An humble testimony unto the goodness and severity of God in his dealing with sinful churches and nations, or, The only way to deliver a sinful nation from utter ruine by impendent judgments, in a discourse on the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, Luk. 13, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 / by John Owen.
         Owen, John, 1616-1683.
      
       
         
           1681
        
      
       Approx. 195 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 85 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images.
       
         Text Creation Partnership,
         Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :
         2005-12 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).
         A53702
         Wing O762
         ESTC R17781
         11863490
         ocm 11863490
         50059
         
           
            This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of
             Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal
            . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.
          
        
      
       
         Early English books online.
      
       
         (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A53702)
         Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 50059)
         Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 503:12)
      
       
         
           
             An humble testimony unto the goodness and severity of God in his dealing with sinful churches and nations, or, The only way to deliver a sinful nation from utter ruine by impendent judgments, in a discourse on the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, Luk. 13, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 / by John Owen.
             Owen, John, 1616-1683.
          
           [14], 155 p.
           
             Printed for Nathanael Ponder ...,
             London :
             1681.
          
           
             Reproduction of original in Bristol Public Library, Bristol, England.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford.
         Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors.
      
       
         EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO.
         EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org).
         The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source.
         Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data.
         Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so.
         Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor.
         The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines.
         Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements).
         
          Keying and markup guidelines are available at the
           Text Creation Partnership web site
          .
        
      
       
         
         
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Bible. -- N.T. -- Luke XIII, 1-5 -- Criticism, interpretation, etc.
        
      
    
     
        2005-03 TCP
        Assigned for keying and markup
      
        2005-03 Aptara
        Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images
      
        2005-04 Jonathan Blaney
        Sampled and proofread
      
        2005-04 Jonathan Blaney
        Text and markup reviewed and edited
      
        2005-10 pfs
        Batch review (QC) and XML conversion
      
    
  
   
     
       
         
         
           AN
           HUMBLE
           TESTIMONY
           UNTO
           THE
           
             Goodness
          
           and
           
             Severity
          
           of
           God
           in
           his
           Dealing
           with
           sinful
           Churches
           and
           Nations
           .
           Or
           ,
           The
           only
           Way
           to
           deliver
           a
           Sinful
           Nation
           from
           utter
           
             Ruine
             .
          
           BY
           
             Impendent
             Judgments
             ,
          
           IN
           A
           DISCOURSE
           ON
           THE
           Words
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           
             Luk.
             13.
             1.
             2
             ,
             3
             ,
             4
             ,
             5.
             
          
        
         
           Cry
           aloud
           ,
           spare
           not
           ,
           lift
           up
           thy
           voyce
           like
           a
           Trumpet
           ,
           and
           shew
           my
           People
           their
           Transgressions
           ,
           and
           the
           House
           of
           
             Jacob
          
           their
           Sins
           .
           
             Isa.
             58.
             1.
             
          
        
         
           By
           JOHN
           OWEN
           ,
           D.
           D.
           
        
         
           In
           publico
           Discrimine
           omnis
           homo
           Miles
           est
           .
        
         
           
             LONDON
             ,
          
           Printed
           for
           
             Nathanael
             Ponder
          
           at
           the
           
             Peacock
          
           in
           the
           
             Poultrey
             ,
          
           near
           the
           Church
           ,
           1681.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           TO
           THE
           READER
           .
        
         
           THE
           ensuing
           Discourse
           contains
           the
           Substance
           of
           sundry
           Sermons
           Preached
           in
           a
           private
           Congregation
           .
           Some
           ,
           who
           heard
           them
           ,
           considering
           the
           Subject-Matter
           Treated
           of
           ,
           and
           the
           Design
           in
           them
           ,
           with
           respect
           unto
           the
           present
           state
           of
           things
           in
           this
           Nation
           ,
           did
           judge
           that
           it
           might
           be
           convenient
           and
           seasonable
           to
           make
           them
           more
           publick
           ,
           for
           the
           Use
           and
           Benefit
           of
           others
           .
           But
           
           knowing
           how
           remote
           I
           was
           for
           any
           such
           Intention
           in
           their
           first
           Composure
           ,
           and
           how
           naked
           they
           were
           of
           all
           Ornaments
           that
           might
           render
           them
           meet
           for
           publick
           view
           ,
           I
           was
           unwilling
           for
           a
           season
           to
           comply
           with
           their
           Desires
           .
           Neither
           was
           it
           their
           Importunity
           (
           which
           as
           they
           did
           not
           use
           ,
           so
           I
           should
           not
           in
           this
           Case
           have
           valued
           )
           but
           their
           Reasons
           that
           prevailed
           with
           me
           to
           consent
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           be
           Published
           by
           any
           that
           had
           a
           mind
           thereunto
           ,
           which
           is
           all
           my
           Concernment
           therein
           .
           For
           they
           said
           ,
           that
           whereas
           the
           Land
           wherein
           we
           live
           ,
           is
           filled
           with
           Sin
           ,
           and
           various
           Indications
           of
           God's
           displeasure
           thereon
           ,
           yet
           there
           is
           an
           unexemplified
           Neglect
           in
           calling
           the
           Inhabitants
           of
           it
           unto
           
             Repentance
             ,
          
           for
           the
           diverting
           
           of
           
             Impendent
             Judgments
             .
          
           The
           very
           
             Heathen
             ,
          
           they
           said
           ,
           upon
           less
           Evidence
           of
           the
           Approaches
           of
           
             Divine
             Vengeance
             ,
          
           than
           is
           now
           amongst
           us
           ,
           did
           always
           solemnly
           apply
           themselves
           to
           their
           
             Deities
             ,
          
           for
           the
           turning
           it
           away
           .
           Wherefore
           this
           
             Neglect
          
           amongst
           us
           ,
           they
           supposed
           to
           be
           of
           such
           
             ill
             Abode
             ,
          
           as
           that
           the
           weakest
           and
           meanest
           Endeavour
           for
           
             Releif
          
           under
           it
           ,
           might
           be
           of
           some
           use
           ;
           and
           of
           that
           nature
           I
           cannot
           but
           esteem
           this
           Discourse
           to
           be
           .
        
         
           They
           added
           moreover
           ,
           That
           whereas
           on
           various
           Accounts
           ,
           there
           are
           
             continual
             Apprehensions
          
           of
           
             publick
             Calamities
             ,
          
           all
           mens
           Thoughts
           are
           exercised
           about
           the
           Ways
           of
           
             Deliverance
          
           from
           them
           .
           But
           whereas
           they
           fix
           themselves
           on
           various
           and
           
           opposite
           
             Ways
          
           and
           
             Means
          
           for
           this
           End
           ,
           the
           Conflict
           of
           their
           
             Counsels
          
           and
           
             Designs
          
           encreaseth
           our
           Danger
           ,
           and
           is
           like
           to
           prove
           our
           Ruine
           .
           And
           the
           great
           Cause
           hereof
           ,
           is
           a
           general
           
             Ignorance
          
           and
           
             Neglect
          
           of
           the
           only
           
             true
             Way
          
           and
           
             Means
             ,
          
           whereby
           this
           Nation
           may
           be
           delivered
           from
           
             Destruction
          
           under
           the
           
             Displeasure
          
           of
           God.
           For
           if
           their
           
             Thoughts
          
           did
           agree
           and
           center
           therein
           ,
           as
           it
           would
           Insensibly
           work
           them
           off
           form
           their
           present
           
             mutual
             destructive
             Animosities
             ;
          
           so
           also
           it
           is
           of
           such
           a
           Nature
           ,
           as
           would
           lead
           them
           into
           a
           
             Coalescency
          
           in
           those
           Counsels
           ,
           whose
           Fruit
           would
           be
           the
           Establishment
           of
           
             Truth
          
           with
           
             Righteousness
          
           and
           
             Peace
             .
          
           Now
           this
           Way
           is
           no
           other
           but
           
             sincere
             Repentance
             ,
          
           
           and
           
             universal
             Reformation
          
           in
           all
           sorts
           of
           Persons
           throughout
           the
           Nation
           .
        
         
           That
           this
           is
           the
           only
           Way
           for
           the
           saving
           of
           this
           Nation
           from
           
             impendent
             Judgments
             ,
          
           and
           
             wasting
             Desolations
             ,
          
           that
           this
           way
           will
           be
           effectual
           unto
           that
           End
           ,
           when
           all
           others
           shall
           fail
           ,
           is
           asserted
           and
           proved
           in
           this
           
             Discourse
             ,
          
           from
           the
           Authority
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           himself
           ,
           to
           confront
           the
           
             Wisdom
          
           of
           
             Politicians
             ,
          
           who
           are
           otherwise
           minded
           ,
           with
           a
           plain
           Word
           of
           
             Truth
          
           and
           
             Power
             .
          
        
         
           It
           was
           hoped
           also
           by
           them
           ,
           that
           some
           Intimation
           of
           their
           Duty
           ,
           might
           be
           hereby
           given
           unto
           those
           ,
           who
           having
           the
           
             Ministerial
             Oversight
          
           of
           the
           Generality
           of
           the
           People
           to
           Divert
           their
           Mindes
           unto
           the
           
             Pet-Petty
             
             Differences
          
           and
           
             Contests
             ,
          
           whil'st
           the
           
             Fire
          
           of
           Gods
           
             Displeasure
          
           for
           Sin
           ,
           is
           ready
           to
           devour
           their
           Habitations
           .
           And
           the
           Truth
           is
           ,
           if
           they
           persist
           in
           their
           
             Negligence
             ,
          
           if
           they
           give
           not
           a
           
             publick
             Evidence
          
           at
           this
           Season
           ,
           of
           their
           
             Zeal
          
           for
           
             Repentance
          
           and
           
             Reformation
             of
             Life
             ,
          
           among
           all
           sorts
           of
           Persons
           ,
           going
           before
           them
           in
           their
           
             Example
          
           and
           
             Endeavours
             ,
          
           unto
           the
           Promotion
           of
           them
           ,
           I
           understand
           not
           how
           they
           will
           give
           an
           Account
           of
           their
           
             Trust
          
           and
           
             Duty
          
           to
           God
           or
           Men.
           
        
         
           And
           therefore
           were
           I
           worthy
           to
           give
           Advice
           to
           any
           of
           my
           Brethren
           in
           the
           
             Ministry
             ,
          
           who
           are
           in
           the
           
             same
             Condition
          
           with
           my self
           ,
           as
           unto
           
             outward
             Circumstances
             ,
          
           it
           should
           be
           this
           only
           ;
           Namely
           ,
           That
           
           whilst
           others
           do
           seek
           to
           obstruct
           them
           in
           the
           whole
           
             Discharge
          
           of
           their
           
             Duty
             ,
          
           and
           to
           deprive
           the
           Church
           of
           the
           
             Benefit
          
           of
           their
           
             Labours
             ,
          
           they
           would
           by
           their
           own
           
             Personal
             Example
             ,
          
           by
           
             Peculiar
             Endeavours
          
           in
           their
           Congregations
           ,
           among
           all
           that
           hear
           them
           ,
           and
           on
           every
           Occasion
           ,
           so
           press
           the
           present
           Calls
           of
           God
           unto
           
             Repentance
             ,
          
           and
           so
           promote
           the
           Work
           of
           a
           
             visible
             Reformation
             ,
          
           as
           eminently
           to
           help
           in
           saving
           of
           the
           Nation
           from
           
             approaching
             Judgments
             ,
          
           and
           therein
           ,
           of
           them
           also
           who
           design
           their
           
             Trouble
             ;
          
           And
           I
           doubt
           not
           ,
           but
           most
           of
           them
           are
           already
           engaged
           and
           forward
           herein
           .
        
         
           This
           shall
           be
           
             our
             Testimony
             ,
          
           and
           
             our
             Peace
             ,
          
           in
           whatever
           may
           
           befall
           us
           in
           this
           World.
           
        
         
           Let
           us
           not
           satisfie
           our selves
           ,
           that
           our
           
             Congregations
          
           are
           in
           so
           good
           a
           Posture
           ,
           as
           that
           they
           may
           continue
           for
           our
           Lives
           ;
           and
           so
           be
           like
           
             ill
             Tenants
             ,
          
           who
           care
           not
           if
           their
           
             Houses
          
           fall
           upon
           the
           
             Expiration
          
           of
           the
           Term
           of
           their
           
             Interest
          
           in
           them
           .
           That
           
             Reparation
          
           is
           required
           of
           us
           ,
           which
           may
           make
           them
           serve
           for
           succeeding
           Generations
           .
        
         
           And
           when
           any
           Church
           is
           so
           in
           observant
           of
           its
           own
           Decays
           ,
           as
           to
           be
           
             negligent
          
           of
           Endeavours
           for
           
             proportionable
             Reformation
             ,
          
           if
           after
           a
           while
           ,
           any
           will
           deliver
           their
           own
           Souls
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           by
           a
           Departure
           from
           them
           that
           
             hate
             to
             be
             Reformed
             .
          
        
         
           It
           is
           a
           fond
           Imagination
           ,
           that
           
           Churches
           may
           render
           their
           
             Communion
          
           useless
           and
           dangerous
           ,
           only
           by
           
             Heresie
             ,
             Tyranny
             ,
          
           and
           
             False
             Worship
             ;
          
           an
           
             Evil
             ,
             Worldly
             ,
             Corrupt
             Conversation
          
           in
           the
           Generality
           of
           their
           Members
           ,
           contrary
           to
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           not
           
             opposed
          
           and
           
             contradicted
             ,
          
           by
           a
           constant
           Endeavour
           for
           
             sincere
             Reformation
             ,
          
           is
           no
           less
           
             ruinous
          
           unto
           the
           
             Being
          
           of
           Churches
           ,
           than
           any
           of
           these
           other
           Evils
           .
        
         
           On
           these
           and
           such
           like
           Considerations
           I
           was
           not
           willing
           that
           this
           
             plain
             discourse
          
           should
           be
           exposed
           to
           publick
           view
           ;
           hoping
           that
           it
           might
           stir
           up
           others
           of
           
             greater
             Abilities
          
           and
           
             Opportunities
             ,
          
           more
           effectually
           to
           pursue
           the
           same
           Design
           ,
           I
           do
           not
           think
           it
           needful
           to
           make
           any
           Apology
           
           for
           the
           
             Plainness
          
           both
           of
           the
           
             Matter
          
           and
           
             Stile
          
           in
           this
           small
           Treatise
           .
        
         
           The
           least
           Endeavour
           to
           attire
           a
           Discourse
           of
           this
           Nature
           ,
           with
           the
           Ornaments
           of
           
             Speech
          
           or
           
             Language
             ,
          
           is
           even
           ridiculous
           ;
           it
           is
           more
           fit
           to
           bear
           the
           Furrows
           of
           Sighs
           and
           and
           Tears
           ,
           than
           to
           be
           smoothed
           and
           flourished
           with
           the
           Oyly
           Colours
           of
           Elegance
           and
           Rhetorick
           .
        
         
           And
           as
           for
           the
           obvious
           Plainness
           of
           the
           Matter
           contained
           in
           it
           ,
           it
           is
           suited
           ,
           as
           I
           Judge
           ,
           unto
           them
           whose
           Good
           is
           principally
           designed
           therein
           .
           Plain
           men
           have
           sinned
           as
           well
           as
           others
           ,
           though
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           not
           unto
           so
           high
           a
           degree
           ,
           nor
           in
           such
           an
           Outrage
           of
           Excess
           .
           However
           ,
           on
           many
           Considerations
           they
           are
           likely
           first
           to
           suffer
           ,
           unless
           
             impendent
             Judgments
          
           
           are
           diverted
           by
           
             Repentance
             .
          
        
         
           I
           do
           but
           a
           little
           plead
           with
           every
           man
           for
           himself
           ,
           and
           in
           his
           own
           Cause
           .
           Neither
           however
           wise
           or
           learned
           men
           may
           be
           ,
           is
           it
           meet
           in
           this
           Case
           to
           treat
           them
           otherwise
           .
           It
           is
           to
           no
           purpose
           to
           make
           a
           fine
           Speech
           unto
           such
           as
           are
           falling
           into
           a
           Lethargy
           ;
           nor
           to
           discourse
           learnedly
           of
           the
           Art
           of
           Navigation
           ,
           unto
           them
           that
           are
           ready
           to
           perish
           in
           a
           Storm
           ;
           they
           must
           be
           plain
           Words
           and
           plain
           Things
           that
           are
           forcible
           in
           this
           Case
           .
           And
           these
           by
           whom
           they
           are
           despised
           ,
           from
           any
           Principle
           of
           Self-Elation
           ,
           give
           but
           an
           uncomfortable
           Indication
           of
           what
           will
           be
           the
           Issue
           of
           their
           Dangers
           .
        
         
         
           Let
           therefore
           the
           Reader
           but
           candidly
           excuse
           ,
           and
           pass
           by
           the
           Trouble
           which
           he
           will
           be
           put
           unto
           by
           the
           frequent
           Mistakes
           of
           the
           Press
           ,
           especially
           in
           Mis-pointings
           ,
           rendring
           the
           Sence
           sometimes
           obscure
           and
           unobvious
           ;
           and
           I
           have
           on
           the
           behalf
           of
           the
           Treatise
           it self
           ,
           no
           more
           to
           desire
           of
           his
           forbearance
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           
             
               Luke
               13.
               1.
               2
               ,
               3
               ,
               4
               ,
               5.
               
            
             
               There
               were
               present
               at
               that
               season
               ,
               some
               that
               told
               him
               of
               the
               
                 Galileans
                 ,
              
               whose
               Blood
               
                 Pilate
              
               had
               mingled
               with
               their
               Sacrifices
               .
               And
               Jesus
               answering
               ,
               said
               unto
               them
               ▪
               Suppose
               ye
               that
               these
               
                 Galileans
              
               were
               Sinners
               above
               all
               the
               
                 Galileans
                 ,
              
               because
               they
               suffered
               such
               things
               ?
            
             
               I
               tell
               you
               Nay
               ;
               but
               except
               ye
               repent
               ,
               ye
               shall
               all
               likewise
               perish
               .
            
             
               Or
               those
               Eighteen
               ,
               upon
               whom
               the
               Tower
               in
               
                 Siloam
              
               fell
               ,
               and
               slew
               them
               ;
               think
               ye
               that
               they
               were
               Sinners
               above
               all
               men
               that
               dwelt
               in
               
                 Jerusalem
                 ?
              
            
             
               I
               tell
               you
               Nay
               ;
               but
               except
               ye
               repent
               ,
               ye
               shall
               all
               likewise
               perish
               .
            
          
        
         
           IT
           is
           a
           Part
           and
           Duty
           of
           Spiritual
           Wisdom
           ,
           as
           also
           an
           Evidence
           of
           a
           due
           Reverence
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           take
           Notice
           of
           
             Extraordinary
             Occurrences
          
           in
           the
           Dispensations
           of
           his
           Providence
           ;
           for
           they
           are
           instructive
           warnings
           ,
           and
           of
           
           great
           importance
           in
           his
           Government
           of
           the
           World.
           In
           them
           the
           
             Voice
             of
             the
             Lord
             crieth
             unto
             the
             City
             ,
             and
             the
             man
             of
             Wisdom
             shall
             see
             his
             Name
             .
          
           And
           there
           is
           a
           Mark
           left
           on
           them
           ,
           as
           profligate
           Persons
           ,
           who
           will
           
             not
             see
             when
             his
             Hand
             is
             so
             lifted
             up
             .
          
           An
           Example
           of
           this
           Wisdom
           is
           given
           us
           here
           in
           our
           Blessed
           Saviour
           ;
           who
           on
           the
           Report
           that
           was
           made
           unto
           him
           of
           some
           severe
           
             Providential
             Accidents
             ,
          
           then
           newly
           fallen
           out
           ,
           gives
           an
           
             Exposition
          
           of
           the
           Mind
           of
           God
           in
           them
           ,
           with
           an
           
             Application
          
           of
           them
           ,
           unto
           the
           present
           Duty
           of
           them
           that
           heard
           him
           ,
           and
           
             Ours
          
           therein
        
         
           Some
           things
           may
           be
           observed
           in
           General
           ,
           to
           give
           Light
           into
           the
           
             Context
             ,
          
           and
           the
           Design
           of
           our
           Saviour
           in
           this
           holy
           Discourse
           .
        
         
           I.
           The
           
             Time
          
           when
           the
           Things
           mentioned
           did
           fall
           out
           ,
           and
           wherein
           our
           Saviour
           passed
           this
           judgement
           on
           them
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           It
           was
           a
           Time
           of
           
             great
             Sin
             ;
          
           of
           the
           abounding
           of
           all
           sorts
           of
           Sins
           :
           The
           
             Nation
          
           as
           such
           ,
           in
           its
           Rulers
           and
           Rule
           ;
           the
           
             Church
          
           as
           such
           ,
           in
           its
           Officers
           ,
           Order
           and
           VVorship
           ;
           and
           the
           Generality
           of
           the
           
             People
             ,
          
           in
           their
           Personal
           Capacities
           ,
           
           were
           all
           overwhelmed
           in
           provoking
           Sins
           ,
           
             Hypocrisie
             ,
             Oppression
             ,
             Cruelty
             ,
             Superstition
             ,
             Vncleanness
             ,
             Persecution
             ,
             Impenitency
             ,
          
           and
           
             Security
             ,
          
           all
           proceeding
           from
           Unbelief
           ,
           had
           filled
           the
           Land
           ,
           and
           defiled
           it
           .
           We
           have
           a
           sufficient
           Account
           of
           this
           State
           of
           things
           in
           the
           
             Story
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ;
          
           so
           as
           that
           it
           needs
           no
           other
           Confirmation
           .
           Yea
           ,
           so
           wicked
           were
           the
           
             People
             ,
          
           and
           so
           corrupt
           the
           
             Church-State
             ,
          
           and
           so
           impenitent
           were
           the
           Generality
           of
           them
           therein
           ,
           that
           it
           suited
           the
           Rightousness
           and
           Holiness
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           revenge
           on
           that
           Generation
           ,
           not
           only
           their
           own
           Sins
           ,
           but
           the
           Sins
           also
           of
           all
           wicked
           persecutors
           from
           the
           Foundation
           of
           the
           World
           ;
           a
           thing
           which
           he
           doth
           not
           do
           but
           on
           high
           Provocations
           ;
           
             Luke
             11.
             50.
             51.
             
             That
             the
             Blood
             of
             all
             the
             Prophets
             ,
             which
             was
             shed
             from
             the
             Foundation
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             may
             be
             required
             of
             this
             Generation
             ;
             from
             the
             Blood
             of
          
           Abel
           ,
           
             unto
             the
             Blood
             of
          
           Zacharias
           ,
           
             which
             perished
             between
             the
             Altar
             and
             the
             Temple
             :
             Verily
             I
             say
             unto
             you
             ,
             it
             shall
             be
             required
             of
             this
             Generation
             .
          
        
         
           There
           is
           in
           this
           
             Commination
          
           an
           Appearance
           of
           Severity
           ,
           beyond
           the
           Rule
           established
           ,
           
             Exod.
          
           20.
           5.
           
           There
           God
           declares
           ,
           That
           as
           he
           is
           
             a
             jealous
             God
             ,
          
           which
           
           Title
           he
           assumes
           to
           himself
           ,
           with
           respect
           unto
           the
           highest
           Provocations
           ,
           that
           he
           
             will
             visit
             the
             Iniquity
             of
             the
             Fathers
             on
             the
             Children
             to
             the
             third
             and
             fourth
             Generation
             of
             them
             that
             hate
             him
             .
          
           But
           here
           the
           Vengeance
           and
           Punishment
           due
           unto
           the
           Sins
           of
           
             an
             hundred
             Generations
             ,
          
           is
           threatned
           to
           be
           inflicted
           on
           that
           which
           was
           present
           .
        
         
           Something
           in
           our
           passage
           may
           be
           spoken
           for
           the
           Vindication
           of
           Divine
           Justice
           herein
           ,
           seeing
           we
           may
           be
           more
           concerned
           in
           that
           
             Divine
             Commination
          
           than
           the
           most
           are
           aware
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           
             Case
          
           here
           is
           
             particular
             .
          
           That
           in
           the
           Commandmont
           respects
           the
           
             Common
             Case
          
           of
           all
           
             false
             Worshippers
             ,
          
           and
           their
           Posterity
           ;
           but
           this
           respects
           
             Persecution
             unto
             Blood
             and
             Death
          
           of
           the
           true
           Worshippers
           of
           God.
           Now
           though
           God
           be
           very
           much
           provoked
           with
           the
           Sins
           of
           
             false
             Worshippers
             ,
          
           yet
           he
           can
           either
           bear
           with
           them
           ,
           or
           pass
           over
           their
           Sins
           with
           lesser
           Punishments
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           for
           a
           long
           season
           ;
           but
           when
           they
           come
           to
           
             Persecution
             and
             the
             Blood
          
           of
           them
           who
           worship
           him
           in
           Spirit
           and
           in
           Truth
           ,
           in
           his
           appointed
           season
           he
           will
           not
           spare
           them
           ;
           their
           own
           ,
           and
           the
           Iniquities
           of
           their
           Predecessors
           ,
           shall
           be
           avenged
           on
           them
           which
           will
           be
           
           the
           end
           of
           the
           
             Antichristian
             Church-State
             ,
          
           after
           all
           its
           present
           Triumph
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           All
           those
           who
           from
           the
           beginning
           of
           the
           World
           suffered
           unto
           Blood
           ,
           on
           the
           account
           of
           Religion
           ,
           suffered
           
             in
             the
             Cause
             of
             Christ
             ,
          
           for
           their
           Faith
           in
           him
           ,
           and
           Confession
           of
           him
           ,
           namely
           ,
           as
           he
           was
           promised
           unto
           the
           Church
           .
           Unto
           him
           and
           his
           Office
           did
           
             Abel
             ,
             by
             Faith
             ,
          
           bear
           Testimony
           in
           the
           Bloody
           Sacrifice
           that
           he
           offered
           .
           So
           it
           is
           said
           that
           
             Moses
             ,
          
           in
           his
           danger
           for
           killing
           the
           
             Aegyptian
             ,
          
           hare
           the
           
             Reproach
             of
             Christ
             ,
          
           because
           he
           did
           it
           in
           Faith
           of
           the
           Promised
           Seed
           ,
           which
           was
           
             Christ.
          
           They
           were
           therefore
           all
           slain
           in
           the
           Cause
           of
           Christ
           :
           And
           whereas
           
             this
             Generation
          
           was
           to
           
             slay
             Christ
          
           himself
           ,
           and
           did
           so
           ,
           they
           did
           therein
           approve
           of
           ,
           and
           justifie
           
             all
             the
             Blood
          
           that
           was
           shed
           in
           the
           same
           Cause
           from
           the
           Foundation
           of
           the
           World
           ;
           and
           made
           themselves
           justly
           liable
           unto
           the
           Punishment
           due
           unto
           it
           .
           Hence
           our
           Saviour
           tels
           them
           .
           
             Matth.
             23.
             35.
             
