and thereby the new world of America was found and gained to the Spanish Crown.  
Surely, there is great adventure now to be made for reducing of the little Kingdom of West-England, and the Londoners hitherto have been the greatest adventurers for this cause. Oh read over my Maps, and do like yourselves. But, besides that great occasion, there is also another petty adventure for the West at this time required; it is, that you would 
h Eccles. 11.1.  cast your bread upon the waters, for the present support of many Western exiled Pilgrims, which have not only long since laid out, and left the bulk of their estates for the testimony of jesus, but have lately spent the last meal of their barrel, & the utmost oil of their Cruse, in these parts: and now so it is, that dig they cannot, and to beg they are ashamed, yea, and almost to receive: Ye shall therefore do well if, like the 
i 2 Tim. 1.16, 17.  house of Onesiphorus, Ye seek them out very diligently, and find them. Brethren, though myself and some others, have our 
k Prov. 30 8.  Agurs commons, our 
l Exod. 16.16.  Omerfull for our day; yet give me leave (and the more freely) to tell you that the Lord hath set this great City to be his Steward and Almoner for the distressed brethren; and I must add, he hath given you three for one for all your free disbursements for his sake: First, he hath given you that ability and substance which you have laid out; for 'tis 
e Pro. 10.4.22  the blessing of God, with the hand of the diligent, that maketh rich. 
f 1 Sam. 25.11  My bread, and my water, and my flesh, was the language of Naball. Next, he hath given you (which is greater) the opportunity or occasion of laying out your abilities. A good commodity and a good pennyworth are as great a benefit, as a good purse. Lastly, he hath given you (which is greatest of all) an heart to give. 
g 1 Chron. 29.12, 13, 14, 15, 16.  David praiseth him for all these three; for riches to build, for an house to be built for God, and for an heart to lay out those means in that work: all these three for one ye have freely received, 
Math 10.8.  and therefore freely give. I shall add but a word more, 'tis to mind you, that the exiled Saints which sojourn amongst you, are the chief auxiliaries of this City. Flying Lot did preserve that City which preserved him, and was a Zoar unto his own Zoar: so these men do line your works, and double the files of all your Regiments, and that partly by their presence, but chief by their prayers for the continual safety, honour, and happiness, of this great City, which hath been the fountain of Liberality, and the Atlas of Parliaments; and in this prayer he hearty joineth, who doth subscribe himself,  
Your Servant in the Lord jesus, Jo. Bond. Savoy jan. 20. 1644.   

Occasus Occidentalis, OR JOB IN THE WEST.  JOB 19.21. 
Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.  
WE are met together this day, 
Introduction from the  to weep over the bleeding country of our nativity: and in our weeping are forced to imitate banished Hagar in the holy History. Let us look a little upon her example, 
Gen. 21.15, 16.  and borrow thence a bucket or two to set our pumps a going. It is said of her, And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the Child under one of the shrubs, and she went and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bow-shoot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the Child; and she sat over against him, and wept. Lo there, a tender mother, weeping over her gasping child: here, forlorn Children, enforced to mourn over the dying mother: the bottle of all our helps and hopes being quite exhausted. There Hagar had the sad privilege to be near her departing Ishmael if she pleased, and she went and sat her down over against him: But wretched we are driven off at the distance of some scores of miles, beyond the sight and cries of our dearest brethren. However, let us not suffer ourselves to be deprived of that last privilege, namely to lift up our voices and weep.  
To help us in this seasonable and necessary duty, I confess it cost me some time and labour to find out a sufficient Text: for I thought with myself that a single verse, nay some one particular Chapter of lamentation, would be too narrow a field and circuit, for a full discourse of our ample miseries; but it must needs be a whole volume, some book of sorrow, to make up a Text broad enough to take in all our notes, and so at last the choice was easy, namely, either out of the Lamentations of Jeremy, or out of this book of Job: This latter I have chosen the rather, because it doth not only hold forth the sore, but also the salve; it shows us both the misery of Job, and the issues thereof.  
How aptly this Eastern history, doth parallel our Western subject will easily appear, if we consider either the Occasion, or Division of this Book.  
First, 
●ccasion and  as for the occasion; some do conceive that it was written by Moses, while he led the people of Israel in the wilderness, to teach them selfe-submission, and holy contentation, by setting before them the patience of Job, and the end of the Lord. And so St. 
●●m 5.11.  James doth apply this pattern, Behold we account them happy which endure. You have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord: that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. Thus jobs patience may be our pattern, and that end of the Lord our encouragement. Others are of opinion that Moses did pen this holy poem (for such it is generally) in Midian, to cheer up his countrymen, the Israelites, under the yoke of their Egyptian bondage. And thus also the whole book is a proper lesson for ourselves, and Counties.  
Or, 
Parts of this Book, viz.  if you consider the parts of this volume, its fitness for our use, will yet more evidently appear, in that the whole book doth hold forth unto us the threefold condition of job, which is parallel to the three spiritual estates of every saint.  
First, here is Jobs status constitutus, or institutus, (if I may so call it) his primitive condition, and that is very holy, very happy; It is expressed in the first five verses of the first Chapter. This is Jobs full-sea; and it may be compared to mankind's state of innocence in paradise, which was in perfect holiness, and perfect happiness.  
The Second is his status destitutus, his declining middle estate of calamity. This is set forth from the fifth verse of the first Chapter to the last Chapter. Now was his ebbing-water; and it may be compared to the lapsed or fallen condition of man in Adam.  
The Third is his status restitutus, his condition of reparation, more prosperous, and happy, than his beginning: throughout Chap. the last. Now it was springtide, or the highest-water with him. And this is like to the sanctified and glorified estate of the Saints in heaven. Our native West hath long enjoyed the first of these, and is now suffering the second; why may it not like job arrive in the conclusion to the last, and best of all? O let us cry mightily for that Third condition this day.  
The lot of my Text, and of our Country, at present are fallen a like, upon the second and saddest of those Three generals: 
Coherence  even upon jobs destitute, afflicted, tormented estate, which is set down very pathetically in this whole Chapter, from the beginning to my text. In the Chapter immediately foregoing, Bildad the Shuite, and his fellow- physicians, do draw a false conclusion against job, from true premises: for (according to the common Logic of the vulgar) they do therefore conclude him wicked, because he was wretched.  
In this Chapter the holy man doth labour to confute their inference, 
Analysis of the Chapter.  as also to move his friends to a more charitable construction, and a more serious consideration of his extreme suffering, and to that end he doth spread before them, in this Chapter, an exact map of his present miseries and afflictions: As shipwrecked men of old were wont to describe the whole figure of their wrack in a painted table, which they daily shown up and down, to move compassion in the beholders. In this table of jobs sufferings,  
First he complains that he is destitute of succours, 
1. Complaint.  and comforts from God above, in that the Lord himself is against him, and doth overthrow, compass, refuse, cross, strip, 
Job 19 v. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.  and oppose him; and at last letteth lose (a proper word for our case and time) his troops, to encamp round about his tabernacle.  
Secondly, he complains, 
Second.  that Civil and external helpers do forsake him; All relations did shrink at once, brethren are removed, 
Vers. 13 14.  and friends estranged, Kins-folk fail, and familiar friends have forsaken him. His own family do alienate, and account him as a stranger; 
Verse 15.16.17.18. Prov. 18.24.  more particularly, his servants, his wife, his children, are deaf, dumb, and disdainful.  
Yet you will say, there is a bosom friend that sticks closer than a brother?  
But his inward friends (or the men of his secrets) they abhorred him: yet the spirit of a man will support his infirmities? Yea but, 
Vers. 19 Third.  Thirdly, his very natural and corporal abilities do fail him too, his bones clavae to the skin, and to his flesh, and he is escaped only with the skin of his teeth; 
Vers. 20.  That is, he hath nothing left but his lips to moan and complain withal: and therefore suffer him to make use of these in this doubled outcry, and lamentation.  Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends: for the hand of God hath touched me. 
The Text in ' its Eastern consideration, with particular respect to job himself, 
Division.  may fitly be called, The plundered man's outcry: But in ' its Western reading, with reference to us and our Country, let it be entitled, The petition of the West. In which observe,  
First, the Petitioner, that is in the letter, job: once the richest, now the poorest; still the holiest man in the East. But in the antitype our desolate Country, Me.  
Secondly, the Petitioned, they are jobs three friends, of whom mention was made before, Now when jobs three friends heard of all this evil which was come upon him, 
job ●●.  they came every one from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuite, and Zophar the Naamathite, for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him, and to comfort him. Ye my friends.  
Thirdly, the Prayer of the Petition: and thorough it I must lead you a little further, into two particulars therein contained, which are,  
First, the matter prayed for, that is, Compassion, sympathy: Have pity.  
Secondly, the form of the prayer; it is sharpened and quickened, both with an Interjection, which shows that his tongue was too narrow for his heart, [O;] and with a double repetition, of the act, and of the object: Of the act, Pity, pity; Of the object, Me, Me. The act is doubled, to show that he had need of double pity; The object, to show that he had double need of that compassion.  
Fourthly and finally, the ground of the whole Petition, in the last clause: for the hand of God hath touched me: where note  
The author, or inflicter, God: which shows his sorrow to be divine; and from above: and not so much a punishment for sin, as an affliction, and trial, but withal unavoidable.  
Then the instrument, (if I may so call it) his hand, which signifieth the weight; one of his fingers being more heavy than the whole loins of the greatest of men, especially, when that hand doth touch him, that is, touch him home, and to the quick: for so you may here understand that expression. The more full explanation of all these terms may be given anon, when I shall again fetch them about in my application. For present only thus much. As I was loath to set a whole loaf before you, and therefore have thus divided the Text: so I am as unwilling to crumble out all these particulars into several Doctrines, which were the way 
* Non plura faciunt, sed minutiora Quintil.  not to make more matter of this verse, but less. I shall therefore take this one Observation from the whole; That  
Doct. The deep aflictions of friends do call for double compassion.  
This Observation is the express image of the Text. Only there may lie one objection against the latitude of my inference, which is this.  
Object. jobs case, and cry in the Text, were but particular, and personal: this conclusion in the Doctrine seems to be general, and indefinite: and it is against the laws of Logic to draw so broad an inference from so narrow premises?  
Answ. I shall therefore endeavour to bring a whole cloud of other witnesses to make out this truth, that so, if it be denied as an enthimem, yet it shall be proved, and granted by an induction. Let us therefore look abroad into other scriptures after two other kinds of proofs; viz:  
First, divine precepts from God.  

Demonstrations, by  Secondly, humane precedents from the Saints: both these do strengthen my assertion.  
First, 
Divine precepts.  Divine precepts; This book of Job seems to have recorded this same text more than once. To him that is afflicted, (or to him that melteth) pity should be showed from his friends. The former part of the verse seemeth to be the ground of the latter, 
job 6.14.  namely, because he is afflicted, therefore his friends should pity him. And the neglecter of this duty is charged with no less than want of the fear of God, in the close of the verse; but he forsaketh the fear of the Lord. He, i.e. the man which omitteth this friendly office.  
Next, to show how received, and common a truth this is: the spirit of God speaking by the wisest of Kings doth turn it into a common proverb, setting it down among the rest, A friend (that is, as a friend) loveth (or aught to love) at all times, and a brother (whether natural, 
Pro. 17.17.  civil, or spiritual,) is borne for adversity; So then, compassion in distress is a principal both act, and duty of friendship. Nay the wise man hath a second proverb to the same purpose, A man that hath friends (especially if distressed) must show himself friendly, 
Prov. 18.24.  (chief in compassion) and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.  
But this is specially a Gospell-precept; hear the Doctor of the Gentiles, 
Rom. 12.10.  be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly love; (or in the love of brethren.) But this inward impression, must have its outward expression too, distributing to the necessities of the Saints, 
Vers. 13.  that is, making things common, both good and evil, wants and fullness: 
Vers. 15.  Then it follows, rejoice with them that rejoice, and weep with them that weep; that is, hold a Christian sympathy with your brethren on both hands; in prosperity, with them that rejoice; and in adversity, with them that weep.  
Also see in the Epistle to the Hebrews: Let brotherly love continue. 
Heb. 13.1, 2, 3  Be not forgetful to entertain strangers. Remember them that are in bonds as bound with them; and them that suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. It seems this duty of sympathising, is to man's nature like that of sanctifying the Sabbath; there is a special enmity against it, and oblivion of it, in the heart and mind of man, out of sight, out of mind: and therefore there was need of a Memento to be prefixed to both; Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day: And Remember them that are in bonds. 
1 Pet. 3.8.  For a close of this head, take in St. Peter finally; Finally, be all of one mind, having compassion one of another: Love as brethren, (or, loving to the brethren) be pitiful, be courteous. All these are divine precepts from the Lord.  
Secondly, Humane Precedents of the Saints; and here, in the mouths of two or three witnesses, 
2. Humane Precedents. viz.  every word of this truth will be enough established; Let Vriah a noble Worthy, and a valiant Commander in Israel, (though by nation an Hittite) be the first: In David's reign the people of Israel were engaged in a just offensive war against Ammon, 
1. Uriah. 2 Sam. 11.  and General Joab with his army was now beleaguering Rabbath, the City of waters. In the time of this leaguer, noble Vriah upon occasion is sent to Jerusalem, the place where his wife and family resided; and having dispatched his message to David, the King doth presently command and invite him to visit his own house, Go down to thy house, 
Vers. 18.  and wash thy feet, There is a command; And there followed him a mess of meat from the King, there is an invitation: 
Vers. 9  But he would not go, but stepped at the door of the King's house with all the servants of his Lord: He preferred a board, or bench, before a married bed for his lodging; and chooseth (suppose) the King's guard for his bedfellows, rather than his own dear beautiful Bathsheba; And being demanded the reason of so strange and unsouldier-like an act of mortification, 
Verse 11.  hear his answer, and consider it, And Uriah said unto David, The Ark, and Israel, and judah, abide in Tents, and my lord joab, and the servants of my lord are encamped in the open fields, shall I then go into my house to eat, and to drink, and to lie with my wife? As thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing. 
Verse ●3. ●.  The next day David enticeth him again, making him to eat and to drink in his presence; but he is still the same: O that the mortification of this stranger, this Hittite, in a time of a foreign offensive war, might be our pattern; nay, might not rise up in judgement against us natives in these days of our civil and defensive combustions!  
Next, turn to the practice of honest Mephibosheth, being nphew in a direct line to King Saul; The Civil troubles of David, 
2. Mephibosheth.  by Absoloms' insurrection, did seem to open a way for this Prince toward the Crown; yet see his carriage during the time that David and the loyal party were in a state of banishment: you may read in his outward garb, his inward compassion to the persecuted party, 
2 Sam. 19.24  and Mephibosheth the Son (or Nephew) of Saul had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his , from the day that the King departed, till the day that he came again in peace. From toe to head you might have read (and almost have smelled) in his unwashen feet, untrimmed beard, and nasty clothing, the present squalid condition of the public.  
But lastly and chief, among all Court examples, holding forth this truth to the life, 
Nehemiah chap 1.2.  consider high, and holy Nehemiah; This man, of a jewish Captive, was made a Babylonish Courtier, a menial servant, yea a Cupbearer, to the then greatest of Emperor's Artaxerxes Longimanus; Sufficient preferment, one would think, to have taken off his affections from the rubbish and ruins of desolate judah, and to have planted them in the Caldean soil; But yet his heart doth hang homeward, and still stands Westward, notwithstanding all this; He is ever and anon harkening out what news from the West, the distressed land of his nativity; Hanani one of my brethren came, 
Nehem. 1.2.  he and certain men of judah, and I asked them concerning the jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, 
Vers. 3.  and concerning jerusalem. And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the Captivity there in the provinces, are in great affliction, and reproach: the wall of jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burnt with fire. Hereupon his ear affecteth his heart, and the sadness of his heart doth break out into his sorrowful face: he weareth in his sad countenance the mourning livery of his slaughtered Country, and that so legibly, that heathenish Artaxerxes could not choose but read it there. 
Nehem 2.2.  Wherefore the King said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick. This is nothing else but sorrow of heart. The time would fail me to speak of mournful jeremiah, 
jer. 9.1.  who wished that his head were waters, and his eyes fountains of tears, that he might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of his people. And afterward he poured out his sorrow into a whole treatise of Lamentations, which is but as a cistern from that fountain. Also of beloved Daniel, who though he were Viceroy to the then greatest of Emperors, yet did still seek the welfare of his Western Country, by extraordinary prayer and supplication, 
Dan. 9.3  with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes, until he obtained it. And at another time he doth hazard his life to pray thrice a day toward his Country. Though he could not get home into those parts, yet he is ever and anon opening his window, or casement, to look as fare Westward as he can, and to send his prayers (as that Roman did his book) Westward: for so lay jerusalem from Chaldea, as our Country doth now from London. But of these things we may speak more in the closure of this whole discourse. So much at present for demonstration.  
Use 1 This position, thus doubly fortified, doth first send out a 
Reproof to Western.  rebuke to all such as are wanting in tender compassions to their afflicted brethren. These are the days in which the whole kingdom of England, but especially the Western parts thereof, are in the same condition with that poor traveller in the Gospel; 
Luke 10.30.  A certain man went down from jerusalem to jericho, and fell among thiefs, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, leaving him half dead. All the cruelty mentioned in this verse, hath befallen our native West, namely, stripping of raiment, wounding deeply, and half killing; only those following words which do savour of some mercy, cannot be applied unto us; the thiefs are not yet departed, they have not left our Country, though it be more than half dead. But now, to follow the parable, how many unmerciful Priests, Levits, and others, 
Vers. 31, 32.  are there to be found, both at home and abroad, which when they have looked upon us, do passe-by on the other side? yea and (some distressed persons have tried it, that) there is more compassion to be found from some Samaritans (stranger's and non-professors) then from many of those.  
Believe it, brethren, those heathenish sins which St. 
Rom 1.31. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Mat. 24.12.  Paul calleth want of natural affection, and unmercifulness; and those worst of times, in which (our Saviour saith) the love of many shall wax cold, are fallen upon our present generation: Yea so it is, that by how-much the more the objects of pity and compassion are increased and do abound, by somuch the less is pity exercised, by somuch the more doth it decrease.  
But because generalities do neither convince the mind, nor pierce the heart, I shall therefore endeavour to divide this reproof, and level it more particularly at several sorts of offenders.  
First, I shall but mention all cursing and cursed Edomits, who, instead of pitying, 
1. Edomitish Enemies.  do rejoice over the afflictions of their brethren; Such Edom●ts I mean, who in the day of jerusalem, cried, 
Psal. 17.7. Ob●d v. 11.  R●●●e it, raze it, even to the foundation thereof. Who stood on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his brother's forces, 
Ver. 11.  and foreigners entered into his gates. But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother (saith Obadia●) on the day that he became a stranger, neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the Children of judah in the day of their destruction: neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress.  
As often as I read over that shortest Prophet me thinks, I see again, before mine eyes, the sad march of God's people out of the Cities of Bristol and Exon: and the march of our late army of Martyrs out of Lestithell in Cornwall about August or September last: but many of those Edomitish enemies which then looked on, rejoiced, and spoke proudly, (being since out off) have already answered for that fact before the great tribunal: and as for others which did it through ignorance, I shall pray the Father of mercies to give them repentance, and to forgive them: only let me tell them for present, 
〈…〉.  that this sin is more base then envy itself; and doth argue that men have put off both christianity and humanity; I shall therefore exhort them to read over both the threatening prayer, and the thundering prophecy of the Psalm and Chapter ; beseeching the Father of spirits to set them home upon their consciences.  
But there are other two sorts of offenders remaining, to whom I did especially intent this reproof, and those are such friends, and children, of the West, as do want the bowels of brotherly compassion.  
Secondly then to such friends; when I say friends, I take the word in as great a latitude, 
2. Jobs- like Friends.  as it hath in the Text, even for all such as ought to be friends to the West, that is, all true English protestant hearts, though borne or living Northward, Southward, Eastward: sure I am that we are all members of the same British body; 
1 Cor 12.21, 12.  neither can the Eastern head, or the Northern, or Southern arms, say to the Western feet, (call us so) we have no need of you. Then give me leave, O ye fellow members, to reason with you a little, concerning the sufferings of the West: I doubt not but you do all know, that England hath a West; but have you ever seriously considered the vast extent, and the deep extremities of those Counties, which we call Western?  
Have you ever been hitherto convinced, that there is now no sorrow in the whole land like unto their sorrow, 
Lamen●. 1. 1●.  wherewith the Lord hath afflicted them in the day of his fierce anger? And do you withal believe, that those people have been some of the first and deepest in suffering, but are some of the last and least in all revivings?  
I have read of a people which every morning do worship the rising sun towards the East, but at evening they do daily curse the setting sun towards the West. There is an allusion to that custom too generally practised in this land; some men's hearts and hopes, are touched from the North as a Needle with a loadstone, and they will stand and expect redemption no way but Northward, towards our justly honoured and successful brethren. (Oh but take heed of leaning with a full weight upon a walking staff, though never so handsome and useful.) 
Mr. Marshal at Mr. Pines Funeral  Others do lift up their eyes wholly to this City of refuge, this great Eastern mountain, from whence alone they conceive cometh their help:  
But, alas, all this while the backs of all these are generally turned upon the deserted South-west: yea and too many are apt almost to curse that Country of the setting of the sun, as the most unhappy and unworthy part of the kingdom; 
Zech 8. ●.  and for the truth of this, I do appeal to the memories, and consciences of many present. Let us come nearer; Brethren, have not the straits of other lesser parties, petty Towns, and mere Parishes of the Kingdom, affected the hearts, and filled the mouths of many in this place, with much sympathy, and loud complaints in their behalf; when at the same time potent armies, spacious Countries, and very considerable places in the West, have fought, and cried, and sunk, without any great pity, noise, or notice, in these parts? Nay have not some of yourselves observed, that the distresses of some garrisoned houses (in the name of Castles) beleaguered. have been strongly echoed by many, both to the Lord in prayers, and to the high Court of Parliament in petitions; whilst some Western Cities, and City-like Towns, have for a long time together stretched out their hands, and lifted up their voices for help, but all in vain? Here thou, poor Exon, labouring under a well-nigh four month's tedious siege, mightest seasonably ask, how many notes or bills were that while publicly put up for thee in the congregations in this place? I have heard of one young man that put up some two or three. And thou faithful Plymouth, together with thy cordial, and considerable Sisters, and Neighbours, Dartmouth, Barnstable, Lyme, Taunton, etc. mightest second this complaint with an outcry.  
Alas, poor helpless, and almost hopeless West! And art thou alone, as one borne out of due time? Art thou the only speckled bird, the mountains of Gilboa, when other parts have the seasonable, comfortable dews of help and pity?  
Brethren, pardon my just filial affections? I shall endeavour to walk evenly in my complaint, betwixt impiety to my Country, and partiality towards the truth: The sins of young Cham, and old Ely, are both alike abominable in my account; and in this temper let us argue the matter yet a little further, in answering the charges laid against us.  
Object. 1 The Western folk (will some say) are an unworthy people.  
Answ. Beware of drawing sinful inferences from sorrowful premises, by concluding that such a man, or people are wicked, because they are wretched, sinners because sufferers: This was the false sophistry of jobs three friends, for which the Lord doth as it were enjoin them penance, 
job. 42.7, 8.  and amerceth them, in the end of that book. Nay this was the barbarous Malta-logick of those Islanders, amongst whom St. Paul was cast ashore at M●lita. And when the Barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, 
Acts 28.4.  they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom (though he hath escaped the Sea, yet) vengeance suffereth not to live.  
But when he shook off the beast into the fire, 
Verse 5.  they did as easily change their opinions to the other extreme: and indeed, none are more light and lavish in applauding, than those which are most rash and severe in censuring: But this fault (I find) may overtake the disciples themselves, 
●●h. 9 ●, 2.  When they saw a man that was blind from his birth, they asked jesus, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Christ's answer telleth us, that the Lord hath many other principal ends and causes for afflicting his people, besides their sins: as there, his end was that the works of the Lord should be made manifest; 
Verse 3.  so in jobs case, he meant to set up a pattern of patience, and of the reward thereof. And in that of Paul, he intended to honour the person and ministry of his servant, in the eyes and hearts of the Barbarians.  
Object. 2 But the Objector chargeth again; telling us that Cowardice, and Covetousness, lost the West.  
Answ. I might first answer generally, in the words of an 
* Iraset q●an donate vilius conslat. Mart.  acute Heathen, that it is more cheap and easy to fall out with the distressed, then to relieve their distresses: But I will speak particularly to the several charges of Cowardice, and Covetousness.  
First, to that of Cowardice, I could return many answers, viz. 
1. To the Charge of Cowardice.   
1. Who is he (I pray you) that is the God of the spirits of all flesh, whose prerogative it is (especially in warlike actions) both to heighten the spirits of the faint, and to flatten the courage of the mighty? And when did the Lord so evidently and ordinarily exercise this his spiritual prerogative, as in the present wars of his people in this Land? Doubtless, brethren, it is not all Cowardice and treachery, which we do commonly call so in these times, though (I confess) there hath been too much of both sorts, almost continually amongst us; and I could wish that the extraordinary finger of God, in this spiritual particular, might be more observed, and acknowledged.  