          
           That
           
             They
             ,
          
           the
           Men
           of
           that
           Generation
           ,
           
             slew
             Zechariah
             ,
          
           who
           was
           actually
           slain
           many
           hundred
           years
           before
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Our
           Blessed
           Saviour
           mentions
           
             Abel
             ,
          
           and
           
             Zechariah
          
           Particularly
           .
           This
           
             Zechariah
             ,
          
           called
           the
           son
           of
           
             Barachias
             ,
          
           was
           undoubtedly
           the
           
             Zechariah
          
           mentioned
           2
           
             Chr.
          
           
           24.
           20
           ,
           21
           ,
           22.
           
           For
           concerning
           those
           two
           alone
           ,
           it
           is
           observed
           ,
           That
           the
           one
           
             dead
             ,
          
           and
           the
           other
           
             dying
             ,
          
           cryed
           for
           Vengeance
           .
           So
           God
           testifieth
           of
           the
           Blood
           of
           
             Abel
             ,
             Gen.
          
           4.
           10.
           
           And
           
             Zechariah
          
           when
           he
           died
           ,
           said
           ,
           
             The
             Lord
             look
             upon
             it
             ,
             and
             require
             it
             .
          
           Hence
           the
           Apostle
           affirms
           ,
           That
           
             Abel
             being
             dead
             ,
             yet
             speaks
             ,
          
           Heb
           11.
           4.
           that
           is
           ,
           his
           Blood
           did
           so
           ,
           it
           did
           so
           then
           ,
           and
           it
           spake
           
             for
             Vengance
             ,
          
           as
           he
           intimates
           ,
           
             Ch.
          
           12
           ,
           24.
           
           It
           did
           so
           before
           and
           until
           the
           Destruction
           of
           
             Hierusalem
             :
          
           For
           in
           the
           Rejection
           and
           absolute
           Destruction
           of
           that
           
             Apostatized
             Church
          
           and
           People
           ,
           the
           Blood
           of
           all
           that
           suffered
           under
           the
           Old
           Testament
           ,
           was
           expiated
           ;
           
             Abel's
          
           Blood
           cries
           no
           more
           ;
           nor
           doth
           God
           look
           any
           more
           on
           the
           Blood
           of
           
             Zechariah
             ,
          
           to
           require
           it
           .
        
         
           But
           the
           
             same
             Voice
          
           and
           Cry
           is
           now
           continued
           by
           another
           sort
           of
           Men
           ;
           namely
           ,
           those
           who
           have
           suffered
           in
           the
           
             Cause
             of
             Christ
             ,
          
           since
           his
           Coming
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Promise
           ,
           
             Rev.
          
           6.
           9.
           10.
           
           And
           this
           
             Cry
          
           shall
           be
           continued
           until
           the
           appointed
           Time
           doth
           come
           for
           the
           utter
           Destruction
           of
           the
           
             Antichristian
             apostatized
             Church-State
             .
          
        
         
           4.
           
           When
           a
           
             Sinfull
             Church
             or
             people
          
           have
           passed
           the
           utmost
           Bounds
           of
           Divine
           Patience
           
           and
           Forbearance
           ,
           they
           shall
           fall
           into
           such
           
             abominable
             crying
             Sins
          
           and
           Provocations
           ,
           as
           shall
           render
           the
           utmost
           Vengeance
           beneath
           their
           Deserts
           .
           So
           
             Josephus
          
           affirms
           of
           this
           Generation
           ,
           after
           they
           had
           rejected
           and
           slain
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           ,
           that
           they
           fell
           into
           such
           an
           Hell
           of
           provoking
           Abominations
           ,
           that
           
             if
             the
          
           Romans
           
             had
             not
             come
             and
             destroyed
             them
             ,
             God
             would
             have
             sent
             Fire
             and
             Brimstone
             upon
             them
             from
             Heaven
             ,
             as
             he
             did
             on
          
           Sodom
           .
        
         
           And
           we
           may
           by
           the
           way
           ,
           observe
           from
           hence
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           a
           dangerous
           thing
           to
           live
           in
           the
           times
           of
           declining
           Churches
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           hastning
           unto
           their
           fatal
           Period
           in
           Judgements
           ;
           
             such
             as
             will
             inevitably
             befall
             them
             all
             and
             every
             one
             .
          
        
         
           And
           it
           is
           so
           ,
           for
           these
           three
           Reasons
           :
        
         
           1.
           
           Because
           such
           Times
           are
           
             perillous
          
           through
           Temptations
           from
           the
           abounding
           of
           
             the
             Lusts
             of
             Men
             ,
          
           in
           all
           Uncleanness
           and
           Wickedness
           .
           So
           the
           Apostle
           states
           it
           ,
           2.
           
           
             Tim.
          
           3.
           1
           ,
           2
           ,
           3
           ,
           4
           ,
           5.
           
           If
           any
           think
           they
           are
           free
           from
           Danger
           ,
           because
           as
           yet
           they
           feel
           no
           Evil
           ,
           whilst
           
             the
             Lusts
             of
             Men
          
           professing
           Christian
           Religion
           ,
           visibly
           and
           openly
           
           abound
           and
           rage
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           they
           will
           be
           mistaken
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Though
           Destruction
           do
           not
           immediately
           befall
           them
           ,
           yet
           when
           they
           have
           passed
           the
           time
           of
           Divine
           Patience
           ,
           designing
           their
           
             Reformation
             ;
          
           they
           shall
           precipitate
           themselves
           into
           
             Bloody
             Abominations
          
           as
           did
           the
           Church
           of
           the
           
             Jews
             .
          
        
         
           3.
           
           Judgment
           shall
           at
           length
           overtake
           them
           ,
           and
           God
           will
           revenge
           on
           them
           the
           Sins
           and
           Provocations
           ,
           especially
           the
           
             Persecutions
             and
             Blood
          
           of
           them
           that
           went
           before
           them
           ,
           and
           lead
           them
           into
           their
           Apostacy
           .
           So
           when
           he
           shall
           come
           to
           destroy
           
             Mystical
             Babylon
             ,
          
           or
           the
           Antichristian
           Church-State
           ,
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           that
           
             in
             her
             was
             found
             the
             Blood
             of
             the
             Prophets
             ,
             and
             of
             Saints
             ,
             and
             of
             all
             that
             were
             slain
             upon
             the
             Earth
             ,
          
           Rev.
           18.
           24.
           
           Even
           the
           Blood
           of
           Saints
           ,
           that
           was
           shed
           by
           
             Pagan-Rome
             ,
          
           shall
           be
           avenged
           on
           
             Antichristian
             Rome
             ,
          
           after
           she
           hath
           espoused
           the
           Cause
           ,
           and
           walked
           in
           the
           way
           of
           the
           other
           ,
           justifying
           in
           her
           own
           Practice
           ,
           what
           they
           had
           done
           ,
        
         
           II.
           It
           was
           a
           
             Time
             wherein
             Judgments
             were
             near
             approaching
             ;
          
           so
           our
           Saviour
           himself
           affirms
           it
           to
           have
           beeen
           ,
           Luke
           19.
           42
           ,
           43
           ,
           44.
           
           
             Hadst
             thou
             known
             in
             this
             thy
             Day
             ,
          
           They
           had
           now
           but
           a
           
             Day
             ,
          
           and
           that
           now
           
           almost
           ready
           to
           expire
           ,
           though
           they
           saw
           it
           not
           ,
           )
           nor
           would
           beleive
           it
           .
           But
           the
           
             day
             of
             their
             desolation
          
           approached
           continually
           ,
           and
           when
           the
           Apostle
           wrote
           his
           Epistle
           to
           the
           
             Hebrews
             ,
          
           was
           making
           its
           entrance
           upon
           them
           
             Chap.
             10.
             25.
             ye
             see
             the
             day
             approaching
             ,
          
           And
           we
           may
           hence
           learn
           That
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           
             In
             the
             approaching
             of
             desolating
             Judgment
             on
             a
             sinfull
             provoking
             Church
             or
             Nation
             ,
             God
             is
             pleased
             to
             give
             previous
             Intimations
             of
             his
             displeasure
             ,
          
           as
           well
           in
           the
           works
           of
           Providence
           ,
           as
           by
           the
           Rule
           of
           his
           Word
           ;
           such
           were
           those
           here
           so
           interpreted
           by
           our
           Saviour
           in
           such
           a
           Season
           .
        
         
           This
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           is
           the
           ordinary
           process
           of
           Divine
           Providence
           ;
           and
           it
           may
           be
           no
           Nation
           ,
           
             Heathen
          
           or
           
             Christian
          
           ever
           utterly
           perished
           without
           
             Divine
             Warnings
          
           of
           their
           approaching
           desolation
           :
           some
           indeed
           seem
           to
           be
           taken
           away
           with
           a
           sudden
           surprisal
           ,
           as
           God
           threatneth
           ,
           
             Psal.
          
           58.
           9
           ,
           10
           ,
           11.
           
        
         
           But
           this
           is
           from
           their
           own
           security
           ,
           and
           not
           for
           want
           of
           Warnings
           ;
           so
           the
           
             Old
             World
          
           before
           the
           Flood
           ,
           had
           warnings
           sufficient
           of
           their
           Destruction
           ,
           by
           the
           Preaching
           of
           
             Noah
             ,
          
           and
           the
           building
           of
           the
           
             Ark
             ,
          
           by
           which
           he
           
             condemned
             the
             World
             ,
          
           Heb.
           11.
           7.
           or
           left
           them
           unexcusable
           to
           divine
           Vengeance
           .
           Yet
           they
           took
           
           no
           notice
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           but
           were
           suprised
           with
           the
           Flood
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           had
           never
           heard
           or
           seen
           any
           thing
           that
           should
           give
           them
           warning
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           our
           Saviour
           declares
           ,
           
             Mat.
          
           24.
           38
           ,
           39.
           and
           when
           the
           time
           comes
           of
           the
           destruction
           of
           
             Mystical-Babylon
             ,
          
           she
           shall
           say
           in
           that
           
             very
             day
          
           wherein
           her
           Judgements
           come
           upon
           her
           ,
           
             I
             sit
             as
             a
             Queen
             ,
             and
             shall
             see
             no
             sorrow
             ;
          
           notwithstanding
           all
           her
           warnings
           in
           the
           pouring
           out
           of
           the
           
             Vials
          
           of
           previous
           judgments
           ,
           
             Rev.
          
           18.
           7
           ,
           8.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           It
           is
           the
           height
           of
           security
           in
           such
           a
           time
           and
           season
           ,
           either
           to
           neglect
           the
           consideration
           of
           extraordinary
           Providences
           ,
           or
           to
           miss-interpret
           them
           as
           unto
           any
           thing
           ,
           but
           Tokens
           of
           approaching
           Judgements
           ,
           if
           not
           prevented
           .
        
         
           Nothing
           can
           be
           questioned
           herein
           without
           an
           Arraignment
           of
           the
           Divine
           Wisdom
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           in
           the
           Interpretation
           and
           Application
           that
           he
           makes
           of
           these
           
             Accidents
             .
          
           No
           doubt
           but
           they
           were
           neglected
           and
           despised
           by
           the
           
             most
             ,
          
           as
           common
           things
           ;
           to
           take
           any
           great
           notice
           of
           such
           Occurrences
           ,
           is
           esteemed
           
             Pusillanimity
          
           or
           Superstition
           .
           So
           it
           is
           by
           many
           at
           this
           day
           ,
           wherein
           all
           things
           ,
           as
           we
           shall
           see
           afterwards
           ,
           are
           filled
           with
           
             Tokens
             of
             divine
             displeasure
             :
          
           But
           things
           will
           
           come
           shortly
           unto
           another
           account
           ;
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           it
           is
           safe
           to
           follow
           this
           
             Divine
             Example
             ,
          
           so
           as
           to
           find
           out
           sacred
           Warnings
           in
           such
           Providential
           Occurrences
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           
             Providential
             Accidents
          
           spoken
           of
           ,
           are
           two
           ,
           and
           of
           two
           sorts
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           first
           was
           that
           wherein
           
             the
             bloody
             Cruelty
             of
             men
          
           had
           an
           hand
           .
           The
           
             Galileans
          
           whose
           blood
           
             Pilate
             had
             mingled
             with
             their
             sacrifices
             .
          
           When
           this
           was
           done
           ,
           on
           what
           occasion
           ,
           and
           what
           was
           the
           number
           of
           the
           Persons
           so
           slain
           ,
           the
           Scripture
           is
           silent
           .
           However
           it
           is
           certain
           that
           it
           was
           done
           at
           
             Hierusalem
             ;
          
           for
           Sacrifices
           might
           not
           be
           offered
           any
           where
           else
           .
           Thither
           came
           the
           
             Galileans
          
           with
           their
           Sacrifices
           ;
           that
           is
           either
           the
           
             Beasts
          
           which
           they
           brought
           to
           the
           Preists
           to
           offer
           for
           them
           ;
           for
           they
           might
           not
           offer
           Sacrifices
           themselves
           ,
           or
           the
           
             Paschal
             Lamb
             ,
          
           which
           they
           might
           slay
           themselves
           .
        
         
           Whil'st
           they
           were
           ingaged
           in
           this
           work
           
             Pilate
          
           the
           
             bloody
             Roman
             Governour
             ,
          
           on
           what
           occasion
           or
           provocation
           is
           unknown
           ,
           came
           upon
           them
           ,
           and
           slew
           them
           in
           a
           
             cruel
             manner
             ,
          
           intimated
           in
           that
           Expression
           ,
           that
           
             he
             mingled
             their
             Blood
             with
             their
             Sacrifices
             .
          
           And
           this
           Providence
           is
           the
           more
           remarkable
           ,
           in
           that
           it
           fell
           out
           whil'st
           they
           
           were
           ingaged
           in
           their
           Sacred
           Worship
           ;
           which
           carries
           an
           Indication
           of
           Divine
           Severity
           .
           And
           it
           may
           be
           there
           was
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           in
           the
           ruine
           of
           Mankind
           every
           day
           ,
           occasion
           taken
           for
           it
           ,
           from
           the
           difference
           that
           was
           between
           two
           wicked
           Governours
           ,
           
             Pilate
          
           and
           
             Herod
             ,
          
           unto
           whose
           Jurisdiction
           these
           
             Galileans
          
           did
           belong
           ,
           in
           whose
           blood
           
             Pilate
          
           thought
           to
           revenge
           himself
           on
           his
           Enemy
           .
           However
           they
           both
           combin'd
           at
           last
           in
           the
           killing
           of
           Christ
           ,
           as
           others
           use
           to
           do
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           and
           so
           made
           themselves
           Freinds
           ,
           leaving
           their
           Example
           to
           their
           Successors
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           other
           was
           a
           
             meer
             Effect
             of
             divine
             Providence
             ,
             the
             death
             of
             eighteen
             men
          
           by
           the
           fall
           of
           a
           Tower
           in
           
             Siloam
             ;
          
           that
           is
           a
           place
           of
           
             Waters
             ,
          
           and
           a
           running
           stream
           in
           
             Hierusalem
          
           it self
           .
           And
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           declares
           herein
           ,
           not
           only
           that
           all
           such
           Accidents
           are
           disposed
           by
           the
           Providence
           of
           God
           ,
           but
           that
           he
           
             speaks
             in
             them
          
           for
           our
           Instruction
           .
        
         
           Both
           these
           ,
           as
           they
           were
           
             Warnings
             ,
          
           as
           we
           shall
           see
           ,
           so
           they
           were
           
             Figures
          
           of
           the
           approaching
           destruction
           of
           the
           City
           and
           People
           :
           for
           that
           in
           the
           first
           place
           is
           the
           perishing
           here
           intended
           ,
           as
           is
           manifest
           in
           the
           ensuing
           
             Parable
             ,
          
           wherein
           the
           Church-State
           of
           the
           
             Jews
             is
          
           compared
           unto
           a
           
             barren
             
             Fig-tree
             ,
          
           which
           was
           to
           be
           cut
           down
           and
           destroyed
           .
           And
           accordingly
           that
           destruction
           did
           befall
           them
           ,
           partly
           by
           the
           
             bloody
             Cruelty
             of
             the
             Romans
             ,
          
           and
           partly
           by
           the
           fall
           and
           ruine
           of
           the
           
             Temple
             ,
          
           Towers
           ,
           and
           Walls
           of
           the
           City
           ,
           both
           included
           in
           the
           VVord
           ,
           
             likewise
             ;
             ye
             shall
             likewise
             perish
             ,
          
           or
           in
           like
           manner
           .
           But
           although
           they
           were
           of
           various
           kinds
           ,
           and
           men
           might
           evade
           the
           consideration
           of
           them
           on
           several
           pretences
           ;
           the
           one
           being
           nothing
           but
           the
           
             Tyrannical
             Fury
             of
             Pilate
             ,
          
           the
           other
           only
           a
           somewhat
           
             unusual
             Accident
             ,
          
           yet
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           finds
           out
           the
           hand
           and
           Councel
           of
           God
           in
           them
           both
           ,
           and
           declares
           the
           same
           Language
           to
           be
           spoken
           in
           them
           both
           .
           Signs
           of
           the
           same
           event
           are
           
             doubled
          
           to
           shew
           the
           certainty
           of
           it
           ,
           like
           
             Pharaohs
          
           Dreams
           .
        
         
           And
           we
           may
           observe
           ;
           That
        
         
           1.
           
           All
           sorts
           of
           unusual
           Accidents
           ,
           or
           Effects
           of
           Providence
           in
           a
           season
           of
           Sin
           and
           approaching
           Judgements
           ,
           are
           of
           the
           same
           Indication
           ,
           and
           ought
           to
           have
           the
           same
           Interpretation
           .
        
         
           So
           is
           the
           same
           Application
           made
           of
           both
           these
           different
           
             Signs
          
           and
           
             Warnings
          
           by
           our
           Saviour
           ;
           they
           have
           ,
           saith
           he
           ;
           the
           same
           Language
           ,
           the
           same
           Signification
           .
           There
           was
           nothing
           at
           this
           time
           more
           hardened
           
           the
           Jews
           unto
           their
           utter
           ruine
           ,
           than
           the
           
             false
             Application
          
           they
           made
           of
           
             Providential
             Signs
          
           and
           Warnings
           which
           were
           all
           multiplyed
           among
           them
           ,
           as
           
             boding
          
           their
           good
           and
           deliverance
           ,
           when
           they
           were
           all
           Tokens
           of
           their
           approaching
           ruine
           .
           For
           when
           such
           things
           are
           rejected
           as
           
             Warnings
          
           calling
           to
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           ,
           as
           they
           were
           by
           them
           on
           a
           presumption
           that
           they
           were
           Signs
           of
           Gods
           appearance
           on
           their
           behalf
           ,
           they
           became
           to
           be
           nothing
           but
           certain
           
             Forcrunners
          
           of
           greater
           Judgements
           ,
           and
           infallible
           Tokens
           of
           destruction
           ;
           and
           so
           they
           will
           be
           to
           them
           likewise
           by
           whom
           they
           are
           yet
           despised
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           
             God
             is
             pleased
             sometimes
             to
             give
             warnings
             of
             approaching
             Judgements
             ,
             not
             only
             as
             unto
             the
             matter
             of
             them
             ,
             that
             they
             shall
             be
             accompanied
             with
             severity
             ;
             but
             also
             as
             unto
             the
             especial
             nature
             and
             manner
             of
             them
             ;
          
           so
           was
           it
           with
           these
           two
           Signs
           of
           
             Blood
          
           by
           the
           Sword
           ,
           and
           
             Death
          
           by
           the
           fall
           of
           the
           Tower
           ,
           representing
           as
           in
           a
           Glass
           ,
           that
           common
           calamity
           which
           was
           to
           befall
           the
           City
           and
           Nation
           .
           And
           I
           pray
           God
           that
           the
           prodigious
           Appearance
           of
           
             fiery-Meteors
             ,
          
           like
           Swords
           ,
           Armies
           ,
           and
           Armes
           ,
           with
           other
           things
           of
           the
           like
           nature
           may
           not
           be
           sent
           to
           point
           out
           the
           very
           
             kind
          
           and
           
             nature
          
           of
           the
           Judgments
           which
           are
           coming
           
           on
           
             England
          
           if
           not
           diverted
           ;
           for
           as
           unto
           these
           
             Signs
             ,
          
           not
           only
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           but
           all
           
             Heathen-Stories
             ,
          
           are
           filled
           with
           an
           Account
           of
           them
           .
           Before
           the
           approach
           of
           desolating
           Judgements
           ,
           Nature
           the
           common
           Parent
           of
           Mankind
           ,
           did
           always
           put
           forth
           it self
           
             in
             irregular
             ,
             unusual
             Actings
             ,
          
           in
           fiery-Meteors
           ,
           Comets
           ,
           Earthquakes
           ,
           strange
           Appearances
           in
           the
           Air
           ,
           Voices
           heard
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           .
        
         
           The
           brute
           Elements
           tremble
           at
           the
           approaches
           of
           God
           in
           his
           Judgement
           against
           the
           Inhabitants
           of
           the
           Earth
           ;
           so
           the
           Prophet
           expresseth
           it
           ,
           
             Hab.
             3.
             10.
             
             The
             Mountains
             saw
             the
             and
             they
             trembled
             ,
             the
             overflowings
             of
             thee
             Water
             passed
             by
             ,
             the
             deep
             uttered
             his
             voice
             ,
             and
             lift
             up
             his
             hand
             on
             high
             .
          
        
         
           They
           are
           as
           it
           were
           cast
           into
           a
           posture
           of
           trembling
           and
           Supplication
           .
           And
           
             Aschylus
          
           an
           Heathen
           Poet
           in
           
             Justin
             Martyr
             ,
          
           
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
            
          
        
         
           When
           the
           dreadfull
           Eye
           of
           God
           (
           
             in
             his
             Providence
          
           )
           is
           lifted
           up
           ,
           all
           things
           tremble
           before
           it
           .
        
         
         
           
             Thirdly
             ,
          
           In
           the
           Interpretation
           and
           application
           made
           of
           these
           severe
           Accidents
           by
           our
           Saviour
           in
           his
           divine
           VVisdom
           ,
           we
           may
           observe
           .
        
         
           
             1.
             
          
           Especial
           Judgments
           in
           such
           a
           season
           ,
           befalling
           in
           any
           ,
           do
           not
           prove
           an
           especial
           Guilt
           ,
           or
           provocation
           in
           them
           .
        
         
           This
           our
           Saviour
           expresly
           denies
           ,
           and
           that
           with
           respect
           unto
           both
           the
           Instances
           insisted
           on
           ,
           and
           that
           distinctly
           ,
           verse
           2.
           v.
           4.
           
           I
           do
           not
           hence
           absolutely
           establish
           a
           general
           Rule
           as
           unto
           all
           Times
           and
           Persons
           .
           For.
           
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           observation
           is
           here
           confined
           and
           limited
           ,
           unto
           such
           a
           Season
           as
           that
           under
           consideration
           ;
           namely
           a
           time
           of
           provoking
           Sins
           in
           the
           generality
           of
           the
           People
           ,
           and
           approaching
           Judgments
           .
           In
           such
           a
           season
           no
           assignation
           of
           especial
           Guilt
           ought
           to
           be
           made
           on
           especial
           Calamitous
           Sufferings
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Some
           Persons
           may
           be
           guilty
           of
           such
           
             daring
             presumptous
             Sins
             ,
          
           that
           if
           they
           are
           overtaken
           with
           especial
           Judgements
           in
           this
           VVorld
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           height
           of
           Impiety
           not
           to
           own
           the
           especial
           revenging
           hand
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           their
           destruction
           ;
           such
           was
           the
           Death
           of
           
             Herod
             ,
          
           Acts
           12
           ,
           22
           ,
           23.
           
        
         
         
           2.
           
           
             Judgments
             on
             private
             men
             in
             such
             a
             season
             are
             warnings
             to
             the
             publick
             .
          
           This
           is
           intimated
           by
           our
           Saviour
           in
           this
           place
           ;
           Namely
           ,
           that
           God
           uses
           a
           Soveraignty
           herein
           ,
           by
           singling
           out
           whom
           he
           pleaseth
           to
           make
           them
           Examples
           unto
           others
           ;
           this
           saith
           he
           ,
           was
           the
           sole
           reason
           ,
           as
           far
           as
           you
           are
           concerned
           to
           judge
           or
           know
           ,
           why
           God
           brought
           these
           sore
           destructions
           upon
           them
           ;
           namely
           ,
           that
           by
           these
           Warnings
           he
           might
           call
           you
           to
           Repentance
           .
           Yet
           I
           judge
           God
           doth
           not
           ordinarily
           exercise
           his
           Soveraignty
           in
           this
           kind
           ,
           unless
           it
           be
           when
           
             all
          
           have
           deserved
           to
           be
           destroyed
           ;
           and
           then
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           Sedition
           and
           Mutiny
           of
           
             Military
             Legions
             ,
          
           they
           decimated
           them
           ,
           or
           slew
           some
           for
           an
           example
           and
           terrour
           unto
           others
           ;
           so
           God
           calls
           out
           of
           a
           guilty
           multitude
           whom
           he
           pleaseth
           ,
           to
           make
           previous
           Instances
           of
           approaching
           Judgments
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           
             Those
             who
             first
             fall
             under
             Judgments
             ,
             are
             not
             always
             the
             worst
             that
             Judgments
             shall
             befall
             ,
             nor
             are
             the
             first
             Judgments
             usually
             the
             most
             severe
             ;
          
           so
           it
           is
           plain
           in
           these
           Instances
           .
           And
           because
           we
           have
           Instances
           of
           this
           nature
           amongst
           us
           ,
           we
           should
           consider
           how
           to
           make
           a
           right
           Judgment
           concerning
           them
           ;
           and
           these
           three
           things
           we
           may
           safely
           determine
           .
        
         
         
           1.
           
           That
           those
           who
           suffered
           were
           Sinners
           also
           ,
           
           though
           they
           were
           not
           so
           only
           ,
           or
           in
           an
           especial
           manner
           .
           This
           is
           necessary
           unto
           the
           vindication
           of
           the
           Justice
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           That
           he
           who
           hath
           made
           them
           warnings
           unto
           us
           ,
           might
           have
           made
           us
           
             warnings
          
           unto
           them
           ;
           herein
           his
           Soveraignty
           and
           Mercy
           towards
           us
           ,
           who
           escape
           ,
           is
           manifest
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           That
           we
           also
           have
           an
           hand
           in
           that
           
             Guilt
             ,
          
           forerunning
           such
           Providences
           so
           far
           as
           there
           is
           any
           thing
           poenal
           in
           them
           .
           For
           such
           private
           previous
           Judgments
           are
           the
           effect
           of
           
             publick
             Provocations
             .
          
        
         
           
             Fourthly
             ,
          
           Here
           is
           a
           sure
           Rule
           ,
           given
           us
           ,
           of
           the
           Interpretation
           of
           
             severe
             Providences
          
           in
           such
           a
           season
           ,
           as
           that
           here
           intended
           .
           Such
           I
           mean
           as
           we
           have
           had
           amongst
           us
           ,
           in
           
             Plague
             ,
          
           and
           
             Fire
             ,
          
           and
           
             Blood
             ;
          
           and
           such
           as
           we
           have
           the
           Signs
           and
           Tokens
           of
           at
           this
           time
           in
           Heaven
           and
           Earth
           .
           For
           three
           things
           we
           are
           here
           taught
           safely
           to
           conclude
           concerning
           them
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           they
           are
           
             warnings
          
           from
           God.
           This
           our
           Saviour
           plainly
           declares
           in
           the
           Interpretation
           and
           Application
           of
           these
           two
           Instances
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           That
           their
           Voice
           and
           Language
           is
           a
           
           Call
           to
           
             Repentance
             and
             Reformation
             :
             Except
             ye
             repent
             ,
          
           &c.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           VVhen
           they
           are
           neglected
           as
           
             warnings
             ,
          
           calling
           to
           Repentance
           ,
           they
           change
           their
           nature
           ,
           and
           become
           certain
           
             Signs
          
           of
           approaching
           Destruction
           .
           And
           in
           the
           observation
           of
           these
           Rules
           of
           Interpretation
           of
           Providential
           Severities
           ,
           given
           us
           by
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           we
           may
           be
           preserved
           from
           the
           excesses
           of
           neglecting
           on
           the
           one
           hand
           ,
           what
           is
           contained
           in
           them
           ;
           and
           of
           rash
           judging
           of
           Men
           or
           Causes
           on
           the
           other
           .
        
         
           These
           things
           being
           premised
           for
           the
           opening
           of
           the
           words
           ,
           the
           Truth
           wherein
           we
           are
           instructed
           by
           them
           ,
           appears
           to
           be
           this
           .
        
         
           When
           a
           Land
           ,
           a
           Nation
           ,
           a
           City
           ,
           a
           Church
           ,
           is
           filled
           with
           sin
           ,
           so
           as
           that
           God
           gives
           them
           Warnings
           or
           Indications
           of
           his
           displeasure
           by
           previous
           Judgments
           ;
           or
           other
           extraordinary
           Signs
           ,
           if
           they
           are
           not
           as
           Warnings
           complyed
           withal
           by
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           ,
           they
           are
           Tokens
           of
           approaching
           Judgments
           ,
           that
           shall
           not
           be
           avoided
           ,
        
         
           This
           is
           that
           sacred
           Truth
           which
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           doth
           here
           recommend
           
           to
           our
           Observation
           .
           It
           is
           the
           
             great
             Rule
             of
             Divine
             Providence
             ,
          
           with
           the
           
             especial
             Seal
          
           of
           our
           Lord
           Christ
           annexed
           to
           it
           ;
           
             I
             tell
             you
             Nay
             but
             unless
             you
             repent
             ,
             you
             shall
             all
             likewise
             perish
             .
          
           When
           
             Warnings
          
           for
           Instruction
           are
           not
           received
           ,
           they
           are
           Tokens
           of
           Destruction
           .
           This
           is
           a
           Truth
           which
           none
           almost
           deny
           ,
           and
           none
           almost
           believe
           .
           Had
           it
           been
           believed
           ,
           many
           desolating
           Judgments
           in
           former
           Ages
           had
           been
           prevented
           ,
           Nations
           and
           Cities
           should
           have
           abode
           in
           Prosperity
           ,
           which
           are
           now
           sunk
           into
           Ruine
           ,
           yea
           ,
           into
           Hell.
           See
           
             Luke
             19.
             41
             ,
             42
             ,
             43
             ,
             44.
             
             Mat.
          
           11.
           23.
           
           And
           were
           it
           believed
           in
           the
           days
           wherein
           we
           live
           ,
           it
           would
           be
           the
           means
           of
           saving
           a
           
             poor
             Nation
          
           from
           ,
           otherwise
           inevitable
           ruine
           .
           The
           State
           is
           so
           with
           us
           ,
           that
           
             unless
             we
             repent
             ,
             we
             shall
             perish
             .
          
           I
           do
           not
           prescribe
           unto
           the
           Soveraignty
           of
           God
           in
           his
           Providential
           Administrations
           .
           He
           can
           if
           he
           please
           ,
           suffer
           all
           his
           Warnings
           to
           be
           despised
           ,
           all
           his
           
             Calls
          
           neglected
           ,
           yea
           scoffed
           at
           ,
           and
           yet
           exercise
           
             Forbearance
          
           toward
           us
           ,
           as
           unto
           a
           speedy
           execution
           of
           Judgment
           .
           But
           wo
           unto
           them
           with
           whom
           he
           so
           deals
           ;
           for
           it
           hath
           only
           this
           end
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           have
           a
           space
           to
           fill
           up
           the
           measure
           of
           their
           Iniquities
           ,
           and
           so
           be
           sitted
           for
           eternal
           Destruction
           ,
           
             Rom.
          
           9.
           22
           :
        
         
         
           There
           is
           a
           threefold
           Issue
           and
           event
           of
           the
           State
           we
           have
           described
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           When
           a
           
             sinfull
             Church
             or
             Nation
          
           so
           atend
           unto
           Gods
           Warnings
           in
           
             previous
             Judgments
             ,
          
           and
           other
           Signs
           of
           his
           displeasure
           ,
           as
           to
           comply
           with
           them
           by
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           .
           This
           is
           a
           blessed
           Issue
           which
           will
           certainly
           divert
           all
           impendent
           judgments
           ;
           as
           shall
           be
           afterwards
           declared
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           When
           by
           reason
           of
           the
           neglect
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           want
           of
           complyance
           with
           them
           ,
           God
           doth
           bring
           distress
           and
           calamities
           upon
           a
           People
           in
           general
           .
           This
           is
           a
           sad
           event
           .
           But
           however
           ,
           under
           it
           God
           doth
           often
           preserve
           a
           Seed
           and
           Remnant
           ,
           which
           being
           brought
           through
           the
           Fire
           ,
           and
           thereby
           purged
           and
           purified
           ,
           though
           but
           as
           a
           poor
           and
           afflicted
           People
           ,
           yet
           they
           shall
           be
           preserved
           as
           a
           Seed
           ,
           and
           Reserve
           for
           a
           better
           State
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           see
           
             Zach.
             13.
             8
             ,
             9.
             
             Isai.
             6.
             11.
             12
             ,
             13.
             
             Chap.
             14.
             6.
             
             Chap.
             24.
             13.
             
             Zeph.
             3.
             12.
             
             Ezek
          
           5.
           2
           ,
           12.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           When
           God
           utterly
           forsakes
           a
           People
           ,
           will
           regard
           them
           no
           more
           ;
           but
           give
           them
           up
           unto
           
             Idolatry
             ,
             False-Worship
             ,
          
           and
           all
           sorts
           of
           Wickedness
           .
           VVhen
           he
           says
           ,
           
             Why
             should
             you
             be
             stricken
             any
             more
             ,
             you
             will
             revolt
             more
             and
             more
             .
          
           This
           is
           the
           sorest
           of
           Judgments
           .
           VVo
           unto
           them
           saith
           the
           
           Lord
           ,
           
             when
             I
             depart
             from
             them
             ,
          
           Hosea
           ,
           9.
           12.
           
           Of
           such
           a
           People
           their
           shall
           be
           neither
           Hope
           nor
           Remnant
           ,
           
             Ezek.
          
           47.
           11.
           
           VVho
           would
           not
           rather
           see
           a
           Nation
           suffering
           under
           some
           Judgments
           as
           the
           Effects
           of
           God's
           displeasure
           ,
           for
           the
           neglect
           of
           his
           warnings
           ,
           whereby
           it
           may
           be
           purged
           and
           purified
           ,
           and
           restored
           ,
           than
           to
           be
           left
           under
           
             Idolatry
          
           and
           all
           manner
           of
           VVickedness
           for
           ever
           .
        
         
           But
           the
           way
           is
           here
           proposed
           for
           the
           avoidance
           of
           these
           Evils
           .
           And
           these
           things
           will
           be
           more
           fully
           spoken
           unto
           afterwards
           .
        
         
           
             I
          
           shall
           first
           give
           some
           Evidences
           of
           the
           Truth
           laid
           down
           ,
           and
           then
           the
           reason
           of
           it
           ,
           which
           will
           make
           way
           for
           what
           
             I
          
           principally
           intend
           .
        
         
           
             I
          
           shall
           not
           insist
           on
           the
           
             especial
             kind
          
           of
           Warnings
           or
           Signs
           here
           mentioned
           ,
           but
           only
           on
           the
           
             general
             nature
          
           of
           divine
           Warnings
           by
           the
           Word
           or
           otherwise
           ,
           in
           such
           a
           season
           ,
           as
           wherein
           an
           abounding
           of
           Sin
           is
           accompanied
           with
           great
           evidences
           of
           approaching
           Judgments
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           According
           unto
           this
           rule
           was
           the
           dealing
           of
           God
           with
           the
           
             Old
             World
             ,
          
           which
           is
           set
           forth
           unto
           us
           for
           an
           Example
           ;
           see
           1
           
             Pet.
          
           3.
           20.
           with
           2.
           5.
           
        
         
           The
           men
           of
           the
           
             Old
             World
          
           were
           a
           sinful
           
           provoking
           Generation
           .
           God
           gave
           them
           warning
           of
           his
           displeasure
           by
           the
           
             Preaching
             of
             Noah
             ,
          
           and
           other
           ways
           ;
           during
           his
           
             Ministry
             ,
          
           the
           long
           suffering
           of
           God
           waited
           for
           the
           
             Repentance
          
           and
           
             Reformation
             .
          
           For
           this
           was
           the
           end
           both
           of
           the
           Season
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Ministry
           granted
           unto
           them
           therein
           :
           But
           when
           it
           was
           not
           complyed
           withal
           ,
           he
           brought
           
             the
             Flood
             on
             those
             ungodly
             men
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           So
           he
           dealt
           with
           the
           
             Church
             under
             the
             Old-Testament
             .
          
           A
           Summary
           account
           is
           given
           of
           it
           ;
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           36.
           15
           ,
           16
           ,
           17.
           
           After
           a
           contempt
           of
           all
           Gods
           previous
           warnings
           ,
           with
           a
           neglect
           of
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           ,
           the
           time
           came
           when
           there
           was
           
             no
             remedy
             ,
          
           but
           the
           City
           and
           Temple
           must
           be
           destroyed
           ,
           and
           the
           People
           be
           partly
           slain
           ,
           and
           partly
           carried
           into
           Captivity
           .
           Accordingly
           there
           is
           a
           general
           Rule
           established
           for
           all
           times
           and
           seasons
           ,
           
             Prov
             ,
          
           29.
           1.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           Neither
           have
           his
           dealings
           been
           otherwise
           with
           
             the
             Churches
             of
             the
             New
             Testament
             .
          
           All
           those
           of
           the
           first
           Plantation
           have
           been
           ruined
           and
           destroyed
           by
           the
           Sword
           of
           God's
           displeasure
           ,
           for
           impenitency
           under
           divine
           Calls
           and
           Warnings
           .
        
         
         
           4.
           
           God
           gave
           an
           eminent
           instance
           hereof
           in
           the
           
             Ministry
             of
             Jeremiah
          
           the
           Prophet
           ;
           he
           gives
           him
           the
           Law
           of
           his
           Prophecy
           ,
           
             Chap.
             18
             ,
             7
             ,
             8.
             
             At
             what
             Instant
             I
             shall
             speak
             concerning
             a
             Nation
             ,
             and
             concerning
             a
             Kingdom
             ,
             to
             plùck
             up
             ,
             and
             to
             pull
             down
             ,
             and
             to
             destroy
             it
             ,
             if
             that
             Nation
             against
             whom
             I
             have
             pronounced
             ,
             turn
             from
             their
             Evil
             ,
             I
             will
             repent
             of
             the
             Evil
             that
             I
             thought
             to
             do
             unto
             them
             .
          
           Here
           is
           the
           whole
           of
           the
           Truth
           laid
           down
           represented
           unto
           us
           .
           The
           Nation
           and
           Kingdom
           especially
           intended
           ,
           was
           that
           of
           the
           people
           and
           Church
           of
           the
           Jews
           .
           Concerning
           them
           it
           is
           supposed
           ,
           that
           they
           were
           evil
           ,
           that
           Sin
           abounded
           amongst
           them
           ,
           In
           this
           State
           God
           gave
           them
           warning
           by
           the
           
             Ministry
             of
             Jeremiah
          
           as
           he
           did
           otherwise
           also
           .
           The
           voice
           of
           these
           warnings
           was
           that
           they
           should
           repent
           them
           of
           their
           Evil
           ,
           and
           reform
           their
           ways
           .
           On
           a
           supposition
           whereof
           he
           promises
           to
           remove
           the
           Judgments
           which
           they
           had
           deserved
           ,
           and
           which
           were
           impendent
           over
           them
           :
           upon
           their
           failure
           herein
           ,
           he
           declares
           that
           fearfull
           desolation
           should
           befall
           them
           ,
           as
           it
           did
           afterwards
           ,
           
             verse
          
           16
           ,
           17.
           
           According
           to
           this
           Rule
           the
           Prophet
           persisted
           in
           his
           Ministry
           The
           Sum
           of
           his
           Sermon
           ?
           was
           this
           ;
           
             It
             is
             a
             time
             of
             great
             Sin
             and
             Provocation
             ,
             these
             
             and
             these
             are
             your
             Sins
             ;
             these
             are
             evident
             Tokens
             of
             God's
             Displeasure
             against
             you
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             near
             approaching
             of
             desolating
             Judgments
             .
             In
             this
             State
             Repent
             ,
             return
             and
             reform
             your
             ways
             ,
             and
             you
             shall
             be
             delivered
             :
             in
             case
             you
             do
             not
             ,
             utter
             Destruction
             shall
             come
             upon
             you
             .
          
        
         
           But
           the
           Princes
           ,
           the
           Preists
           and
           generally
           all
           the
           People
           set
           themselves
           against
           him
           herein
           and
           would
           not
           believe
           his
           Word
           .
        
         
           And
           by
           three
           things
           they
           countenanced
           themselves
           in
           their
           Unbelief
           and
           Impenitency
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           be
           delivered
           ,
           although
           they
           did
           not
           
             repent
          
           nor
           
             reform
          
           their
           VVays
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           By
           their
           
             Priviledges
             ;
          
           that
           they
           were
           the
           only
           Church
           and
           People
           of
           God
           ;
           who
           had
           the
           Temple
           and
           his
           VVorship
           amongst
           them
           :
           as
           if
           he
           should
           say
           ,
           
             The
             best
             reformed
             Church
             in
             the
             World.
          
           This
           they
           directly
           confront
           his
           Ministry
           withal
           ,
           
             Chap
          
           7
           ,
           3
           ,
           4.
           
           They
           fear
           none
           of
           his
           Threatnings
           ,
           they
           despise
           his
           Counsel
           for
           their
           Safety
           ,
           approve
           their
           ways
           and
           their
           doings
           ,
           because
           they
           were
           
             the
             Church
             ,
          
           and
           had
           the
           
             Temple
          
           for
           their
           Security
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           By
           their
           own
           
             Strengh
             for
             War
             ,
          
           and
           their
           Defence
           against
           all
           their
           Enemies
           .
           They
           gloried
           in
           their
           
             Wisdom
             ,
          
           their
           
             Might
             ,
          
           and
           their
           
             Riches
             ;
          
           as
           he
           intimateth
           .
           
             Chap.
          
           9.
           23.
           
        
         
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           By
           the
           Help
           and
           Aid
           which
           they
           expected
           from
           others
           ,
           especially
           from
           
             Aegypt
             .
          
           And
           herein
           they
           thought
           once
           that
           they
           had
           prevailed
           against
           him
           ,
           and
           utterly
           disprov'd
           his
           Rule
           of
           Safety
           by
           
             Reformation
          
           only
           ;
           for
           when
           the
           
             Chaldeans
          
           besieged
           the
           City
           ,
           by
           whom
           the
           Judgments
           he
           had
           threaned
           them
           withal
           ,
           were
           to
           be
           executed
           ,
           
             Pharaoh
          
           the
           King
           of
           
             Egypt
          
           coming
           up
           against
           them
           ,
           they
           departed
           from
           
             Jerusalem
          
           for
           
             fear
             of
             his
             Army
             .
             Ch.
          
           27
           ,
           5
           ,
           11.
           
           Hereon
           ,
           no
           doubt
           ,
           they
           triumphed
           against
           him
           ,
           and
           were
           satisfied
           that
           their
           own
           way
           for
           Deliverance
           ,
           was
           better
           than
           that
           troublesome
           way
           of
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           ,
           which
           he
           prescrib'd
           unto
           them
           .
           But
           he
           knew
           from
           whom
           he
           had
           his
           Message
           ,
           and
           that
           would
           be
           the
           Event
           of
           the
           false
           Hopes
           and
           Joys
           which
           they
           had
           entertained
           :
           So
           he
           tells
           them
           ,
           
             verse
             9
             ,
             10.
             
             Deceive
             not
             your selves
             ,
             saying
             ,
             the
          
           Chaldeans
           
             shall
             surely
             depart
             from
             us
             ;
             for
             they
             shall
             not
             depart
             :
             For
             though
             you
             had
             smitten
             the
             whole
             Army
             of
             the
          
           Chaldeans
           ,
           
             that
             fight
             against
             you
             ,
             and
             their
             remained
             but
             wounded
             men
             amongst
             them
             ,
             yet
             should
             they
             rise
             up
             every
             man
             in
             his
             Tent
             ,
             and
             burn
             this
             City
             with
             fire
             .
          
           Which
           accordingly
           came
           to
           pass
           .
        
         
         
           And
           so
           will
           it
           be
           with
           any
           other
           People
           ,
           against
           all
           Pleas
           and
           pretences
           to
           the
           contrary
           .
        
         
           Let
           the
           Case
           be
           stated
           according
           as
           it
           is
           laid
           down
           in
           the
           Poposition
           ,
           and
           explained
           in
           the
           instance
           of
           
             Jeremiah
             .
          
        
         
           Suppose
           a
           Church
           or
           People
           do
           
             abound
             with
             provoking
             Sins
             ;
          
           that
           during
           the
           time
           of
           God's
           Patience
           towards
           them
           ,
           and
           
             Warning
             of
             them
             ,
          
           there
           are
           
             Signs
             and
             Tokens
          
           of
           his
           
             Displeasure
             ,
          
           and
           of
           impendent
           Judgments
           ;
           let
           them
           feed
           themselves
           so
           long
           as
           they
           please
           with
           hopes
           of
           Deliverance
           and
           Safety
           ,
           unless
           they
           comply
           with
           the
           Calls
           of
           God
           unto
           
             Repentance
             and
             Reformation
          
           they
           will
           fall
           under
           desolating
           Judgments
           ,
           or
           be
           utterly
           forsaken
           of
           God
           for
           ever
           .
        
         
           The
           Grounds
           and
           Reasons
           of
           this
           Rule
           and
           Order
           in
           Divine
           Dispensations
           ,
           are
           many
           ,
           plain
           and
           obvious
           ,
           which
           I
           shall
           not
           at
           large
           insist
           upon
           .
        
         
           I
           shall
           only
           at
           present
           mention
           some
           of
           them
           ,
           because
           those
           of
           the
           most
           Evidence
           and
           Importance
           will
           accrue
           afterwards
           unto
           our
           Consideration
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           This
           Rule
           of
           proceeding
           is
           suited
           unto
           
             the
             Righteousness
             of
             God
             in
             the
             Government
             of
             the
             World
             ,
          
           in
           the
           in-bred
           Light
           of
           
           the
           Minds
           of
           Men.
           This
           Notion
           .
           That
           
             Judgment
             or
             Divine
             Vengeance
             will
             overtake
             impenitent
             Sinners
             ,
             who
             have
             been
             previously
             warned
             of
             their
             Sin
             ,
          
           is
           that
           which
           we
           are
           not
           taught
           ,
           which
           we
           do
           not
           learn
           from
           one
           another
           ,
           which
           is
           not
           only
           the
           Voice
           of
           Divine
           Revelation
           ,
           but
           that
           which
           is
           
             born
             with
             us
             ,
          
           which
           is
           inseparable
           from
           our
           Nature
           ;
           the
           Light
           and
           Conviction
           whereof
           ,
           neither
           with
           respect
           unto
           our selves
           or
           others
           ,
           we
           can
           avoid
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           Voice
           of
           nature
           in
           Mankind
           
             Impenitent
             Sinners
             ,
             incurable
             by
             Warnings
             ,
             are
             the
             proper
             Objects
             of
             divine
             Displeasure
             .
          
           And
           the
           absolute
           impunity
           of
           such
           Persons
           ,
           would
           be
           a
           great
           Temptation
           unto
           Atheism
           ,
           as
           the
           suspension
           of
           deserved
           Judgments
           on
           provoking
           Sinners
           ,
           is
           with
           some
           at
           this
           day
           .
           But
           ordinarily
           and
           finally
           God
           will
           not
           act
           contrary
           unto
           the
           
             inbred
             Notions
          
           of
           his
           Righteousness
           the
           Government
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           which
           he
           himself
           hath
           implanted
           in
           the
           Minds
           of
           Men.
           But
           as
           for
           the
           Times
           ,
           Seasons
           and
           Ways
           of
           the
           Execution
           of
           his
           Judgments
           ,
           he
           hath
           reserved
           them
           unto
           his
           own
           Sovereignty
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           It
           is
           needfull
           unto
           the
           
             Vindication
             of
             the
             Faithfulness
             of
             God
             in
             his
             Threatnings
          
           given
           out
           by
           Divine
           Revelation
           .
           By
           this
           
           he
           hath
           alwaies
           from
           the
           beginning
           of
           the
           VVorld
           ,
           testified
           unto
           his
           own
           Holiness
           and
           Righteousness
           ,
           whereof
           they
           are
           the
           most
           proper
           Expressions
           .
           Those
           first
           recorded
           of
           them
           are
           in
           the
           
             Prophesie
          
           of
           
             Enoch
             ,
          
           Jude
           14
           ,
           15
           ,
           And
           they
           have
           been
           since
           continued
           in
           all
           Ages
           .
           But
           whereas
           the
           Wisdom
           of
           God
           acting
           in
           Righteousness
           ,
           hah
           been
           accompanied
           with
           Patience
           and
           Forbearance
           ,
           in
           the
           Accomplishment
           of
           these
           Threatnings
           ,
           there
           have
           been
           ,
           and
           yet
           are
           
             Mockers
          
           and
           
             Scoffers
          
           at
           these
           Divine
           Threatnings
           ,
           as
           though
           they
           were
           a
           meer
           Noise
           ,
           of
           no
           efficacy
           or
           signification
           .
           So
           the
           Apostle
           declares
           the
           Thoughts
           of
           the
           Minds
           of
           Men
           prophane
           and
           ungodly
           ,
           2
           
             Pet.
          
           3.
           3
           ,
           4.
           
           Wherefore
           there
           is
           a
           
             Condecency
          
           unto
           the
           Divine
           Excellencies
           ,
           that
           God
           in
           his
           own
           Way
           and
           Time
           should
           vindicate
           his
           Faithfulness
           in
           all
           his
           Threatnings
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           God
           hereby
           manifests
           himself
           to
           be
           a
           God
           hearing
           Prayers
           ,
           regarding
           the
           Cries
           of
           his
           poor
           and
           distressed
           VVitnesses
           in
           the
           VVorld
           .
           When
           the
           VVorld
           abounds
           in
           provoking
           Sins
           ,
           especially
           in
           Blood
           and
           Persecution
           there
           is
           a
           conjunct
           Crie
           unto
           God
           ,
           of
           those
           that
           
             have
             suffered
             ,
          
           and
           those
           that
           do
           suffer
           ,
           in
           Heaven
           and
           Earth
           ,
           for
           Vengeance
           on
           obstinate
           impenitent
           
           Sinners
           .
           See
           
             Luke
          
           18.
           7
           ,
           8.
           with
           
             Rev.
             6.
             10.
             
          
           The
           
             Voices
          
           of
           all
           those
           ,
           
             I
          
           say
           ,
           who
           have
           suffered
           unto
           Death
           in
           foregoing
           Ages
           ,
           for
           the
           Testimony
           of
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           are
           now
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           in
           a
           state
           of
           Expectancy
           of
           compleat
           Glory
           ,
           with
           all
           those
           of
           them
           ,
           whose
           Sighs
           and
           groans
           under
           their
           Oppressors
           ,
           do
           at
           present
           ascend
           unto
           the
           Throne
           of
           God
           ,
           have
           the
           sence
           in
           them
           by
           Divine
           Interpretation
           ,
           that
           
             Punishment
             be
             inflicted
             on
             impenitent
             Sinners
             ;
          
           as
           is
           plainly
           expressed
           by
           our
           Saviour
           in
           that
           Place
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           affirming
           that
           he
           will
           avenge
           his
           Elect
           speedily
           who
           cry
           unto
           him
           Day
           and
           night
           .
           Herein
           God
           will
           vindicate
           his
           Glory
           ,
           as
           the
           God
           that
           hears
           Prayers
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           A
           sence
           of
           this
           Divine
           Truth
           ,
           is
           a
           great
           and
           effectual
           Means
           of
           God's
           Rule
           in
           the
           Hearts
           of
           men
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           setting
           Bounds
           to
           their
           Lusts
           ,
           and
           restraining
           that
           superfluity
           of
           Wickedness
           and
           Villany
           ,
           which
           would
           otherwise
           take
           away
           the
           distinction
           as
           to
           Sin
           ,
           between
           the
           Earth
           and
           Hell.
           If
           men
           can
           at
           any
           time
           free
           themselves
           from
           the
           Terrour
           and
           restraining
           Power
           of
           this
           Consideration
           ,
           that
           
             Vengeance
             is
             alwaies
             approaching
             towards
             impenitent
             Sinners
             ,
          
           there
           is
           nothing
           so
           vile
           ,
           so
           prophane
           ,
           so
           flagitious
           ,
           as
           that
           they
           
           would
           not
           wholly
           give
           up
           themselves
           unto
           it
           
             Eccles.
             8.
             11.
             
             Because
             Judgment
             is
             not
             speedily
             executed
             against
             an
             evil
             Work
             ,
             the
             Hearts
             of
             the
             Sons
             of
             Men
             is
             wholly
             set
             in
             them
             to
             do
             evil
             .
          
           And
           God
           knows
           ,
           that
           if
           Impunity
           in
           this
           World
           should
           alwaies
           accompany
           provoking
           Sinners
           ,
           the
           Temptation
           would
           be
           too
           strong
           and
           powerful
           for
           the
           Faith
           of
           weak
           Believers
           ,
           which
           he
           will
           therefore
           relieve
           by
           frequent
           instances
           of
           his
           Severity
           .
        