2.  Secondly, remember that those Western combustions did begin with the present general and public wars: So that it was then the very Tyrocinium of all our Soldiery; the first and sudden shooting of Guns in earnest; at which it is common, even for valiant men, a while to wink at the firing, and to startle at the report of an Ordnance: these and suchlike alleys might be given. But  

3.  Thirdly, I do answer by denying that charge of Cowardice, upon that 
* At Minedip Hills in Somerset about 30000. Commons appeared at once for the Parliament, in the beginning against the Generallny of their Gentry. In Devon at 2. several times at least 10000 each time, all completely armed, and paid by the same County: And great forwardness in the rest of the Counties, Cornwall itself not excepted.  Country, as unjust: and for proof of that denial, could easily bring forth a whole cloud of public and real witnesses, as the numerous frequent free appearances of great armies of common people upon slender summons, or rather upon bare leave to appear; their willing tedious attendances at their own charges, and begging permission to fall on, etc. And all this amidst often and heavy discouragements; Some Counties going on against the stream of those which should have been their Leaders; but did destroy the way of their Paths: Others had such Leaders, as as would have caused them to err, 
Isai. 9.16.  yea, as would have guided them, as that Prophet led the blindfold Syrians into Samaria instead of Dotham: yet still the poor willing Commons, leaving both the King's highway, and their Malignant Gentry, continued appearing, waiting, marching, and fight, though in many places like sheep without a shepherd, until it hath pleased the Lord, out of his secret Counsel, and for our sins to give us up as a prey to the will of our enemies.  

2. To the Charge of Covetousness.  Secondly, for answer to the charge of Covetousness; ask of others, and they shall tell you: Ask the public and private Treasurers for Ireland-subscriptions, (both gifts and adventures) for the Parliament Propositions, and for our own particular Western wars and fortifications; all these will abundantly certify you.  
But, as that proportionist did draw the whole stature of Hercules by the print of his foot; so I could give you out of one of those five Shires (best known to myself) a guess of the cordial munificence of the whole: 
150000●. out of Devon. & Exon. Beside their sufferings.  If many scores of thousands have been laid out by one single County, then admire the vast expenses of all the five.  
But it is still objected, Object. 3 Your enemies were few and contemptible at the first.  
Alas, Answ. so were the enemies of the whole Kingdom at the beginning, perchance fewer than ours: remember the little cloud at Nottingham; and by that you may see. Secondly, that the race is not to the swift, 
Eccles. 9.11.  nor the battle to the strong, but time and change happeneth to them all, (saith the wise Preacher) especially, (thirdly,) when the Lord of Hosts createth trouble to a sinful people, and giveth commission to his revenging sword to pass through a Land; believe it, than they are not all your strength, and counsel, power, and policy, that can sheathe up, or keep off, such an enemy?  
But why did you lose so vast, Object. 4 so rich, so populous a Country so easily?  
Answ. I answer First, 
1.  doubtless the meritorious causes were our sins; and the safest construction, and best application that we Western exiles can make of our sufferings, will be to take up that of lamenting Jeremiah, 
Lament. 3.39.  Wherefore doth a living man complain? (It is a mercy that we are men, and not beasts, that we are alive this day, and not fallen among the slain) a man for the punishment of his sins? that is, the Lord hath done us no wrong; we do suffer justly, yea mercifully for our trespasses.— Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord: That is, self examination, and selfe-reformation, 
Verse 40.  are our most proper and profitable Lessons. But secondly, if you do ask us [why we lost our Country?] with reference unto you of these parts, than I must further add something negatively, 
2. Negatively.  something affirmatively to stop censures, and to give you instruction: Negatively thus, Think not ye that our dwellings have therefore cast us out, because we were greater sinners than you; But as Christ said to those Inquisitous persons in the Gospel,— I tell you nay, 
Luke 13.12, 3, 5. Verse 6.  but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. And you know what immediately followeth in the same chapter. It is the Parable of the Figtree, that had been long time suffered in the vineyard, etc. So negatively: But next I apply Affirmatively, 
Affirmatively.  Perhaps we are driven hither from our Native Country for your sakes, that we might give an Alarm to some Thomases in these parts, which would not believe until they could thrust their hands into the sides, and their fingers into the hands and feet, of their wounded brethren. Perhaps we are driven hither, that the Lord might give you a princely correction upon our skin, and might make us, (Ministers and people,) as it were your jonases; that is, men, women, and children, sent, as out of the belly of hell, where the waters (of ungodliness and affliction) compassed us about, even to the soul, 
jonah 1.5.  the depth closed us round about, the weeds were wrapped about our heads— and all this that we might (still Jonah-like)— arise and go to this great City, and preach unto it, 
jonah 3.2.  the preaching that be shall bidus: if so, than our Text shall be that of St. Paul in his Epistle to the Romans, with an easy mutation,— well: because of our sins we were broken off, and thou London standest by mercy; 
Rom 12.20.  Be not high minded, but fear; And let our short application of it be this, to the several sorts of people amongst you:  
First, ôh ye blinded Malignants! believe in time, that the adverse party (called Cavaliers) are, 
Advice to Malignants.  beyond all that you have heard, blasphemous, treacherous, and cruel, against God and man, enemies and friends, promiscuously; and do not refuse that instruction, which hath been dearly purchased for you, by the blood and estates of others.  
Next, ôh ye Neuters, and carnall-compounders! believe in time, that God and men, both good and evil men, 
Neuters.  yea very Satan himself doth abhor a Neuter; and that this kind of sin, if it be found in a place, that place may expect the reward of Succoth and Penuel, 
Judges 8.6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17.  even to be demolished, torn in pieces, and taught with briers and thorns; If in a person, that person may look for the wages of Balaam, which had no recompense from Balak, and was slaine by the sword of Israel. Finally, ôh ye secure and wanton Professors, 
Professors.  which do despise your old mannah, as light bread, and are grown dizzy by extraordinary light; roll yourselves in ashes, cry mightily, because of your new vanities, and reform without delay; or else be ye assured (by your neighbour's experience) that God can bring upon you such a spiritual famine, as shall cause you to leap for a crust, for a bit of your old bread, and yet go without it.  
Brethren all at once, 
All. Luke 16 30.  be ye not more deaf or stubborn, than the brethren of that rich man in the Gospel, for whom he did undertake, that if one went unto them from the dead, they would repent. Behold, we Western exiles are as so many Monitors, broken-loose from the grave: Let therefore our temporal losses and undo, be your spiritual gain and commodities. So much to the friends of the West, to all jobs-like friends.  

3. Forgetful children. Such are,  Thirdly, the reproof of unmercifulness must be directed to the Children of the West, even to such as were hewn out of the Western hills and rocks, and were digged out of those pits and valleys. Some of you, I know, have been long since transplanted into this City, and other soils, and thereby (perhaps) have lost somewhat of your Western sap and nature: others were more larely plucked up violently by the roots, and are at present but covered with earth enough to keep life in them, until their replantation; I shall speak freely to both together, but especially to the latter sort, the exiled, scattered sons and daughters of the West.  
How many are there amongst us, 
Amos 6.1.  which do justly fall under the reproof and woe threatened by Amos? Woe to them, that are at ease (or secure) in Zion, etc. He goeth on through divers verses, describing the unseasonable sins of that people; but the burden and sting of all to them and us, lieth in the latter end; but they are not grieved for the affliction, 
Vers. 6.  or breach of joseph. That expression [the breach of joseph] may have a double reference: First, it may refer to the Patriarch joseph, who being in Egypt imprisoned by Potiphar, did engage Pharaohs butler, 
Gen. 41.14, 15, 1●.  his fellow prisoner, by a courtesy, but was soon after forgotten of him; for when the man was set at liberty, and readvanced, he remembered not the kindness, and durance of joseph: so I fear, lest too many of our late Western sufferers, upon new preferment, may forget the old kindnesses of some that are now (perhaps) imprisoned. Next, Amos his expression [the affliction of joseph] may refer to the tribes of joseph, which were Ephraim, and Manasses: these were miserably broken by the enemy, about the time of this prophecy; but were little pitied by the rest of the tribes their brethren. The application of that text is easy: our Country, and Countrymen have lately been broken with a sore breach; yea they are continually broken with breach upon breach: One man's back is broken with taxes, another's heart is broken with taunts, and a third sort have their necks broken by the Gibbet, at the pleasure of the enemy: and yet how unapt are we to grieve constantly for all these breaches of joseph?  
But these forgetful ones, are of divers sorts: As,  

1. Delicate Exiles, in general both sexes.  First, all your delicate exiles, a strange contradiction to a serious, and sober ear! but such there are, and such there have been; as in the time of 
Amos 6.1.  Amos () Let us look back upon that place once again. Their general charge was Security, they were secure or at ease, and did trust in the Mountain of Samaria; that is, themselves were in a strong hold, in a fortified City, and therefore thought all well enough: hereupon the Lord sendeth them to other strong holds that were already demolished. 
Verse 2.  Pass ye unto Calnch and see, and from thence go ye to Hemath the great; then go down to Gath of the Philistines. That is, remember York that was lost in the North, (though it be since retaken) consider Bristell and Exon, yea all Ireland, in the West. So in general. Next, he reproveth more particularly their delicacy; 
Verse 4.  first in Lodgings, that lie upon beds of Ivory, and stretch themselves upon their Couches. 
2 Sam. 11.9.  How fare doth this differ from the Lodging of mortified Vriah? But Vriah slept at the door of the King's house, with all the servants of his lord, 
Vers. 11.  and went not down to his house, because the Ark, and Israel, and judah, abide in Tents. Next, Amos reproveth their delicacy in Diet, both for meats and drinks:— and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall. It seems the muttons and beefs were too course and gross for them; 
Amos 6.6. Dan. 10.3.  and they drink wine in bowls, How fare is this also from the diet of Daniel, I eat no pleasant bread (or bread of desires) neither came flesh, nor wine in my mouth & c? Lastly, for their clothing, and manner of living; they chant (or quaver) to the sound of the viol, 
Amos 6.5.  and invent to themselves instruments of music, like David. How fare was this from the temper of Zion's exiles, in the Psalmist, who being called to sing, 
Psal. 137.3, 4.  hanged their harps upon the willows, with this answer, How shall we sing the Lords song in a strange land?  
But now, to parallel this text of Amos, have we not too many, even amongst our exiles, who, in respect of apparel, rather wear upon their backs the foolish livery of delicate Agag; 
1 Sam 15.  then the mortified mourning weed of their dying Country? And as for the other particulars of diet, lodging, and other accommodations, they do come up fully to the sin of Israel, described, and threatened by the Prophet Isaiah: 
Isa. 23.7, 2.  in the day (saith he) of flight and tumults, of fortifications and preparing for war, even in that day, did the Lord God of hosts call to weeping, & to mourning, and to baldness, 
Verse 12, 13.  and to girding with sackcloth. And behold, joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and kill sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: But what is the issue? The Lord whispereth this sentence in the ear of his Prophet, 
Verse 14.  Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die, saith the Lord God of hosts: And in the next verses Shebna (a sumptuous Treasurer) is made an exemplary proof of the truth of that sentence, Behold, the Lord (saith Isaiah) will carry thee away with a mighty captivity, 
Vers. 15, 16, 17, 18.  and will surely cover thee. He will surely violently turn & toss thee like a ball into a large Country: there shalt thou die, etc. oh read and tremble, ye delicate exiles!  
But let me speak this reproof yet more particularly to all our delicate female exiles, 
More particularly to women. 1 Pet. 1.1.  because I find the scripture especially lessoning them against this sin: Thus St. Peter, directing his Epistle to the elect strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bythinia, particularly chargeth the women that were amongst them, 
1 Pet. 3. 1, 2, 3, 4.  that their adorning be not that outward adorning, of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel: but let it be (saith he) the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible. There is first a negative; they must avoid the curious vanities in apparel, that were most fashionable in those times, and places.  
And next the affirmative; they must look to the gracious habits of their minds, of which no enemy could strip and plunder them: and in both these the pattern proposed to them, by name, is Sarah (if I may so call her) the Patriarchesse, 
1 Pet 36.  who willingly followed her so-journing husband up and down in strange Countries: and the benefit proposed to such women, is preservation from womanish affrightments and amazements, unto which that sex is too prone, especially in cases of exile and banishment, and are not (shall not be) afraid with any amazement. This was a proper lesson (you see) for such strangers, 
1 Pet. 2.11.  and Pilgrims as they were.  
Now as for you, beloved, see then that ye take heed, and beware of that great sin of many of your sex in these times, who do expend so much in discovering their own nakedness, as would suffice to cover the nakedness of many. And, that you may take heed of this great offence, remember the heavy threatening of Esay, against the delicacy of women in such sad and breaking times: 
Isai. 3.1, 2. — When the Lord of Hosts doth take away the stay, and the staff; The mighty man, and the man of war, the Judge, the Prophet, 
Verse 24.  prudent and ancient, etc. then the delicate women may expect— in stead of sweet smell, a stink; and in stead of a girdle, a rent; and in stead of well set hair, baldness; and in stead of a stomacher, a girding of sackcloth; and burning, in stead of beauty. So much for the delicate exiles and children of the West, both Sons and Daughters.  

2. Covetous exiles, and  Secondly, let me speak to all such Covetous and ambitious exiles, as do also forget the breach of their Brother Joseph. The first of these, namely, the Covetous ones, are sharply and largely reproved by St. James; 
james 1.1.  who, writing to the twelve Tribes scattered abroad, rebuketh them, especially for this sin of worldliness, 
james 4.1, 2.  when he saith,— From whence come wars and sightings (or brawlings) among you? come they not hence, even of your Lusts, that war in your members? What Lusts? Surely, the Lust of the eyes, (for so it followeth)— Ye lust, and have not: Ye kill, and desire to have, 
Verse 4.  and cannot obtain: And again, Know you not, that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? And anon he reproveth them which say (to day,) To day, or to morrow, 
Verse 13.  we will go into such a City, and continue there a year, and buy, and sell, and get gain. Such confident Exchange-language as this, doth not become the mouths of the Tribes which are scattered abroad, though it be the common sin of the dispersed Jews in all places to this day. So much for an Item to the Covetous.  
But next, 
Ambitious Exiles.  let me speak more particularly and fully to all incompassionate Ambitious exiles, which do seek great things for themselves in evil times. I will propound Baruch to be their warning-piece, and his chapter to be their Lesson: 'Tis recorded in the prophecy of Jerem. 
jer. 15. per totum.  45. throughout. That little chapter, consisting but of five verses, was penned purposely (it seems) for little Baruch, the son of Neriah; and prophetically for all others of his spirit, to the end of the world. Let us therefore view it a little. 
jer. 45.1. jer. 36 1, 2, 4, 5, etc. compared with let. 25.1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.  The whole is chiefly Reprehensory, an in it we may observe, First, the Time: this word was spoken when Baruch had written these words in a book at the mouth of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah King of Judah; that is, so soon as Baruch had done his work of transcribing the Roll, and reading it to the people; for which (like enough) he expected some good piece of preferment: even in that same year, (being the fourth year of Jehoiakim) in stead of preferment, he meeteth with a Prophecy of utter desolation, and seventy year's captivity by Nebuchad-rezzar; as you may find by comparing those two places: There it is said, This whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment, and these nations shall serve the King of Babylon seventy years, etc. This is the Time of that Chapter. Next, observe the Faults reproved in Baruch; which were these: 
●er. 45.3.  First, a dastardly sinking and despondency of mind; because (it seems) his rising expectation was frustrate: Thou didst say, Woe is me now, for the Lordhath added grief to my sorrow; I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest. Next, a vain ambitious self-seeking: 
Verse 5.  And seekest thou great things for thyself? These faults of his are evinced to be doubly sinful, in these words, 
Verse 4.  Thus saith the Lord, Behold, that which I have built, will I break down; and that which I have planted, I will pluck up, even this whole land. And therefore, (as if he had said) Thy sin, O weak Baruch, the Amanuensis, or Scribe of Jeremiah, is both unreasonable and unseasonable at this time. What is more unreasonable, than for a man to imagine that his own Cabin can be safe, when the whole Ship is a sinking? that which I have built, will I break down. Or, what is more unseasonable, than, when the axe is laid to the root of the tree, for a silly bird to begin then to build her nest upon the top branches, 
Verse 5.  or to sit hatching therein? and that which I have planted will I pluck up, even this whole land. Nay, behold, (further saith the Lord) I will bring evil upon all flesh: and therefore it will be well and fair for thee, to have thine own life for a prey, 
Ier 39.16, 17, 18. jer. 40.1, 2, etc.  in all places whither thou goest; yea, that is as much as I have given to thy Master Jeremiah, and to his friend my servant Ebedmelech already.  
And now, to apply this most seasonable Chapter: Alas, alas! How many such Baruches (little men of great expectations) are there to be found, even amongst Exiles, in these days of breaking down and plucking up? Yea, this sin is too near (I fear) unto some of the sons and servants of the Prophets: There are too many Baruches about the Ministry, as there are too many Gehazies in the Commonwealth. By Baruches, I mean such who having been lately destitute Levites, like Micha's Jonathan in the book of Judges, 
judg. 17 7, 8, 9  so that they might have said every one of them as he, I am a Levite, of Bethlehem Judah, and I go to sojourn where I may find a place; yet after a little shelter and secure received, they are not content with a subsistence; but are shifting and clambering for more shekels, and higher preferment; like the same Jonathan: to whom when the Danites suggested, 
judg. 18.19, 20.  Is it better for thee to be a Priest unto the house of one man, or that thou be a Priest unto a Tribe, and a Family in Israel? 'Tis said thereupon, The Priest's heart was glad,— and he went in the midst of the people.  
These are our Baruches, our Jonathans', in the Ministry: But (as I said) there are also too many Gehazies to be found in the Commonwealth. Gehazi the servant of Elisha would needs make a hard shift, in an unseasonable time, 
● Kin. 5.20, 21.  to gain two talents of silver, and two changes of garments; but they cost him dear in the issue, when his Master reckoned with him: The conclusion is this; Is it a time (saith Elisha to him) to receive money, and to receive garments, and olive-yards, and vine-yards, and sheep, and oxen, and man-servants, and maidservants? 
Vers. 26, 17.  The Leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a Leper as white as snow. Look upon this Text, all ye that have been servants, or of low degree, but are now risen, by these wars, to gainful, eminent places, and offices. What! and are you now running after nothing but treasure and bravery? Do you make it your plot and joy to multiply shekels, and change of raiment? to wear variety of State-gold upon your backs, when so many precious Saints do want a little of it for their bellies? If so, I would but put Elisha's question unto you, Is this a time thus to receive money, and to receive garments? Do ye mourn in gold and scarlet for our common Mother, great Britain, that lies a dying? Oh beware of entailing Gehazi's leprosy from yourselves to posterity.  
Finally, there are too many, even of the scattered Saints, that are infected, in these times, with this unseasonable sin: too many there are of them that do too well like of the places of their banishment, 
Math. 17.4.  saying, as Peter in the Mount, It is good for us to be here: Yea, they are apt to talk of buidling tabernacles in a strange place, both for themselves and for their friends; not considering how soon a Cloud may  them, 
Vers. 5 8.  and put an end to their imaginary Paradise.  
But as for you, Brethren, who are the scattered Children of the West, 
Jer. 35.2. etc.  remember yourselves to be Christian Rechabites; and therefore see that ye do Christianly imitate that mortified Family, who, in expectation of troublous times, did propare beforehand, by accustoming themselves to drink no wine all their days, they, their wives, their sons, nor their daughters: Nor to build houses to dwell in, 
Ver. 8, 9, 10.  neither had they vineyard, nor field, nor seed; 
1 Pet. 2.11.  but dwelled in tents. So, my dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly (and from ambitious) lusts, which war against the soul: and remember that we have here no continuing City. Let it therefore be our care not to build houses, nor to plant vineyards in this place; but still to retain (our animum revertendi,) our purpose to return: yea, though we are enforced for our present necessary subsistence to make some little plantation here a while; yet let it be but like that plantation of the Gardener, when he doth set his Flowers in a Pot of earth, so that they may be easily removed from place to place, in change of weathers: in like manner let us so plant ourselves and families in these Eastern parts, that we may be in a fit posture to be carried Westward, Pots and all, so soon as the Lord shall be pleased to shine again upon those Countries. So much concerning reproof.  
Use. 2 In the second place, this Doctrine of pity will afford us a pathetical exhortation: 
Exhortation to pity the West.  In the beginning whereof I must tell you, though the Text and history are altogether Eastern, yet this branch of application must be wholly Western; and therefore I would have you now to take the words, as the common cry of all the distressed Counties, Cities, Market-towns, Parishes, houses, and persons, of the job-like West this day. Suppose, brethren, that you heard all the well-affected of those Counties (and such I dare generally to call them still) on the one part, roaring to his Majesty, as sometimes that mother did cry to the King of Israel, when she had eaten her son for hunger, Help, my Lord O King: 
2 Kings 6.26.  And then imagine his Majesty answering them in the words of David, upon another occasion, I am this day weak, 
2 Sam 3.39.  though anointed King; and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too hard for me (they were his sisters two sons, joab, and Abishai) Make that supposition upon the one side: But then, suppose them on the other part, crying, and yelling to us, and to all their scattered brethren, in the words of the Text, with addition, Oh ye Protestant, Christian, English hearts; Men, brethren, and friends, Have pity upon us, have pity upon us, for the hand of God hath touched us.  
But, I suppose, you are ready to meet this exhortation with an objection.  
Object. Why, we are all come together for this very end, to pity the West; it is the great desire of our bowels, and the only business of this day, to pity them: But tell us now, how can we, how may we do this work effectually and to purpose?  
Answ. Brethren, it was my chief intention, 
Helps to this duty; which are,  in appearing this day in this place; and hath been my principal endeavour in my preparations, (such as they are) to help you in this great duty at present: I shall therefore desire your serious, and affectionate attention. My method, in the whole work, shall consist of two general branches: I shall endeavour to spread before you, First, 
1.  the causes for which we ought really to pity the West; and this General will afford us some excitations, and incentives to the duty.  

2.  Secondly, the means by which we may pity them indeed; and this general shall yield us some instructions and directions, for that friendly service.  
First, 
First, excitations to quicken us, to consider Viz.  for our excitation and quickening, we must consider what are the evils of those parts, because the object of pity is (Malum) Evil: Now their evils (and indeed all evils) are of two sorts:  

1.  Culpall evils, or the evils of sin; these are both the first and worst of all evils, and therefore are in the first and chief place to be lamented, 
jer. 2.19.  as saith jeremiah, who was a man well skilled in lamentations: Know therefore and see, that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God.  

2.  Penal evils, or the evils of suffering; these are the fruits and effects of the former, 
1 Cor. 15.56  as St. Paul saith; the sting of death is sin; that is, misery without sin may buzz, hisse, and scratch a little, like a Hornet, or Adder, that hath lost his sting; but it cannot pierce, and poison; as we see in every mere affliction of the Saints: Sin alone putteth the venom, the deadliness into death itself.  

1.  First, then let us weep, and lament over the Countries of our nativity: 
Western sins, search for these,  because of their sins, and ours in them: Let us bewail, principally, the greatest provocations that are, and nave been committed in those parts. When jobs three friends are said to come every one from his own place, for to mourn with him, and to comfort him: 
job 2.11.  there is a word used for [to comfort] which signifieth likewise to mourn with the mournings of repentance; to show, that if we would pity, and comfort our Countries, and ourselves to purpose, this is the right end to begin at; namely, in the first place, to bewail both their sins, and our own. 
Lam. 3.39.  Man suffereth for his sin: And 'tis that alone which putteth all the mortal bitterness into our cup of trembling. So jeremiah once again: 
jer. 4.18.  This is thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth unto thine heart. Or thus, this is from thy wickedness, that he (meaning the enemy the Chaldean) is bitter, that he reacheth unto thine heart. And immediately there followeth an alarm, because of wars; my bowels, my bowels; because thou hast heard, 
Verse 19  O my Soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. Whence we learn, by the Lord's method in punishing, what must be our order in lamenting: First the sins, than the sorrows of a Country are to be mourned over. The want of this due order is charged against the false Prophets of judah, as one cause (I conceive) of her ruin. Thy Prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee. Why? 
Lam. 1.14.  they have not discovered thine iniquity. Why? What good could that discovery do her? To turn away thy captivity. Labour we therefore to turn away the Western Captivity, by discovering, and bewailing our Western iniquities.  
Object. But how may this be done in a due measure, so as to avoid both the impiety of Cham, who discovered his father's nakedness; and the Partiality of Ely, who was too indulgent to his own family?  
Answ. I shall endeavour equally to decline both of these extremes, and yet to give you some special matter of humiliation; and to that end take these two hints, helps, or directories, for our more effectual inquiry after the sins of our Country: 

1. Search after them by their effects, and  
2. By their proportions.    

1. By their Effects, which are Banishing sins?  First, you may be guided to find them out by their effects; Do but ask the word of God, What provocations especially have an ejecting, exiling, banishing effect, that is, do cause men's houses and Countries to cast them out? For I find that there is such a special sort of sins in Scripture, 
Jerem. 9.19.  Because we have forsaken the land, because our dwellings have cast us out. Yea, I find in the word that divers sorts of sins have this effect. Let us put two or three Quaeres to the children of the West concerning these; every one shall be taken out of the word of God. I will only put the questions, leaving to yourselves the pressing of them upon yourselves.  

1. Quaere, luke warmness, both Revel. 3.15.6. Brightman  First Quaere concerning lukewarmeness: I find that sin notoriously branded as an Ejector, as an Exiler, not only of Persons, but of whole Churches at once; I know thy works, saith God to Laodicea, (and England is by Expositors compared to that Church) that thou art neither cold nor hot; so then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. There, Ejection is the punishment of lukewarmeness. But now we are to know further, that lukewarmeness hath two branches; 
Formality, and 2 T●● 3 5.  First, there is Lukewarmness in service to God, that is, Demi-coldnesse in his worship; this is commonly called Formality, condemned by St Paul, Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. Secondly, there is a Lukewarmeness in service for God, that is, 
neutrality. 1 Kings. 18.21.  Demi-fervour in his cause; this is ordinarily termed Neutrality, and it is censured by Eliah, How long halt ye between two opinions? Both these texts I have largely handled heretofore in those Countries, perhaps in the audience of some now present; and I fear that many which then heard me, are now feeling in those parts, the truth and weight of that word of God. Let us lie low before the Lord for this sin.  

2. Quaere, Earthly-mindedness.  Next Quaere, Concerning covetousness and earthly-mindedness; Oh, that basest of sins! the abomination of Clay-worshiping! It did twice eject righteous Lot out of his beloved plains of Sodom: His sin (as Divines conceive) was covetousness; in that he could find in his heart, to live amongst the prodigious wicked Sodomites, for the love of their fruitful country: And the History itself seems to hold forth as much; 
Gen. 13.10.  for it is said, And Let lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where— then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan: 
Verse 11.11, 13.  and Let journeyed East, and dwelled in the city of the plain: then immediately it followeth; But the men of Sodom were wicked, and sinners before the Lord exceedingly. 
Si● junius & aln ad loc.  That is, worldly Lot was so baited with the commodity of the place, that, for love thereof, he swallows the hook of Sodomitical neighbourhood & company. For this the Lord doth first suffer the Kings of the nations to plunder and captivate him; 
Gen 14.12. Verse 16.  And it was well for him that his uncle Abraham (which had made a safer choice) did then rescue, and set him at liberty: But shortly after he doth relapse, and return to the same Sodom again, there planting himself as before; but now the Lord taketh a more through course with him, he doth smoke and fire him out of his beloved hole and nest, with brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven; and it was Gods great mercy that he escaped with his life, leaving all his estate behind, and losing his wife by the way; and all this was done to warn all posterity, both persons and sexes, to take heed and beware of the ejecting sin of covetousness.  

3. Quaere, selfishness.  Third Quaere, Concerning selfishness, or Self-love; I mean when men do altogether seek their own things before the things that are of (that is, from, and for,) Jesus Christ. The very Heathen Historian hath left it upon record long since, that this sin of private selfishness, did heretofore eject our forefathers, the ancient Britan's, out of this good land, making way for the Romans into it— 
* Olim regibus parebant, nunc per principes factionthus & sludiis trahuntur: nec altud adversus validissimas gentes pro nobis vt●sius, quam quod in common non consulunt. Rorus duabus tribusque civitatibus, ad propulsandum commune periculum, conventus: (vel corsersas:) ita dum siaguli pugnant, v●versi vincuntur. Cornel. Tacit in v●t Agr. c. & Tust. Lips. ad loc Graeciae Civiltates dum imperare sirgulae cupiunt, imp●rtu●●●nes perdiderunt. Ex Justin. lib. 8.  of Old (faith he) the Britan's were under one Government, but now they are drawn in pieces by Factions and Parties; neither was there any one thing more advantageous for us now against those most valiant natious, then that they do not consult together in common. Seldom should you find two or three Towns agree together for repelling the public danger; And so whilst every one did fight, all were overcome: that is, our British forefathers were Shire-bound, City-bound, Town-bound, Parish-bound, House-bound; & thus, whilst every man stood with a Bucket at his own door, to save his house, the whole Town was burned to ashes: whilst every man did look to his own Chest, the common vessel was wracked & sunk. Oh, 'tis a sad symptom, and a wild infatuation, when men are so over-round for their own private places, that they are flat for the public. Nay, doubtless, a man may be a Malignant to the public, by being too selfishly zealous for his own particular Parish, Town, or Country. But now, we are to know further, that this sin (which I call selfishness) doth contain divers branches: 
4. sorts of Self, viz.  They may be divided according to the several sorts of self, which are these:  

1. Religious Self.  First, there is a kind of Religious self, (to begin at top) that is, a self in matters of Religion. There may be a self in Duties, and a self in Opinions, although both should pass under the name and show of piety, conscience, liberty, light; for if a man doth practise, or hold either of these out of self-love, or self-seeking, with an eye to self, as his end and Idol, that man must be called selfish: And his way of selfishness, oh how many Countries and places, hath this kind of Religious self, (the self of opinions) utterly undone? How many people and persons hath it ejected? Thus whilst john of Leyden, and his Anabaptists at Munster, pretending Christ, and Christian light and liberty, did undermine and eject the Orthodox Protestant party there, at last, themselves being also cut off, way was made to bring in the old Bishop of Munster, and his rabble again. So much for a touch concerning Religious self; let us search diligently after this.  

2. Civil Self.  Secondly, there is a Civil, or Morall-selfe; this comprehendeth Virtues, Honours, Relations, etc. The love of which hath been the destruction and overthrow of many a flourishing City, Country, County. To instance but in relations; You know how disadvantageous it was to Nehemiahs' building, that so many of his Nobles were of kin to Tobiah. 
Nehe. 6.17, 18, 19  It is said, It is said, There were many in judah sworn unto Tobiah, because he was the son-in-law to Shechaniah, the son of Arah, and his son johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam, the son of Berechiah: The mischievous fruits and effects of this affinity of Nehemiahs' friends with Tobiahs' party, are said to be two; First continual secret intelligence with the enemy, 
Verse 17.  Moreover, the Nobles of judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, (or multiplied letters passing to Tebiah) and the letters of Tobiah came unto them. Secondly, interceding, or speaking a good word for the enemy: Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words (or matters) to him; and Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear. Oh these entangling names and relations of son-in-law, and father-in-law, of brother-in-law, and daughter-in-law! It was son Tobiah, and Father Shechaniah; Son johanan, and Father Meshullam: So that searce a Malignant in all Tobiahs' party, but had some one or other to speak for him unto Nehemiah. Remember therefore that this Civil self also hath been a great ejecting sin.  

3. Natural self.  But, Thirdly, there is a Natural self too, the self of parts, of mind, and body: every man loves the brats and issues of his own brain, as of his own loins; his own way, projects, and inventions, in the carriage of the public business. Hushai and Achitophel had their several projections, and the clashing of those lost the cause of Absalon. How many enterprises since the beginning of this war would have been more successful, if men had not loved their own counsels too well? Or if men of piety, wisdom, and valour, amongst us, had but learned that lesson of St. 
Phil. 2.3.  Paul, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but, in lowliness of mind, let each esteem others better than themselves? Or that resolution of Luther, Let the work be done by others, yea by any, so as it be done?  
But I will contract: 
4. Sinful self. 1 john 2.16.  Fourthly and finally, there is a mere Sinful, or Lustfull-selfe, that is, the self of sin and lust; and this is threefold, according to the three Cardinal lusts, as they are reckoned up by St. john: The lust of the flesh; this is pleasure: The lust of the eyes; that is profit: and the pride of life; this is pride itself. Every of these hath caused the dwellings of many Nations and Persons to cast them out. Take a short instance or two in each. First, in the Lusts of the flesh: Thus, that one foul act of uncleanness, committed and defended by the Gibeathites, did almost utterly root out the tribe of Benjamin. 
justin. H●st. Homer. Iliad.  And the effeminacy of one Sardanapalus, and adultery of one Paris, did put an end to the famous Assyrian Monarchy, and to the Trojan kingdom. Next, in the Lusts of the eyes: Thus, the sacrilegious Covetousness of one Achan did endanger the whole camp of Israel; and the niggardliness of the besieged Citizens of Constantinople lost that Eastern City and Empire to that barbarous Turkish Sultan. 
2 Chron. 25.17, 18, &c  Lastly, in the Pride of life: Thus (finally) King Amaziab, by his pride, lost both jerusalem, and himself, and all the treasures of the Lords house, and of his own: And arrogant Senacherib, by his proud blasphemy, lost one hundred eighty five thousand of his men in one night.  

4. Quaere. Emulations etc.  Fourthly and finally, Quaere, Concerning an evil spirit of Emulation, Distance, and Jealousy; I do add these in the last place, as the immediate fruits of the former evil of Self-love. Emulations sometimes there are betwixt Commander and Commander, as that betwixt joab and Abner, which in fine lost the house of Saul, and did cost the lives of them both. The method was this, First, Abner takes distaste against Ishbosbeth, 
2 Sam. 3.7, 8, 9 Verse 26, 27.  because he reproved him for his uncleanness; and, soldier like, he swears to be revenged upon him: which he doth, by revolting to David. Hereupon joab (David's General) groweth jealous of Abners' preferment, and therefore stabs him: 
2 Sam. 20 4, 9, 10. 1 Kings 2.31, 32, 33, 34.  For this (and another like act of Emulation against Amasa) joab himself is at last cut off by the sword of Justice. Sometimes evil Emulations are betwixt Commanders, or Governors, and the Common people: Such was that evil spirit that was raised betwixt Abimelech and the men of Shechem: 
judge 9.22, 23.  so that the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech, and he cruelly with them: And thus there came out a fire from each other, which devoured them both; for, 
Verse 44, 45, 48, 49, 53.  in conclusion, the City was beaten down, and sowed with salt; the Castle or Tower burnt with fire, and a thousand in it, men and women; and afterward, The brains of Abimelech himself were beaten out with a millstone, from the hands of a woman. Thus Abimelech lost his military Idol, the Idol of honour; and they their townish Idol, the Idol of privileges. All this, to show us the mischiefs of Emulations, and sinful jealousies. Nay, let me add this one word more: I have somewhere observed, that even the Emulations of the wives of eminent and active persons, have proved pernicious to the public; especially in the critical, and crazy times of reformation. 
* Cambden in Apparat. ad Hister. Elizabeth.  Thus, in the Reign of King Edward the sixth, the womanish Emulation, betwixt the Queen Dowager, wife to the lord Admiral; and the Duchess of Somerset, wife to the lord Protector his brother (they falling out about place, and precedency) did occasion, and cause the ruin of both their lords and husbands: first the Admiral lost his head, and then the Duke, to the unspeakable detriment of the common Protestant cause then in England. Beware therefore of party-making in Armies, in Committees, in Counties, for the carrying on of private interests and designs.  
Thus I have hitherto endeavoured Theologically, by way of Queries, to direct and help you, and myself, in searching out our own sins, and the sins of the Country, for which we do mourn this day.  
There is another way that may help us in this work, 
Other helps for the finding out of the sins of the  which I may call Geographical, that is, by travelling mentally over, and through those several Shires, and Counties, and the principal parts, and places of them: there observing and surveying what things and places have had or given the greatest occasions of sin and provocation. You know, Brethren, that every one of the five Western Counties have their especial fruits and commodities, which they send forth unto other parts: as, the Tin of Cornwall; the Clothing of Devon; the Lead, Coale, and Cattle of Somerset; the flocks of Dorset; and the Corn of Wilts, are known, and famous.  
So, several Counties have their special sins, and occasions of sinning, 
T●t. 1. 1●.  that are Epidemical amongst them, and peculiar to them: as the Cretians had their special vices. And thus the sins of the Mines, and the sins of the Moors, are very considerable, and did run through divers Counties in the West. Alas! those poor Creatures that laboured in the pits of Tin, Led, and Coal; how were their souls made more black, and rude with Ignorance and profaneness, than their bodies, with soot and oar? And yet who did pity their condition? How few did look after their salvation? And therefore now you see, those pits and places have been mines of men, and storehouses of fuel, bullets, fire, and soldiers, for the black and profane cause of the enemy: All this is matter of Lamentation.  