         
           In
           a
           successive
           continuation
           of
           
             previous
             Judgments
          
           on
           impenitent
           sinners
           ,
           there
           is
           an
           incontroulable
           Evidence
           given
           of
           the
           certainty
           of
           that
           
             final
             Judgments
          
           which
           all
           Mankind
           shall
           be
           called
           unto
           .
           So
           the
           Apostle
           proves
           it
           ,
           and
           intimates
           that
           it
           is
           a
           foolish
           thing
           ,
           the
           effect
           of
           obstinacy
           in
           Sin
           ,
           if
           men
           do
           not
           learn
           the
           certain
           Determination
           and
           Approach
           of
           the
           Eternal
           Judgment
           ,
           from
           the
           
             Drowning
          
           of
           the
           
             Old
             World
             ,
          
           the
           
             Conflagration
             of
             Sodom
             ,
          
           with
           the
           like
           Instances
           of
           Divine
           Severity
           ,
           2.
           
           
             Pet.
          
           2.
           3.
           
        
         
           My
           present
           Enquiry
           hereon
           ,
           is
           ,
           what
           is
           our
           own
           Concernment
           in
           these
           things
           ,
           what
           are
           we
           for
           our
           own
           Good
           to
           learn
           by
           the
           
             Blessed
             Instruction
          
           given
           us
           by
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           in
           his
           Interpretation
           of
           the
           
           
             Providential
             Occurrences
          
           mentioned
           in
           the
           Text.
           
        
         
           And
           this
           I
           shall
           manifest
           by
           an
           impartial
           Enquiry
           into
           the
           things
           ensuing
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           When
           doth
           a
           Church
           ,
           a
           Nation
           ,
           a
           People
           ,
           or
           City
           so
           abound
           in
           Sin
           ,
           as
           to
           be
           immediately
           &
           directly
           concerned
           in
           his
           Divine
           Warning
           ,
           and
           what
           in
           particular
           is
           the
           case
           of
           the
           Nation
           wherein
           we
           live
           ,
           and
           our
           own
           therein
           ?
        
         
           2.
           
           Of
           what
           sort
           are
           those
           desolating
           Judgments
           which
           in
           one
           way
           &
           sence
           or
           another
           are
           impendent
           with
           respect
           unto
           such
           a
           Church
           or
           Nation
           ,
           and
           consequently
           unto
           our selves
           at
           this
           season
           ?
        
         
           3.
           
           What
           warnings
           ,
           Calls
           and
           Indications
           of
           Divine
           Displeasures
           ,
           and
           the
           Approach
           of
           calamitous
           distresses
           doth
           God
           usually
           grant
           ,
           and
           what
           he
           hath
           given
           ,
           and
           is
           giving
           unto
           us
           at
           present
           ?
        
         
           4.
           
           What
           is
           the
           Equity
           ,
           and
           wherein
           it
           doth
           consist
           of
           thy
           Divine
           Constitution
           here
           attested
           by
           our
           Blessed
           Saviour
           ,
           that
           in
           such
           a
           Case
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           ,
           and
           nothing
           else
           shall
           save
           and
           Deliver
           a
           Church
           ,
           a
           People
           ,
           a
           Nation
           from
           Ruine
           .
        
         
         
           5.
           
           Whereas
           this
           Rule
           is
           so
           holy
           ,
           just
           and
           equal
           ,
           whence
           is
           it
           that
           all
           sorts
           of
           Men
           are
           so
           unwilling
           to
           comply
           with
           it
           ,
           even
           in
           the
           utmost
           Extremity
           ,
           when
           all
           other
           Hopes
           do
           fail
           and
           perish
           ;
           and
           whence
           is
           it
           so
           amongst
           our selves
           at
           this
           Day
           ?
        
         
           6.
           
           What
           is
           required
           unto
           that
           Reformation
           ,
           which
           may
           save
           any
           Nation
           ,
           this
           wherein
           we
           live
           ,
           from
           desolating
           Calamities
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           deserved
           ?
        
         
           7.
           
           From
           what
           Causes
           at
           present
           such
           a
           Reformation
           may
           be
           expected
           ,
           and
           by
           what
           means
           it
           may
           be
           begun
           and
           accomplished
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           prevent
           our
           utter
           Ruine
           .
        
         
           8.
           
           What
           is
           the
           Duty
           ,
           what
           ought
           to
           be
           the
           frame
           of
           Mind
           in
           true
           Believers
           ,
           what
           their
           Walk
           and
           Work
           in
           such
           a
           season
           ;
           that
           in
           case
           all
           Means
           of
           Delivery
           do
           fail
           they
           may
           be
           found
           of
           Christ
           in
           Peace
           at
           his
           Coming
           ;
           for
           it
           is
           but
           yet
           a
           little
           while
           ,
           and
           he
           that
           shall
           come
           ,
           will
           come
           ,
           and
           will
           not
           tarry
           .
        
         
           These
           things
           are
           necessary
           to
           be
           inquired
           into
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           help
           to
           beat
           out
           the
           Paths
           of
           Truth
           and
           Peace
           ,
           the
           only
           ways
           that
           lead
           unto
           our
           Deliverance
           .
           The
           Nation
           
           is
           filled
           with
           Complaints
           and
           Fears
           ,
           
             mutual
             Charges
          
           on
           one
           party
           and
           another
           ,
           as
           unto
           the
           Causes
           of
           our
           present
           Troubles
           and
           approaching
           dangers
           ;
           various
           designs
           and
           contrivances
           ,
           with
           vain
           hopes
           and
           vehement
           desires
           of
           this
           or
           that
           way
           or
           means
           of
           help
           and
           deliverance
           ;
           cruel
           Hatreds
           and
           Animosities
           on
           differences
           in
           Religion
           ,
           designing
           no
           less
           than
           the
           extirpation
           of
           all
           that
           is
           Good
           therein
           ,
           do
           abound
           in
           it
           ,
           by
           all
           means
           rending
           it self
           in
           peices
           ,
           wearying
           it self
           in
           
             the
             largeness
             of
             its
             ways
             ,
          
           and
           yet
           says
           not
           there
           is
           no
           hope
           .
           But
           for
           the
           most
           part
           ,
           the
           
             true
             Causes
          
           of
           all
           our
           Troubles
           and
           Dangers
           ,
           with
           the
           
             only
             Remedy
          
           of
           them
           ,
           are
           utterly
           neglected
           .
           The
           World
           is
           filled
           ,
           yea
           ,
           the
           better
           sort
           of
           men
           in
           it
           ,
           with
           other
           designs
           ,
           other
           discourses
           ;
           we
           here
           rarely
           of
           these
           things
           from
           the
           Pulpits
           (
           which
           are
           filled
           with
           Animosities
           about
           Petty
           Interests
           ,
           and
           private
           difference
           in
           the
           Approaches
           of
           publick
           ruine
           )
           nor
           in
           the
           Council
           of
           those
           who
           pretend
           to
           more
           VVisdom
           .
           Some
           shall
           think
           they
           shall
           do
           great
           things
           their
           VVisdom
           and
           Counsel
           ;
           some
           by
           their
           Authority
           and
           Power
           ,
           some
           by
           their
           Number
           ,
           some
           by
           owning
           the
           best
           cause
           as
           they
           suppose
           ,
           and
           with
           many
           such
           like
           notions
           are
           the
           Minds
           of
           men
           possessed
           .
           
           But
           the
           truth
           is
           ,
           the
           Land
           abounds
           in
           Sin
           ,
           God
           is
           angry
           ,
           and
           risen
           out
           of
           his
           holy
           place
           ,
           Judgment
           lyes
           at
           the
           Door
           ,
           and
           in
           vain
           shall
           we
           seek
           for
           remedy
           or
           healing
           ,
           any
           other
           way
           than
           that
           purposed
           .
           This
           therefore
           we
           shall
           enquire
           into
           .
        
         
           The
           first
           thing
           supposed
           in
           the
           proposition
           before
           laid
           down
           ,
           was
           taken
           from
           the
           
             Circumstance
             of
             the
             time
          
           wherein
           ,
           and
           with
           reference
           whereunto
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           delivered
           the
           Rule
           
             of
             the
             necessity
             of
             Repentance
             and
             Reformation
             ,
             unto
             an
             escape
             from
             total
             Destruction
             ;
          
           and
           this
           was
           a
           time
           when
           
             Sin
             greatly
             abounded
             in
             the
             Church
             an
             Nation
             .
          
           And
           this
           Supposition
           is
           the
           foundation
           of
           the
           truth
           of
           the
           whole
           Assertion
           ;
           for
           in
           other
           Cases
           it
           may
           not
           always
           hold
           .
           Our
           first
           enquiry
           therefore
           must
           be
           ,
        
         
           When
           a
           People
           or
           Nation
           is
           so
           filled
           with
           Sin
           ,
           or
           when
           doth
           Sin
           so
           abound
           among
           them
           ,
           as
           in
           conjunction
           with
           the
           things
           afterwards
           to
           be
           insisted
           on
           ,
           to
           render
           their
           Salvation
           or
           Deliverance
           impossible
           without
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           ?
           
             And
             it
             doth
             so
             ;
          
        
         
           1.
           
           When
           
             all
             sorts
             of
             Sin
             abound
             in
             it
             .
          
           I
           do
           not
           judge
           that
           every
           particular
           Sin
           ,
           or
           kind
           of
           sinning
           that
           may
           be
           named
           ,
           or
           may
           not
           be
           named
           ,
           is
           required
           hereunto
           ;
           
           nor
           is
           it
           so
           ,
           that
           there
           should
           be
           the
           same
           outrage
           in
           publick
           Sins
           ;
           for
           instance
           ,
           in
           Blood
           and
           Oppression
           ,
           as
           there
           hath
           been
           at
           some
           times
           ,
           and
           in
           some
           places
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           the
           dark
           places
           of
           the
           Earth
           being
           silled
           with
           Habitations
           of
           Cruelty
           ;
           nor
           ;
           is
           it
           so
           ,
           that
           Sin
           doth
           reign
           at
           that
           height
           ,
           and
           rage
           at
           that
           rate
           ,
           as
           it
           did
           
             before
             the
             Flood
             ,
          
           or
           in
           
             Sodom
             ,
          
           or
           before
           the
           final
           destruction
           of
           
             Hierusalem
             ,
          
           or
           as
           it
           doth
           in
           the
           
             Kingdom
             of
             Antichrist
             ;
          
           for
           in
           that
           case
           there
           is
           no
           room
           or
           place
           either
           for
           Repentance
           or
           Reformation
           ;
           God
           hides
           from
           them
           the
           things
           that
           concern
           their
           peace
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           be
           utterly
           and
           irrecoverably
           destroyed
           .
           But
           this
           I
           will
           grant
           is
           required
           hereunto
           ;
           namely
           ,
           that
           
             no
             known
             Sin
          
           that
           is
           commonly
           passant
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           can
           be
           exempted
           from
           having
           a
           place
           in
           the
           publick
           Guilt
           of
           such
           a
           Church
           or
           Nation
           .
           If
           any
           such
           Sin
           be
           committed
           in
           the
           
             Roll
             of
             the
             Indictment
             ,
          
           peace
           may
           yet
           dwell
           in
           the
           Land.
           It
           would
           be
           too
           long
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           my
           purpose
           ,
           to
           draw
           up
           a
           Catalogue
           of
           Sins
           ,
           from
           the
           highest
           
             Atheism
          
           through
           the
           vilest
           
             uncleaness
             ,
          
           unto
           the
           lowest
           
             Oppression
             ,
          
           that
           are
           found
           amongst
           us
           .
           I
           shall
           only
           say
           on
           the
           other
           hand
           ,
           that
           I
           know
           
             no
             provoking
             sin
          
           condemned
           as
           such
           ,
           in
           the
           Book
           of
           God
           ,
           whereof
           instances
           
           may
           not
           be
           found
           in
           this
           Nation
           .
           Who
           dares
           make
           this
           a
           plea
           with
           God
           for
           it
           ,
           namely
           ,
           that
           
             yet
             it
             is
             free
             and
             innocent
             from
             such
             and
             such
             provoking
             Sins
             ?
             Produce
             your
             Cause
             sayeth
             the
             Lord
             ,
             bring
             forth
             your
             strong
             Reasons
             ,
             sayeth
             the
             King
             of
             Jacob
             ;
          
           let
           us
           stand
           up
           if
           we
           can
           ,
           and
           plead
           for
           our selves
           herein
           .
           But
           the
           only
           way
           whereby
           we
           may
           come
           to
           plead
           with
           God
           in
           this
           matter
           ,
           is
           fully
           described
           ,
           
             Isai.
          
           15
           ,
           16
           ,
           17
           ,
           18
           ,
           19.
           20.
           
           It
           must
           be
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           ,
           laying
           a
           ground
           for
           pleading
           and
           arguing
           with
           God
           for
           pardon
           and
           Mercy
           ,
           that
           must
           save
           this
           Nation
           if
           it
           be
           saved
           ,
           and
           not
           a
           plea
           for
           exemption
           from
           Judgments
           on
           the
           account
           of
           our
           Innocency
           .
           This
           is
           that
           which
           of
           all
           things
           God
           most
           abhorred
           in
           the
           People
           of
           old
           ,
           and
           which
           all
           the
           Prophets
           testifyed
           against
           in
           them
           .
        
         
           But
           yet
           to
           speak
           somewhat
           more
           Particularly
           unto
           the
           first
           part
           of
           the
           Proposition
           in
           reference
           unto
           our selves
           .
        
         
           There
           are
           four
           Sins
           ,
           or
           four
           sorts
           of
           Sins
           ,
           or
           ways
           in
           sinning
           ,
           which
           unless
           God
           prevent
           ,
           will
           be
           the
           ruine
           of
           this
           Nation
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           first
           is
           
             Atheism
             ,
          
           an
           abomination
           that
           these
           parts
           of
           the
           World
           were
           unacquainted
           
           with
           all
           untill
           these
           latter
           Ages
           .
           I
           do
           ▪
           not
           speak
           concerning
           
             Speculative
             ▪
             or
             Opinionative
             Atheism
             ,
          
           in
           them
           that
           deny
           the
           Being
           of
           God
           ,
           or
           which
           is
           all
           one
           ,
           his
           righteous
           Government
           of
           the
           World
           ;
           for
           it
           will
           not
           avail
           any
           man
           to
           beleive
           that
           God
           is
           ,
           unless
           withal
           he
           believe
           that
           he
           is
           the
           Rewarder
           of
           them
           that
           diligently
           seek
           him
           .
           Yet
           of
           this
           sort
           it
           is
           to
           be
           feared
           ,
           that
           there
           ,
           are
           many
           amongst
           us
           ,
           yea
           some
           that
           make
           great
           
             Advantages
             of
             Religion
             ,
          
           do
           live
           and
           talk
           as
           if
           they
           esteemed
           it
           all
           a
           Fable
           .
           But
           I
           speak
           of
           that
           which
           is
           called
           
             Practical
             Atheism
             ,
          
           when
           men
           live
           and
           act
           as
           if
           they
           were
           influenced
           by
           prevalent
           thoughts
           ,
           that
           
             there
             is
             no
             God
             :
          
           such
           the
           Nation
           is
           replenished
           withal
           ,
           and
           it
           exerts
           it self
           especially
           two
           ways
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           In
           
             Cursed
             Oaths
          
           and
           blasphemous
           Execrations
           ,
           whereby
           the
           highest
           contempt
           is
           cast
           on
           the
           Divine
           Name
           and
           Being
           .
           The
           most
           
             excellent
             Thuanus
             ,
          
           giving
           an
           account
           of
           the
           
             Parisian
             Massacre
             ,
          
           with
           the
           horrible
           Desolations
           that
           ensued
           thereon
           ,
           ascribes
           it
           in
           the
           first
           place
           unto
           the
           
             Anger
             of
             God
             ,
             revenging
             the
             horrid
             Oaths
             and
             monstrous
             Blasphemies
             ,
             which
             from
             the
             Court
             ,
             had
             spread
             themselves
             over
             all
             the
             Nation
             .
          
           Histor.
           Lib.
           53
           :
           Nor
           is
           it
           otherwise
           among
           
           us
           at
           present
           ,
           though
           not
           Generally
           amongst
           all
           ,
           yet
           amongst
           many
           ,
           and
           those
           unpunished
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           
             Boldness
             ,
             Confidence
             ,
          
           and
           
             security
             in
             sinning
             .
          
           Many
           are
           neither
           ashamed
           nor
           afraid
           to
           act
           ,
           avow
           ,
           yea
           ,
           and
           boast
           of
           the
           vilest
           of
           Sins
           ,
           The
           awe
           that
           men
           have
           of
           the
           Knowledge
           ,
           Conscience
           and
           Judgment
           of
           others
           ,
           concerning
           their
           evil
           and
           filthy
           actions
           ,
           is
           one
           means
           whereby
           God
           rules
           in
           the
           VVorld
           for
           the
           restraint
           of
           Sin.
           VVhen
           the
           yoke
           hereof
           ,
           is
           utterly
           cast
           away
           ,
           and
           men
           proclaim
           their
           Sins
           like
           
             Sodom
             ,
          
           it
           is
           the
           height
           of
           
             Practical
             Atheism
             .
          
           Nor
           I
           think
           did
           it
           ever
           more
           abound
           in
           any
           age
           ,
           than
           in
           that
           wherein
           we
           live
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           
             The
             loss
             of
             the
             Power
             of
             that
             Religion
          
           whose
           outward
           Form
           we
           do
           retain
           .
           VVe
           are
           all
           
             Protestants
             ,
          
           and
           will
           abide
           to
           be
           of
           the
           Protestant
           Religion
           ;
           but
           wherein
           ?
           in
           the
           
             Confession
          
           and
           all
           the
           Outward
           Forms
           of
           the
           Rule
           and
           Worship
           of
           the
           Church
           .
           But
           are
           men
           changed
           ,
           renewed
           ,
           converted
           to
           God
           by
           the
           
             Doctrine
             of
             this
             Religion
             ?
          
           are
           they
           made
           Humble
           ,
           Holy
           ,
           Zealous
           ,
           fruitful
           in
           good
           Works
           by
           it
           ?
           have
           they
           experience
           of
           the
           power
           of
           it
           in
           their
           own
           Souls
           in
           its
           transforming
           of
           them
           into
           the
           Image
           
           of
           God
           ?
           Without
           these
           things
           it
           is
           of
           very
           little
           avail
           what
           Religion
           men
           profess
           .
           This
           is
           that
           which
           is
           of
           evil
           
             Abode
          
           to
           the
           Professors
           of
           the
           
             Protestant
             Religion
          
           at
           this
           day
           through
           the
           World.
           The
           Glory
           ,
           the
           Power
           ,
           the
           Efficacy
           of
           it
           ,
           are
           ,
           if
           not
           lost
           and
           dead
           ,
           yet
           greatly
           decayed
           ;
           and
           an
           outward
           
             Carcase
          
           of
           it
           ,
           in
           Articles
           of
           Faith
           and
           Forms
           of
           worship
           ,
           doth
           only
           abide
           .
           Hence
           have
           the
           Reformed
           Churches
           most
           of
           them
           
             a
             name
             to
             live
             ,
             but
             are
             dead
             ;
          
           living
           only
           on
           a
           traditional
           Knowledge
           ,
           Principles
           of
           Education
           ,
           Advantages
           and
           Interest
           ,
           in
           all
           which
           the
           
             Roman
             Religion
          
           doth
           every
           way
           exceed
           them
           ,
           and
           will
           carry
           the
           Victory
           ,
           when
           the
           Contest
           is
           reduced
           unto
           such
           Principles
           only
           .
           And
           unless
           God
           be
           pleased
           by
           some
           
             renewed
             Effusion
             of
             his
             Blessed
             Spirit
             from
             above
             ,
          
           to
           revive
           ,
           and
           re-introduce
           a
           Spirit
           of
           Life
           ,
           Holiness
           ,
           Zeal
           ,
           readiness
           for
           the
           Cross
           ,
           Conformity
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           and
           Contempt
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           in
           &
           among
           the
           Churches
           which
           profess
           the
           
             Protestant
             Religion
             ,
          
           he
           will
           ere
           long
           take
           away
           the
           
             hedg
             of
             his
             protecting
             Providence
             ,
          
           which
           now
           for
           some
           Ages
           he
           hath
           kept
           about
           them
           ,
           and
           leave
           them
           for
           a
           spoil
           unto
           their
           Enemies
           .
           So
           he
           threatneth
           to
           do
           in
           the
           like
           case
           ,
           
             Isai.
          
           5.
           5
           ,
           6.
           such
           is
           the
           State
           described
           ,
           2
           
             Tim.
          
           ●
           .
           1
           ,
           2
           ,
           3
           ,
           4
           ,
           5.
           
        
         
         
           3.
           
           
             Open
             Contempt
             and
             Reproach
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             in
             all
             his
             Divine
             Operations
             ,
          
           is
           another
           Sin
           of
           the
           same
           dreadfull
           Abode
           .
           Our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           he
           who
           speaks
           against
           
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             it
             shall
             not
             be
             forgiven
             him
             ,
             neither
             in
             this
             World
             ,
             neither
             in
             the
             World
             to
             come
             ,
          
           Mat.
           12.
           32.
           
           That
           is
           ,
           those
           who
           persist
           in
           opposing
           or
           reproaching
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           ,
           and
           his
           dispensation
           and
           Operations
           under
           the
           New
           Testament
           ,
           shall
           not
           escape
           vengeance
           and
           punishment
           
             even
             in
             this
             World
             ;
          
           for
           so
           it
           befell
           that
           Generation
           unto
           whom
           he
           spake
           .
           For
           continuing
           to
           do
           despight
           unto
           the
           
             Spirit
             of
             Grace
             ,
          
           wrath
           at
           length
           came
           upon
           them
           
             even
             in
             this
             World
          
           unto
           the
           utmost
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           sense
           of
           the
           place
           .
           Now
           scarcely
           where
           the
           Name
           of
           Christ
           was
           known
           ,
           did
           this
           Iniquity
           more
           abound
           ,
           than
           it
           doth
           at
           this
           day
           amongst
           us
           ,
           For
           not
           only
           is
           the
           
             Divine
             Person
          
           of
           the
           holy
           Spirit
           by
           some
           denied
           ,
           and
           the
           substance
           of
           the
           
             preaching
          
           and
           
             writing
          
           of
           many
           is
           to
           oppose
           all
           his
           peculiar
           Operations
           but
           they
           are
           all
           made
           a
           Scoff
           ,
           a
           Derision
           ,
           and
           a
           Reproach
           openly
           and
           on
           all
           Occasions
           every
           day
           .
           Especially
           as
           he
           is
           a
           Spirit
           of
           
             Regeneration
          
           and
           
             Supplication
             ,
          
           he
           is
           the
           object
           of
           Multiplyed
           sober
           Blasphemies
           .
           This
           Iniquity
           will
           be
           revenged
           .
        
         
         
           4.
           
           
             The
             abounding
             of
             Vncleanness
             ,
          
           which
           having
           broken
           forth
           from
           a
           corrupt
           Fountain
           ,
           hath
           overspread
           the
           Land
           like
           a
           Deluge
           ,
           These
           Sins
           I
           say
           among
           others
           have
           such
           a
           
             Predominancy
          
           among
           us
           ,
           as
           to
           threaten
           perishing
           without
           Repentance
           .
        
         
           
             Secondly
             ,
          
           It
           is
           required
           ,
           
             that
             all
             sorts
             and
             degrees
             of
             Persons
             ,
             are
             concerned
             in
             the
             Guilt
             of
             some
             of
             these
             provoking
             Sins
             .
          
           For
           Destruction
           is
           threatned
           unto
           all
           ;
           
             you
             shall
             all
             likewise
             perish
             ,
          
           all
           ,
           not
           universally
           ,
           
             pro
             singulis
             generum
             ,
          
           but
           
             generally
             ,
             pro
             generibus
             singulorum
             .
          
           Therefore
           all
           must
           be
           
             some
             way
          
           guilty
           of
           them
           .
           And
           this
           they
           may
           be
           three
           ways
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           
             Personally
          
           in
           their
           own
           Hearts
           ,
           Lives
           and
           Practices
           ,
           which
           includes
           a
           great
           multitude
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           
             By
             not
             hindring
          
           and
           preventing
           these
           Sins
           in
           others
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           their
           duty
           leads
           ,
           and
           their
           power
           enables
           them
           unto
           .
           What
           number
           of
           
             Magistrates
             ,
          
           of
           
             Ministers
             ,
          
           of
           
             Parents
             ,
          
           of
           
             Masters
          
           of
           Families
           are
           comprized
           herein
           ,
           is
           evident
           unto
           all
           ,
           especially
           
             Ministers
             ,
          
           see
           
             Mal.
             2
             ,
             7
             ,
             8.
             
             Jer.
          
           23.
           14
           ,
           15.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           By
           not
           mourning
           for
           what
           they
           
             cannot
             
             help
             or
             remedy
             .
          
           For
           it
           is
           such
           alone
           as
           shall
           be
           exempted
           from
           publick
           Calamities
           ,
           
             Ezek.
          
           9.
           
           And
           this
           in
           some
           measure
           takes
           us
           in
           all
           .
           And
           the
           due
           Consideration
           hereof
           ,
           is
           necessary
           ,
           upon
           a
           double
           Account
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           It
           is
           so
           unto
           the
           Manifestation
           of
           the
           Glory
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           publick
           Calamities
           and
           Desolations
           ;
           
             when
             the
             Sword
             slays
             suddenly
             ,
             and
             destroys
             the
             righteous
             with
             the
             wicked
             ;
          
           one
           way
           or
           other
           ,
           in
           one
           degree
           or
           another
           ,
           we
           have
           all
           of
           us
           an
           excess
           unto
           the
           Guilt
           of
           those
           things
           whereby
           such
           Judgments
           are
           procured
           ,
           Who
           can
           say
           he
           is
           innocent
           ?
           who
           can
           complain
           of
           his
           share
           and
           interest
           in
           the
           Calamities
           that
           are
           coming
           upon
           us
           ?
           who
           can
           plead
           that
           he
           ought
           to
           be
           exempted
           ?
           There
           will
           be
           at
           last
           an
           eternal
           Discrimination
           of
           persons
           ;
           but
           as
           unto
           Temporal
           Judgments
           ,
           we
           must
           own
           the
           Righteousness
           of
           God
           ,
           if
           
             we
             also
             fall
             under
             them
             .
          
        
         
           And
           ,
           2.
           
           It
           is
           so
           ,
           for
           the
           humbling
           of
           our
           Souls
           under
           a
           sense
           of
           Sin
           ,
           which
           would
           better
           become
           some
           of
           us
           ,
           than
           feeding
           on
           the
           
             Ashes
             of
             Reserves
          
           for
           Exemption
           in
           the
           Day
           of
           Distress
           .
        