1. Danmonii  Or if you will have it more particularly, let the exiled Danmonii (the people of Devon and Cornwall) cry out, and mourn for the contentious law-suits of Cornwall, and for that cruel goodluck, (I think they call it) in which there was so much cruelty exercised upon poor shipwrecked strangers; such as our selves are now become, in a strange City. But chief let us weep blood (if it were possible) for the veil of blindness, error, and excaecation, that lieth at present upon multitudes in that Country.  

2. Belgae of Somerset.  Next, let us, the exiled Belgae of Somerset, sit down, and mourn particularly for the sins of the Bath, and of the Bishopric of that County. First I say of the Bath, for there the Lusts of those strangers that bathed, did often times out-boyle (with fire of Lust) the scalding waters of the Bath: And the Air had in it a greater scum of oaths, than was that other scum which was found upon the waters. Oh the blasphemies, and uncleannesses, of thought, word, and action, that were committed against God and man, in that place at every spring and fall! A Patient could hardly go thither for a cure of his Body, but he came off with some disease or ulcer in his Soul and conscience. Let us mourn therefore for the sins of the Bath, and weep we also for the sins of that Bishopric above many others; for, I do not only impute the total demolishing of Lectures in that County to that present man of sin, which is said to have given God thanks, that he had now never a Lecture left in his Diocese; but even to that Chire itself do I especially impute all those Wakes, Revels, Maypoles etc. that so much abounded in those parts.  

Wilts.  As for the other Belgae, those of Wilts, that are rich in Corn, let them search the Records of their hearts and memories, whether that crying and cursing sin of Corn-hoarding hath not been found amongst them; seeing the great commodity of their Country did especially tempt them thereunto. And where they find that great act of oppression, let them lay to heart that terrible Proverb of the Wiseman, He, that is, Every one, 
Prov. 11.26.  that withholdeth Corn, that is, to raise the Market, the people shall curse him: and that curse must needs fall heavy which cometh from a multitude, by authority from the Lord. And so much for a hint to them.  

3. Durotriges.  Finally, as for (the Durotrîges) the people of Dorset that abound with Flocks, they may sit down and make diligent search after the Sheep-Masters sins. I have not art enough to particularise; only, if any thing out of that Quaere that is put to pastoral Reuben or Issachar may do them good, let them hear and consider it; 
Judg. 5.16.  that is, let them beware of abiding amongst the sheepfolds, to hear the bleat of the flocks, now that there is so much blessing promised to such as do offer themselves willingly, and that such bitter curses are flying against those that come not up to the Lords help. Thus have I shot mine arrow's every-way: (much at an adventure, I confess) that by all means I might hit some. These are Geographical hints and helps to search after our ejecting sins. And so much concerning such directions for humiliation, as are taken from the Effect of sin.  

2. By the Proportions betwixt sin and punishment; in Mich. 6.9. Kind.  Secondly, We may be directed in our sin-searching, by observing the Proportions betwixt our sins and punishments. Punishment is the fruit and issue of sin: and they are sometimes so well alike, that you may know the mother by the daughter; we may see written upon the Rod, both by whom, and for what it is appointed. Now this Proportion 'twixt sins and punishments is manifold: There is sometimes a Proportion of Kind betwixt them; the wages are paid in the very same metal that the work is made of. This Adonibezek, though an Heathen, could discern, when he said, 
judg. 1.7.  Threescore and ten Kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered their meat under my table: as I have done, so God hath requited me; for the Israelites had cut off both his thumbs and his great toes. Lo, there was a double proportion betwixt his sin and punishment: First, of Kind; Cutting for Cutting; according to that other Scripture, All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword: 
Mat. 26.52.  And next, of Parts; Thumb for Thumb, and Toe for Toe. Thus also King David's sins were punished with the same Kind, though in higher degrees; his Adultery with Bathsheba, by the Incest of Amon; his Murder of Vriah, with the Fratricide of Absalon.  
2. 
Time. Num. 14 34  Sometimes there is a Proportion of Time betwixt the sin and punishment: Thus murmuring Israel's forty day's search of the land of Cunaan, was paid home with forty years wand'ring in the wilderness from that time.  

Place.  3. Sometimes there is a Proportion of Place: Thus King Jorams Carcase must be cast into the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite; 
2 Kin. 9.35, 36.  and Jezabels' blood must be licked by the dogs in the same field where they had licked Naboths before.  
4. Finally, 
1 Kin. 21.23. Measure. Rev. 18.6, 7.  there is sometimes a Proportion of Measure and Degrees: So in the punishment of Romish Babylon; Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled, fill to her double. How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her. All these Proportions are so many hints to direct us in our search after the special provoking causes of our Country's miseries.  
Shall I adventure upon an Application? 
Application of those Proportions.  Suppose that the people of one City, Corporation, or Parish, were too selfish and covetous; and that it was their great work and sin to endeavour to build their nests so high, that no hand should reach them; or so closely, that no eye should find their wealth; and there they sat brooding (suppose) upon their bags, till first their neighbours were lost, and then themselves, for want of money: And now the Lord, it may be, hath proportionably set a needy, greedy Horseleech to reign over them, which cries nothing but, Give, give; and having met with the Booty, vaunteth himself in the language of that Assyrian Rod, 
Isai. 10.14.  My hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs that are left, have I gathered all the earth, and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped. That is, he had climbed the tree, he had opened the thick bushes, and so did search and find out the hidden nest of wealth and treasure; plucking thence the beloved eggs, and feathered young ones, as his prey and game, whilst the quondam owner (like the dam) was feign to fly away; or if he stayed, yet durst not so much as to flutter, or to peep openly; but is forced to sit down in silence, 
2 Sam 3 15, 16.  as Phaltiel the son of Laish was hushed, when Abner the Commander carried away his wife before his eyes. Another Place, Person, or Town-ship, (peradventure) have stood too Townishly upon their Privileges and Liberties; bearing themselves too high, because of Friends, Charters, and Worship; and therefore, it may be, the Lord hath proportionably set a Leopard to watch over them, 
〈◊〉 5, 6.  and their Cities; so that every one that goeth out thence is in danger to be torn in pieces: that is, their Patron is a Miscreant, one that delights in blood and rapine. Or, to make but one Supposition more: You know, Brethren, that sinful strangeness, and neglect of Christian communion, hath been too great a fault amongst Western Professors. And now, behold, how proportionably doth the Lord punish us for this sin, by forcing us thus together, as a Shepherd doth fetch in his straggling sheep with his dog? he causeth him to by't one, and to lug another, until he hath brought them into a close and compact body together. Some of us heretofore were scarcely well acquainted with our nextneighbour-professors; and therefore we are now made nextneighbours to our Brethren of other Shires. And behold, this one Church doth contain at once the Exiled fragments of five spacious Counties, which are forced by one common calamity, to be weeping Pew-neighbours this day. But now, if after all this constrained acquaintance, and forced communion, we shall still retain and cherish our old sin of unchristian distance; then, believe it, Brethren, believe it, the Lord will make us friends and familiars at dearer rates, and by some sharper means: Perhaps be will imprison us next in the same Gaol; yea, fetter and manacle us together with the same Irons; (remember my words) and so try whether or no one Dungeon, one Chain, or one Fire, (as it was in Queen Mary's days) will make us to associate, and grow acquainted: 
●●is and Mo●u●ie●●s.  for so I have read, Doctor Ridley (a Conformist) and Master Hooper (a Nonconformist) both Bishops, were reconciled by Martyrdom.  
Thus you see, that this help of finding sins by their Proportions with their punishments, is a quick and searching receipt. I should be very loath to give gall and wormwood to any place or person that is upon the Cross; but I should be as loathe, on the other side, to neglect the giving of a wholesome (though bitter) potion of cleansing physic, now that our souls are prepared and opened by afflictions: And this is the reason why I have gone so deep with these Probes. And now, to close up, let me beseech and charge you, and myself, to make use of all these helps and hints in secret, betwixt God and our consciences. The Lord hath given us leisure more than enough to study our Country, and to read over our bypast days and actions: he hath also added the provocatives of banishment and distress. 
Afflictions must be Instructions.  Times of afflictions are times of instructions: let it be our care to make them such unto ourselves. And to help us therein, let us know, that Affliction doth further Instruction two ways: First, a remembrancer of sin that was before forgotten: 
Gen. 41 1●.  This we see in joseph's brethren, when he had put them all together into ward three days in Egypt, They said one to another, 
Verse 21.  We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul when he besought us, and we would not hear: therefore is this distress come upon us. Observe there, how the proportion of their punishment did bring their sin to remembrance: Their fault was unbrotherly cruel dealing with Joseph, in selling him into Egypt; and this they do now call to mind, by that harsh usage and imprisonment which themselves have met withal in the same Egypt. Thus Affliction is a telltruth, a remembrancer of sin. Next, it is also an humbler for sin that had not been duly felt before: This we see in Manassehs case, who in the day of his prosperity puffed at God and his Prophets, 
2 Ch●on. 33.11.  Wherefore the Lord brought upon them the Captains of the host of the King of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon. This was the way to take and tame such a wild Ass of the wilderness. First, the Lord drives him to the hedge, and makes him hid his head in a bush, among the thorns: next, he doth fetter, and (as it were) crosse-fetter him, and so carries him to the Pound; he bond him with chains, and carried him to Babylon. This round usage breaks his spirit, and makes him fall to begging of mercy; And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, 
Verse 12.  and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. Let us in like manner accept of, and apply the punishment of our iniquities; and with Daniel, in his exilement, 
Dan. 9.20.  thus confess our own sin, and the sin of our people, presenting our supplication before the Lord our God, for the holy Mountain of our God. So much be spoken concerning the cause or matter of our Lamentation for our Country; namely, the evils of sin which are found there. And in this general I have been the more large, because the mourning for sin is the most spiritual and ingenuous of all sorrows; and because this is that only right way that ourselves and our little ones must tread, if we mean to return and see our native Country again.  
Secondly, 
2. Mourn for the sufferings of the West.  Let us also lament and mourn over the Countries of our Nativity, because of their Penal evils; that is, the evils of suffering, which are the effects and punishments of those sins. The former consideration ought to move every Christian to pity the West, because of their sins; but this argument should prevail with every one, that hath the bowels of humanity, to weep over them, even because of their sufferings. If there be any quarter of this Land, that may at present be properly called, The Job-like part of great Britain; then certainly the West hath great right to that Epithet: How great a right, I shall show and prove in an ensuing Parallel. In which we will endeavour to set the afflicted man Job of the East, and the afflicted Job-like Country of the West over against each other; 
1 Sam. 20.41.  that so, like David and Jonathan, they may strive together in weeping, until we shall see which exceedeth.  
The miseries of both those Jobs (that Man and this Country) have been somewhat Methodical: 
A Parallel betwixt the miseries of Job and the West. viz.  The same Satan, and his like Instruments, have kept well-nigh the same order in laying on torments upon them both. The general parts of their miseries may be these two: First, the [Vnde] the top, station, or pinnacle from which Satan and his Instruments have cast them down both; that is, the very Zenith, or height of their happiness.  
Secondly, the [Quo] that is, the bottom, depth, and gulf of calamity into which he did degrade and thrust them: this is the very Nadar of their distress and misery. 
1. From whence they are cast down; Non Quo, sed Unde.   
First, let us speak a little of the [Vnde] or whence, that is the height of happiness; from whence first job, and now our Country, have been cast down: because, 
* Miserrimum est faisse selicem. Jobs Holiness. job. 1.1, 2, 2, 4, 5.  to an ingenuous spirit, this hath been the greatest aggravation of a fall: job was thrown down from his primitive prosperous estate, as we called it: 'tis shadowed in his first Chapter, at the beginning; there he is described by his holiness, and happiness: First by his holiness; he was inwardly sincere towards God, and that man was perfect; and outwardly honest towards men, and upright: yea, he had a sound principle of both, one that feared God; and this principle was strong and general, he eschewed evil. Before I give a parallel to this branch, let me Apologise a little in the words of that mourning 
* Non sum ambiti●sus in malis etc. Quintil. job. 13.7.  Orator, when he praised his deceased son. Brethren, I am not (I hope) ambitious in and of our misery; and I should be loath to tell a lie for God: but, on the other part, I would, in the worst of times, be just and pious toward my dying Country; and therefore must now speak something to the praise of the piety of the West: and that both Negatively, 
The West.  and Positively.  
For the first, let me say, 
Orthodox.  Those parts were as free (I conceive) from Antichristian Papists on the lefthand extreme, and from uncatechised Sectaries on the right, as any proportionable tract of land in the Kingdom. The God of truth make all our now dispersed Professors in those parts, and our few garrisons at home, 
Revel. 16.15.  still wise and watchful to keep their garments in these pilfering times, lest they walk naked, and they see their shame. Next, Positively, I might mention the wonderful breaking forth of light in those parts of late, the Gospel going like the sun from East to West; the springing of Lectures, and the stout endeavours to hold them up; together with a great multiplication of believers in divers places of those Counties, all proving the great daybreak of godliness in the West. Besides, in the last times, since these troubles began, the extraordinary cries to heaven, and seekings to God, publicly, privately, with prayer, fasting, and tears, in many places were such, as would (I think) have forced the most adverse Anti-westerne spirit to confess, that there was much of the fear of God in those places. But all this I shall pass, and would add but one only consideration; and that is, 
Multitudes banished. About 500 exiles from Devon and Exon alone are in these parts.  the numerous army of Martyrs, (exiles I mean) which are now come off from those quarters, for that cause of God, and for the testimony of jesus. Such an army and number they are, of men, women, and children, as I dare say cannot be paralleled from any proportionable part of the land: And (which is yet more) these poor souls, generally, did not stay and linger until the palpable Popery, and intolerable Tyranny of the enemy did thrust them out, as Lot and his wife came out of Sodom; but they came off in the beginning of the storm, before the paint of Iezebels face was wiped off, when few but thorough Christians could discern the cause, or would adventure the whole for it: which proveth, (even to the face of Calumny itself) that in the West there was many a man that was perfect and upright, that feared God, and eschewed evil. So much concerning the Parallel to jobs holiness. But  
Secondly, 
Jobs, Happiness. Job 1, 2, 3.  job was rich and happy, both in his children and goods; Of children, And there were borne unto him seven sons, and three daughters. His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred shee-asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the East. And surely the West for populousness, 
The West.  might well have borrowed that old title of the North; as it was called [officina hominum] the shop of men: It was the populous No of the kingdom, whose streets and fields were sown with the seed of man, and the seed of beasts; as hath appeared too well since the beginning of these wars. And as for riches, those parts were justly called the West Indies of great Britain. This is the [Vnde] the height and happiness, whence both job and our Country are cast down: that is, the privative part of their calamity. So much concerning that first.  
Secondly, but the greatest bulk and burden of the miseries both of the Eastern and Western job, doth lie in that second part, 
2. Wither they are cast down. here,  which I call the [Quo] the [whither] of their sufferings, containing all those positive afflictions and cruelties that were laid upon them: And this I shall still go on to show by a parallel betwixt their afflictions, as (I promised.) The enemies of holy job were very Methodical in their cruelties: They did not kill and crush him at one blow; No, that had been a 
* Occidere, est vetarecuptentom mori, Sen.  kind of mercy to him: but they dealt with him, as the American Cannibals are wont to handle their Prisoners: It is said of them, that when they take a prisoner, they do feed upon him alive, and by degrees; for they cut off one piece of flesh from his arm (suppose) or thigh, or other brawny part to day, which they do roast, and eat before his eyes, searing up the wounded place with a firebrand, to staunch the blood; perhaps anon, or to morrow, they cut off another meal from him: thus carrying the poor wretch up and down with them dying daily, whilst he seethe himself eaten up by degrees; 
The several steps or degrees of 〈◊〉 mice 〈◊〉 which 〈…〉.  to the unutterable aggravation of his horror and torment. So dealt Satan and his instruments with job: They did not devour him at once, but did by't, and eat him up by parts and pieces.  
1. For first, he is undone in his estate by rapine and plundering; and so robbed of his temporal riches.  
2. He is smitten in his body with sores and ulcers; and so stripped of natural comforts.  
3. He is afflicted in his soul by false accusations, and by desertions; and so deprived of his spiritual treasures. So that in the whole, he is made miserable all over; in soul, body, and goods. This method of cruelty is well like unto that which the Prophet Micah doth charge upon the Tyrants in his time: Hear, 
M●cah 3.5, 2, 3,  I pray you, O heads of Jacob, who hate the good, and love the evil, who pluck off the skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones. Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay the skin from off them, and they breaks their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the cauldron. Mark the accurate method of those Tyrants: First, they did not only pluck off the fleece, but flayed off the skin, of their sheep which they should have fed: Who pluck off their skin from off them. This may be compared to the undoing of job in his estate by rapine, and plunder. When they had thus skinned them, then, Secondly, they fall upon their flesh, and do feed upon that; and their flesh from off their bones. As the fleece and skin of the poor flock did serve to  them, so their flesh and blood are made meat and drink to feed them. This doth answer to the smiting of job with sores and ulcers in his body. Lastly, there being nothing now left but the bare bones, yet those worse than Ravens have not done with him, but will fetch something more out of those; and therefore 'tis added, they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot: That is, they do first heat and beat them, to fetch out the marrow; and when they have gotten as much as will run out, at last they chop and boil them again, to force out the utmost drops of fatness and moisture. And this last act of cruelty may run parallel with Satan's afflicting of the soul of job by false accusations, and spiritual calumnies. So much in general.  
But we will now trace the steps of this cruelty towards job in ' its particulars, giving our Western parallels as we go.  
The first step was the undoing of job in his outward estate, 
1. He is undone in his estate;  by rapines and plunderings; the fleecing and flaying of his wool and skin of temporals. This is expressed in seven verses together, in which there is a second method, or subdivision of cruelty, 
job. 1.13. & ●. 10. 20.  expressed with great varieties, both of Tyranny and Miseries: for, if we look 1. upon the instruments of that Scene, there we find Satan himself Commander in chief; and his forces are of two sorts: Some, natural, and more ordinary instruments; as the Sabeans and Chaldeans: Others, supernatural, and extraordinary; as the fire of God falling from heaven, and a great wind from the wilderness. The Sabeans were (as most conclude) a people inhabiting Arabia-felix, near the Country where Job dwelled; famous for nothing but theft and robberies: They were, in two words, his plundering neighbours. The Chaldeans were a people inhabiting Caldea; and are described by the Prophet Habakkuk, 
●●b. 1.6, 7, 8.  to be a bitter and hasty nation, terrible and dreadful; their horses are swifter than the Leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: These lived farther off from Job; and were, in two words, more unmerciful strangers. As for the fire of God from heaven, and the great wind from the wilderness, Satan's design in using those, was, to shake the foundations of Jobs confidence in his God, and to persuade him that the Lord himself was now become his Enemy, and did punish him as an hypocrite in his wrath: As if Satan should have said, Now Job, thou seest clearly that these evils do not come out of the dust, but immediately from God; they are not trials, but judgements: thou seest the very Judgement of Sodom is come upon thee, (for the Judgement of Sodom was not so long before his time, nor so fare from this place, 
Gen. 19.14.  but that Satan might now urge it,) even a fire from the Lord out of heaven; nay, and this fire is fallen upon thy sheep too, thy chief beasts for sacrifice; to show, that thy very oblations are abominable: and therefore, Curse God, and die; or, at least, let go thine integrity, and acknowledge thyself to be a wretched dissembler. For thus these hints were afterwards taken up by Jobs Wife, 
Job 2.9.  and his three Friends. So much concerning the Instruments.  
2. If we consider the Objects of this cruelty, upon which it was exercised, we find them to be many; yea, all the substance of Job that was capable of plundering. Let us take a short Inventory of his temporal estate, and so cross out every particular as it was lost. 
Job 1.3. with 14.15.  Imprimis, Beasts for tillage and breeding; He had five hundred yoke of ploughing oxen, and five hundred shee-affes, and a competent number of Hines attending them. Upon all these the Sabeans fell, 
Verse 16.  and took them away; slaying all the servants (but one) with the edge of the sword. Next, for food and clothing; He had seven thousand sheep, with a competent number of Shepherds watching over them. Upon these the fire of God fell from heaven, and burnt up both sheep and Shepherds, one only servant escaping to tell it. Thirdly, for carriage and labour; 
Verse 17.  He had three thousand camels, and a competent number of Servants to keep them. Against these the Chaldeans made out three bands, and rushed upon them, and carried them away; slaying all the Servants but one only Messenger. Lastly, He had for his comfort, yet remaining, seven sons, and three daughters, 
Vers. 18, 19  which were this day eating and drinking wine in their eldest brothers house; and behold, a great wind from the wilderness over-turneth the house upon them all, and so both slew and buried them at once. So that of all his eleven thousand and five hundred Cattles, of all his very great household of Servants, of all his ten Children, not a Hoof, not a Lad, not a Child is left, to feed, cloth, serve, or comfort him; but only four miserable Messengers; besides, three censorious Friends, and a despairing Wife. So much concerning the Objects.  
3. If we observe together the order, the measure, and the managing or marshalling of this cruelty, we find it thus: First, for Time; Satan doth choose the Feasting day of Jobs Children, 
Job 1.13.  both for his own greater advantage, that he might take them together; and for the greater aggravation of the stroke upon Job and them, by turning suddenly their great mirth into so great mourning. Nay, perhaps, he had a plot upon their souls too; hoping to take them in their sins, or unprepared: for we read, that when the days of their feasting were gone about, 
Verse 5.  Job was wont to send and sanctify them, and to rise up early in the morning and offer burnt-offerings, according to the number of them all; as fearing lest they had sinned. Therefore Satan chose this time; 
2 Sam. 13.28, 29.  dealing with them as Absalon did with his brother Amnon, He commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnons' heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon, then kill him, fear not. Thus dealt Satan with Jobs Children, that he might kill soul and body together. Therefore the Time is remarkable: so also is the Manner, and Ordering of this stroke very observable. The business is so contrived, that there are several Armies of Enemies levied; as Sabeans and Chaldeans: and those Armies do afflict Job by several parties too: the Chaldeans do divide themselves into three Bands: besides, there was fire from heaven, and a wind from the wilderness: And all this variety was thus marshaled by Satan, for the greater aggravation of Jobs afflictions.  
Oh! 
Western Parallel.  how easily might all these Instruments, Objects, Order, and Measure of holy Jobs Calamities, be amply paralleled by our Western sufferings? With what facility could I here expatiate? Take but some few hints and sips.  

1. Plundering by Neighbours. Psal. 55.12, 13, 14.  1. Was Job stripped by Sabeans, who were his Plundering Neighbours? Alas! this is the common lot of all God's people, in these wars; but especially in the poor West: There almost every Saint may cry out in the words of the oppressed Psalmist; For it was not mine enemy that reproached me, than I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me, that did magnify himself against me, than I would have hid myself from him. But it was thou, a man, mine equal, my guide and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God in company. Surely, many thousands of titular Christians in this Land, were, in times of peace, but as Wolves in a Cage, but as Lions tamed by art; they wanted nothing but liberty and opportunity to show their wolvish and worrying natures; which now these present commotions have discovered. Who could have imagined four years ago, when the people of this Kingdom walked, talked, visited, and dwelled peaceably and merrily together, as neighbours and friends; nay, as brethren and sisters; that they had carried such tongues in their heads, or such hearts in their breasts, as do now appear? Such tongues, I say, as could have cried, Roundheads, Rebels, Dogs, Devils, to their own Protestant neighbours, friends, familiars, brethren? Such hearts as could close and join with armed Papists, and proclaimed Irish Rebels, against their own chosen Protestant Parliament, established by Act of Parliament? Surely, if a man could have prophesied these things, but for four or five years since, none would have believed his report; but men would rather have questioned the craziness of his brains. Nay, if a Prophetical Minister should have settled his countenance steadfastly, seven years since, upon such or such a Gentleman, his neighbour, or (perhaps) Parishioner, 
2 Kin. 8.11, 12.  and should have wept over him, as Elisha did sometime over Hazael; and being asked (as he) Why weepest thou? should have answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do to the children of England: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child: that is, thou shalt join with Papists, and Irish Rebels, after they have massacred above an hundred thousand Protestants in Ireland; and shalt with them take up Arms against the English Protestant Parliament: Nay, thou shalt plunder and imprison thine own neighbours and friends; besiege their towns, fire their houses; starve, slay, and hang up their sons; abuse their daughters: and all this with sport and rejoicing: Would not such a man have replied in Hazaels' words, But what! Is thy servant a dog, 
Verse 13.  that he should do this great thing? What? would you make me no Protestant, no Christian, no Man; but a Papist, a Heathen, a Monster; nay, worse than a 
* Saevis inter se convenit ursis.  Bear or a Tiger, that loveth and preserveth his own kindred? Thus, doubtless, men would then have answered to such a Prophetical Elisha: Nay, they would have added that loud voice of Festus unto Paul, 
Acts 26.24.  Thou art beside thyself, Preacher, much learning hath made thee mad: the man hath lost his charity and his wits together; away with him to the Prison, to the Bedlam, for his sedition and distraction. Nay, did not some men charge Gods Ministers almost so high, when they did but foretell us of this very sword which now we feel? Let this be the first Parallel.  
2. Again, was Job plundered by Chaldeans, which were merciless Strangers? Alas! 
2. By Strangers. Hab. 1.6, 7, 8.  what a valley of Jehoshaphat is England now made; to which, all the strange fowls of the air are come together to devour? Yea, do not (in Habakkuks' words) the bitter and hasty nations march through the breadth of the Land, to possess the dwelling places that are not theirs? Are they not terrible and dreadful, and their horses swifter than the Leopards, and more fierce than the evening Wolves? Are not their horsemen come from fare? do they not fly as the Eagle that hasteth to eat? Do they not come all for violence? Yea, 
Vers. 9,10  they will (I fear) scoff at the Kings (in the end,) and the Princes shall be a scorn unto them, etc. But these fierce Strangers have especially abounded in the West, whose shores do day and night lie open upon both sides, South and North, to receive both French and Irish: who, together with High and Low-Germans, are letin at those Postern doors, to the funerals of Great Britain, by her own sons. Nay, and the Enemy tells us, that Moors and Turks shall be called in too, rather than the Roundheads shall prevail. Ah, miserable England, the common Mother of us all! and are thy Children now come to that Principle of professed selfe-destruction?  
It is recorded in our 
* Baker's Chronicle, & al. i.  Chronicles, as an inexpiable horrid impiety in King John, that he is said to have sent to Mirammumalim, King of afric and Morocco, with offer of his Kingdom to him, upon condition that he would come and aid him with his Barbarians against his own people. And is it now grown lawful, yea warrantable and necessary, not only to arm our own Papists, but to call in proscribed Irish Rebels, yea, Turks and Infidels, to kill and slay Christians, Protestants, Parliaments? The good Lord shake up the British Nation out of their spiritual sleeping sickness, 
Hos. 7.8, 9  and cause our England to see how she hath mixed herself among the people, and is a Cake not turned: How strangers have devoured her strength, and she knoweth it not: yea, grey hairs are here and there upon her, yet she knoweth it not. 
3. Firings.  I am persuaded that the Histories of these times will be so strange to after Ages, that though Truth herself be the Compiler, yet there will need the Sanction of some public Act or Statute, to command incredulous posterity to believe them. That's a second Parallel.  
3. Again, did the Enemy consume Jobs substance with fire? Alas poor West! thou mayst compare heaps of ashes with most parts of the Land: Thou hast been made the Land of fire and smoke in divers places: as the 
a The Suburbs of Exon, at every gate.  City, the 
b Bemmister, Axminster, Market Towns, etc.  Towns, the 
c Ilfordcombe, Stoke, etc.  Parishes, and divers stately and ancient 
d Eight or nine stately Mansions burnt and pulled down within five or six miles together, near Lyme.  Mansions do testify: some of them being cruelly turned to ashes by the Enemy; others necessarily fired by our Friends, to burn out the Hornets that were gotten into them: and, by this means, hundreds of families have been turned out, like herds of cattles, into the open fields and woods; leaving dunghills and heaps of ashes, in the places where their goods and dwellings did lately stand.  
4. But did Satan labour also by those extraordinary plagues (the fire of God from Heaven, and a great Wind from the Wilderness,) 
4. False charges.  to shake Jobs holy confidence, and to make him question his own integrity? Did Satan entitle the Lord to those judgements, as if God had been on his side against Job? Oh this! this hath been the great Engine and impudent design of the Enemy, and it hath been very closely followed by them in the West; they have cunningly endeavoured by the (sometimes) prosperous outward success of the wicked, and the extraordinary heavy afflictions and defeats of the godly party in those Countries, to entitle the Lord to their side and cause, against his own people and party. But this stratagem is old, as old as Rabshakehs himself, who (it seems) was their copy in like case: For when S●nnacherib, coming up against reforming Hez kiah, sent Rabshakeh, 
2 Kin. 18.  in a reviling message, to jerusalem; we find that he doth especially insist upon two common places, which are the great engines of the Enemy now a days; and therefore they are well worthy our perusal, viz. First, he doth asperse & charge Hezekiahs' reformation with Sacrilege and Innovation: But if he say unto me, We trust in the Lord our God: 
Verse 22.  Is not that he whose high places, and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath said to judah and jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem? As if he had said, Good people, look about you, I am come purposely to undecerve you: This Hezekiah and his faction, under the name of Reformation, do take away all the antiquity, glory, and beauty of your Religion. You see how he hath removed the high places of God's good service, and divine worship; those places that were so venerable for their antiquity, that they have been continued through the reigns of twelve noble Kings before this time: So honourable for their institution, that they were erected by Solomon himself of most happy memory; the wisest and most glorious King that ever swayed the Sceptre of David; and is Hezekiah now become wiser than Solomon? Or can ye hope for more blessed days then his Who made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, 
1 Kin. 10.27.  and Cedars made he to be as Sycamore trees, that are in the vale for abundance? Or what, had this young King, at twenty five years old, more understanding and devotion than all his grave and pious ancestors? What, than Solomon, Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa, jehoshaphat, joash, (and his jehoiada) Vzziah, Jotham, and Ahaz his own Father, that he makes such strange work in the service of God? Nay further yet, good people, besides your high places, consider, your high Altars are also taken away, and ye are all confined, to your unspeakable charge, trouble, and travel, to worship before this one Altar in Jerusalem. Secondly, he doth entitle the Lord unto his side against Hezekiah and the reformers, Am I now come up without the Lord against this place, 
2 Kin. 18.25.  to destroy it? The Lord said to me, 
Verse 20.  Go up against this place, and destroy it: As if he had said, O ye Rebels! (for so he had called them before) How durst ye to fight against your King, the great King of Assyria, and yet pretend that ye stand for God and for his Reformation? Behold and see, we have an express command, a positive commission to fight against you; and here Rabshakeh might have cited some Text out of the Prophets, which do seem to licence and call in the Assyrians, as the Lords rod, against Israel for their sins; as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezechiel, Hosea, and others. You see then that it is no new thing for the most cruel enemies against reformation, yea for Rabshakeh himself, to pretend and plead loudly, that the Lord is on their side, against his own holy people. 'Tis no new thing for the thiefs themselves to cry, Stop the thief, upon those that are their lawful pursuers. That is a fourth Parallel.  

5. Successions of Enemies.  5. But farther yet, Did Satan send enemies upon enemies, and armies by several parties, upon jobs goods?  
Alas, poor West! in this thing also canst thou compare too well: Have not the armies of thine enemies taken their successive turns at thee? When a well-affected Town or Parish had first been ploughed by their own Malignant Gentry and neighbours, (as by the Sabeans) with heavy fines and amercements; then come other forces, that were raised in Counties farther off, and they do harrow them by weekly taxes, and freequarter: when these are called away, then, thirdly, the French, Irish, and other Foreiners, a people of a strange Language, (like the Chaldeans) are sent upon them; and these by their cruel plunderings do, as it were, break the clods by parties and degrees, as those Chaldeans made out three bands: The first drives away the husbandman's cattle, which he may redeem again for a sum of money: that is no sooner done, but a second band cometh, and driveth them again, requiring another ransom; which the poor owner hath no sooner made up by borrowing, pawning, and begging, but anon cometh the third band, and they do finally sweep away all this thrice purchased stock and stuff, there being no more ability left to buy them again a fourth time. And these several bands of the enemy, are like those three swords of Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha, of which 'tis said, And it shall come to pass, 
1 King 19.17.  that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael (a stranger) shall jehu slay: and him that escapeth the sword of jehu (their King) shall Elisha (their Prophet) slay. Thus the first parallels do run too evenly, which I called (the undoing of job in his temporals, by rapine and plundering.) I shall be shorter in the two following generals. Remember all this was but the fleecing of job, but the plundering of his estate; and skin for skin, (as Satan truly urged) all that a man hath will he give for his life; that is, temporal afflictions are lighter than corporal. Let us therefore consider  
Secondly, the Smiting of job in his body with sores and ulcers, 
2. The smiting of job in his body.  the stripping him of all Natural comforts, which was called the plucking and eating the flesh from the bones; not only his children (which were flesh of his flesh) even seven sons and three daughters, were smitten dead in one place at a blow amidst their feasting, and his wife is turned against him; but his own body, skin and flesh, are lamentably afflicted and mangled. Satan obtaineth a second commission; by which he hath power to lay any torment upon him on this side death, and he follows it to the purpose: So went Satan forth from the presence of the Lord. 
job 2.7.  The time is not long, you see, betwixt his commission, and the execution thereof; and smote job, that is, both suddenly and vehemently with sore boyles, from the sole of his foot unto his crown. Note there, (in the kind) they were boils; Intensively, they were sore (or the worst sort of tormenting) boyles; and extensively, they were from the sole of his foot unto his crown; that is, he was all overrun with the worst kind of boils: 
Verse 8.  It is added, And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal, and he sat down among the ashes. 
Mr. Caryl ad loc.  There are (saith one) divers aggravations of his affliction in that verse; as first, if we consider the Chirurgeon; he could get, it seems, none to dress him; nor wife, nor servants, nor friends would meddle with him, but himself is feign to be his own Chirurgeon: he took [him.] Secondly, observe the tool, or dressing instrument which he doth use, it was a sheard, (as we call it) either because he was loath to touch his loathsome flesh with his hand, or because his boils did so overspread his hands to the very nails, that it was a pain to him to touch himself: he took a [potsherd.] Thirdly, the lodging or pallet he had to rest upon in this noisome grievous condition, he maketh his bed in the dust: And that either (Electiuè) by choice, in token of his abasement; or (necessariò) out of mere necessity, being enforced thus to do by his poverty or loathsomeness. Thus every circumstance and interpretation doth proclaim his extreme affliction. 
Parallels in  For a Western parallel to all this map, or rather Anatomy of miseries, I will gather but some particulars of the corporal and natural sufferings and torments of our Country and Countrymen, in those things which do afflict their Liberties, Livelihood, Lives.  
The West is now generally become a kind of Turkey (to speak vulgarly) to all that are Christians indeed; 
1. Slaveries.  the Ports that are in the enemy's hand are as so many Algiers and Sallies, to all true protestant English Passengers; for not only their goods, but their persons are there taken captives, and set at ransom. The Inland places, are like the main of Barbary; for the poor Countrymen, Yeomanry, and Artificers, are taken prisoners from their fields and shops, at the pleasure of the nefarious and necessitous soldiers, and are driven by them as their Captives into the next garrison: Whence they are sold out again at such prices and ransoms, as their Patrons are pleased to set upon them: Others, at the Tyrant's pleasure, are pressed for their service; and of these, some are again ransomed at the will of the petty Officers; others, not able to buy their lives, are forced along to the assault or battle, being coupled, and bound together with cords or match, like dogs for the game, or rather like oxen for the plough, or (which is worse, but more proper) like sheep for the slaughter: if they do attempt an escape from this death, and are taken, they are sure of another at the next tree by hanging; their cords being removed from their arms to their necks: If they go forward to the battle or assault, they are forced on upon the Cannon, like the Turkish Asapi, in the front, the horsemen like their janissaries following them closely in the rear, with drawn swords, and pistols cocked, to prick them forward, or to shoot them thorough; so that all the liberty that is now left them, is only to choose from which party, and in which part they will receive their death; whether from the adverse party in their breasts, or from their own side in their backs: Mean while the poor creatures, as amazed betwixt this choice of deaths, may well take up that Lamentation of the Ancient Britain's (our Ancestors) in the downfall of Britain, when thus they writ, 
* Aetio 111 Cos. Gemitus Britanorum, Repellunt Barbar: ad mare, repellit mare ad Barbaros: Inter haec duo genera funerum aut jugulam●●, aut mergimur. Camden. 〈◊〉 Gild●.  To Aetius the Roman Consul, the groans of Britain's, The Barbarians drive us back to the sea, the sea again putteth us back upon the Barbarians: Thus between two kinds of death, either our throats be cut, or we are drowned. So much concerning slavery.  
As for the cruel imprisonments that are exercised in the West, it doth strike a kind of horror into mine heart to recount them. If you look to the loathsomeness of prisons, I must tell you, there are such in the West as may compare with jeremiahs' dungeon, into which they let him down with cords, and in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so that jeremiah sunk in the mire. If you look to straightness and severity, there is not only the common prison, but the prison of Peter, (as I may call it) where he stepped between two soldiers, bound with two chains, 
2. Imprisonments. jere. 33.6. Acts. 5.18. Acts. 12.6. Acts. 16. 2●. Verse 23, 24.  and the keepers before the door kept the prison. Nay farther yet, there is the usage of Paul and Silas, even the renting of their clothes, and command to beat them. And when many stripes have been laid upon them, a charge is given to the jailors to keep them safely, and thereupon they are thrust into the inner prison, and their feet made fast in the stocks. Where, sometimes they do receive death at their nostrils, by noisome stenches, and pestilent infections: sometimes at their eyes, which do affect their hearts at the sight of their languishing fellow-members round about them: sometimes at their cares, by the blasphemous taunts, and direful threaten, and censures from the enemy: but chief at their mouths, by cleanness of teeth, by want of physic, food, and moisture; for the supply of which, when money hath been openly sent unto them, it was seized; when secretly, yet it is soon exhausted by the great and high prices that small and low refreshments are set at: and not only some visiters have been denied to speak with their languishing, dying, fettered husbands, 
Nonpanis, non baustus aqua, non ultimus ignis: Hi●sola haec duo sunt, exul, & exilium Vide Senecdib de consol. ad Helu. in principio.  children, brethren; but others have been imprisoned for relieving of prisoners. Let me present you but with one model of the Western Prisons; it shall be that of Lidford, which is a little strait stony tower, situate in a barren desolate moor or wilderness; the place is as fare from all fertility, as commerce; no harvest, no trading are there to be found, but the prison itself seems to be banished and imprisoned. In short, the whole soil of that moor is like the banished * stoics Corsica, yielding nor bread, nor water, no nor fire enough (saith he) for a funeral. In this prison, divers debtors ●●ve been starved, and some were said to eat their own flesh, even in those times of peace and plenty: Guess ye then, what cries and yells for bread and water there are now to be heard amongst the many scores which at present are shut up in that strait prison? Yea the passengers do hear the cries, ere they see the prison. For a close to this point of Imprisonments, take but this one word: It is a like difficult thing to find amongst our enemies in the West, a wicked man in their prisons, or a godly man out of them.  