         
           Some
           may
           suppose
           that
           by
           reason
           of
           their
           
             Personal
             Freedom
          
           from
           those
           publick
           provoking
           Sins
           which
           abound
           in
           the
           Nation
           ,
           
           that
           on
           one
           account
           or
           other
           ,
           by
           one
           means
           or
           other
           ,
           they
           shall
           be
           safe
           ,
           as
           in
           some
           
             High
             Place
             .
          
           whence
           they
           may
           
             look
             down
          
           and
           behold
           others
           in
           Distress
           and
           Confusion
           .
           But
           it
           is
           to
           be
           feared
           their
           Mistake
           will
           serve
           only
           to
           increase
           their
           Surprizal
           and
           Sorrow
           .
        
         
           But
           yet
           farther
           ,
           even
           the
           
             Practice
             of
             provoking
             Sins
             ,
          
           abounds
           among
           all
           sorts
           of
           Persons
           .
           I
           do
           not
           say
           that
           all
           
             Individuals
          
           amongst
           us
           ,
           are
           guilty
           of
           them
           :
           for
           were
           it
           so
           ,
           our
           Case
           were
           irreparable
           ,
           like
           that
           of
           
             Sodom
             ,
          
           when
           there
           were
           not
           ten
           righteous
           persons
           to
           be
           found
           in
           it
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           such
           as
           were
           free
           from
           the
           Guilt
           of
           those
           Sins
           ,
           whose
           Cry
           came
           up
           to
           Heaven
           ;
           for
           then
           there
           would
           be
           no
           room
           for
           Repentance
           or
           Reformation
           .
           But
           whereas
           there
           are
           several
           sorts
           and
           degrees
           of
           persons
           ,
           some
           high
           and
           some
           low
           ,
           some
           Rulers
           ,
           and
           some
           Ruled
           ,
           some
           Rich
           ,
           and
           some
           Poor
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           Order
           ,
           Sort
           ,
           or
           Degree
           ,
           in
           Court
           ,
           City
           ,
           Country
           ,
           Church
           ,
           or
           Commonwealth
           ,
           that
           are
           free
           from
           provoking
           Sins
           :
           
             Individuals
          
           of
           all
           sorts
           may
           be
           so
           ,
           but
           no
           entire
           sort
           is
           so
           ;
           and
           this
           farther
           entitles
           a
           Nation
           unto
           the
           condition
           enquired
           after
           ,
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           
             It
             is
             so
             ,
             when
          
           the
           World
           is
           
           fully
           of
           such
           Sins
           as
           are
           its
           own
           ,
           as
           are
           proper
           to
           it
           ;
           and
           the
           Churches
           or
           Professors
           such
           as
           are
           peculiar
           unto
           them
           .
           
             If
          
           either
           
             of
             these
             were
             free
             from
             their
          
           several
           Provocations
           ,
           
             there
             might
             be
             yet
             room
             for
             Patience
             and
             Mercy
             .
             And
             these
             are
             distinct
             .
          
        
         
           The
           Sins
           of
           the
           World
           are
           ,
           
             the
             Lusts
             of
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             the
             Lust
             of
             the
             eyes
             ,
          
           and
           the
           
             Pride
             of
             Life
             .
          
           Sensuality
           ,
           Luxury
           ,
           Uncleanness
           Covetousness
           ,
           Ambition
           ,
           Oppression
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           ,
           with
           Security
           .
           In
           these
           things
           the
           Nation
           is
           fertil
           towards
           its
           own
           Ruine
           .
        
         
           The
           Sins
           
             peculiar
             unto
             Churches
          
           and
           
             Professors
             ,
          
           are
           intimated
           by
           our
           Blessed
           Saour
           ,
           in
           his
           Charge
           on
           the
           
             Asian
             Churches
             Rev.
             2
             ,
             3.
             
             Decays
             in
             Grace
             ,
          
           Loss
           of
           Faith
           and
           Love.
           Barreness
           in
           good
           Works
           ,
           Deadness
           ,
           Formality
           ,
           Coldness
           in
           profession
           ,
           Self-Pleasing
           ,
           Pride
           ,
           Hypocrisie
           ,
           Want
           of
           Zeal
           for
           God
           ,
           and
           Delight
           in
           him
           ,
           Divisions
           among
           themselves
           ,
           and
           Conformity
           unto
           the
           VVorld
           .
           And
           some
           of
           these
           things
           at
           present
           are
           so
           prevalent
           among
           us
           ,
           that
           they
           can
           never
           be
           sufficiently
           bewailed
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           no
           small
           Evidence
           that
           the
           Day
           of
           the
           Lord
           is
           nigh
           at
           hand
           ,
           because
           the
           
             Virgins
          
           are
           all
           slumbring
           .
           And
           it
           is
           not
           
           unlikely
           that
           
             Judgment
             will
             begin
             at
             the
             House
             of
             God.
          
           All
           Flesh
           hath
           corrupted
           its
           ways
           ;
           and
           therefore
           the
           End
           of
           all
           ,
           as
           to
           its
           present
           Condition
           ,
           is
           at
           hand
           .
        
         
           
             Fourthly
             ,
          
           It
           is
           so
           ,
           when
           the
           Sins
           of
           a
           People
           are
           accompanied
           with
           the
           
             highest
             Aggravations
             that
             they
             are
             capable
             of
             in
             this
             World
             ;
          
           and
           those
           arise
           from
           hence
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           committed
           against
           
             Warnings
             ,
             Mercies
             and
             Patience
             .
          
           These
           comprize
           the
           ways
           and
           means
           which
           God
           in
           his
           Goodness
           and
           Wisdom
           useth
           to
           reclaim
           and
           recall
           men
           from
           their
           Sins
           :
           And
           by
           whomsoever
           they
           are
           despised
           ,
           
             they
             treasure
             up
             unto
             themselves
             wrath
             against
             the
             Day
             of
             wrath
             ,
             and
             the
             Revelation
             of
             the
             righteous
             Judgments
             of
             God
             ,
          
           Rom.
           2.
           4
           ,
           5.
           
           What
           can
           save
           a
           People
           by
           whom
           the
           only
           Remedies
           of
           their
           Relief
           are
           despised
           ?
           What
           Warnings
           and
           Previous
           Judgments
           we
           have
           had
           in
           this
           Nation
           ,
           shall
           be
           afterwards
           spoken
           unto
           .
           That
           there
           hath
           been
           no
           effect
           ,
           no
           fruit
           of
           them
           ,
           is
           evident
           unto
           all
           .
           Their
           Language
           is
           ,
           
             Except
             ye
             repent
             ye
             shall
             perish
             .
          
           Who
           hath
           complied
           with
           the
           Calls
           of
           God
           herein
           ?
           What
           
             Reformation
          
           hath
           been
           engaged
           in
           on
           this
           account
           ?
           Have
           we
           not
           turned
           a
           deaf
           ear
           to
           all
           the
           Calls
           of
           God
           ?
           
           who
           hath
           mourned
           ,
           who
           hath
           trembled
           ,
           who
           hath
           sought
           for
           an
           Entrance
           into
           the
           
             Chambers
             of
             Providence
          
           in
           the
           Day
           of
           Indignation
           ?
           By
           some
           these
           Warnings
           have
           been
           
             despised
          
           and
           
             scoffed
          
           at
           ,
           by
           some
           
             put
             off
             unto
             others
             ,
          
           as
           their
           Concernment
           ,
           not
           their
           own
           ,
           by
           the
           most
           
             neglected
             ,
          
           or
           turned
           into
           matter
           of
           common
           Discourse
           ,
           without
           laying
           them
           to
           heart
           .
        
         
           And
           as
           for
           
             Mercies
             ,
          
           the
           whole
           
             Earth
          
           hath
           been
           turned
           into
           a
           
             Stage
          
           for
           the
           consumption
           of
           them
           on
           the
           Lusts
           of
           Men.
           The
           Nation
           hath
           been
           soak'd
           with
           
             Showers
             of
             Mercies
             ,
          
           enough
           to
           have
           made
           it
           very
           fruitful
           unto
           God
           ;
           but
           through
           a
           
             vicious
             malignant
             Humor
          
           in
           the
           hearts
           of
           Men
           ,
           there
           have
           been
           truly
           brought
           forth
           nothing
           but
           Pride
           ,
           Vanity
           ,
           Gallantry
           ,
           Luxury
           ,
           and
           Security
           in
           City
           and
           Country
           every
           where
           .
           The
           Pestilent
           deceitful
           Art
           of
           Sin
           hath
           turned
           the
           Means
           of
           our
           Conversion
           unto
           God
           into
           instruments
           of
           Rebellion
           against
           God.
           How
           will
           
             England
          
           answer
           for
           abused
           Mercies
           in
           the
           Day
           of
           Visitation
           ?
           And
           in
           all
           these
           things
           hath
           the
           
             Patience
          
           also
           of
           God
           been
           abused
           ,
           which
           hath
           been
           extended
           unto
           us
           ,
           beyond
           all
           thoughts
           and
           Expectations
           .
           And
           yet
           Men
           of
           all
           sorts
           please
           themselves
           ,
           as
           if
           that
           they
           were
           over
           this
           or
           that
           difficulty
           ,
           
           all
           would
           be
           well
           again
           without
           any
           Return
           unto
           God.
           
        
         
           
             Fifthly
             ,
          
           These
           things
           render
           impendent
           Judgments
           inevitable
           without
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           ,
           
             when
             they
             are
             committed
             in
             a
             Land
             of
             Light
             and
             Knowledge
             .
          
           Such
           the
           Land
           hath
           been
           ,
           and
           wherein
           yet
           there
           is
           any
           defect
           therein
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           part
           of
           the
           Sin
           and
           Punishment
           of
           the
           Nation
           .
           See
           
             Isa.
          
           26.
           10.
           
           From
           the
           Light
           that
           was
           in
           it
           ,
           it
           might
           well
           be
           esteemed
           a
           Land
           of
           Uprightness
           :
           But
           how
           hath
           it
           been
           rebelled
           against
           ,
           hated
           ,
           opposed
           ,
           maligned
           and
           persecuted
           in
           all
           the
           Fruits
           of
           it
           ,
           is
           rather
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           some
           to
           be
           bewailed
           ,
           than
           declared
           .
        
         
           And
           thus
           much
           may
           suffice
           to
           be
           spoken
           unto
           the
           first
           
             Supposition
          
           in
           our
           Proposition
           concerning
           the
           Sins
           of
           a
           Church
           ,
           Nation
           or
           People
           ,
           which
           unavoidably
           expose
           them
           unto
           desolating
           Judgments
           ,
           when
           God
           gives
           Indication
           of
           their
           Approach
           ,
           unless
           they
           are
           prevented
           by
           Repentance
           ;
           and
           we
           have
           seen
           a
           little
           ,
           and
           
             but
             a
             little
          
           of
           what
           is
           our
           Concernment
           herein
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Our
           Second
           Enquiry
           is
           ,
           
             Of
             what
             sort
             those
             Judgments
             are
             ,
             which
             in
             a
             time
             
             of
             great
             provocation
             ,
             are
             to
             be
             looked
             on
             as
             impendent
             ,
             and
             ready
             to
             seize
             on
             us
             .
          
           And
           they
           are
           of
           three
           sorts
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Such
           as
           are
           
             Absolute
             ,
             Decretory
             ,
          
           and
           
             Vniversal
             .
          
        
         
           There
           is
           mention
           in
           the
           Scripture
           of
           Judgments
           
             Threatned
             ,
          
           which
           God
           hath
           as
           it
           were
           
             repented
             him
             of
             ,
          
           and
           changed
           the
           Actings
           of
           his
           Providence
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           not
           be
           inflicted
           .
           See
           
             Amos
          
           7
           ,
           3
           ,
           6.
           
           And
           there
           are
           Judgments
           threatned
           ,
           which
           have
           been
           diverted
           by
           the
           
             Repentance
             of
             Men
             ;
          
           as
           it
           was
           in
           the
           Case
           of
           
             Nineveh
             .
          
           But
           in
           this
           case
           ,
           neither
           
             will
             God
             repent
             ,
          
           nor
           
             shall
             man
             repent
             ;
          
           but
           those
           judgments
           shall
           be
           universal
           and
           unavoidable
           :
           And
           of
           this
           sort
           we
           have
           three
           Instances
           recorded
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           two
           are
           past
           ,
           and
           one
           is
           yet
           for
           to
           come
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           first
           is
           that
           of
           
             the
             Old
             World
             :
          
           It
           is
           said
           .
           that
           upon
           their
           Provocations
           ,
           
             God
             repented
             him
             that
             he
             had
             made
             Man
             ,
          
           on
           the
           Earth
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           he
           would
           deal
           with
           him
           as
           if
           he
           had
           done
           so
           ,
           which
           must
           be
           by
           an
           universal
           Destruction
           .
           He
           
             would
             not
             repent
          
           of
           the
           Evil
           he
           had
           determined
           ;
           but
           positively
           declared
           ,
           that
           
             the
             End
             of
             all
             Flesh
          
           was
           come
           before
           him
           .
           Nor
           
             did
             Man
             
             repent
             ;
          
           for
           as
           our
           Saviour
           testifies
           ,
           they
           continued
           in
           their
           Security
           until
           
             the
             Day
             that
          
           Noah
           
             entred
             into
             the
             Ark
             ,
          
           Matth.
           24.
           
           Yet
           it
           may
           be
           observed
           ,
           that
           after
           things
           were
           come
           to
           that
           pass
           ,
           that
           there
           was
           no
           possibility
           of
           turning
           away
           the
           Judgment
           threatned
           ,
           yet
           God
           exercised
           
             Forbearance
          
           towards
           them
           ,
           and
           gave
           them
           the
           outward
           
             Means
             of
             Repentance
          
           and
           Reformation
           ,
           1
           
             Pet.
          
           3.
           20.
           
           They
           had
           amongst
           them
           the
           
             Ministry
             of
          
           Noah
           ,
           
             a
             Preacher
             of
             Righteousness
             ,
          
           and
           that
           continued
           for
           a
           long
           season
           in
           the
           Patience
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           [
           And
           let
           none
           please
           themselves
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           the
           
             outward
             means
             of
             the
             Ministry
          
           continued
           unto
           them
           ;
           for
           not
           withstanding
           that
           fruit
           of
           Gods
           Patience
           ,
           their
           Destruction
           may
           be
           inevitable
           .
           For
           as
           God
           may
           grant
           unto
           them
           to
           satisfie
           his
           own
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           Glorisie
           his
           Patience
           ,
           so
           unto
           them
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           no
           other
           End
           ,
           but
           the
           hardning
           of
           them
           in
           their
           Sin
           ,
           and
           the
           Aggravation
           of
           their
           Sins
           ,
           
             Isa.
          
           6.
           9.
           10
           ,
           11
           ,
           12.
           
           And
           this
           Example
           of
           
             the
             Old
             World
             ,
          
           is
           frequently
           proposed
           ,
           and
           that
           to
           Christians
           ,
           to
           Professors
           ,
           to
           Churches
           ,
           to
           deliver
           them
           from
           Security
           in
           a
           time
           of
           approaching
           Judgments
           .
           ]
        
         
         
           2.
           
           The
           second
           Instance
           hereof
           was
           in
           the
           
             Judaical
          
           Church-State
           ;
           the
           People
           ,
           Nation
           ,
           Temple
           ,
           Worship
           ,
           and
           all
           that
           was
           valuable
           among
           them
           .
           This
           Judgment
           also
           in
           its
           approach
           ,
           was
           such
           ,
           as
           with
           respect
           whereunto
           ,
           
             God
             would
             not
             repent
             ,
          
           and
           
             Man
             could
          
           not
           repent
           ,
           although
           a
           day
           ,
           a
           time
           and
           space
           of
           Repentance
           was
           granted
           unto
           them
           .
           So
           it
           is
           declared
           by
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           
             Luke
          
           19.
           41.
           42
           ,
           43
           ,
           44
           ,
           They
           had
           a
           
             Day
             ,
          
           it
           was
           theirs
           in
           a
           peculiar
           manner
           ,
           a
           day
           of
           Patience
           and
           of
           the
           means
           of
           Conversion
           ,
           in
           the
           Ministry
           of
           Christ
           and
           his
           Apostles
           .
           Yet
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             the
             things
             of
             thy
             Peace
             are
             now
             hid
             from
             thee
             ,
          
           so
           as
           that
           they
           must
           irrecoverably
           and
           eternally
           perish
           .
           So
           is
           their
           State
           described
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ;
           1
           
             Thes.
             2.
             14.
             15
             ,
             16.
             
          
        
         
           But
           it
           may
           be
           said
           ,
           if
           their
           Destruction
           
             was
             so
             absolutely
             determined
             ,
          
           that
           it
           was
           impossible
           it
           should
           be
           either
           longer
           suspended
           or
           diverted
           .
           Unto
           what
           end
           did
           God
           grant
           
             them
             a
             Day
             ,
          
           such
           
             a
             day
             of
             Grace
             and
             Patience
          
           which
           they
           could
           not
           make
           use
           of
           ?
           I
           answer
           he
           did
           it
           for
           the
           Manifestation
           of
           the
           Glory
           of
           his
           Grace
           ,
           Righteousness
           and
           Severity
           ;
           and
           that
           these
           two
           ways
           .
        
         
         
           1.
           
           In
           the
           Calling
           ,
           Conversion
           ,
           and
           gathering
           of
           his
           
             Elect
          
           out
           of
           the
           Perishing
           multitude
           of
           them
           that
           were
           hardned
           .
           During
           the
           continuance
           of
           that
           day
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           Patience
           among
           them
           ,
           for
           about
           the
           space
           of
           fourty
           year
           ,
           all
           the
           Elect
           of
           that
           Generation
           were
           converted
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           delivered
           from
           the
           Curse
           that
           came
           upon
           the
           Church
           and
           Nation
           .
           For
           although
           I
           will
           not
           say
           ,
           but
           some
           of
           them
           might
           suffer
           ,
           yea
           fall
           in
           the
           outward
           publick
           Calamities
           of
           that
           season
           ,
           yet
           they
           were
           all
           delivered
           from
           the
           
             Wrath
             of
             God
          
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           saved
           eternally
           .
        
         
           Hereof
           the
           Apostle
           gives
           an
           account
           ,
           
             Rom.
          
           11.
           5
           ,
           6
           ,
           7
           ,
           8
           ,
           9
           ,
           10.
           
           It
           is
           therefore
           in
           a
           time
           of
           great
           Provocations
           ,
           no
           certain
           Evidence
           ,
           that
           inevitable
           publick
           Judgments
           are
           not
           approaching
           ,
           because
           the
           
             Word
             ,
          
           and
           other
           
             means
             of
             Grace
             ,
          
           are
           effectual
           to
           the
           Conversion
           of
           some
           amongst
           us
           ;
           for
           God
           may
           hereby
           be
           gathering
           of
           his
           own
           unto
           himself
           ,
           that
           way
           may
           be
           made
           for
           the
           pouring
           out
           of
           his
           Indignation
           on
           them
           that
           are
           hardned
           ,
        
         
           2.
           
           He
           did
           it
           that
           he
           might
           be
           an
           
             Aggravation
             of
             their
             Sin
             ,
          
           and
           a
           space
           to
           fill
           up
           the
           measure
           of
           their
           Iniquity
           ;
           to
           the
           Glory
           of
           his
           severity
           in
           their
           Destruction
           ;
           
           
             towards
             them
             that
             fell
             ,
             Severity
             .
          
           They
           had
           time
           to
           contract
           all
           the
           guilt
           mentioned
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           1
           
             Thes.
          
           2.
           14
           ,
           15
           ,
           16.
           and
           were
           brought
           into
           the
           State
           and
           Condition
           described
           by
           the
           same
           Apostle
           ;
           
             Heb.
          
           10.
           26
           ,
           27
           ,
           28
           ,
           29
           ,
           30.
           see
           
             Isaiah
             .
          
           6
           ,
           10
           ,
           11.
           12.
           
        
         
           Of
           this
           Judgment
           and
           Destruction
           ,
           that
           of
           the
           
             Old
             World
          
           was
           a
           Precedent
           and
           Token
           ;
           which
           was
           despised
           by
           those
           obdurate
           Sinners
           ,
           2
           
             Pet.
          
           3.
           5
           ,
           6
           ,
           7.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           third
           Instance
           of
           a
           Judgment
           of
           this
           nature
           which
           is
           yet
           to
           come
           ,
           is
           in
           the
           
             Destruction
             of
             Antichrist
             ,
          
           and
           the
           Idolatrous
           Kingdom
           of
           the
           great
           Adultress
           ,
           and
           the
           persecuting
           Beast
           .
           With
           respect
           hereunto
           also
           ,
           God
           
             will
             not
             repent
             ,
          
           nor
           
             shall
             men
             do
             so
             ;
          
           so
           that
           it
           is
           inevitable
           .
           So
           is
           it
           declared
           ,
           
             Rev.
          
           18.
           8.
           
           This
           God
           hath
           determined
           ,
           and
           it
           shall
           be
           accomplished
           in
           its
           appointed
           Season
           ;
           
             for
             strong
             is
             the
             Lord
             God
             who
             Judgeth
             them
             ,
          
           and
           none
           shall
           deliver
           them
           out
           of
           his
           Hand
           ;
           because
           of
           the
           improbability
           of
           it
           because
           of
           the
           great
           Power
           of
           
             Babylon
             ,
          
           in
           its
           self
           ,
           and
           in
           its
           Allyes
           ,
           the
           Kings
           and
           Merchants
           of
           the
           Earth
           .
           The
           
             Omnipotency
          
           of
           God
           is
           engaged
           to
           secure
           the
           Church
           of
           its
           Destruction
           ;
           
             strong
             is
             the
             Lord
             God
             
             who
             judgeth
             her
             .
          
           She
           also
           hath
           her
           day
           ,
           wherein
           she
           
             will
             not
             ,
          
           wherein
           she
           
             shall
             not
          
           repent
           .
           When
           God
           begins
           to
           execute
           his
           Plagues
           against
           her
           ,
           none
           that
           belong
           unto
           her
           will
           repent
           of
           any
           of
           their
           Abominations
           ,
           
             Rev.
          
           9.
           20.
           21.
           and
           Chap.
           16.
           9
           ,
           11.
           
           Yet
           is
           there
           
             a
             day
             of
             Patience
          
           continued
           unto
           this
           Idolatrous
           persecuting
           Church
           ,
           partly
           that
           they
           may
           
             fill
             up
             the
             measure
             of
             their
             Iniquities
             ;
          
           and
           partly
           that
           God
           may
           by
           the
           Word
           and
           means
           of
           Grace
           ,
           gather
           out
           all
           his
           People
           from
           amongst
           them
           according
           unto
           his
           Calls
           ;
           
             Rev.
          
           8.
           14.
           
           And
           our
           slowness
           in
           coming
           forth
           from
           them
           ,
           is
           probably
           one
           means
           of
           prolonging
           the
           day
           of
           her
           desolation
           .
           And
           now
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           seems
           to
           say
           unto
           his
           People
           ,
           what
           the
           Angel
           said
           unto
           
             Lot
             ,
          
           when
           he
           led
           him
           out
           of
           
             Sodom
             ;
             Make
             hast
             to
             escape
             ,
             for
             I
             cannot
             do
             any
             thing
             until
             you
             are
             escaped
             ,
          
           Gen.
           19.
           22.
           
           And
           I
           hope
           the
           time
           is
           approaching
           ,
           wherein
           he
           will
           deal
           with
           his
           People
           as
           the
           Angel
           dealt
           with
           
             Lot
             ,
          
           v.
           16.
           
           They
           are
           apt
           to
           linger
           ,
           and
           know
           not
           how
           to
           leave
           the
           outward
           Accommodation
           of
           the
           
             Babylonish
             State
             ,
          
           nor
           clear
           themselves
           of
           innumerable
           Prejudices
           received
           therein
           .
           But
           he
           being
           
             merciful
             unto
             them
             ,
          
           will
           at
           length
           lay
           hold
           on
           them
           by
           the
           Word
           of
           his
           Power
           ,
           and
           take
           them
           out
           of
           the
           
           City
           ,
           in
           a
           compleat
           Relinquishment
           of
           that
           cursed
           State.
           
        
         
           Now
           unto
           this
           sort
           of
           Judgments
           ,
           there
           are
           two
           things
           concurring
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           there
           is
           a
           
             Determinate
             Decree
          
           concerning
           them
           .
        
         
           That
           there
           is
           a
           
             a
             Judicial
             Obduration
          
           upon
           the
           People
           ,
           whom
           they
           are
           determined
           against
           ,
           
             accompanying
             them
             ;
          
           that
           no
           Calls
           to
           
             Repentance
          
           or
           
             Reformation
          
           shall
           be
           complyed
           withal
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           divert
           them
           .
           I
           am
           satisied
           upon
           such
           Evidence
           as
           I
           shall
           give
           afterwards
           ,
           that
           this
           is
           not
           the
           Condition
           of
           
             England
             ;
          
           howbeit
           ,
           we
           have
           cause
           enough
           to
           tremble
           at
           the
           severest
           of
           Divine
           Judgments
           .
        
         
           
             Secondly
             ,
          
           The
           second
           sort
           of
           Judgments
           are
           ,
           such
           as
           are
           
             deservedly
             threatned
             ,
          
           and
           determined
           ,
           yet
           so
           as
           that
           no
           
             Judicial
             hardness
          
           doth
           absolutely
           go
           a
           long
           with
           them
           ,
           to
           make
           utterly
           void
           the
           proceeding
           Day
           of
           Grace
           and
           Patience
           ,
           and
           all
           Reformation
           impossible
           .
        
         
           They
           cannot
           ,
           they
           shall
           not
           be
           utterly
           remov'd
           by
           a
           total
           deliverance
           from
           them
           ,
           but
           yet
           they
           may
           have
           many
           Alleviations
           ,
           and
           Mitigations
           ;
           and
           be
           sanctisied
           
           unto
           them
           whom
           they
           do
           befall
           ;
           a
           full
           Instance
           hereof
           we
           have
           in
           the
           
             Babylonish
             Captivity
             ,
          
           as
           an
           Account
           is
           given
           us
           of
           it
           ,
           2
           Kings
           23.
           25
           ,
           26
           ,
           27.
           
           
             Like
             unto
             him
             was
             there
             no
             king
             before
             him
             ,
             that
             turned
             to
             the
             Lord
             with
             all
             his
             Heart
             ,
             and
             with
             all
             his
             Soul
             ,
             and
             with
             all
             his
             might
             ,
             according
             to
             all
             the
             Law
             of
          
           Moses
           
             never
             after
             him
             arose
             there
             any
             like
             him
             .
             Notwithstanding
             ,
             the
             Lord
             turned
             not
             from
             the
             fierceness
             of
             his
             wrath
             wherewith
             his
             Anger
             was
             kind●ed
             against
          
           Judah
           ,
           
             because
             of
             all
             their
             Pro●●cations
             that
          
           Manasseh
           
             had
             provoked
             him
             withal
             .
             And
             the
             Lord
             said
             ,
             I
             will
             removed
          
           Judah
           
             also
             out
             of
             my
             sight
             ,
             as
             I
             have
             removed
          
           Israel
           ,
           
             and
             will
             cast
             off
             this
             City
          
           Hierusalem
           
             which
             I
             have
             chosen
             ,
             and
             the
             House
             of
             which
             I
             said
             ,
             My
             Name
             shall
             be
             there
             .
          