3. Deaths.  Lastly, if we look to varieties of Deaths and Banishments, there is stabbing, shooting, hanging, both by order, and at pleasure; besides, other multitudes of Saints do die daily, by wand'ring up and down in dons, and caves, and holes of the earth; yea some with their families have inhabited the woods, and clefts of the rocks, nay the tops of the ragged rocks; Sometimes leading their hungry little ones in their hands, and anon carrying them along in their arms, to go and make their bed in the dust, and to seek their bread out of desolate places, 
Math. 2.18.  all destitute, afflicted, tormented. There you might see in the streets a Rachel, a mother weeping for her slain children, 
Gen. 21.15, 16.  and will not be comforted, because they are not: Here, in a wood, sits another Hagar-like, with a dry bottle, and a fainting son, and she lifts up her voice and weeps. Not fare off in an house, you may discover a third, like her of Zarephath, 
● Kin. 17.12.  dressing and baking up the last meal of the Barrel, with the utmost oil of the Cruse, that she and her family may eat it and die. Yea, it hath been a lot which Ladies of honourable Families have not escaped, viz. after they have been deprived of their houses by fire, of their goods by plundering, of their lands by Sequestration, of their Sons (under years) by imprisonment, at last to escape to the next Garrison on foot (almost ) in borrowed shoes, leaving their wearing Garments in the hands of the Enemy. But what do I multiply instances, seeing the bare History of Western sufferings of this kind, would seem but mere Poetry to the multitude? 
3. The Afflicting of Job in his Soul.   
The third and highest degree, or common place of the enemy's cruelty upon Job, was afflicting of him in his soul with spiritual scourges and scorpions, by temptations, false accusations, and desertions: This was indeed like the breaking of the bones, and chopping of them in pieces as for the pot, and as flesh within the Cauldron; Skin for skin, and all that a man hath will he give for his life, so said Satan when he compared Jobs goods with his body; but Christianity will tell us, life for life, and all that a man is, will he give for his soul: And again, 
Prov 18.14.  the spirit of man will support his infirmities, but a wounded spirit who can bear? In the last place therefore, the enemy doth set upon his soul by a strong temptation, from the wife of his bosom: Then said his wife unto him, 
job 2.9.  Wilt thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God and die. In which words there is a scornful exprobration, and a wicked direction, the exprobration in these words, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? As if she had said, what! art thou so senseless, so sottish, as still to go on in this course? What have all thy prayers, fastings, and sacrifices, profited thee? Where are the ●arnings, what is the advantage of thine holiness and singularity? And yet dost thou still retain thine integrity? Away with these empty shows, and fruitless devotions; delude thyself no longer with dreaming of help and happiness from thy Jehovah; but, seeing there is no hope of thy deliverance by his blessing, dispatch thyself with a curse; Curse God and die.  
These bolts came from his wife; next what sharp and keen charges doth he receive from his mistaking friends? Who, by their false accusations and conclusions against him, did endeavour to dispute him out of his innocency? Thus Eliphaz gins to charge him, Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, 
job 4.7.  being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off? Then Bildad doth second him: Doth God pervert judgement? 
job 8.3.  or doth the Almighty pervert justice? And lastly, 
job 11.2, 3.  Zophar the Naamathite is in the same strain: Should a man full of talk be justified? should thy lips make men hold their peace? These are the darts of his friends. But finally, the Lord himself doth strike him thorough with spiritual agonies and desertions; of which he complaineth in these words, The arrows of the Almighty are within me, 
job 6.4.  the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me. The Chaldeans and Sabeans, the losses of his goods and children, together with the ulcers of his body, the cruel mistakes of his friends, and the malignancy of his wife, were all as nothing to this spiritual battell-array.  

Parallels.  In my Western parallel to this affliction, I must double my Lamentations: Alas, alas, poor native Country! This last degree of Jobs misery is the highest and heaviest of all, so is it that wherein thou canst most aptly, and fully compare with this thy pattern: For,  
Did Satan turn the mouth of Jobs own Ordnance upon himself, 
1. Friends and kinsfolks treacherous. Gen 10.25.  making his friends to become miserable comforters? Did also the wife of his bosom turn Malignant? Surely, these our days are as the days of Peleg, in whose time the earth was divided; they are the very times of division which were foretell by our Saviour, when he says, There shall be five in one house divided, three against two, 
Luke 12.51, 52.53. compared with Matth. 10.34, 35, 36.  and two against three, (it is like that the three were Malignants,) the father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. Lo, there are the five, 
Stella ad loc.  if you take the same woman to be both the mother, (to her son) and the mother in law (to his wife:) But though a shower of stormy divisions hath overspread the whole Land in general, 
Luke 12.54  yet you see this cloud arising especially in the West; there is the father divided against the son, that is, many an old, wicked, ambitious, Machiavellian Saul, is there to be found hating his sweet and faithful son jonathan, for cleaving to the just and holy cause of (David,) 
1 Sam 20.30, 31.  the men after Gods own heart; yea, he is enkindled against him, railing at him, and calling him perverse Rebel, (a remarkable Title) and telling him that he will confound himself, and the whole family by taking this side, etc. This is the father against the son. 
2 Sam. 15, 16, 17 Chapters  Next, there is also the son against the father, that is, many a bushy, bloody, ambitious Absalon is there to be found, which doth not stick to murder his own brethren, to plunder and defile his father's house, and to drive him (if he be a man after Gods own heart) weeping and barefoot, both from his own habitations, 
Filius ante diem, etc.  and from the public ordinances; and all this to get the inheritance unto himself before the time: this is the son against the father. As for mothers and daughters, etc. There you might see in every County many an unnatural massacring Athaliah, 
2 King 11.1.  that doth not stick to swim to her own ends through a stream of guiltless blood. 
2 Chron. 22.10.  And many an hollow complemental Orpah, which doth kiss, and weep over the cause of God, and those which do travail for it, 
Ruth 1.14.  but takes leave of them both at last. But what do I straighten myself with instances? There are and have been revolts, treacheries, and false charges, practised, discovered, and laid on in those parts, by all sorts of friends and relations: In Families there are Nabal-like husbands, 
1 Sam. 25.17  that do hold under their wise and holy Abigails, so that they cannot speak unto them for this Cause: And contrariwise, 
2 Sam. 6.16, 20.  there are some Michal-like Wives too, that scoff at their Davids for their zeal in this Service. Amongst Brethren, 
Gen. 4.8.  there is many a Cain rising up against his righteous brother, and slaying him, because his own works are evil, and his brothers good: Yea, amongst Twins there are Esau's, 
Gen. 32.6.  that do arm themselves against their brethren and their families, because God is with them. Amongst Professors, and professed friends, there is many an Edomitish Doeg, 
1 Sam. 22.9, 10. 1 Sam. 23.12  that ensnareth the Lords Ministers; yea, some Keilites, whole Parishes, that have betrayed their Protectors. Amongst Servants and Clients, many a Ziba, delating his absent innocent Master, 
2 Sam. 16.2, 3  to get his lands: Many a 
* Sir Curson, (as I remember) Speeds Chron. H 7.  Popilius, 
Fabricius in Histor. Cicer. Mat. 26.14. 2 Sam. 4.7, 8.  that begs a Commission to cut off the head of that Cicero which defended him: yea, many a Judas, that selleth his Lord for silver pieces. Amongst Commanders and Counsellors, there hath been many a Baanah and Rechab, that sold their Lord's head for preferment: Many a subtle Renegado, that did not stick to wound himself, (like Sinon) that he might thereby betray others; or to be a proscribed and proclaimed Rebel amongst other men, (like that Knight in King Henry the seventh's time) that so he might be admitted freely to their Council, and thereby give intelligence to the Enemy.  
Brethren, I remember that the 
* Hor. Apol. Niliac. in Hieroglyph. lib. 1. numb. 66 Nichol. Caussino Interpret.  Egyptians, in their Hieroglyphics, did signify the West by a Crocodile, which is a beast that doth ensnare (and so kill) Passengers by his tears: And I am persuaded, that our West hath been the greatest Country of adventitious and (some) homebred Crocodiles in the whole Kingdom. So much concerning the mischiefs that did come from pretended friends, who were parallel to Jobs Wife, and his three miserable Comforters. But,  
Did that Wife and those Friends of Job taunt and upbraid him with heart-piercing language? 
2. Enemy's Blasphemous.  Did they tempt and cut him with blasphemies? Herein the poor Western suffering Saints can also compare. For I am persuaded (upon too good grounds) that the blasphemous insolences, even of Pharaoh, Sennacherib, Rabshakeh, and that Apostate Julian himself, have been matched and equalled by the Enemies in those parts. Pharaoh (you know) did say, I know not the Lord, neither will I obey his voice, to let Israel go. Sennacherib and Rabshakeh said, Let not Hezekiah deceive you.— Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, etc. and Julian was wont, when he buffeted and tormented the Christians, scoffingly to apply some Text of Scripture unto them, as, bidding them to turn the other cheek also, etc.  
Surely, many of our ears, eyes, and skins, have heard, seen, and felt, (horresco referrens) even as horrid things as these. We have heard (as a godly 
* Mr. H. P.  Minister, now with God, said with tears, as he marched out of Exon) both all the Attributes, and all the Ordinances of God blasphemed over and over in one day; and that not by two or three, but by their whole Armies: Insomuch that myself have wondered to hear so much Scripture and Divinity from the mouths of divers of the illiterate, ignorant, and fottish common Soldiers, as they have belched out in taunting blasphemies; as, Where are now your long sanctified prayers by the Spirit? What is become of your holy Humiliations and Supplications? etc. But especially (me thought) they did still fly in the face of our God, scoffing abundantly more at him than at any; yea, all his servants besides: as, Where is your God now, O ye Hypocrites? Where is your holy Cause, your Cause, and all your hopes? Now you shall see God will come down from heaven! yes, by-and-by you shall see it! No, no, farewell heaven, heaven is gone, your God is asleep, etc. Oh, I am loath to believe mine own ears; or, though I must do it, yet I am afraid to repeat with my mouth the studied blasphemies of that one day. Brethren, 
Mat. 27.26, 27, 28, 30, etc.  you may look over the harmony of the Evangelists, and especially Saint Matthew, and when you do there read, how the Soldiers did take Jesus (when he was to be crucified) into the common Hall, gathered unto him the whole Band, stripped him, put on him a scarlet robe, and a crown of thorns upon his head, and a reed in his hand, than bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews; then spit upon him, blindfolded him, and smote him on the head, 
Mat. 26.67, 68  saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, who smote thee? and when he was upon the Cross, how they gave him vinegar to drink, mingled with gall, & parted his garments; also, how they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, saying, Thou savedst others, thyself thou canst not save; Thou that destroyest the Temple, if thou be the Son of God, come down; See if Elias will come and take him down, etc. I say it sadly, when you do read over this Chain of amazing blasphemies, then consider, remember, and believe, that this whole Series may be paralleled by the taunts and blasphemies of the Western Enemies. But, besides these, there is another kind of blasphemies, by horrid Oaths, and execrable Curses: And in these also the Enemy is (like himself) out of measure blasphemous; for I dare challenge the Records of all Nations and Generations, to show me such affecting, studying, and buying of abominable, direful, damning Oaths and Blasphemies, as is daily practised among them. Oh, the anatomising of Jesus Christ limb by limb, by their horrid Swearing! Oh, the daring and miscalling of the whole Trinity, by their Rhetorical new-sought, new-bought Blasphemies! Oh, the damming, ramming, and shooting into hell, that is used in their Execrations! Nay, this is one test or touchstone, by which some of them are wont to try a suspected Round-head, Swear, Dammee (say they,) and we shall believe thee that thou art a friend to the King. Oh, my friends! and is blasphemy now become the true character of loyalty? then let us not be troubled if these men do call us Rebels. But this kind of hellishness is come to that height, that (the truth is) I hold it not fit to speak the whole truth in this Point: for there are such blasphemies amongst them, as are not so much as to be named among Christians. 
1 Cor. 5.1.  And now guess ye, Brethren, in what condition are the poor Saints, which are forced to entertain those Miscreants into their houses, and to be continually within view and hearing of their Diabolical lives and language? what Meseches (think ye,) what Kedars are their own houses unto them? Is not all this a hell upon earth to a gracious soul?  
But I must go yet higher, to other kinds of spiritual Scorpions, 
3. Ordinances lost.  to other Irons that do enter into the souls of God's people in those parts: What think ye, Brethren, of the loss of the Ark and Ordinances? 'Tis a sad death to die for want of bodily food; but what think you of Amos his Famine? not a famine of bread, 
Amos 8.11.  nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. This soule-dearth is come upon them (I believe) above all parts of the Land besides; for they do, in a most literal sense, 
Verse 12.  wander from sea to sea, and from the North even to the East; they do run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and cannot find it; but are forced to gather stubble in stead of straw: the multitude of their Teachers were long since driven into corners, 
Isai. 30.20.  where their eyes could not behold them: and of the glean that stayed behind, some are imprisoned and dead, others condemned to die, (two in Exon) by their Council of War: so that there is scarce a conscientious preaching Pastor to be found in a whole County; only, perhaps, here and there is left an old complying Prophet of Bethel; 
1 K●n. 13. 11, 12, etc.  who if he hath some embers of grace in the nether-most corner of his heart, yet they do lie hid under so much cold earth and policy, that his Ministry is not like to warm a soul in many years. But, the multitude of their Priests, in those parts, are of the vilest of the people, in all respects, and do send out profaneness over all that Country; and to the servants of God they are Wolves and Butchers, rather than Shepherds. But now, oh how beautiful would be the face, yea, the feet of one of the least of their old Ministers? how sweet would be the weakest of those godly Sermons, which (perhaps) wanton hearers have sometimes despised? Have you ever observed, Brethren, an halfe-starved beggar, or prisoner, that picketh up a cast crust of bread in the street, how hastily, how hearty he doth eat it down in a corner, without wiping it? Just so precious is the bread of life, amongst the halfe-starved souls in those Counties; if they can get but a stolen fragment of some old Sermon-notes, a piece, a bit of a Doctrine or of an Use, oh! how sweetly doth it go down upon the heart? there is honey come into it; for the Enemy doth martyr all the old Sermon-notes that he can meet withal: and as for new Sermons there are very few; the Sanctuary is desolate, the Church-doores have been shut up in divers places, for many months together.  
Object. Yea, but (may some say) there are many Churches still open, and doubtless there is some food to be picked out of those Ordinances, such as they are.  
Answ. I grant it, that there are many such doors open; but, will you know what food those places do afford? Surely, (1.) the people are fed with poison in stead of nourishment; not only a stone, that is, a stroke is given them in stead of bread, but for fish they have a Scorpion, death itself is in the Pot; I mean, Doctrines of Libertinism and Superstition. (2.) They are fed with snares; like that snare upon Mispeh, 
Hos. 5.1.  and like that net which was spread upon Tabor: Not only the Lord's Table is made a Snare unto them, by Altaring and Worshipping of the elements, there used and enjoined; but almost every other Ordinance is poisoned, and made a bait unto the Receivers. Shall I instance? First then, The solemn and extraordinary holy exercise of Prayer and Fasting is not only denied to the godly in private, 
Public Fasting,  in their own families, upon perist of intolerable scoffs, riots, imprisonments; but even public Humiliation also, though it be the Lords marking Ordinance, whereby he doth mark out his mourners for preservation in evil times, Go through the midst of the City, 
Ezek 9.4  and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and cry for all the abominations that are done in the midst thereof. Even this cho●ce Ordinance is denied unto the Saints, and is now utterly put down, though it were formerly set up by his Majesty himself, with the consent of his Parliament: The Enemy will not give God's people leave to weep and mourn for his sins, and for the sins of the Land. Neither are those adversaries of Repentance content to overturn that settled course of humiliation; ●ut, which is yet worse, they do imitate Jeroboam, who, when ●ee had with-drawn the ten Tribes from the true God, and his ●ight Ordinances, did set up two Calves in stead of the Temple-worship, and new holy-days in stead of the Lords own Feasts: jeroboam ordained a Feast in the eight month, 
1 Ki●. 12.28, 29, 31, 32, etc.  on the fifteenth lay of the month, like unto the Feast that is in Judah: So these ●en, in his Majesty's name, have set up an Anti-fast, (as well as an Anti-Parliament, and an Anticovenant) and, consequently, an Anti-God against the God of the Roundheads: And all this is made as a Shibo●ch, for the discovery and entanglement of the upright in the Land. Thus the very Fast of God's people are turned into a Snare unto them. This cruel Decree is most severely executed in the West, Secondly. 
Hearing of the word preached.  As for that only ordinary soule-saving Ordinance of Preaching, and other public Exercises of the Congregations, those in the West are made to be as a bait and a train to conshiracy and perjury; for the common practice of the Enemy in those parts is this: Upon the Lord's day, when there is a full Congregation met together, to seek the public food of their souls, (they being stripped and plundered of all their outward and bodily comforts) than the Civil, and Military Magistrates and Commanders do usually send their severe Warrants and Orders, requiring that first the Church-doores be shut up, 
4. Horrid Oaths enforced.  and strictly guarded by armed Soldiers, (only the women and children are first let go) than the cruel Officers are sent in to the people with a new Oath, which is exactly, in all points, contrary to our Covenant, and to that solemn Protestation which all those poor souls have taken already in that place: And here the trembling wretched creatures are put to this miserable dilemma, or choice, either to take that perjurious Oath, and so to swear that they will fight against their Religion, Parliament, Laws and Liberties, to their utmost; or else, to receive a brace of bullets from that Carbine, or Pistol, which is there presented to their breasts. Brethren, what think you of such a choice as this? Do not those men make the place of God's public worship (which themselves do seem so much to reverence) to become such another Shambles as Jehu made in the house of Baal? you know the History: King Jehu, by a stratagem, 
2 Kin. 10.25.  (pretending a great sacrifice) did draw the Priests of Baal into Baal's house, and having gotten them together, did cause them to be there sacrificed to their god; so turning the place of their worship into a slaughter-house. Such another butchering place of souls do these men make of their Churches. Or, is not this act of theirs like that of a bloody Italian, of which I have heard? An Italian, studying an high degree of revenge against one that had offended him, did resolve upon this cruel stratagem; himself being armed, waylaid his unarmed enemy in a solitary place where he was to pass, and rising against him at an advantage, doth put him to this choice, Either (saith he) do thou presently curse God, and abjure and blaspheme Jesus Christ, in these and these words, (high enough you may be sure) or else thou shalt die immediately by this sword; withal offering the point thereof unto his breast: The poor defendant thus helpless, and fearing the face of sudden death, doth choose (wretched creature) the fare worset part, namely, to blaspheme his God, and forswear his Saviour; which he had no sooner done, but the witty bloody assailant doth immediately thrust him through, with these words, Now will I kill soul and body together. Doth not the  act, of the cruel Enemy in the West, come up full to this barbarism? Is it not a kill of soul and body together, when they do first enforce men, for fear of present death, to forswear themselves, and to abjure their God and Gospel, and then by virtue of that perjurious Oath do immediately require, and carry them away to the wars, where they are cut off in the midst of that perjury, whilst they are fight against God and their own consciences? And yet such is the terror of present imminent death, (the King of fears) that divers godly persons, through infirmity, have entangled themselves, verbally, with that bloody combination: but, after the taking thereof, some of them have been distracted with the terrors of their clamorous consciences; others have lost their comfort and activity, the very wheels of their souls, and do lock up themselves in darkness. Brethren, there are divers Hospitals in this City, for such soldiers as have been wounded and maimed in these wars, where there is provision of food, physic, and Surgeons, made for their bodies; and doubtless that work is an act of much equity, prudence, and mercy: But alas, alas! how many Savoys and Bartholomews, I mean, Hospitals and Spitals, shall we need for wounded consciences, and maimed souls in the West? Surely, I am persuaded, that if ever the Lord doth turn our captivity, and brings us bacl into those parts, we shall meet with spiritual wounds, ulcers, and broken bones, of all sorts and degrees: there we shall have one crying out, (like hopeless Spiia) I have denied God before men, and now am I sure to be denied of him before his Angels in heaven; the wound of mine Apostasy is incurable. Another roaring out because of his perjury, and saying, Which side soever is in the right, I am certainly a forsworn man; because I have taken Oaths that were directly contrary: and therefore, I am marked out, like Cain, with a trembling conscience: I have sold Christ and his Cause, like Judas, for gain and safety; and this my sin was committed both with knowledge and against it: yea, I have sinned presumptuously; and then the Scripture is clear in my sentence, For, if we sinne wilfully, 
Heb. 10.26, 27.  after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin, but a certain fearful looking for of judgement, and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. And, perhaps, a third man, that was once a Professor, 
Acts and Monuments.  but last an eminent Actor for the Enemy, will, like that Judge Hales, (if I mistake not) lay violent hands upon his own body, and become Executioner to himself, by drowning, burning, or hanging: Yea, some cries and carriages of this kind, have been uttered and acted in those parts already. And they are but according to the desires of some of the Enemies, who are said to have wished, Oh that they could but kill the soul of a Round-head! This was the last and highest of Jobs three kinds of Affliction, namely, the plundering of him in Spirituals. And thus have I done with my Parallels.  
And now, if all these considerations both of Western sins and sufferings do not lie heavy enough upon our hearts, to break them before the Lord this day; then I have yet one talon of Led more which I would cast in; and it may also be digged out of my Text, 
Some especial unhappinesses of the West; as in  even out of this last clause, and close thereof: For the hand of God hath touched me; That is, the Lords special, peculiar, immediate afflicting hand was upon him, and against him; my meaning is (Brethren) to commend unto you, with reference to those words, this consideration, namely, that the especial, immediate, and (me thinks) extraordinary hand of God is against the poor West above other parts and quarters of the kingdom. I know that every Country and person is apt by nature to think ' its own burden to be the heaviest, but therefore I shall spread my reasons and arguments before you, that so yourselves may consider of it, 
judg. 19.30.  take advice, and speak your minds. Mine arguments to prove the singularity, and transcendency of the Western forrows and sufferings; and to evince, that the hand of God is especially against those Countries, above other parts, shall lie in these three following Considerations:  
First, 
1. The Rise of their destruction.  consider the rise and original of our desolations. The West is in great part a kind of great promontory, or somewhat like a Peninsula; it is a Country partly hugged in the arms of the Ocean, upon the North; partly sleeved up by the narrow sea, upon the South; so that for people and situation, it was like unto that Egyptian Alexandria, 
Nahum. 3.8.  which is thus described by Nahum: Art thou better then populous (or nourishnig) No, that was situate among the rivers, that had the waters round about it, whose rampart was the sea, and her wall was from the sea? Our ships and Ocean were heretofore accounted (and too much gloried in) as the strength of great Britain; and we were wont to say, that this Island had a wall of wood, and a moat of seas about her; but the West above other parts might have boasted of her greatest share in this defence; for it was a Country by situation (as it were) cut out for safety and security; so that I have heard some wise Eastern men saying, that they did even envy our Geographical happiness, in the beginning of these troubles; and indeed we had little cause to fear either any commotion from within, all the five Counties standing generally right at first; or any invader from without, 
* Devon & Cornwall.  two of these five Counties, and a part of the third 
* Somerset  being almost cut off from the whole kingdom, and only a neck of land, little more than 
* from Lime to Bridge. water.  twenty miles over, doth unite them as a Peninsula to the main. Hence it was, that many of our people did stand studying which way 'twas possible for an enemy to come in, and overrun us; yea, and generally we of the West may now take up that of the lamenting Prophet in this point: 
Lamen. 2.12.  All the inhabitants of the world would not have believed, that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of [our] jerusalem. And, to give glory to God, we must all confess, that this sea-confidence hath been one great sin of this kingdom: and as the whole land is now scourged for it, by a sword coming out of ' its own bowels; so especially the Western parts, where a little cloud like a man's hand, arising out of that unhappy 
* Sherborn.  castle, and meeting with many vaporing exhalations in Cornwall, did in a short time darken our heaven, and anon was poured down upon all those Counties in a shower of blood; in which, the garments of our miserable Countrymen are lamentably rolled to this day; yea, and although we did continually endeavour with our prayers, persons, purses, as with so many buckets, to drain and staunch our distressed Counties; yet did the waves still flow in and arise from the ankles to the knees, from the knees to the loins, 
Ezek. 47.  until they became such a river as could not be passed. And thus hath our affliction arisen as it were out of the dust, our destruction (as the kingdoms) was (strangely) of ourselves, 
Isai. 45.6, 7.  and our casting down from the midst of us: and all this is happened unto us, That men may know (saith God by his Prophet) from the rising of the Sun, and from the West, that there is none besides me: I am the Lord, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things,  
Secondly, 
2. The progress of it; Lost labours in  consider the growth and progress of our ruin: Oh the great labours, both in do and sufferings, that were laid out by the people of the West! Oh the vast treasures that were by them expended, for the defence of this cause and themselves! and yet, alas, all these labours (me thinks) have been (as the Prophet speaketh) but as labouring in the very fire: 
Hagga● 1.6.  all those treasures have been put into a bag with holes, or a pierced bag; for we have scarcely purchased, by all this, so much as a general through persuasion in the hearts of the well-affected of the East, that the West hath abundantly done, suffered, expended. Let us therefore now look into this matter more fully; partly for the farther satisfaction of such as do desire true information; but chief for our own farther humiliation under that heavy hand of God, which hath extraordinarily touched us. 
1. Fortifications.  First then, shall we look to our strong and laborious fortifications, and the succeslesnesse and loss of those, that therein we may read (as our own activity, so) the Lord's displeasure against us? Then give me leave shortly to view some of the works of the five Western Counties: 
Cornwall.  And 1. as for lamentable Cornwall; I must say of that, at present, as sometimes Jacob of his lost joseph: Cornwall is not, though even that County was not lost without some hearty struggle of the honest party; and therefore I hope to see ' its rising again, as life from the dead. 
Devon.  2. As for the greatest of all these five Counties, in it one large City, and four great Towns, all accounted as maritime, were strongly fortified and well defended; but that labour hath proved but a labouring in the fire, all those places being now lost, except one poor Plymouth only. 3. In the third County, 
Somerset. Bristol. Taunton & Bridgwater.  (which is the second in extent) there, that greatest City of the West, with other her two daughters, which are p●tty Cities also, were with great sums of money made garrisons; but every of them since that time, (as well mother as daughters) have been taken, sacked, undone; though the Lord hath given us back the shell, the nest, I mean the dwelling houses or buildings of 
* Taunton. Dorset. Poole. Wareham. Dorchester Weymouth, Lyme.  one of those Towns again; but alas the kernel, the birds, the substance are gone and flown. 4. In the fourth County, (to proceed Geographically) five Towns near the seacoasts were made defensible and garrisoned; I might call them the Parliamentary Cinque ports of Dorset: but of these the greater number and the stronger have also been taken by the enemy, though God hath given them to us again. 5. And finally, 
Marleberough.  as for the last of those Counties, ' it's best defended, and the most fight town, is now made a principal quarter of the Enemy: So much concerning fortifications. Or secondly, shall we speak of faithful and valiant endeavours of self-defence, for the Parliamentary cause, 
2. Valiant self-defence, in sustaining of sieges. Exon.  by sustaining of long sieges? even herein the West may compare (if comparisons be not odious) with most Cities, Towns, Castles, or houses in the land. Take an instance in every of those three: 1. Amongst City-sieges, remember that of Exon, which for the space of about fifteen weeks together, did faithfully conflict and struggle with a double disease: partly with a strong, crafty, pestilential enemy, encompassing her without; and partly with a Malignant putrid fever in her own blood within; and all this in the lowest and most hopeless juncture of time, that ever this Parliament did see, or I hope shall see, until our perfect deliverance: 
Deut. 22.26, 27.  and therefore that City, though it be now ravished by strangers, may truly be said to have kept her virgin-honour and 
* Fidelis in aternum.  motto still, because she cried out for help, though no man came to her rescue. Amongst Towne-sieges, I might say much concerning the stoutness and longanimity, of Pool and Dartmouth, and perhaps of some other places; but because I have promised but one instance in this particular, let our Chronicle of these times bid posterity to give the Crown of perseverance to constant Plymouth; 
Plymouth.  whose siege may bear almost the same (that is as long a) date as the present wars. It is now about two years since (as I remember) that the habitual Leaguer, or, rather, Plantation of the enemy before that town did begin: and although there have been some intermissions, yet I do question, whether those (as the Lord disposed them) have made more for the greater relief or distress of that place: And in all this time, both flatteries, treacheries, and violence of all kinds were used; yea, and the presence of abused Majesty itself, was brought to prove and crown the wisdom, sincerity, courage of that Garrison. Finally, amongst Castle-Sieges, 
Warder Castle.  that of Warder in Wilts will be famous to posterity, both for passive and active valour, to the utmost. So much concerning length of Sieges.  
But once more, 
Marleborough.  if you look to hot service and fiery stormings (as they call them) then take but two instances: First, in the tempest at Marleborough, that was admirably sustained, until the defendants were overpowered with lead, fire, and numbers. But chief in that great wonder of little Lime in Dorset, 
Lime.  which having in it but eleven hundred Soldiers, did not only sustain, but shamefully repulsed a Leaguer of no less than (by their own confession) six thousand Enemies; whose Demi-cannon, and other Ordnance played unceflantly upon their weak and thin line, for full 8. weeks together; whilst the Soldiery in the Town, having digged pits, (or graves rather) for themselves, under their line, in the earth, to shelter themselves from the Ordnance, did there eat, and drink, and lodge, and dwell in mire and clay to the end of that siege; So that not only their own judicious, 
The Lord Admiral. Maurice.  and noble friend, (beholding that line of theirs after the siege) is said to have professed, that he never saw such paper-works defen●ed by men; but even the repulsed Prince their enemy is said to have acknowledged, that, had not the defendants been rebelis (as he miscalled them) every man of them did deserve to have Command. Many more particulars, with their instances, might be added, to show the extraordinary endeavours of the West to preserve itself for King and Parliament. But that which ought to break our hearts in all that hath been said, is to consider, that, notwithstanding all this labour, charge, courage, heartines, we have spent our strength in vain and for nought. Our fore did still run, and ceased not, until we were become (as at this day) the most miserable parts of the Kingdom; so that the West must necessarily and specially cry out, The hand of God hath touched me. This was the second Consideration.  

3. The continuance of the Western desolations.  Lastly, let us consider the continuance and settlement of our miseries to this day, 
2 Sam. 1.  and that, for all this, the Lords wrath is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. Is not the West at present, nay, hath it not been for a long season, as the Mountains of Gilboa, in comparison to other places? that is, the Country upon which especially neither dew of comforts, not rain of succour doth descend? Are not we alone as a people born out of due time? the utmost Eastern parts of the Kingdom have not at all seen and felt the present war: the No●th hath felt it indeed, but is in a manner now quite delivered: and as for the middle parts of the Land, though the shower be not as yet wholly blown over; yet there is many a strong wind that is driving away the clouds, many a bucket that is laving off the waters from them; I mean, there are many potent armies fight valiantly in those Counties for their relief, only the poor West that was the [primum moriens,] one of the first in this death, is like to be the [ultimum vivens] the very last in the resurrection, whensoever these troubles shall have an end, it being to this day farthest from the fountains of help, viz. London, and the North; and nearest to the fountains of harm, viz. Ireland and France. I do not quarrel with instruments, but shall leave them all to the Father of Spirits, and the Searcher of hearts; only my desire is to affect mine own heart and yours with the consideration of that hand of God that doth especially touch us; and in that sense I shall go on to show you this branch of Western unhappiness in these three cases: 
The last Branch of of the Western unhappinesses, farther aggravated is 3. Cases. 1. Case. judg. 18.28.  First, in case of petitioning and begging help and relief for our Country. Me thinks, the Lords providence hath still waylaid us, and as it were hedged up our ways with thorns; God hath so ordered the frame of public affairs, that little water (as they say) hath been spared to our mill: some cause of this unhappiness may (perchance) be the distant situation of our Country from these parts, and so it is like unto that Laish, of which 'tis said, And there was no deliverer, because it was fare from Sidon, and they had no business with any man. So the West perhaps hath seen the fewer deliverers, because it is fare from London, and hath now little business with the children of the East: It is necessary (I confess) that the parts nearest the heart be first preserved, and it is ordinary (I find) for those poor people to be served last, which are farthest off from the door. Another cause of this our unhappiness may be the more importunate interposition of other suitors, that, like Jacob, do get away the blessing from us, whilst we are hunting for venison to procure it by; and so we and our Country are like that lame man in the Gospel, that lay near the pool of Bethesda, expecting a good time for healing, who thus complaineth to our Saviour, Sir, 
john 5.7.  I have no man when the water is troubled to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. The text needeth no application; this is the first Case. But secondly, in case of obtaining, 
2. Case.  and procuring the help which was petitioned for, I mean when armies and treasures, have been procured, and sent for our relief; yet, even then, the Lord hath especially blown upon them and us; sometimes by turning, and overturning our Counsels, sometimes by frustrating our active endeavours: I will instance but in one most remarkable disappointment. You have not forgotten the time when his Excellency's army was sent for relief of the West: we might have said of that army until that time, as much as David in his Funeral Elegy saith of valiant Saul and jonathan, 
1 Sam. 1.22.  From the blood of the slains, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not bacl, and the sword of Saul returned not empty: To this both Keinton and Newbury, the first and second time, and all other Eastern, Northern, and Southern fields can witness: but when once this ever before-victorious army marched into the West, then behold (as if the fate of that unprosperous Country had wrought upon them) the Scene is changed, and we might also change our note, 
Ve●se ●7.  as David doth afterward in that same Song, How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished? That Virgin Army (as it was well called) had never its nakedness uncovered, in any other Field or County, but only in the most Western Cornwall. 
3. Case.  This is the second Case. But thirdly, once more, in case of accepting and (for a time) enjoying the help obtained and procured, yet the West hath been the more unhappy: My meaning, in plain English, is this; When some Armies, Brigades, and Parties have been sent down for our relief and restauration, they have rather proved (by accident, and in event) an occasion of our Countries greater miseries and bondage; for, upon their coming into those parts with help, and promises of continuance, the well-affected have the more freely engaged themselves; that is, some men that had before walked so prudently (yet honestly) that the Enemy had no great advantage upon them, did actively discover themselves: others, that had lain hid in woods and pits, or were fled to the next Garrisons, came forth, and brought out with them all their treasure and provision, which they had hidden from the Midianites; and all these (you may suppose) do now take the Covenant, do draw in their friends to their Party, and, in a word, do embark both their persons and whole remainder in the present Bottom: But lo, upon a sudden, (to follow the Metaphor) either the Vessel is split, and so they are wracked; or the wind is turned, and so the Bark drives away; leaving them (as that wand'ring Aeneas left his Dido) to despair, cry out, and perish. Even thus have many of our intended helpers proved unto the well-affected of the West but as an Egyptian reed, but as a piece of new cloth set upon an old garment, whereby the rent hath been made worse; or, (to speak but this once, though I can hardly speak sufficiently in this point) but as Gaal the son of Ebed proved unto the men of Shechem: Let us look sadly upon that Example; It is said, 
Judg. 9.26, 27.  And the men of Shechem put their confidence in him: And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trod the grapes, and made merry,— and cursed Abimelech. Why? what might be the cause of this great confidence and merriment? Surely, Gaals' boasting, and his promise of protection to them. 
Vers. 28, 29, 40, 41, 44, 45.  And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him?— And would to God this people were under my hand; then would I remove Abimelech. But what is the event both of his big words and their great hopes? It is this in short: first, Gaal is worsted, and so leaveth them; then cometh Abimelech with his Army, and fights against the City, and takes it, and flayeth the people that were therein, and beateth down the City, and soweth it with salt, etc. We have divers such Shechems in the West; as thou forward Barnestaple art one witness: And though Taunton be lately relieved, (blessed be God, and all that had a hand in that work;) yet, even since that relieving, my native Chard is another sad witness of this truth.  
Object. But some may object; Such miseries as these are the inseparable, unavoidable accidents of war.  
Answ. Yet give me leave, even in those accidents, that is, acts of extraordinary providence, still to observe how the Lords especial hand doth touch the West: And suffer me to say with sorrow, that few other parts of the land have had so great a share in this kind of unhappy accidents, a● those five Counties towards the setting of the Sun. 
The last additional aggravation of especial Western unhappinesses, Loss of Pillars. Isat. 3.1, 2, 3.   
Before I conclude this sad Point, concerning the singular unhappiness of the Western parts, give me leave to mind you but of one aggravation more; namely, That the hand of God hath been very heavy upon many of our excellent Western Leaders: He hath plucked away divers of our Supporters from us, and hath smitten some of our Shepherds. Brethren, you know that dreadful commination against the Jews, wherein the Lord threatened to take away from Jerusalem the mighty man, and the man of war; the Judge, and the Prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient; the Captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the Counsellor, and the cunning Artificer, and the eloquent Orator. I know not the losses of other parts of the Land; sure I am that the West hath been a deep loser in all these kinds. What City, what Town, nay, what Parish (almost) of eminency is there in those parts, in which there is not some one or more use full man dead? Some such persons have been shine by the sword; others have died of the diseases of the Armies; and a third sort have had their hearts broken by the Oppressors. Many other men are better acquainted with divers of the Western Towns than myself; and yet, even out of my little knowledge, I could reckon up some very eminent ones, which the Lord hath taken away from every of the five Western Counties but 
a Dorset,— C●neri gloria sera venu.  one, since this Parliament did begin. Why should we deny honour to the dead? Why should we neglect a powerful means of humbling our own hearts? First, give me leave to remember you of our losses of Parliamentary State-pillars: 
1. In Parliament,  What a precious pair (to begin at home) of excellent instruments hath Devon lost? Surely, the 
b Jo. Upton Esquire.  one of them was no less than [the stay and the staff] of that County: and the 
c Tho. Wise Esquire.  other might justly be called, The prudent man; though in years he was not the ancient: and both were taken away, by a kind of 
d The small Pox.  imperillous disease, in our times of greatest need. Next, what think you of the loss of that 
e Sir Fran. Popham, Knight.  greatest, and most cordial Knight of Somerset? was not he by an eminency [the ancient and the honourable?] And to him add 
f Sir Peter Wroth, Knight.  another honest worthy Knight that served for the same County, who was likewise called away in the midst of the work: These two were (I take it) the only pair of right Parliamentary Knights of that County. Also in Wilts we may reckon 
g Sir Henry Ludlow, Knight.  another precious and worthy Knight, which the Lord hath snatched away from his Country. Nay, lastly, even Cornwall itself may complain, that of her little handful of good members, which do hold fast to this Cause, she hath lost a principal 
h Sir Rich. Buller, Knt  finger: All these were Parliamentary Supporters of the West. And we do all know, that when the owner of an house doth pull away the posts and pillars thereof, it is a sign that he doth intent either to build it better, or to demolish it.  