        
         
           God
           hath
           decreed
           and
           determined
           to
           cast
           off
           
             Judah
          
           and
           
             Jerusalem
          
           for
           their
           Sin
           ,
           to
           bring
           a
           wasting
           Desolation
           upon
           them
           .
           When
           this
           Judgment
           was
           approaching
           ,
           Josiah
           endeavours
           a
           
             through
             Reformation
          
           of
           all
           things
           in
           the
           Land
           ,
           Religious
           ,
           Civil
           ,
           and
           Moral
           .
           Yet
           would
           not
           God
           revoke
           his
           Sentence
           of
           a
           great
           Calamity
           on
           the
           whole
           Nation
           .
           The
           secret
           Reason
           hereof
           was
           ,
           that
           the
           Body
           of
           the
           people
           was
           
             Hypocritical
          
           in
           that
           Reformation
           ,
           and
           
           quickly
           returned
           unto
           their
           former
           Abomination
           ,
           ver
           ,
           3.
           10.
           
           
             Judah
             hath
             not
             turned
             to
             me
             with
             her
             whole
             heart
             ,
             but
             feignedly
             saith
             the
             Lord.
          
           See
           Chap.
           4.
           18.
           
           Howbeit
           this
           Reformation
           of
           
             Josiah
          
           was
           accepted
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           had
           its
           influence
           into
           the
           Mitigation
           or
           Sanctification
           of
           the
           ensuing
           Desolation
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           sort
           of
           Judgment
           is
           very
           different
           from
           that
           before
           insisted
           on
           :
           For
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           It
           is
           but
           
             Partial
             ;
          
           there
           is
           a
           Remnant
           alwaies
           left
           among
           a
           People
           ,
           that
           shall
           escape
           it
           .
           So
           was
           there
           in
           those
           days
           ;
           there
           was
           an
           
             Escape
          
           of
           it
           ,
           a
           
             Remnant
             ,
          
           whom
           God
           delivered
           and
           preserved
           ;
           which
           were
           as
           a
           Blessing
           in
           the
           Cluster
           ,
           on
           the
           Account
           whereof
           ,
           the
           whole
           was
           not
           utterly
           destroyed
           ,
           This
           the
           Scripture
           very
           much
           insists
           on
           ,
           
             Isai
             65.
             6
             ,
             7.
             
             Zech
             3.
             11
             ,
             12.
             
             Amos
          
           9.
           8
           ,
           9.
           
        
         
           As
           it
           is
           not
           Total
           ,
           so
           it
           is
           not
           Final
           ;
           even
           in
           the
           severity
           of
           his
           Wrath
           God
           designed
           the
           Recovery
           of
           that
           People
           again
           in
           the
           appointed
           Season
           ;
           giving
           Promises
           thereof
           unto
           them
           that
           feared
           him
           :
           And
           so
           it
           came
           to
           pass
           in
           the
           return
           of
           their
           Captivity
           .
           See
           the
           
             History
             hereof
          
           Jer.
           31.
           
           32.
           
           God
           may
           have
           ,
           for
           our
           Sins
           ,
           determined
           a
           desolating
           Calamity
           on
           this
           Nation
           ;
           yet
           if
           there
           be
           not
           a
           
             Judiciary
             hardness
          
           upon
           us
           ,
           it
           may
           only
           be
           
             partial
          
           and
           
             recoverable
             ,
          
           not
           as
           it
           was
           with
           
             Israel
             1
             Kings
          
           14.
           10.
           
           See
           
             Jer.
             4.
             27.
             
             Chap.
             5.
             18.
             
             Chap.
          
           30.
           31
           ,
           32.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           It
           was
           
             sanctified
          
           and
           
             blessed
          
           unto
           them
           who
           were
           upright
           and
           sincere
           ,
           and
           who
           endeavoured
           the
           removal
           of
           it
           by
           Reformation
           ,
           though
           they
           suffered
           in
           the
           outward
           Calamity
           .
           The
           
             Good
             Figs
             ,
          
           or
           those
           Typed
           by
           them
           ,
           were
           carried
           into
           Captivity
           ;
           but
           the
           dealing
           of
           God
           with
           them
           therein
           ,
           was
           in
           Mercy
           ,
           
             Jer.
             24.
             5.
             6
             ,
             7.
             
             I
             will
          
           (
           saith
           God
           )
           
             set
             mine
             Eyes
             upon
             them
             for
             Good
             ;
             I
             will
             build
             them
             up
             ,
             and
             not
             pull
             them
             down
             ;
             and
             I
             will
             give
             them
             an
             heart
             to
             know
             me
             ,
             that
             I
             am
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             they
             shall
             be
             my
             People
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             be
             their
             God.
          
           Whatever
           was
           their
           outward
           Condition
           ,
           those
           internal
           ,
           Spiritual
           Mercies
           and
           Priviledges
           made
           it
           sweet
           and
           useful
           unto
           them
           ;
           
             The
             third
             part
             was
             brought
             through
             the
             Fire
             ,
          
           Zech
           13.
           8.
           9.
           
        
         
           4.
           
           God
           makes
           this
           sort
           of
           Judgment
           a
           Means
           fully
           to
           
             reclaim
             and
             reform
          
           them
           ,
           as
           many
           of
           those
           who
           in
           general
           suffer
           under
           
           them
           .
           They
           are
           Gods
           Furnace
           ,
           but
           not
           to
           burn
           ;
           they
           purifie
           and
           cleanse
           as
           Silver
           is
           tried
           ,
           and
           not
           burn
           up
           as
           Stubble
           is
           consumed
           :
           So
           was
           that
           Church
           by
           their
           Captivity
           ,
           Purged
           from
           their
           Idols
           for
           ever
           .
           And
           many
           other
           Differences
           of
           the
           like
           Nature
           might
           be
           assigned
           .
        
         
           And
           in
           the
           Consideration
           of
           this
           sort
           of
           Judgments
           lies
           our
           Concernment
           .
           Who
           knows
           but
           that
           God
           ,
           for
           our
           horrible
           〈◊〉
           and
           
             Contempt
          
           of
           the
           
             Gospel
             ,
          
           with
           all
           the
           
             cursed
             Immoralities
          
           and
           Abominations
           which
           have
           ensued
           thereon
           ,
           and
           the
           cold
           dead
           frame
           of
           Professors
           under
           various
           Means
           of
           Instruction
           ,
           hath
           determined
           to
           bring
           a
           wasting
           Calamity
           on
           this
           Nation
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           will
           not
           turn
           away
           from
           the
           fierceness
           of
           this
           wrath
           ,
           but
           it
           shall
           overtake
           us
           ?
           If
           their
           be
           a
           
             jùdicial
             Hardness
          
           upon
           the
           Land
           ,
           so
           as
           that
           there
           is
           
             no
             Repentance
             ,
             no
             Reformation
          
           endeavoured
           in
           this
           Day
           of
           Patience
           and
           Forbearance
           which
           we
           yet
           enjoy
           ,
           our
           Desolation
           will
           be
           total
           ,
           unsanctified
           ,
           irrevocable
           ;
           and
           through
           another
           People
           may
           be
           raised
           up
           to
           profess
           the
           Gospel
           in
           the
           Land
           ,
           yet
           shall
           we
           be
           unconcerned
           in
           the
           Mercy
           ,
           So
           hath
           it
           been
           before
           in
           this
           Nation
           ,
           and
           in
           all
           the
           Christian
           Nations
           of
           
             Europe
             .
          
           Wo
           
           unto
           us
           ,
           if
           we
           thus
           betray
           the
           Land
           of
           our
           Nativity
           ;
           if
           we
           thus
           give
           it
           up
           to
           be
           an
           Hissing
           and
           Astonishment
           .
           Hearken
           not
           unto
           vain
           words
           ;
           this
           or
           that
           way
           we
           shall
           be
           delivered
           ;
           it
           is
           the
           Day
           of
           our
           Trial
           ,
           and
           who
           knows
           what
           will
           be
           the
           Evening
           thereof
           ?
           But
           on
           the
           other
           hand
           ,
           although
           a
           publick
           Calamity
           should
           be
           determined
           irrevocably
           against
           us
           ,
           if
           we
           use
           the
           Day
           of
           Forbearance
           unto
           the
           Ends
           of
           it
           ,
           in
           Repentance
           and
           Returning
           unto
           God
           ,
           we
           shall
           at
           length
           have
           all
           the
           Advantages
           beforementioned
           :
           it
           will
           be
           but
           
             partial
             ,
          
           it
           will
           be
           but
           
             for
             a
             time
             ,
          
           it
           
             will
             be
             sanctified
             ,
          
           it
           will
           
             purifie
          
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           restore
           it
           unto
           a
           more
           Glorious
           State
           than
           ever
           before
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           There
           are
           judgments
           which
           are
           
             deserved
             ,
          
           and
           
             threatned
             ,
          
           but
           not
           
             decreed
          
           and
           
             determined
             ,
          
           which
           may
           be
           absolutely
           diverted
           and
           escaped
           .
           This
           sort
           of
           Judgments
           is
           frequently
           mentioned
           in
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           so
           also
           are
           frequent
           Deliverances
           from
           them
           ,
           by
           the
           Ways
           and
           Means
           of
           Gods
           appointment
           .
        
         
           And
           concerning
           them
           ,
           we
           may
           observe
           ,
        
         
         
           1.
           
           That
           this
           
             Threatnings
             of
             approaching
             Judgments
             ,
          
           which
           yet
           may
           be
           averted
           ,
           is
           a
           
             Declaration
          
           of
           the
           
             ordinary
             Rule
             of
             Divine
             Justice
             ,
             according
             whereunto
             ,
             a
             Nation
             ,
             or
             People
             ,
             without
             an
             interposition
             of
             Sovereign
             Mercy
             ,
             ought
             to
             be
             destroyed
             .
          
        
         
           God
           doth
           not
           threaten
           ,
           he
           doth
           not
           give
           Warnings
           ,
           Signs
           or
           Indications
           of
           approaching
           Judgments
           ,
           but
           when
           they
           are
           deserved
           ,
           and
           may
           righteously
           be
           executed
           ;
           nor
           is
           there
           any
           known
           Rule
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           to
           give
           an
           Assurance
           of
           the
           contrary
           .
           All
           that
           can
           be
           said
           ,
           is
           ,
           
             Who
             knows
             but
             that
             the
             Lord
             may
             repent
             and
             turn
             from
             the
             fierceness
             of
             his
             Wrath
             ?
          
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           threatnings
           of
           them
           is
           an
           Ordinance
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           call
           us
           unto
           the
           Vse
           of
           such
           Means
           as
           whereby
           they
           may
           be
           prevented
           .
        
         
           He
           foretells
           our
           Destruction
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           not
           be
           destroyed
           ;
           as
           it
           was
           in
           the
           Case
           of
           
             Nineveh
             .
          
           and
           this
           is
           the
           only
           
             Symptom
          
           whereby
           we
           find
           out
           and
           discern
           the
           Nature
           of
           
             threatned
             impendent
             Judgments
             .
          
           If
           the
           Consideration
           of
           them
           ,
           be
           an
           Ordinance
           of
           God
           ,
           stirring
           us
           up
           to
           the
           diligent
           Use
           of
           the
           Means
           whereby
           they
           may
           be
           prevented
           ,
           the
           Design
           of
           God
           
           is
           ,
           to
           give
           in
           Deliverance
           in
           the
           Issue
           .
           If
           it
           doth
           not
           ,
           they
           are
           inevitable
           .
           God
           holds
           the
           Ballance
           yet
           in
           his
           hand
           ,
           and
           we
           know
           not
           which
           way
           we
           incline
           .
           The
           best
           prognostication
           we
           can
           take
           ,
           is
           from
           the
           frame
           of
           our
           own
           hearts
           ,
           ,
           under
           the
           Threatnings
           of
           them
           ,
        
         
           Here
           lies
           the
           Trial
           of
           this
           poor
           Land
           and
           Nation
           at
           this
           Day
           ;
           Judgment
           is
           
             deserved
             ,
          
           Judgment
           is
           
             threatned
             ,
          
           Judgment
           is
           
             approaching
             ,
             the
             Clouds
             are
             the
             Dust
             of
             his
             feet
             ,
          
           If
           
             all
             sorts
          
           of
           Men
           turn
           not
           to
           God
           by
           
             Repentance
             ,
          
           if
           we
           are
           not
           humbled
           for
           our
           contempt
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           outrage
           against
           it
           ,
           if
           we
           leave
           not
           our
           provoking
           Sins
           ,
           Evil
           will
           overtake
           us
           ;
           and
           we
           shall
           not
           escape
           .
           And
           yet
           on
           the
           other
           hand
           ,
           by
           a
           due
           Application
           unto
           him
           who
           holds
           the
           Ballance
           in
           his
           hand
           ,
           
             Mercy
             may
             Glory
             against
             Justice
             ,
          
           and
           we
           may
           have
           Deliverance
           .
        
         
           Those
           great
           Men
           who
           suppose
           all
           things
           pervious
           unto
           their
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           Conquerable
           by
           their
           Industry
           ,
           who
           have
           a
           thousand
           
             flattering
          
           Contrivances
           ,
           for
           the
           safety
           of
           a
           Nation
           ,
           cannot
           more
           despise
           these
           things
           ,
           than
           I
           do
           all
           their
           Councels
           without
           them
           .
           And
           when
           they
           shall
           be
           at
           a
           
           loss
           ,
           and
           shall
           find
           one
           Disappointment
           following
           on
           the
           Neck
           of
           another
           ,
           those
           who
           attend
           unto
           the
           Advice
           of
           God
           in
           this
           Case
           ,
           shall
           
             find
             rest
             and
             Peace
          
           in
           their
           own
           Souls
           .
           And
           as
           for
           them
           who
           
             scosf
          
           at
           these
           things
           ,
           
             and
             say
             ,
             Where
             is
             the
             Promise
             of
             his
             Coming
             ?
          
           (
           that
           is
           ,
           in
           the
           way
           of
           Judgment
           )
           
             For
             since
             the
             Fathers
             fell
             asleep
             ,
             all
             things
             continue
             as
             they
             were
             from
             the
             Creation
             :
          
           there
           needs
           no
           regard
           unto
           God
           in
           these
           things
           ;
           trouble
           us
           not
           with
           the
           
             Fooleries
          
           of
           your
           
             Repentance
             and
             Reformation
             ,
          
           God
           will
           laugh
           at
           
             their
             Calamity
             ,
          
           &c.
           
             Prov.
          
           1.
           26.
           to
           the
           End.
           
        
         
           This
           is
           the
           Second
           thing
           we
           were
           to
           insist
           on
           for
           the
           Clearing
           and
           Confirmation
           of
           the
           General
           Proposition
           before
           laid
           down
           .
        
         
           III.
           Our
           third
           Enquiry
           is
           ,
           What
           
             Evidences
          
           we
           have
           at
           present
           ,
           or
           what
           
             Warnings
          
           we
           have
           had
           of
           approaching
           Judgments
           ?
           For
           this
           also
           belongs
           unto
           the
           indispensable
           Necessity
           of
           
             Repentance
             and
             Reformation
             ,
          
           upon
           the
           approaching
           of
           Troubles
           .
           And
           they
           are
           the
           Ordinances
           of
           God
           unto
           that
           end
           ;
           which
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           despised
           ,
           desolating
           Judgments
           will
           ●nsue
           .
        
         
         
           And
           we
           may
           unto
           this
           End
           ,
           observe
           these
           things
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Ordinarily
           God
           doth
           not
           bring
           wasting
           ,
           desolating
           Judgments
           on
           any
           People
           ,
           Church
           or
           Nation
           ,
           but
           that
           he
           gives
           them
           Warnings
           of
           their
           approach
           .
        
         
           I
           say
           ,
           he
           doth
           not
           
             Ordinarily
          
           do
           so
           ;
           for
           he
           may
           ,
           if
           he
           please
           ,
           surprize
           a
           wiced
           ,
           provoking
           Generation
           of
           men
           with
           the
           most
           dreadfull
           Destructions
           ;
           as
           he
           did
           
             Sodom
          
           and
           
             Gomorrah
          
           of
           old
           :
           And
           very
           many
           dayly
           are
           so
           surprized
           ,
           as
           unto
           their
           
             own
             Apprehensions
             ;
          
           though
           really
           God
           had
           given
           them
           
             Signs
          
           of
           what
           was
           coming
           upon
           them
           ,
           but
           they
           regarded
           them
           not
           ,
           and
           so
           perished
           as
           in
           a
           moment
           .
           But
           ordinarily
           before
           he
           executes
           great
           and
           severe
           Judgments
           ,
           he
           gives
           such
           
             Indications
             ,
             Signs
             and
             warnings
          
           of
           their
           coming
           as
           that
           men
           should
           be
           forced
           to
           take
           notice
           of
           them
           ,
           unless
           they
           be
           absolutely
           hardned
           and
           blinded
           .
           So
           he
           dealt
           with
           the
           
             Old
             World
             ,
          
           in
           the
           
             Building
             of
             the
             Ark
             ,
          
           and
           the
           Ministry
           of
           
             Noah
             :
          
           so
           he
           dealt
           with
           the
           Church
           under
           the
           Old
           Testament
           ,
           in
           and
           by
           the
           Ministry
           of
           the
           Prophets
           ;
           See
           
             Amos
          
           3.
           6
           ,
           7
           ,
           8.
           
           And
           so
           he
           hath
           done
           with
           
           all
           others
           ,
           who
           have
           had
           any
           Knowledge
           of
           him
           or
           of
           his
           ways
           .
           They
           that
           are
           wise
           may
           discern
           these
           things
           ,
           
             Hosea
          
           the
           last
           ,
           
             Mat.
             16.
             3.
             
             Micah
             6.
             9.
             
             Dan.
          
           12.
           10.
           
           And
           in
           all
           Heathen
           Stories
           of
           the
           times
           that
           passed
           over
           them
           ,
           we
           find
           Remarks
           of
           strange
           Indications
           of
           approaching
           Desolations
           .
           And
           he
           doth
           it
           for
           two
           Ends.
           
        
         
           1.
           
           For
           the
           Satisfaction
           of
           his
           own
           
             Goodness
             and
             Love
             to
             Mankind
          
           in
           the
           Exercise
           of
           Patience
           and
           Forbearance
           unto
           the
           utmost
           ,
           
             Hosea
          
           6.
           4.
           as
           also
           for
           the
           Manifestation
           of
           the
           Glory
           of
           his
           Justice
           ,
           when
           he
           comes
           to
           execute
           the
           severity
           of
           his
           Wrath.
           When
           men
           are
           surprised
           with
           publick
           Calamities
           ,
           they
           shall
           not
           be
           able
           to
           say
           ,
           would
           none
           tell
           us
           of
           their
           approach
           ,
           would
           none
           give
           us
           warning
           of
           them
           ?
           had
           we
           been
           told
           of
           the
           terrour
           of
           the
           Lord
           in
           his
           Judgments
           ,
           we
           would
           have
           turned
           from
           our
           Iniquities
           ,
           that
           we
           might
           have
           escaped
           .
           In
           this
           case
           ,
           it
           is
           usual
           with
           God
           in
           the
           Scripture
           to
           call
           
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             to
             Witness
          
           against
           Men
           ,
           that
           he
           did
           warn
           them
           by
           various
           means
           of
           what
           would
           befall
           them
           in
           the
           End.
           This
           is
           our
           principal
           reason
           why
           this
           weak
           ,
           but
           sincere
           
             Testimony
             for
             God
          
           is
           published
           .
           And
           this
           shall
           be
           an
           Aggravation
           of
           their
           
           misery
           in
           the
           day
           of
           their
           distress
           ,
           when
           they
           shall
           seriously
           reflect
           upon
           themselves
           as
           unto
           their
           Folly
           ,
           Guilt
           ,
           and
           Obstinacy
           ,
           in
           despising
           the
           Warnings
           which
           they
           had
           received
           ;
           which
           is
           a
           great
           part
           of
           the
           punishment
           of
           the
           Damned
           in
           Hell
           ,
           
             Ezek.
          
           39.
           23
           ,
           24.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           God
           doth
           it
           for
           the
           End
           under
           consideration
           ;
           namely
           that
           they
           may
           be
           a
           
             means
             to
             call
             a
             poor
             guilty
             People
          
           unto
           that
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           ,
           whereby
           impendent
           Judgments
           may
           be
           divertted
        
         
           
             Secondly
             ,
          
           There
           are
           five
           ways
           whereby
           God
           giveth
           
             Warning
             of
             the
             approach
             of
             desolating
             Judgments
             ,
          
           VVhen
           a
           Land
           is
           full
           of
           Sin.
           
        
         
           1.
           
           He
           doth
           it
           by
           a
           lesser
           
             previous
             Judgments
             and
             Severities
             :
          
           So
           was
           it
           in
           the
           Instances
           in
           the
           
             Text.
          
           The
           destruction
           of
           some
           by
           the
           Sword
           ,
           and
           the
           fall
           of
           a
           Tower
           ,
           was
           a
           
             Warning
          
           to
           the
           whole
           Nation
           of
           the
           approach
           of
           a
           publick
           Calamity
           ,
           unless
           they
           repented
           .
           As
           particular
           Instances
           are
           given
           us
           hereof
           in
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           so
           we
           have
           a
           general
           account
           of
           this
           Method
           of
           Divine
           Providence
           ,
           
             Amos
          
           4.
           1
           ,
           
           2
           ,
           3
           ,
           3
           ,
           4
           ,
           5
           ,
           6
           ,
           7
           ,
           8
           ,
           9.
           
           First
           God
           sent
           the
           Judgment
           of
           the
           
             Grashoppers
             ,
          
           which
           eat
           up
           all
           the
           Grass
           of
           the
           Land
           ,
           and
           so
           occasioned
           a
           
             Famine
             .
          
           This
           Judgment
           being
           not
           improved
           unto
           Repentance
           ,
           he
           called
           
             to
             contend
             by
             Fire
             ,
          
           which
           devoured
           the
           
             Great
             Deep
             ,
             and
             did
             eat
             up
             a
             part
             ,
          
           or
           consumed
           their
           Treasure
           ,
           devouring
           a
           part
           of
           their
           Substance
           .
           But
           when
           this
           also
           was
           neglected
           ,
           then
           came
           the
           
             Plumb-Line
          
           of
           a
           levelling
           Desolation
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           He
           doth
           it
           by
           
             extraordinary
             and
             preternatural
             Operations
          
           in
           the
           works
           of
           Nature
           :
           such
           as
           are
           
             Comets
             ,
          
           or
           
             Blazing-Stars
             ,
             Fiery
             Meteors
             ,
             dreadfull
             Phantsins
             or
             Appearances
             in
             the
             Air
             ,
             Voices
             ,
             Predictions
          
           of
           uncertain
           Original
           ,
           
             mighty
             Winds
             ,
             Earthquakes
             ,
             stopping
             the
             Course
             of
             Rivers
             ,
          
           and
           the
           like
           .
           An
           Account
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           as
           they
           were
           to
           fortel
           and
           fore-signify
           the
           fatal
           Destruction
           of
           
             Hierusalem
             ,
          
           is
           given
           us
           by
           our
           Saviour
           ;
           
             Luke
          
           21.
           25
           ,
           26.
           
           And
           the
           story
           of
           the
           Event
           in
           
             Josephus
             ,
          
           is
           an
           admirable
           Exposition
           of
           this
           Prophecy
           of
           our
           Blessed
           Saviour
           ;
           see
           
             Rev.
          
           6.
           13
           ,
           14.
           
           The
           
             Frame
             of
             Nature
             ,
          
           is
           as
           it
           were
           cast
           into
           a
           trembling
           disorder
           ,
           upon
           the
           approaches
           of
           God
           in
           his
           wrath
           and
           Fury
           ,
           and
           puts
           it self
           forth
           in
           extraordinary
           
           signs
           of
           its
           astonishment
           ;
           trembling
           for
           the
           Inhabitants
           of
           the
           Earth
           ,
           and
           calling
           on
           them
           to
           repent
           ,
           before
           the
           wrath
           of
           the
           terrible
           one
           do
           seize
           upon
           them
           .
           So
           in
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           the
           Seas
           ,
           and
           Rivers
           ,
           Mountains
           ,
           and
           Hills
           are
           represented
           as
           mourning
           ,
           shaking
           ,
           trembling
           at
           the
           presence
           of
           God
           ;
           when
           he
           comes
           to
           execute
           his
           Judgments
           ,
           see
           
             Hab
             ,
             3.
             6.
             7
             ,
             8
             ,
             10
             He
             drove
             asunder
             the
             Nations
             ,
             and
             the
             everlasting
             Mountains
             were
             scattered
             ,
             the
             perpetual
             hils
             did
             bow
             ;
             Was
             the
             Lord
             displeased
             against
             thy
             Rivers
             ?
             Was
             thine
             Anger
             against
             thy
             Rivers
             ?
             Was
             thy
             wrath
             against
             the
             Sea
             ?
             The
             Mountains
             saw
             thee
             and
             they
             trembled
             :
             the
             overflowing
             of
             the
             Water
             passed
             by
             :
             the
             deep
             uttered
             his
             voice
             ,
             and
             lift
             up
             his
             hands
             on
             high
             .
          
        
         
           The
           Mountains
           ,
           Hills
           ,
           Seas
           ,
           Rivers
           ,
           bowed
           ,
           trembled
           ,
           and
           
             lifted
             up
             their
             hands
             ,
          
           as
           crying
           for
           compassion
           ,
           see
           
             Psal.
          
           97.
           2
           ,
           3
           ,
           4
           ,
           5
           ,
           6.
           
           By
           these
           Signs
           and
           Tokens
           in
           Heaven
           and
           Earth
           doth
           God
           give
           Warnings
           of
           his
           coming
           to
           judge
           the
           Inhabitants
           of
           the
           Earth
           .
           God
           doth
           not
           work
           these
           strange
           things
           in
           Heaven
           above
           ,
           and
           the
           Earth
           beneath
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           be
           gazed
           at
           only
           ,
           and
           made
           a
           matter
           of
           talk
           ;
           not
           that
           they
           should
           be
           Subjects
           of
           some
           mens
           
           Curiosity
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Scorn
           of
           others
           .
           There
           is
           a
           voice
           in
           them
           all
           ,
           a
           voice
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           it
           will
           be
           to
           their
           hurt
           by
           whom
           it
           is
           not
           heard
           and
           understood
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           He
           doth
           the
           same
           constantly
           by
           
             the
             Light
             of
             his
             VVord
             .
          
           The
           general
           Rule
           of
           Gods
           ordinary
           Dispensations
           of
           Providence
           is
           fully
           laid
           down
           in
           the
           Scripture
           .
           