2. In the Assembly.  But this is not all; we have had a deplorable loss in Prophets too: Three of the five Western Counties had but five of their Ministers sitting in the Assembly of Divines; and 〈◊〉, 
a Mr Henry Painter, of Exon. Mr Peal, of Dorset.  two of those five hath the Lord taken away from us in these parts: even a pair of workmen that were some of the charets and horsemen of the West; both of them were eminent for piety and abilities: But give me leave to mourn especially over that 
b Mr Painter, B.D.  eldest pillar of fire, which did for so many years support and enlighten the true Religion in the West: give me leave to call him [the mighty man and the Counsellor;] that is, the Champion, and the Oracle, of persecuted Ministers, and people in those parts; yea, the hammer of Schismatics, and the salt of the most Western City; which did not only preserve it (in great part) from the putrefaction of profaneness, but from the rawness of Novelties. In a word, he was so public a good, that for him that whole City hath cause to wear blacks. Thus the Lord hath taken away from us the Prophets. And now (to fill up our sorrows) I could tell you, finally, of the loss of [the man of war, and the Captain of fifty;] that is, of some considerable Martial pillars: 
3. In the Armies, Col. Wil Gould. Lieut. Col. Martin.  I could instance, upon knowledge, in that precious piece of activity, upon whose good name biting Envy may break her teeth, but she shall never be able to devour it. And in that other pious Commander in the same Town, who having defended his Charge to the utmost, yet afterwards died with grief, because he could do no more. But I forbear to draw forth this thread any farther, because the clue is grown so big already. Thus have I done with the Causes for which we ought really to pity our Western Brethren, with all those excitations and incentives to compassion, which that General did afford us. 
Secondly, Means and instructions to direct us in the duty of pity, viz. 1. In general, from the example of jobs 3. friends. In their visit, note,   
Secondly, we come now to the means, by which we may pity the West to purpose: And this General (as I promised) must yield us some instructions and directions in that brotherly, Christian duty. These instructions may be of two sorts: 1. Some more general, and borrowed from the example of the friends of job, mentioned in this history. 2. Others more particular, and as it were independent, taken only from the subjects, or instruments of our compassion.  
First in general: as we have already found in this book of job, a pattern, and parallel of misery; so may we fetch out from thence a Copy of compassion, even from the pity of jobs three friends; it is described Chap. 2. in three Verses, viz. Verse 11, 12, 13. They do contain the visit of jobs friends: in which we may observe, 1. The occasion. 2. The ground 3. The end, and intendment of their coming.  
The occasion of their visit, 
1. The occasion. Verse 11.  was the report of all the evil that was come upon job: Now when jobs three friends heard of all the evil that was come upon him, than they came: This may hint unto us the duty of enquiring, and listening after our distressed friends and Country, which shall be the first branch of real pity.  
The ground of this visit was a mutual agreement, 
2. The ground.  or a voluntary compact made between them; for they had made an appointment together to come, etc. This doth intimate unto us, the duty of assembling, and consulting together, for the good of our afflicted brethren, which will be the second branch of friendly pity.  
The end, 
3. The end, hence.  and intendment of their visit, is expressed to be twofold:  
1. To communicate with him in his sorrows; to mourn with him.  
2. To communicate to him their comforts; and to comfort him. Then their solemn mourning is expressed through the next verse, v. 12. and the cause thereof. ult. But these last two verses, I shall not touch upon: only let us run thorough the former three branches of real compassion.  
The first branch of real pity, 
1. Duty, Enquiry, etc. job. 2.11.  is to hearken out, and make enquiry after our distressed brethren. Thus Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, were induced to pity job, by the hearing of their ears: When they heard of all this evil that was come upon him, than they came every one from his own place, etc. Mark, the very hear-say, or report of the afflictions of friends ought both to take our ears, and to move our hearts. But, alas for the Adderlike deafness of multitudes now amongst us, that will not hear in that ear (as we say) for fear lest their hearts, and then their purses should be picked open; for they do interpret every sad relation, to be the preface to a petition: Yea, many men are (like the people near the falls of Nilus) grown deaf by the continual noise of doleful reports: Surely the Lord will boar such ears at last. Others there are, which do account it a cheaper and a wiser way, not to believe any sad reports at all but generally to cry them down, as false and uncertain pamphlets, rather than to be at the pain of letting them into their hearts; and these are like churlish Nabal, which did choose rather to call David a runaway, and to suspect the truth of his messengers, then to be at the charge of rewarding and relieving them. The sword may one day find out these men also.  
But chief we must observe from this duty of enquiry, that we ought to have our ears open to receive, yea, our mouths open to inquire after all the evil that doth come upon our friends. Good Nehemiah did not only hearken what tidings from jerusalem, but (so great a Courtier as he was) he made enquiry after news: 
Nehem. 1.1, 2.  And I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, etc. It seems he was both earnest and busy, in his interrogatories; for so you may read the words; I asked concerning the Jews, concerning the remnant, concerning Jerusalem: Here is question upon question, and another upon that again, concerning, concerning, concerning; just as your vehement inquisitors use to do; yea, he doth inquire after every particular too, as the Jews, the remnant, Jerusalem: Let this example shame the faces of all such Epicures, as cannot listen after the condition of their suffering fellow-members: Surely themselves are but as the belly in the public body, 
Venture auribus caret.  of which we say, that it hath no ears; and I shall leave with them that just proverb of the holy Ghost: 
Prov. 21.13.  Who so stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. But as for us, (my brethren) let us be like unto pious old Ely, who, although he had lost his eyes, yet doth use his ears to the utmost, in listening after the condition of the Ark, and Israel in the field: Ely sat upon a seat by the way side, watching: 
1 Sam. 4.14, 15.  Yet it is added; his eyes were dim, that he could not see. A strange watchman that had no eyes; but it seems that he did watch with his ears, to hear what news from the armies; so let us even pant with trembling hearts after the public occurrences: And here I cannot but complain, and grieve, to consider how much the stream of perfect and true intelligence (that should be to our daily prayers, as water to the mill) is continually obstructed, defiled, and broken in this great City, by manifold printed malignities, falsities, and mistakes. This was the first branch of the real pity, from the example of jobs three friends. 
2. Duty, assembling, etc.   
The Second, was to assemble and consult together, for the good of our afflicted brethren: Thus Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, did make a mutual appointment together to come, etc. Learn we hence, the necessary lesson of voluntary meetings, for the benefit of our distressed absent brethren and Country.  
Jobs friends were neither constrained nor called together, but their act was both free and unanimous. Let all our unsociable, untuneable Western exiles, consider this pattern; even all those that are backward to friendly consultations and deliberations for the good of their native Country; but too forward to censure and prejudicated all such as do promote them: Surely, there were not more excuses made by those ungrateful guests, 
Luke 14.18, 19, 20.  which were invited to that Gospel marriage feast, then may be heard from some of us, when we are invited to meet together for the public good: the purchase, the oxen, the wife, pride, profit, and pleasure, do all bring in their several put-offs; One man will tell you beforehand, that the meeting will be to no purpose: Who made him a Prophet? but if thou art sure of that (O diviner,) than thou oughtest the rather to come thither, or at least to appoint some other place, thereby to make up an effectual meeting. Another man takes exception, because such a one did appoint the consultation: But why hadst not thou prevented him? Besides, I think it is lawful for any man to bestow his pains freely towards the dressing of a common field. A third man objecteth (pettishly) that he never heard of the meeting before, neither hath he as yet been told the business. Why, who was bound to be the beadle to give you notice? who is paid for that service? Me thinks thou mightst rather account it a mercy from God, and a courtesy from man, that thou dost by any means hear of any opportunity of doing good at any time; nay, (as I conceive) thyself art bound to ask and inquire, after such occasions of serving thy Country; and me thinks there is Scripture for it, Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, 
Eccles. 9.10.  do it with thy might. Doth not [finding] imply and suppose a [seeking?] nay, is not the promise of finding made to seeking; 
Mat. 7.7.  Seek and ye shall find? A fourth person will not come together with others by appointment, because (forsooth) such a man will be there whom he hateth (perhaps as Ahab hated Micaiah,) for his round dealing. A rod, a rod; have we not yet done with this old peevish Western humour? cannot all our Country's miseries, and our own hitherto, nip this rankness of spirit? Will we needs have another whipping with scorpions for this sin? Well, mark the issue, the Lord hath not as yet spent all his plagues upon us, but we shall find that if he loves us, he will not leave us, before he hath bowed or broken our pettish stomaches. Finally, the last sort of men, they cannot come, because of other private gainful businesses of their own, or perchance some hollow visit for pleasure: To this I answer, 
jonah 4.6, 7, 8.  Have we yet some Jonah's gourds left us, to shelter and delight ourselves under them after our former wrack for those self same sins? Take heed, lest the Lord doth provide a worm in the heat of the day, to smite those gourds also until they are withered, and, after the worm, some vehement blast to beat upon our heads till we faint again. In a word, let me speak to all such Exiles in general, in the language of Mordecai to his kinswoman Queen Hester, 
Hest. 4.14.  If ye altogether neglect this duty at this time,— then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the West from some other means, but ye and your father's houses may be destroyed; and who knows whether we are come to this City for such a time as this?  
But as for you, my dearly beloved, who are willing to do, to suffer, or to be, any thing, or any where, so as the West may live again; to you I would recommend, as a Legacy, that golden portion of the author to the Hebrews: Let us consider, 
Heb. 10.24.  that is, with much prudence: One another, that is, the dispositions, gifts, experience, virtues, and faults of one another: To provoke unto love, and to good works; that is, striving who shall be first, and most in doing, and receiving of good: 
Verse 25.  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together; that is, both by Church-assemblies, and Christian meetings, for the spiritual and civil good of our Country, ourselves, others, souls, bodies: As the manner of some is: that is, of Schismatics, Apostats, Cynics: But exhorting one another, (by word and example) and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching: that is, the day of general and particular judgement, the day of public and special trial; and these days we ought to look unto, as at the door, at all times, but especially then, when the plague is begun, 
3. Duty, Communication of good and evil.  when one foot of it is over the threshold. This was the second branch of the real pity of jobs friends: viz. their appointed meeting together to visit him.  
The third branch of their friendly visit, is contained in the End thereof, and that is expressed in the Text (as I said) to be twofold: 

1. To communicate with him in his sorrows, To mourn with him.  
2. To communicate to him their comforts, And to comfort him.    
But these two, for brevity's sake, we will twist together: they are indeed the both hands of real friendship; the one is the giving hand, with which we do freely strip ourselves of any of our comforts, reaching them forth to our distressed friends; this is commanded by the Apostle when he saith, Distributing to the necessity of the Saints: 
Rom. 12.13.  The other is the receiving hand, with which we do take off their burdens, laying them upon our own shoulders; and this also is enjoined by the same Apostle, when he commandeth, Bear ye one another's burdens, 
Gal. 6.2.  and so fulfil ye the law of Christ. It is one great commandment, or law of Christ, that we love one another: It is another, that we do to others, as we would they should do to us. 
john 1●. 34. Luke 6.31.  Both these laws do bind us to both those duties of communicating: And indeed, as the laws, so the example of Christ doth enforce the same thing; for with one hand he doth reach forth unto his Saints both his merit, and Spirit; and with the other hand he doth bear our iniquities, and takes upon him our infirmities. Let us therefore make him our Lord and pattern, in labouring to do the offices of Christian friends to our distressed Countrymen with both hands; not contenting ourselves only with stripping ourselves of our own comfort, and to give it unto them, 
1 Sam. 18.4  as jonathan (in token of friendship) stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it unto David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle; but let us also make the sorrows, and sufferings of our afflicted brethren, to be our own. But of this kind of compassion, I have spoken somewhat already in my excitations: The rest that remaineth I shall bind up together and thresh out in the  

2. ●● particular,  Second General which I promised, was called the more particular means of real pity; & it may be amplified by the special members and weapons, by which our compassions are acted and expressed. In few words then, would we perform the duty of friendly pity in deed and in truth? Then we must do it, Cord, Ore, Opere; with our hearts, with our mouths, with our hands or actions.  
First, 
First, Cord.  with our hearts: The heart is the fountain of all reasonable living motions; and if any actions have not their rise from thence, they are artificial, or but brutishly natural: labour we therefore to engrave a map of our miserable Country upon our hearts. Queen Mary is reported to have said after the loss of Calais to the French, that whosoever should rip up her dead body, might find Calais in her heart; Her reason was, because that last footing of England in France was lost under her reign and government. Brethren, our native Counties have been lost in our time, and partly also by our sins: Oh let us therefore carry the West continually in our hearts. Quest. What, carry it in our hearts you will say? What is that? How may it be done? Answ. I mean, Answ. let us carry in our thoughts and affections all those Cards of the five Western Counties, which I have drawn before your eyes already: but, because that draught is somewhat imperfect, I would only add unto it two or three terms of art in this place; they may be borrowed from Paul, in a verse of his to the Ephesians: where, labouring to express the great love of God in Christ, 
Ephes. 3.18.  he giveth it several dimensions, that ye may be able to comprehend with all Saints, what is the breadth, depth, & height of that love. There is the whole trina dimensio, (as they call it) all the three dimensions of misery to be observed in the present maps of the West: As namely, the [latitude] the [longitude] yea [the profundity] of their sufferings.  
First, would you know [the breadth] of our Western miseries? Surely, 
1. Latitude of the miseries of the West. Camden. Speed.  they are as broad as a tract of land containing from East to West (as our Geographers do measure the five Counties) above two hundred miles; and from North to South generally the whole continent betwixt the Northern and Southern seas: In which tract there are commonly accounted five Cities, Market-Tomnes one hundred thirty and one; divers of which may compare with some of your Eastern, and Northern Cities: Of Parishes, one thousand four hundred nintey, and those also not (as in some other Counties) narrow and thin, but generally very spacious, very populous. In short, the Western tract that is now so miserable, doth contain that whole kingdom of the West Saxons, (
* Berks. Hamps.  two Counties only excepted) which of old (like Moses his rod) did devour all the other six kingdoms of that Heptarchy; and I have cause to think, that at this day, could there be but a competent number of helpful forces afforded unto that Country, (like a bucket of water that is poured into a dry pump to set it going) it would not only be able to defend itself, but might send forth many comfortable streams towards the refreshment of other parts of the kingdom. Sure I am by experience, that when the illaffected of but one of those five Counties had overflown the Western banks, which for a long time did beat back their streams, they did in a short space turn the tide thorrow the whole kingdom. This is a touch concerning the latitude, or breadth of the Western miseries.  

2. The Longitude.  Secondly, would you know what is the longitude, or length of this map of misery? that is, how long time those parts have been overflown? Surely, I must answer, that the calamities of the kingdom, and of the West, do bear the same date; even from August in the year 1642. unto this present, hath the fire of war been blown up and down in those Counties; and ever since about July in the year 1643. when the West received her death's wound at the Devizes, hath the enemy been master of the field in that little kingdom: only I confess some blood did run to the heart in Exon after that blow, and it was cherished to the utmost by that poor beleaguered City; there being (I believe) scarcely an hired soldier behind of his pay so much as for one week, to the last day. Also there was a short seeming reviving in the field, but it proved but as a draught of cold water to a man in a fever, which did increase the after-fit: So that generally ever since that last blow, and at this present, the state of the West hath been, and is, after this manner: 
Note this present state of the West.  First in Cornwall, which is a tract of land in length 60. miles, in breadth 40. containing 23. market-towns, and parishes 161. there is not left us one yard of ground, whereon a known parliamentary friend can set his foot. In Devon, which is a tract of land in length 54. miles, in breadth 55. containing 40. market-towns, and parishes 394. only one poor single Plymouh is left us, which standeth like a kid amidst a wilderness full of wolves; for the whole Country beyond it Westward to the landsend, being above 50. miles, and the Country upon this side of it Eastward, being full as many, is wholly possessed by the enemy; the constant Town standing alone, 
Hosea 4.16.  amidst them all, as a lamb in a large place. In Somerset, which is a tract of land in length 55. miles, in breadth 40. miles, containing 29. Market-towns, and Parishes 385. there is left but one poor single Taunton, that standeth like the burning bush amidst a Country full of fiery flaming swords. In Wilts, a tract of land in length 39 miles, in breadth 29. containing 21. Market Towns, and Parishes 304. there remaineth, escaped out of the common wrack, one only Malmesbury (as I conceive.) Finally, Dorset, which is a tract of land in length 44. miles, in breadth 24. containing 18. Market-towns, and Parishes 248. hath in it the most remainders of all the five Counties, and in it there are four Maritime Towns under the power and obedience of King and Parliament. The total in short is this, that seven Towns are yet left us in five Counties, of which, four are situate in one County, and the other three in four Counties more. This is the longitude, or the length of Western miseries.  

3. The profundity.  Would we know the profundity or depth of our afflictions? Do but remember what hath been said already; do but seriously call to mind all the forementioned methods of misery, as plundering of temporals by cruel strangers, and unnatural neighbours, both Chaldeans and Sabeans by sword and fire; then the corporal smitings, in liberties, livelihoods, lives, by slavery, enforcements, or press, imprisonments, deaths; and lastly, spiritual tortures, by the loss, the corrupting and poisoning of ordinances, as fasting and the Ministry of the word, by enforcing of perjury, and so murdering both soul and body together, etc. And this very recapitulation will sufficiently show the depth and profundity of our afflictions, and this Map ought we to carry in our hearts.  
We must pity our Countrymen with our mouths too; that is, 
2. Ore.  in short, by speaking for them, by speaking to them, by speaking of them, as often and as opportunely as we may, speak [for them] especially to the Lord in prayer: Open thy window daily towards the West, as Daniel did; yea, plead with the Lord for those parts, as Abraham did plead for the Cities of the plain, because he had a Cousin Lot and his family there inhabiting; 
Gen. 18.  tell the Lord that there is many a thousand righteous to be found there, besides those that are banished thence, and ask him with tears, Whether he will destroy the righteous with the wicked; yea, give him no rest, until thou bring down his pardoning mercies from fifty to ten, as Abraham did. Besides, speak to men also, as Nehemiah did to his King and Master, plead for the place of thy father's Sepulchre that lieth waste, but especially for the Sanctuary of the Lord which is desolate: speak as Hester did to her Sovereign and husband, though with the hazard of her life, and say, 
Hest. 7.3, 4.  Let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request; for we are sold to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. This is to speak for them. Next, speak we [to them,] if possibly we may by mouth, at least by letters and messages: You know how sweet, how comfortable a messenger is, that cometh with glad tidings from fare: As cold water to a thirsty soul, 
Irov. 25.25.  so is good news from a fare Country. We read (to our great benefit) what large letters some of the Apostles by inspiration did write to the absent scattered Churches and Saints in their days: Thus Paul did send forth no less than thirteen Epistles (besides that to the Hebrews) some to several Churches both in Europe and Asia; Others to several persons, as to Timothy, Titus, Philemon. Thus james indicted an Epistle, consisting of divers seasonable instructions and consolations, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad; and Peter writeth a first and second Epistle general, to the strangers that were scattered through five distinct Kingdoms and Provinces, somewhat answerable to our five Western Shires or Counties. Thus briefly john the beloved disciple hath by the spirit left upon record, both his general and particular Letters, which are inscribed to persons of several ranks and sexes, even as high as the Elect Lady and her children, and as low as his host Gaius. By all which Epistles, and written messages, they being dead, do yet speak unto us this duty of preaching unto our absent brethren, as often as conveniently we may, by Epistles and Letters. Lastly, and at least, let us speak [of them] wheresoever we come; let us perform that cheap duty for them, which those captives in Babylon do promise to their desolate Zion in the Psalmist, 
Psal. 137. ●.  If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I prefer not jerusalem above my chief joy. When the City of Gloucester was in distress, it is said, that some of her friends here in London did usually stand at the doors of both Houses of Parliament, crying modestly to the Members as they passed in and out, Remember Gloucester, oh remember poor Gloucester! and it pleased God that at that time poor Gloucester was remembered and relieved. Oh how many Gloucester Cities, and Glocestershires are there now perishing, yea, half perished in the Western Counties? Let us therefore uncessantly scatter our cries up and down in all places, to all persons, where there is any possibility of succour, and say, Remember the West, Oh remember the unparallelled sufferings of the West! So much concerning verbal or vocal compassion, which is to pity them with our mouths.  
Let us pity our Western Countrymen in deed and action; 
3. Opere.  this is the best proof and perfection of both the former branches of compassion, as Saint James appositely telleth us; If a brother or a sister (saith he) be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be you warmed and filled, 
James 2.15, 16.  notwithstanding ye give them not those things that are needful to the body, what doth it profit? Surely, nothing at all, either to the mere verbal giver, or to the seeming receiver. Let us therefore show our pity by our works; that is, let us cast in, if necessary occasions do require, even a part of the remaining dusts and drops of our meal in the Barrel, and of our oil in the Cruse; 
1 King 17.13, 14, 15, 16.  and doubt we not but the Lord will take care so to bless the remainder, that there shall be a sufficiency for us and our family: yea, let us cast in the two last mites, even all that we have, into that public treasury, if need requires it, and so engage the Lord to maintain us. There is, to this purpose, a famous Example of the Carthaginians, recorded in History, which hath come often into my mind, and it is this; 
Flor. lib. 2 c. 15. de Bel. Punic. tert. Spe pa●is injecta traditam ● volentibus classem, etc.  When that people had sustained their first and second war with the Romans, with honour and some good success, at last the third and fatal war gins; in which, when the Romans, pretending articles of peace, had treated away the Carthaginian Navy, which they speedily fired in the very face of the City, then offering them this only condition, [Th' at they must all departed their own Country, leaving it and their estates wholly to the Enemies:] 'Tis said, that this proffer, for the horridness of it, so enraged them, that they would rather choose to adventure upon the utmost of extremities. Hereupon all the City do generally call to Arms, not so much out of hope to defend themselves, as because they had rather that their Country should be destroyed by the hands of the Enemy, than by their own. And now the great work to be done by them is to build a new Navy: For the making whereof, for want of timber, they do pull down their own houses; for want of iron to make bolts and nails, they do work up their gold and silver; and for want of cordage, the Matrons do cut off their hair to make ropes and cables. Ah poor souls, yet gallant spirits, that could so freely cast in their last all to the honourable funerals of their deceased Country! Brethren, this is the third, and (I hope) the last and best conflict of the English (yea, British) Protestant's with the Antichristian Romans: First, they did attempt against us by force, in 88 Next, by fraud, in their Gunpowder Treason: But, behold, now (and let us beware the third) in this last attempt, force and fraud are knit together; their Armies (in stead of their Armado) are combined, with their second Gunpowder Treason, to blow up this Parliament: I say, with their second Gunpowder Treason; which, for impudence, cruelty, and universality, doth exceed the first. Nay, (and to carry-on the application of my Punic Story) they have already treated-away some of our most considerable pieces, as Ireland, and the West of England. Let us now play the Carthaginians in hope, and to purpose: Let us not spare the relics of our estates, treasures, persons; our houses, gold and silver, hair, heads and all, to redeem all our temporal, natural, spiritual goods again. As for the issues, let them be wholly left to the good pleasure of our God; perchance it may please him to make good unto us, Western Exiles, that promise by Zephaniah, namely, 
Zeph. 3.12.  To leave in the midst of the West an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the Name of the Lord. Surely, such a mercy as this would be great, and precious to broken hearts: Or, perhaps (which seemeth sharper) he hath in his secret purpose justly decreed, that unworthy we, of this present generation, shall not return to conquer or see again our native Country; though, perchance, our children after us may obtain that favour: But, though it be thus, yet let us labour to conquer ourselves, and our own inordinate desires; ('tis as great a mercy to want drought, as to have drink;) let us prepare to see the pleased face of Christ at last: And for present, strive we to attain to hearts like that of David, who, when he was flying from his Jerusalem, from his Kingdom, yea, from Ordinances and all, yet could say unto Zadok, 
● Sam. 15.25, 26.  Carry back the Ark of God into the City: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me again, and show me both it and his habitation: But if he say thus, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as it seemeth good unto him. Such a depth of selfe-submission as this, is the highest step of selfe-advancement. However, so long as our remaining inch of Candle shall be burning, (whatsoever place may be our Candlestick) let us mightily, uncessantly, especially, pray, study, act, FOR THE WEST, FOR THE WEST, FOR THE WEST.  
FINIS.