             God
             hath
             magnified
             his
             VVord
             above
             all
             his
             Name
             :
          
           so
           as
           that
           no
           VVorks
           of
           Providence
           shall
           be
           unsuited
           to
           the
           Rule
           of
           the
           word
           ,
           much
           less
           contrary
           to
           it
           ,
           or
           inconsistent
           with
           it
           .
           And
           if
           we
           were
           wise
           to
           make
           Application
           of
           it
           unto
           present
           Affairs
           and
           Occasions
           ,
           we
           should
           in
           most
           instances
           know
           in
           general
           what
           God
           is
           doing
           .
           Of
           old
           it
           was
           said
           ,
           
             Surely
             the
             Lord
             God
             will
             do
             nothing
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           in
           the
           way
           of
           Judgments
           ,
           
             but
             he
             reveals
             his
             Secret
             to
             his
             Servants
             the
             Prophets
             ,
          
           Amos
           3.
           7.
           
           What
           they
           had
           by
           immediate
           Revelation
           ,
           we
           may
           have
           in
           a
           measure
           by
           the
           Rule
           of
           the
           word
           ,
           and
           the
           Declaration
           which
           God
           hath
           made
           therein
           ,
           how
           he
           will
           deal
           with
           a
           sinful
           provoking
           People
           .
           So
           having
           threatned
           various
           sorts
           of
           Judgments
           ,
           the
           Prophets
           adds
           ,
           
             Search
             you
             out
             of
             the
             Book
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             read
             ,
             no
             one
             of
             these
             shall
             fail
             ,
             Isai.
          
           34.
           16.
           
           That
           this
           great
           means
           of
           Divine
           
           VVarnings
           may
           be
           usefull
           unto
           us
           ,
           we
           are
           to
           consider
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           VVhat
           are
           the
           stable
           Rules
           given
           in
           the
           Scripture
           concerning
           Sin
           ,
           Repentance
           ,
           Impenitence
           ,
           and
           Judgments
           .
           Such
           Rules
           abound
           in
           it
           :
           And
           no
           dispensations
           of
           Providence
           shall
           interfer
           with
           them
           ;
           God
           will
           no
           give
           such
           a
           Temptation
           unto
           Faith
           ,
           that
           any
           of
           his
           works
           should
           be
           Contradictions
           unto
           his
           VVord
           .
           And
           if
           we
           will
           learn
           our
           present
           Condition
           from
           these
           Rules
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           an
           
             Antidote
          
           against
           Security
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Consider
           the
           Instances
           recorded
           therein
           of
           Gods
           dealings
           with
           sinfull
           provoking
           Nations
           and
           Churches
           ,
           This
           God
           himself
           directed
           the
           People
           of
           old
           unto
           ,
           when
           they
           boasted
           of
           their
           Church-Priviledges
           ,
           sending
           them
           to
           
             Shiloh
             ,
          
           which
           he
           had
           destroyed
           .
           And
           when
           we
           find
           a
           Record
           in
           the
           Book
           of
           God
           concerning
           his
           severity
           towards
           any
           Nation
           in
           our
           Circumstances
           ,
           it
           is
           our
           duty
           to
           beleive
           ,
           that
           he
           will
           deal
           so
           with
           us
           also
           ,
           in
           his
           time
           ,
           unless
           we
           repent
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Always
           bear
           in
           Mind
           our
           
             Infallible
             Guidance
          
           as
           unto
           Gods
           final
           dealing
           with
           impenitent
           Sinners
           .
           This
           the
           whole
           Scripture
           constantly
           ,
           equally
           ,
           universally
           witnesses
           unto
           ;
           that
           it
           shall
           be
           eternal
           Destruction
           :
           
           and
           this
           will
           preserve
           us
           from
           distracting
           Surprisals
           ,
           when
           we
           find
           things
           fall
           out
           beyond
           our
           Expectation
           in
           a
           way
           of
           Severity
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Consider
           those
           Signs
           ,
           Marks
           and
           Tokens
           of
           Approaching
           Judgments
           ,
           which
           are
           set
           up
           in
           the
           VVorld
           ;
           which
           ,
           whoso
           doth
           wisely
           consider
           ,
           he
           will
           not
           fail
           in
           his
           Prognostication
           of
           future
           Events
           .
           Among
           these
           ,
           
             abounding
             in
             Sin
             with
             Security
             ,
          
           in
           such
           Persons
           ,
           Nations
           ,
           Cities
           and
           Churches
           ,
           as
           God
           is
           pleased
           by
           the
           Gospel
           to
           take
           near
           unto
           himself
           in
           a
           peculiar
           manner
           ,
           is
           the
           most
           eminent
           .
           For
           those
           Signs
           are
           Buoys
           fixed
           to
           shew
           when
           we
           shall
           certainly
           make
           Shipwrack
           ,
           if
           we
           approach
           unto
           them
           .
           VVhen
           these
           Rules
           are
           observed
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           diligently
           attended
           unto
           ,
           and
           complied
           withal
           ,
           so
           as
           that
           we
           receive
           Instruction
           from
           them
           ,
           I
           shall
           say
           with
           some
           confidence
           ,
           that
           every
           Believer
           shall
           know
           what
           God
           is
           doing
           in
           a
           way
           of
           Judgment
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           is
           necessary
           unto
           his
           Guidance
           in
           his
           own
           Duty
           ,
           wherein
           he
           shall
           find
           acceptance
           ,
           and
           not
           provoke
           God
           in
           the
           neglect
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           God
           hath
           appointed
           the
           
             Ministry
             of
             the
             word
          
           unto
           the
           same
           end
           .
           The
           principal
           End
           of
           the
           
             Ministery
          
           under
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           
           is
           the
           Dispensation
           of
           the
           word
           of
           
             Reconciliation
             .
          
           But
           neither
           is
           yet
           this
           work
           of
           giving
           
             warning
             of
             approaching
             Judgments
             ,
          
           exempted
           from
           that
           Office
           and
           Duty
           .
           Christ
           himself
           ,
           in
           his
           Ministry
           preacheth
           here
           on
           this
           Subject
           .
           They
           are
           
             Watchmen
          
           and
           
             Overseers
             ;
          
           and
           their
           Duty
           herein
           is
           graphically
           expressed
           ,
           
             Ezek.
          
           34.
           2
           ,
           3
           ,
           4
           ,
           5
           ,
           6
           ,
           7
           ,
           8
           ,
           9.
           
           When
           God
           placeth
           any
           as
           a
           
             VVatchman
          
           for
           a
           People
           ,
           one
           part
           of
           his
           Duty
           is
           to
           look
           diligently
           after
           the
           approach
           of
           Dangers
           and
           Evils
           ;
           such
           I
           mean
           ,
           as
           come
           on
           the
           account
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           thereon
           to
           awaken
           and
           stir
           up
           the
           People
           to
           take
           care
           of
           themselves
           ,
           that
           they
           be
           not
           destroyed
           .
           The
           
             Shepard
          
           is
           not
           only
           to
           provide
           good
           Pasture
           for
           his
           Sheep
           ,
           but
           to
           keep
           them
           from
           danger
           .
           The
           Watchman
           
             hearkned
             diligently
             ,
             with
             much
             heed
             ,
             and
             he
             cryed
             a
             Lyon
             ,
          
           Isai.
           21
           ,
           7
           ,
           8
           ,
           Having
           made
           a
           discovery
           of
           approaching
           danger
           ,
           he
           cries
           out
           to
           the
           People
           to
           warn
           them
           of
           it
           .
           But
           if
           the
           
             Watchmen
          
           are
           slothful
           ,
           and
           sleepy
           ,
           if
           they
           are
           dumb
           Dogs
           and
           cannot
           bark
           when
           Evil
           cometh
           ,
           if
           they
           are
           light
           and
           treacherous
           Persons
           ,
           blind
           Guides
           that
           have
           no
           vision
           ;
           if
           they
           also
           are
           under
           a
           spirit
           of
           slumber
           and
           security
           ,
           so
           as
           that
           the
           people
           are
           not
           warned
           by
           them
           of
           their
           danger
           ;
           this
           is
           one
           of
           the
           most
           
           
             severe
             Tokens
          
           of
           wrath
           approaching
           .
           It
           is
           a
           great
           warning
           ,
           when
           God
           takes
           away
           the
           Means
           of
           warning
           ;
           when
           he
           says
           unto
           a
           People
           ,
           
             I
             will
             warn
             you
             no
             more
             ,
          
           by
           giving
           them
           such
           watchmen
           as
           are
           neither
           faithful
           ,
           nor
           able
           to
           warn
           them
           ,
           and
           by
           taking
           away
           those
           that
           are
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           God
           gives
           warnings
           hereof
           ,
           by
           bringing
           a
           people
           into
           such
           a
           Posture
           ,
           Condition
           ,
           and
           Circumstances
           ,
           as
           do
           in
           their
           own
           Nature
           tend
           unto
           Ruine
           Such
           are
           cross
           Interests
           among
           themselves
           ,
           incurable
           Divisions
           ,
           contrary
           and
           unsteddy
           Counsels
           ,
           weakness
           in
           Spirit
           and
           Courage
           ,
           mutual
           Distrusts
           ,
           Effeminacy
           through
           Luxury
           ,
           with
           one
           or
           other
           insuparable
           entanglement
           ;
           which
           are
           the
           Ways
           and
           Means
           whereby
           Nations
           precipate
           themselves
           into
           calamitous
           Condition
           .
           In
           general
           ,
           as
           unto
           this
           previous
           warning
           of
           approaching
           Judgments
           ,
           God
           threatens
           to
           send
           among
           a
           People
           who
           are
           tending
           towards
           Ruine
           ,
           a
           
             Moth
          
           and
           an
           
             Hornet
             .
          
           The
           
             Moth
          
           he
           threatens
           
             Isai.
             51.
             8.
             
             Hosea
          
           5.
           12.
           
           Somewhat
           that
           shall
           
             eat
             up
          
           and
           devour
           the
           Strength
           and
           Sinews
           of
           the
           Counsels
           of
           a
           Nation
           ,
           as
           a
           
             Moth
          
           devoureth
           a
           Garment
           .
           Whilst
           it
           lies
           still
           ,
           it
           seems
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           to
           be
           sound
           and
           firm
           ;
           hold
           it
           up
           to
           the
           
             Light
             ,
          
           
           and
           it
           appears
           full
           of
           holes
           ,
           and
           is
           easily
           torn
           with
           the
           Finger
           .
           So
           is
           it
           with
           a
           Nation
           ;
           whatever
           outward
           Peace
           it
           seems
           to
           enjoy
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           decaied
           in
           the
           VVisdom
           and
           strength
           of
           its
           Counsels
           ,
           it
           is
           easily
           torn
           in
           pieces
           .
           And
           in
           like
           manner
           he
           sends
           the
           
             Hornet
          
           unto
           the
           same
           end
           ,
           
             Exod.
             23.
             28
             ,
             Deut.
          
           7.
           20.
           that
           is
           ,
           that
           which
           shall
           vex
           ,
           disquiet
           and
           torment
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           shall
           be
           ready
           every
           one
           to
           strike
           himself
           ,
           or
           the
           next
           that
           he
           meeteth
           withal
           ;
           as
           many
           of
           these
           
             Hornets
          
           are
           at
           present
           among
           us
           .
        
         
           These
           are
           some
           of
           the
           VVays
           whereby
           God
           warneth
           a
           People
           ,
           Church
           or
           Nation
           of
           approaching
           Judgments
           .
        
         
           It
           concerneth
           us
           now
           to
           enquire
           how
           it
           is
           ,
           how
           it
           hath
           been
           with
           us
           ,
           with
           reference
           hereunto
           .
           And
           I
           say
           ,
        
         
           It
           is
           
             not
             necessary
          
           that
           God
           should
           use
           
             all
             these
             ways
             of
             Warning
          
           of
           a
           sinful
           People
           ,
           of
           approaching
           Desolations
           ,
           if
           not
           prevented
           by
           Repentance
           :
           It
           is
           enough
           unto
           the
           Ends
           of
           this
           Dispensation
           of
           Divine
           VVisdom
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           if
           he
           make
           use
           
             of
             some
             of
             them
             ,
          
           or
           of
           
             any
             one
             of
             them
          
           in
           an
           eminent
           manner
           ,
           Wherefore
           if
           any
           
           of
           them
           have
           been
           wanting
           among
           us
           ,
           yet
           if
           we
           have
           had
           others
           of
           them
           ,
           it
           is
           sufficient
           to
           render
           us
           excusable
           ,
           if
           we
           repent
           not
           .
           But
           ,
        
         
           2
           ,
           The
           Truth
           is
           ,
           we
           have
           ,
           upon
           the
           matter
           ,
           
             had
             them
             all
             ,
          
           and
           they
           have
           abounded
           amongst
           us
        
         
           VVe
           have
           had
           the
           
             previous
             Judgments
          
           of
           
             Plague
             ,
             Fire
          
           and
           
             War.
             
          
        
         
           Some
           may
           say
           ,
           they
           were
           
             desolating
             Judgments
          
           themselves
           ;
           and
           so
           indeed
           they
           were
           :
           But
           whereas
           Sin
           still
           aboundeth
           ,
           and
           no
           Reformation
           ensued
           upon
           them
           ,
           in
           any
           Places
           ,
           among
           any
           sort
           of
           Persons
           ,
           they
           were
           but
           Warnings
           of
           what
           is
           yet
           to
           come
           ,
           if
           not
           prevented
           .
           And
           their
           Language
           is
           ,
           
             Except
             you
             repent
             ,
             you
             shall
             all
             likewise
             perish
             .
          
        
         
           We
           have
           had
           a
           
             Multiplication
             of
             Signs
          
           in
           the
           Heaven
           above
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Earth
           beneath
           ;
           such
           as
           all
           Mankind
           have
           ever
           esteemed
           Forerunners
           of
           publick
           Calamities
           ;
           and
           the
           more
           they
           are
           despised
           ,
           the
           lowder
           is
           their
           Voice
           to
           the
           same
           purpose
           .
           God
           hath
           continued
           hitherto
           his
           
             Word
          
           amongst
           us
           ,
           wherein
           the
           ordinary
           Rule
           of
           
           his
           Providence
           in
           these
           things
           is
           openly
           declared
           .
           And
           if
           those
           unto
           whom
           the
           Declaration
           of
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           in
           the
           Dispensation
           of
           it
           is
           committed
           ,
           have
           not
           faithfully
           warned
           the
           People
           of
           their
           Danger
           ,
           their
           Blood
           may
           be
           found
           at
           their
           Door
           .
           Herein
           at
           present
           lies
           our
           greatest
           streight
           ;
           The
           
             Efficacy
          
           of
           all
           other
           Calls
           of
           God
           unto
           
             Repentance
             ,
          
           depends
           much
           on
           the
           Application
           of
           them
           unto
           the
           Souls
           and
           Consciences
           of
           Men
           in
           the
           
             Preaching
             of
             the
             Word
             .
          
           But
           whilst
           by
           some
           this
           Work
           is
           despised
           ,
           at
           least
           counted
           unnecessary
           ;
           by
           some
           it
           is
           neglected
           utterly
           ,
           and
           others
           by
           reason
           of
           their
           private
           Capacities
           ,
           whereby
           they
           are
           disenabled
           to
           speak
           unto
           
             Magistrates
             ,
             Cities
             ,
          
           or
           the
           Community
           of
           the
           People
           ,
           Think
           not
           themselves
           concern'd
           therein
           ,
           it
           is
           almost
           wholly
           laid
           aside
           .
           For
           what
           will
           some
           say
           ,
           doth
           this
           speaking
           unto
           
             a
             few
          
           in
           a
           Retirement
           signifie
           as
           unto
           a
           General
           Reformation
           of
           the
           People
           of
           the
           Land
           ?
           But
           whereas
           we
           have
           all
           sinned
           in
           one
           measure
           ,
           Churches
           ,
           and
           all
           sorts
           of
           more
           strict
           Professors
           of
           Religion
           ,
           it
           is
           every
           ones
           Duty
           to
           be
           pressing
           these
           Warnings
           of
           God
           within
           his
           own
           Bounds
           and
           Precincts
           And
           if
           each
           of
           us
           should
           prevail
           but
           with
           
             one
             ,
          
           to
           return
           effectually
           to
           
           God
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           accepted
           with
           him
           ,
           who
           in
           such
           a
           season
           ,
           
             seeks
             for
             a
             man
          
           to
           stand
           in
           the
           gap
           ,
           to
           turn
           away
           his
           wrath
           ;
           and
           will
           save
           a
           City
           for
           the
           
             sake
             for
             Ten
             ,
          
           if
           they
           be
           found
           therein
           .
           Let
           us
           not
           pretend
           that
           the
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           called
           for
           ,
           respects
           the
           
             publick
             enormous
             Sins
          
           of
           the
           Nation
           ,
           in
           
             Atheism
             ,
             Prophaneness
             ,
             Sensuality
             ,
             Luxury
             ,
             Pride
             ,
             Oppression
             ,
             Hatred
             of
             the
             Truth
             ,
             Contempt
             of
             the
             Ministry
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
          
           and
           the
           like
           ;
           they
           do
           so
           indeed
           ,
           but
           not
           
             only
             ,
          
           they
           respect
           also
           the
           
             Decays
             in
             Faith
             ,
             Love
             ,
             Zeal
             ,
          
           with
           
             Love
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             Conformity
             unto
             it
             ,
             Lukewarmness
             ,
          
           that
           are
           found
           amongst
           the
           most
           eminent
           Professors
           of
           Religion
           .
           This
           is
           our
           present
           wound
           ;
           here
           lies
           our
           weakness
           ;
           namely
           ,
           in
           the
           want
           of
           a
           quick
           ,
           active
           ,
           zealous
           Ministry
           ,
           to
           call
           and
           stir
           up
           Magistrates
           and
           People
           to
           effectual
           Repentance
           and
           turning
           to
           God.
           Unless
           this
           be
           given
           unto
           us
           ,
           I
           fear
           we
           cannot
           be
           saved
           .
           If
           it
           be
           otherwise
           ,
           if
           we
           have
           a
           Ministry
           that
           really
           do
           attend
           unto
           their
           Duty
           in
           this
           Matter
           ,
           I
           beg
           their
           pardon
           for
           other
           apprehensions
           ;
           but
           then
           I
           shall
           think
           it
           the
           most
           pregnant
           Sign
           of
           approaching
           Destruction
           ;
           seeing
           it
           is
           apparent
           unto
           all
           ,
           that
           their
           Endeavours
           have
           neither
           Fruit
           nor
           Success
           .
        
         
         
           
             So
             far
             have
             we
             proceeded
             with
             our
          
           Proposition
           ;
           
             Namely
             ;
             That
          
           Sin
           abounds
           amongst
           us
           ;
           
             That
          
           Judgments
           are
           approaching
           ;
           That
           God
           hath
           given
           us
           manifold
           Warnings
           of
           their
           so
           doing
           .
        
         
           
             4.
             
             That
             which
             in
             the
             next
             Place
             we
             are
             to
             speak
             unto
             is
             ,
             the
          
           Equity
           of
           this
           Divine
           Constitution
           ,
           that
           in
           the
           ordinary
           way
           of
           Gods
           Rule
           ,
           and
           Dispensation
           of
           his
           Providence
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           shall
           turn
           away
           impendent
           Judgments
           ,
           and
           procure
           unto
           a
           People
           a
           blessed
           Deliverance
           ,
           and
           nothing
           else
           shall
           do
           it
           .
           Except
           you
           repent
           you
           shall
           perish
           .
        
         
           That
           upon
           Repentance
           they
           shall
           be
           saved
           and
           delivered
           ,
           is
           intended
           in
           the
           same
           Rule
           .
           This
           is
           the
           unalterable
           Law
           of
           Divine
           Providence
           ;
           this
           shall
           do
           it
           ,
           and
           nothing
           else
           shall
           so
           do
           .
           The
           
             VVisdom
          
           and
           
             Power
          
           of
           Men
           shall
           not
           do
           it
           ;
           
             Fasting
          
           and
           
             Prayer
             ,
          
           whilst
           we
           continue
           in
           our
           Sins
           ,
           shall
           not
           do
           it
           .
           
             Repentance
          
           alone
           is
           made
           the
           Condition
           of
           Deliverance
           in
           this
           State
           of
           things
           .
        
         
           Upon
           this
           Rule
           ,
           did
           God
           vindicate
           the
           
             Equity
             of
             his
             Ways
          
           against
           
             Repining
          
           Israel
           ,
           
           
             Ezek.
          
           18.
           29
           ,
           30
           ,
           31.
           
           Can
           any
           thing
           be
           more
           
             just
          
           and
           
             equal
             ?
          
           Ruine
           and
           utter
           Desolation
           are
           ready
           to
           fall
           upon
           the
           whole
           People
           :
           This
           you
           have
           deserved
           by
           your
           Iniquities
           ,
           and
           multiplied
           provocations
           .
           In
           strict
           Justice
           they
           ought
           immediately
           to
           come
           upon
           you
           :
           But
           
             my
             ways
             are
             equal
             ;
          
           I
           will
           not
           deal
           with
           you
           in
           a
           way
           of
           strict
           Justice
           ;
           I
           will
           do
           it
           in
           
             Equity
             ,
          
           which
           is
           a
           meet
           Temperature
           of
           Justice
           and
           Mercy
           .
           And
           this
           I
           make
           evident
           unto
           you
           herein
           ,
           in
           that
           ,
           whilst
           the
           Execution
           of
           Judgment
           is
           only
           threatned
           and
           suspended
           ,
           if
           you
           make
           unto
           your selves
           a
           
             new
             Heart
             and
             a
             new
             Spirit
             ,
          
           in
           sincere
           Repentance
           ,
           if
           you
           
             cast
             away
             all
             your
             Transgressions
             ,
          
           by
           a
           thorough
           Reformation
           of
           your
           lives
           ,
           
             Iniquity
             shall
             not
             be
             your
             Ruine
             .
          
           What
           can
           be
           more
           Just
           ,
           righteous
           .
           and
           equal
           ?
           Who
           can
           complain
           ,
           if
           after
           all
           this
           ,
           evil
           doth
           overtake
           you
           ,
           and
           you
           shall
           not
           escape
           ?
           The
           same
           he
           pleads
           again
           ,
           
             Chap.
          
           33.
           10
           ,
           11.
           as
           in
           many
           other
           Places
           .
        
         
           That
           this
           Divine
           Constitution
           ,
           namely
           ,
           That
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           shall
           save
           a
           Church
           ,
           People
           or
           Nation
           in
           the
           state
           before
           described
           ,
           and
           that
           nothing
           else
           shall
           do
           so
           ,
           however
           men
           may
           please
           
           and
           pride
           themselves
           in
           their
           own
           Imaginations
           ,
           is
           equal
           ,
           just
           and
           good
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           meet
           it
           should
           be
           so
           ,
           that
           it
           hath
           a
           condecencie
           unto
           the
           Divine
           Excellencies
           ,
           and
           the
           Rule
           of
           Righteousness
           in
           government
           ,
           is
           evident
           for
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           
             Notion
             of
             this
             Rule
          
           is
           inbred
           in
           Mankind
           by
           Nature
           ,
           as
           was
           mentioned
           before
           .
           There
           is
           no
           man
           ,
           unless
           he
           be
           
             Atheistically
             profligate
             ,
          
           but
           when
           he
           apprehends
           that
           Evil
           and
           Ruine
           ,
           especially
           as
           unto
           his
           Life
           ,
           is
           ready
           to
           overtake
           him
           ,
           &
           seize
           upon
           him
           ,
           but
           he
           reflects
           on
           his
           Sins
           ,
           and
           comes
           to
           some
           Resolutions
           of
           forsaking
           them
           for
           the
           future
           ,
           so
           he
           may
           be
           at
           present
           delivered
           from
           his
           deplorable
           Condition
           .
           Now
           all
           this
           ariseth
           from
           these
           indelible
           Notions
           ingrafted
           on
           the
           Minds
           of
           Men
           ;
           that
           all
           evil
           of
           Punishment
           is
           from
           God
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           for
           Sin
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           no
           way
           to
           avoid
           it
           but
           by
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           :
           And
           those
           who
           will
           not
           improve
           this
           Natural
           Light
           ,
           with
           respects
           unto
           the
           
             Publick
             ,
          
           will
           be
           found
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           whether
           they
           will
           or
           no
           ,
           to
           comply
           with
           it
           ,
           when
           it
           comes
           to
           be
           their
           own
           Case
           in
           particular
           .
           Herein
           lies
           a
           thousand
           Testimonies
           unto
           the
           
             Equity
          
           of
           this
           Divine
           Constitution
           .
        
         
         
           2.
           
           When
           this
           Rule
           is
           complied
           withal
           ,
           when
           
             Repentance
          
           and
           
             Reformation
          
           do
           ensue
           upon
           Divine
           warnings
           ,
           whereby
           Peace
           with
           God
           is
           in
           some
           measure
           attained
           ;
           it
           will
           give
           men
           Trust
           and
           Confidence
           in
           him
           ,
           with
           expectation
           of
           Divine
           Relief
           in
           their
           Distress
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           most
           effectual
           Means
           for
           men
           to
           be
           instrumental
           unto
           their
           own
           Deliverance
           .
           And
           on
           the
           other
           side
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           neglected
           ,
           when
           Evil
           approaches
           ,
           Guilt
           and
           Terrour
           will
           haunt
           the
           Minds
           of
           men
           ,
           and
           they
           shall
           not
           be
           able
           to
           entertain
           one
           thought
           of
           Divine
           Help
           ,
           which
           will
           render
           them
           heartless
           ,
           Helpless
           ,
           Senceless
           ,
           and
           betray
           them
           into
           Cowardise
           and
           Pusillanimity
           ,
           however
           they
           may
           boast
           at
           present
           ,
           If
           these
           two
           sorts
           are
           opposed
           ,
           ten
           shall
           chase
           an
           hundred
           ,
           and
           an
           hundred
           put
           a
           thousand
           to
           flight
           .
           And
           if
           any
           Nation
           do
           openly
           refuse
           a
           compliance
           with
           this
           Constitution
           ,
           if
           God
           should
           send
           an
           other
           to
           invade
           them
           in
           a
           way
           of
           Judgment
           ,
           they
           would
           melt
           away
           before
           them
           as
           Wax
           before
           the
           Fire
           .
           When
           Evils
           compass
           us
           about
           ,
           and
           are
           ready
           to
           seize
           upon
           us
           ,
           a
           Reduction
           on
           the
           neglect
           of
           this
           Rule
           ,
           will
           disturb
           our
           Counsels
           ,
           distract
           our
           Thoughts
           ,
           distress
           our
           Minds
           ,
           weaken
           our
           Confidence
           in
           God
           ,
           
           and
           dishearten
           the
           
             stoutest
          
           of
           the
           Sons
           of
           Men
           ,
           giving
           them
           up
           a
           Prey
           to
           their
           Enemies
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           This
           Rule
           or
           Constitution
           hath
           an
           impression
           of
           all
           Divine
           Excellencies
           upon
           it
           ;
           namely
           ,
           of
           the
           Goodness
           ,
           Patience
           ,
           Wisdom
           ,
           Righteousness
           and
           Holiness
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           If
           when
           Judgments
           are
           approaching
           ,
           and
           deserved
           ,
           men
           could
           divert
           them
           by
           their
           
             Wisdom
             ,
          
           Courage
           or
           Diligence
           ,
           it
           would
           reflect
           Dishonour
           on
           God
           in
           the
           Government
           of
           the
           World
           ;
           see
           
             Isa.
             22.
             7
             ,
             8
             ,
             9
             ,
             10
             ,
             11
             :
          
           But
           in
           this
           way
           of
           the
           Deliverance
           of
           any
           People
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           
             Salvo
          
           for
           the
           Glory
           of
           ,
           all
           the
           Divine
           Excellencies
           ,
           as
           is
           manifested
           unto
           all
           .
        
         
           When
           therefore
           in
           this
           state
           ,
           impendent
           Judgments
           are
           not
           absolutely
           
             determined
             ,
          
           yet
           so
           
             deserved
             ,
          
           as
           that
           upon
           a
           Supposition
           of
           continuance
           in
           those
           Sins
           whereby
           they
           are
           deserved
           ,
           the
           Glory
           of
           Divine
           Justice
           cannot
           be
           vindicated
           in
           the
           absolute
           impunity
           ;
           and
           whereas
           God
           hath
           now
           prepared
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           made
           them
           ready
           for
           their
           execution
           ,
           all
           Means
           and
           Instruments
           being
           girt
           unto
           the
           Work
           ,
           his
           
           Sword
           is
           whetted
           ,
           and
           his
           Arrows
           are
           fixed
           in
           the
           bow
           ,
           he
           will
           first
           give
           
             Warning
             ,
          
           then
           give
           
             Space
          
           and
           
             Time
          
           for
           Repentance
           ,
           and
           requires
           no
           more
           for
           the
           laying
           aside
           of
           all
           his
           Preparations
           for
           Destruction
           ,
           surely
           his
           
             Ways
             are
             equal
             ,
          
           kind
           ,
           and
           full
           of
           Mercy
           ,
        
         
           If
           Men
           will
           look
           for
           ,
           if
           they
           will
           expect
           Deliverance
           ,
           without
           a
           complyance
           with
           these
           good
           ,
           Holy
           ,
           Just
           ,
           Gracious
           ,
           Equal
           terms
           ,
           they
           will
           find
           themselves
           in
           the
           issue
           wofully
           deceived
           .
           And
           if
           after
           all
           this
           ,
           we
           in
           this
           Nation
           should
           be
           found
           in
           a
           neglect
           hereof
           ,
           if
           the
           Nation
           should
           continue
           in
           its
           present
           frame
           ,
           wherein
           ,
           of
           all
           other
           means
           of
           Safety
           ,
           this
           seems
           to
           be
           least
           thought
           of
           or
           regarded
           ,
           what
           shall
           we
           plead
           for
           our selves
           ?
           who
           shall
           pity
           us
           in
           the
           day
           of
           Distress
           ?
           Most
           men
           now
           despise
           these
           ,
           things
           ,
           but
           can
           their
           hearts
           endure
           ,
           or
           can
           their
           hands
           be
           strong
           in
           the
           Day
           that
           the
           Lord
           shall
           deal
           with
           them
           ?
           But
           ,
        
         
           5.
           
           
             Whereas
          
           this
           Way
           ,
           this
           Means
           of
           Deliverance
           is
           so
           just
           ,
           so
           equal
           ,
           so
           reasonable
           ,
           manifesting
           it self
           to
           the
           Consciences
           and
           Reason
           of
           Mankind
           ,
           owned
           by
           the
           very
           Heathens
           ,
           and
           fully
           confirmed
           by
           Divine
           
           Revelation
           ,
           
             our
             next
             Enquiry
             must
             be
             ,
             Whence
             it
             is
             that
          
           there
           is
           such
           an
           unreadiness
           ,
           such
           an
           unwillingness
           to
           comply
           with
           this
           Duty
           as
           there
           is
           ?
           that
           so
           many
           difficulties
           are
           esteemed
           to
           be
           in
           it
           ;
           so
           as
           that
           there
           is
           little
           hope
           it
           will
           be
           found
           among
           us
           in
           a
           prevalent
           degree
           ?
        
         
           If
           Men
           ,
           especially
           such
           as
           are
           Great
           ,
           and
           esteem
           themselves
           to
           be
           wise
           ,
           are
           told
           that
           this
           is
           the
           way
           to
           save
           and
           deliver
           the
           Nation
           ,
           they
           turn
           away
           in
           a
           wrath
           ,
           as
           
             Naaman
          
           did
           ,
           when
           the
           Prophet
           bid
           him
           
             Wash
             and
             be
             clean
             ,
          
           when
           he
           would
           have
           rather
           expected
           an
           Injunction
           of
           some
           
             Heroick
          
           Exploits
           :
           These
           are
           Thoughts
           for
           weak
           and
           pusillanimous
           Souls
           ,
           who
           understand
           nothing
           of
           State-Affairs
           .
           But
           it
           will
           ere
           long
           appear
           who
           is
           wisest
           ,
           God
           or
           Men.
           But
           an
           hard
           thing
           it
           is
           to
           prevail
           with
           any
           to
           think
           well
           of
           it
           ,
           or
           to
           go
           about
           it
           ,
           or
           to
           judge
           that
           it
           is
           the
           only
           Balm
           for
           our
           Wounds
           .
        
         
           To
           find
           out
           the
           Cause
           hereof
           ,
           I
           shall
           breifly
           consider
           
             all
             sorts
             of
             Persons
          
           who
           are
           concerned
           to
           plant
           this
           healing
           Tree
           ,
           whose
           Root
           is
           Repentance
           ,
           and
           whose
           Fruit
           is
           Reformation
           of
           Life
           .
           And
           they
           are
           of
           three
           sorts
           .
        
         
         
           
             1.
             
             Magistrates
             .
             2.
             
             Ministers
             .
             3.
             
             The
             People
             themselves
          
        
         
           Unless
           there
           be
           a
           Concurrence
           of
           the
           Endeavours
           of
           them
           all
           in
           their
           several
           Places
           and
           Duties
           ,
           there
           will
           be
           no
           such
           publick
           Work
           of
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           wrought
           as
           is
           suited
           unto
           the
           turning
           away
           of
           Publick
           Calamities
           .
           But
           yet
           though
           it
           be
           the
           express
           Duty
           of
           them
           all
           ,
           though
           it
           be
           their
           Interest
           ,
           though
           it
           cannot
           be
           omitted
           ,
           but
           at
           their
           utmost
           peril
           ,
           as
           unto
           Temporal
           and
           Eternal
           Events
           ,
           yet
           it
           is
           a
           marvellous
           hard
           and
           difficult
           work
           to
           prevail
           with
           any
           of
           them
           to
           engage
           vigorously
           in
           it
           .
           Some
           do
           not
           think
           it
           necessary
           ,
           some
           after
           conviction
           of
           its
           Necessity
           ,
           either
           know
           not
           how
           to
           go
           about
           it
           ,
           or
           linger
           in
           its
           undetaking
           ,
           or
           are
           quickly
           wearied
           ;
           some
           wish
           it
           were
           Done
           ,
           so
           as
           that
           they
           may
           not
           be
           at
           the
           Trouble
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           
             Let
             us
             consider
             them
             Distinctly
             .
          
        
         
           1.
           
           As
           unto
           
             Magistrates
             .
          
           When
           
             Jehoshaphat
          
           set
           himself
           to
           reform
           the
           Church
           ,
           or
           his
           Kingdom
           ,
           to
           escape
           the
           Judgment
           that
           was
           denounced
           against
           them
           ,
           he
           appointed
           
           for
           
             Magistrates
             and
             Judges
             ,
          
           men
           fearing
           God
           ,
           and
           hating
           Covetousness
           :
           And
           his
           charge
           unto
           them
           was
           ,
           
             Let
             the
             Fear
             of
             the
             Lord
             be
             upon
             you
             ;
             take
             heed
             and
             do
             it
             ;
             thus
             shall
             you
             do
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             faithfully
             and
             with
             a
             perfect
             heart
             ,
             2
             Chron.
          
           19.
           6.
           9.
           
           Without
           this
           ,
           there
           will
           be
           no
           publick
           Reformation
           ;
           and
           therefore
           the
           first
           Difficulty
           of
           it
           ariseth
           from
           this
           sort
           of
           Persons
           ,
           and
           that
           upon
           two
           Accounts
           .
        
         
           
             First
             ,
          
           That
           
             Magistrates
          
           themselves
           do
           live
           in
           Sin
           ,
           and
           love
           it
           ,
           and
           hate
           to
           be
           personally
           reformed
           ;
           yea
           take
           delight
           in
           them
           that
           openly
           live
           in
           Sin
           also
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           heigth
           of
           wickedness
           ,
           
             Rom.
          
           1.
           32.
           
           When
           
             Magistrates
          
           are
           prophane
           Swearers
           ,
           or
           Scoffers
           ,
           at
           the
           Power
           of
           Religion
           ,
           or
           Drunkards
           ,
           or
           unclean
           Persons
           ,
           or
           covetous
           Oppressors
           ,
           a
           great
           Obstruction
           must
           needs
           be
           laid
           in
           the
           way
           of
           publick
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           ;
           neither
           doth
           this
           Difficulty
           at
           present
           arise
           meerly
           from
           their
           personal
           Sins
           and
           Miscarriages
           ,
           but
           also
           from
           the
           want
           of
           Conviction
           ,
           and
           a
           Sence
           of
           their
           Duty
           in
           their
           Places
           ,
           with
           the
           Account
           which
           they
           must
           give
           thereof
           .
           For.
           
        
         
         
           
             Secondly
             ,
          
           They
           seem
           not
           to
           believe
           that
           the
           
             attempting
             of
             this
             Work
          
           is
           any
           part
           of
           their
           Duty
           ,
           or
           that
           they
           are
           concerned
           therein
           :
           Let
           it
           therefore
           be
           never
           so
           reasonable
           ,
           so
           Equal
           ,
           so
           Important
           ,
           so
           Necessary
           unto
           the
           Deliverance
           and
           Salvation
           of
           any
           people
           ,
           if
           those
           who
           should
           further
           it
           in
           the
           first
           place
           ,
           do
           obstruct
           and
           hinder
           it
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           attended
           with
           Difficulties
           .
           Ill
           Examples
           and
           Negligence
           have
           ruined
           this
           Nation
           .
        
         
           Wherefore
           we
           may
           lay
           it
           down
           as
           an
           assured
           Truth
           ,
           which
           the
           Text
           will
           confirm
           ;
        
         
           That
           unless
           Magistrates
           ,
           who
           have
           the
           visible
           Conduct
           of
           the
           People
           ,
           are
           convinced
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           their
           Duty
           to
           promote
           the
           Work
           of
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           ,
           at
           this
           time
           ,
           by
           their
           own
           Example
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Discharge
           of
           their
           Offices
           ,
           the
           Case
           of
           this
           Nation
           is
           deplorable
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           be
           relieved
           but
           by
           Sovereign
           Grace
           and
           Mercy
           :
           For
           what
           shall
           the
           People
           do
           ,
           when
           they
           see
           their
           Guides
           ,
           unto
           whose
           Pattern
           they
           conform
           themselves
           ,
           utterly
           regardless
           of
           any
           such
           thing
           ?
           This
           is
           one
           Means
           of
           the
           Difficulty
           which
           is
           found
           among
           us
           ,
           of
           affecting
           the
           Minds
           
           of
           Men
           with
           this
           equal
           Constitution
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Those
           who
           are
           principally
           concern'd
           herein
           ,
           are
           
             Ministers
             ,
          
           or
           those
           who
           have
           the
           Administration
           of
           the
           Word
           and
           Ordinances
           of
           the
           Gospel
           committed
           unto
           them
           .
           Unto
           these
           ,
           is
           this
           Work
           given
           in
           charge
           ,
           in
           an
           especial
           manner
           .
           They
           have
           the
           principal
           means
           of
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           committed
           to
           their
           management
           .
           From
           them
           is
           the
           beginning
           and
           carrying
           on
           of
           this
           Work
           expected
           and
           required
           .
           Hereof
           ,
           as
           unto
           their
           Sincerity
           and
           diligence
           ,
           they
           must
           give
           an
           Account
           at
           the
           last
           Day
           .
           And
           if
           this
           Spring
           be
           stopped
           ,
           whence
           should
           the
           refreshing
           VVaters
           of
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           arise
           ?
           But
           yet
           herein
           the
           principal
           Difficulty
           of
           the
           whole
           VVork
           doth
           consist
           :
           For.
           
        
         
           
             First
             ,
          
           some
           there
           are
           pretending
           unto
           this
           Office
           in
           whom
           lies
           no
           small
           part
           of
           the
           
             Evil
          
           that
           is
           to
           be
           Refomed
           .
           Persons
           who
           labour
           among
           the
           most
           forward
           to
           sill
           up
           the
           measure
           of
           the
           Iniquities
           of
           this
           Nation
           ;
           such
           as
           whose
           Ignorance
           .
           Negligence
           ,
           Prophaneness
           and
           Debauchery
           ,
           are
           in
           all
           their
           Effects
           transfused
           and
           communicated
           unto
           all
           that
           are
           about
           them
           :
           
           Shall
           we
           expect
           that
           such
           persons
           will
           be
           instrumental
           in
           the
           Reforming
           of
           others
           ,
           who
           hate
           to
           be
           reformed
           themselves
           ?
           
             Jer.
          
           23.
           15.
           
           It
           was
           so
           of
           old
           .
           But
           ,
        
         
           
             Secondly
             ,
          
           There
           are
           very
           few
           of
           this
           sort
           of
           Persons
           ,
           who
           will
           be
           at
           the
           
             charge
             of
             carrying
             on
             this
             Work.
          
           They
           may
           quickly
           find
           what
           it
           will
           cost
           them
           ;
           for
           unless
           they
           are
           
             Exemplary
          
           in
           it
           themselves
           ,
           it
           is
           in
           vain
           once
           to
           attempt
           the
           pressing
           of
           it
           upon
           others
           .
           They
           cannot
           go
           about
           it
           ,
           without
           great
           Retrenchings
           of
           that
           which
           they
           have
           esteemed
           their
           
             Liberty
          
           in
           the
           course
           of
           their
           Conversations
           .
           All
           Compliance
           with
           unreformed
           persons
           ,
           for
           secular
           Ends
           ,
           all
           Conformity
           unto
           the
           course
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           in
           Jolities
           ,
           and
           Pride
           of
           Life
           ,
           all
           Ostentation
           of
           Riches
           ,
           Wealth
           and
           Power
           ,
           all
           Self-seeking
           ,
           and
           Self-pleasing
           ,
           all
           Lightness
           ,
           and
           carnal
           Confidences
           ,
           must
           utterly
           be
           cast
           away
           :
           And
           not
           only
           so
           ,
           but
           unless
           by
           uncessant
           Prayers
           and
           Supplications
           ,
           with
           Earnestness
           and
           Perseverance
           ,
           they
           labour
           for
           
             fresh
             Annointings
          
           with
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Grace
           in
           their
           own
           Souls
           ,
           that
           Faith
           and
           Love
           and
           Zeal
           for
           God
           ,
           and
           Compassion
           for
           the
           Souls
           of
           Men
           ,
           and
           Readiness
           for
           the
           Cross
           ,
           may
           revive
           and
           flourish
           in
           them
           ,
           they
           will
           not
           
           be
           usefull
           nor
           instrumental
           in
           this
           Work.
           And
           is
           it
           any
           wonder
           ,
           that
           the
           most
           of
           them
           think
           it
           better
           to
           suffer
           things
           to
           go
           on
           at
           the
           present
           rate
           ,
           than
           to
           venture
           at
           that
           which
           will
           
             cost
             them
             so
             dear
          
           in
           its
           pursuit
           ?
           The
           Truth
           is
           ,
           I
           know
           very
           few
           ,
           if
           any
           ,
           who
           are
           meet
           and
           fit
           to
           engage
           in
           this
           Work
           in
           a
           visible
           eminent
           manner
           :
           those
           who
           have
           the
           best
           ,
           almost
           the
           only
           oppertunities
           for
           it
           ,
           seem
           to
           be
           asleep
           .
        
         
           
             Thirdly
             ,
          
           Besides
           the
           
             Charge
          
           they
           must
           be
           at
           themselves
           ,
           they
           perceive
           the
           
             Opposition
          
           they
           shall
           meet
           with
           all
           from
           others
           .
           They
           find
           that
           they
           shall
           not
           only
           disoblige
           and
           provoke
           all
           sorts
           of
           Persons
           ,
           and
           lose
           many
           of
           their
           
             usefull
             friends
             ,
          
           but
           also
           expose
           themselves
           unto
           
             Obloquy
             ,
             Scron
             Contempt
          
           and
           
             Reproach
          
           of
           all
           sorts
           .
           He
           is
           a
           lost
           man
           in
           this
           world
           ,
           who
           with
           out
           respect
           of
           Persons
           ,
           will
           engage
           seriously
           in
           this
           Work
           ;
           every
           day
           he
           shall
           find
           one
           or
           other
           displeased
           ,
           if
           not
           provoked
           .
           This
           neither
           they
           nor
           their
           
             Families
          
           can
           well
           bear
           withal
           .
           Indeed
           the
           hardest
           and
           most
           difficult
           Service
           that
           ever
           God
           called
           any
           of
           his
           Ministers
           unto
           ,
           excepting
           only
           Jesus
           Christ
           and
           his
           Apostles
           ,
           hath
           been
           in
           the
           endeavouring
           the
           Reformation
           of
           
             back
             sliding
          
           or
           spiritually
           decay'd
           Churches
           .
           
           These
           are
           
             the
             two
             Witnesses
          
           which
           in
           all
           Ages
           
             have
             Prophesied
             in
             Sackcloth
             .
          
           Such
           was
           the
           Ministry
           of
           
             Elijah
             ,
          
           which
           brought
           him
           unto
           that
           Conclusion
           ,
           and
           an
           earnest
           longing
           to
           be
           delivered
           by
           Death
           from
           his
           Work
           and
           Ministry
           ,
           2
           
             Kings
             19.
             4.
             
             So
             ,
          
           was
           that
           of
           
             Jeremiah
             ,
          
           in
           the
           like
           Season
           ,
           whereof
           he
           so
           complains
           ,
           
             Chap.
             15.
             10.
             
             John
             the
             Baptist
          
           in
           the
           same
           work
           ,
           lost
           first
           his
           Liberty
           ,
           then
           his
           Life
           .
           And
           in
           after-Ages
           
             Chrysostom
             ,
          
           for
           the
           same
           Cause
           was
           hated
           by
           the
           
             Clergy
             ,
          
           persecuted
           by
           the
           
             Court
             ,
          
           and
           at
           length
           driven
           into
           
             Banishment
             ,
          
           where
           he
           died
           .
           Most
           men
           care
           not
           how
           little
           a
           share
           they
           have
           in
           such
           a
           Work
           as
           this
           ,
           whose
           Reward
           will
           reach
           them
           according
           to
           the
           Proportion
           of
           their
           Engagement
           in
           it
           .
           All
           Churches
           ,
           all
           Persons
           almost
           ,
           would
           willingly
           be
           let
           alone
           in
           the
           Condition
           wherein
           they
           are
           :
           They
           that
           would
           press
           them
           unto
           due
           Refor●ation
           ,
           ever
           were
           ,
           and
           ever
           will
           be
           looked
           on
           as
           their
           
             Troublers
             .
          
        
         
           Hence
           then
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           our
           Wound
           is
           incurable
           .
           Few
           of
           this
           sort
           are
           convinced
           of
           the
           present
           Necessity
           of
           this
           Duty
           ;
           they
           hope
           things
           are
           indifferently
           well
           with
           them
           and
           their
           Flocks
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           endure
           their
           time
           well
           enough
           :
           Few
           are
           
           willing
           to
           undergo
           the
           
             Charge
          
           and
           
             Trouble
          
           of
           it
           ,
           to
           put
           all
           their
           present
           Circumstances
           into
           Disorder
           ,
           few
           have
           received
           an
           
             Annointing
          
           for
           thee
           ;
           many
           are
           able
           to
           
             dispute
          
           against
           any
           Attempts
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           not
           a
           few
           have
           Expectations
           of
           strange
           Deliverances
           without
           it
           ;
           what
           is
           left
           us
           in
           this
           Case
           ,
           shall
           afterwards
           be
           declared
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           It
           is
           difficult
           also
           on
           the
           Account
           of
           the
           
             People
          
           that
           are
           to
           be
           Reformed
           .
           It
           is
           hard
           to
           convince
           them
           of
           its
           
             Necessity
             ;
          
           hard
           to
           perswade
           them
           to
           
             endeavour
          
           it
           ;
           hard
           to
           get
           them
           to
           
             perservere
          
           in
           Attempts
           for
           it
           .
        
         
           Some
           of
           the
           Reasons
           hereof
           we
           may
           breifly
           consider
           :
           As
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           
             Self-Justification
          
           and
           Approbation
           of
           themselves
           ,
           which
           all
           sorts
           of
           persons
           ,
           both
           by
           Nature
           ,
           and
           by
           incurable
           Prejudices
           ,
           are
           inclined
           unto
           ,
           lie
           at
           the
           bottom
           of
           this
           fatal
           Negligence
           .
           VVhen
           they
           see
           all
           things
           amiss
           ,
           they
           will
           grant
           that
           there
           is
           some
           
             Reformation
          
           necessary
           ;
           but
           that
           it
           is
           so
           for
           
             others
             ,
          
           and
           not
           for
           them
           .
           Those
           that
           are
           worse
           than
           they
           (
           as
           there
           are
           but
           few
           who
           do
           not
           
           think
           on
           one
           pretence
           or
           other
           ,
           that
           there
           are
           many
           worse
           than
           themselves
           )
           they
           suppose
           this
           Duty
           is
           necessary
           unto
           ;
           but
           not
           unto
           them
           .
           And
           if
           there
           are
           none
           
             visibly
          
           so
           ,
           yet
           they
           will
           make
           them
           and
           judge
           them
           so
           to
           be
           .
           But
           whilst
           men
           have
           a
           
             form
             of
             Godliness
             ,
          
           though
           they
           deny
           the
           
             power
          
           thereof
           they
           will
           justifie
           themselves
           from
           all
           need
           of
           Reformation
           .
           Churches
           will
           do
           so
           ,
           and
           all
           sorts
           of
           Professors
           of
           Religion
           will
           do
           so
           ;
           especially
           if
           they
           have
           any
           peculiar
           Notion
           or
           Practice
           ,
           which
           they
           value
           themselves
           upon
           .
           So
           was
           it
           with
           the
           
             Jews
          
           of
           old
           ,
           
             Jer.
          
           7.
           6
           ,
           7.
           and
           with
           the
           
             Pharisees
          
           in
           the
           Days
           of
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           
             John
          
           9.
           40.
           
           It
           is
           so
           at
           this
           Day
           ;
           and
           it
           is
           a
           rare
           thing
           to
           meet
           with
           any
           who
           will
           own
           themselves
           to
           stand
           in
           need
           of
           real
           laborious
           Reformation
           .
        
         
           Hence
           it
           is
           that
           
             no
             Churches
          
           would
           
             ever
             Reform
             themselves
             ,
          
           which
           have
           been
           the
           cause
           of
           all
           Division
           and
           Seperation
           ,
           whereby
           some
           have
           been
           saved
           from
           a
           general
           Apostasie
           .
           They
           all
           approve
           themselves
           in
           their
           State
           and
           Condition
           ,
           which
           is
           come
           to
           that
           height
           in
           the
           
             Papal
             Church
          
           that
           they
           boast
           themselves
           infallible
           ,
           and
           not
           
             capable
             of
             Reformation
          
           in
           any
           thing
           .
           I
           pray
           God
           secure
           others
           from
           the
           like
           Presumption
           ;
           
           it
           will
           be
           their
           Ruine
           by
           whom
           they
           are
           entertained
           ;
           yet
           so
           it
           is
           at
           this
           Day
           .
           Most
           Churches
           think
           they
           need
           more
           
             Revenues
             ,
          
           more
           
             Honour
             ,
          
           more
           
             Freedom
             from
             Opposition
             ,
          
           more
           
             Submission
          
           of
           all
           men
           unto
           them
           ;
           but
           they
           almost
           abhor
           the
           Thoughts
           that
           they
           stand
           in
           need
           of
           any
           
             Reformation
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           
             Nature
             of
             the
             Work
             it self
          
           renders
           it
           difficult
           ;
           for
           it
           requires
           a
           general
           Change
           of
           the
           Course
           wherein
           men
           have
           been
           engaged
           ;
           a
           thing
           as
           difficult
           ,
           as
           to
           cause
           the
           Streams
           of
           a
           mighty
           River
           to
           change
           their
           Course
           ,
           and
           run
           backward
           .
           Vicious
           habits
           must
           be
           subdued
           ,
           Inclinations
           reveted
           in
           the
           Mind
           by
           long
           Practice
           ,
           and
           Custom
           ,
           be
           cast
           out
           ,
           ways
           of
           Conversation
           promoted
           and
           strengthened
           by
           all
           sorts
           of
           Circumstances
           changed
           ;
           which
           render
           the
           Work
           unto
           some
           men
           impossible
           .
           So
           the
           Prophet
           declares
           it
           ,
           
             Jer.
             13.
             23.
             
             Can
             the
             Aethiopian
             change
             his
             Skin
             ,
             or
             the
             Leopard
             his
             spots
             ?
             then
             may
             ye
             also
             do
             good
             ,
             who
             are
             accustomed
             to
             Evil.
          
           Men
           cannot
           easily
           
             unlearn
          
           what
           they
           have
           been
           so
           taught
           or
           accustomed
           unto
           .
           The
           mighty
           power
           of
           God
           on
           the
           Souls
           of
           Men
           ,
           both
           as
           unto
           individual
           Persons
           ,
           and
           whole
           Societies
           ,
           is
           required
           unto
           this
           Change
           ;
           
           So
           it
           may
           be
           wrought
           and
           not
           otherwise
           
             Isa.
          
           11.
           6
           ,
           7
           ,
           8
           ,
           9.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           Advantage
           which
           many
           make
           unto
           themselves
           ,
           by
           the
           present
           posture
           of
           things
           ,
           and
           fear
           of
           Alterations
           by
           Reformation
           ,
           is
           a
           Mountain
           in
           the
           way
           ,
           a
           mighty
           Obstacle
           against
           entertaining
           serious
           Thoughts
           about
           it
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           The
           Scripture
           most
           frequently
           casts
           the
           Cause
           hereof
           on
           mens
           
             Security
          
           in
           their
           Earthly
           Enjoyments
           .
           This
           keeps
           them
           safe
           from
           hearing
           Gods
           Calls
           ,
           or
           taking
           notice
           of
           his
           warnings
           :
           And
           therefore
           it
           is
           laid
           down
           ,
           as
           the
           
             Cause
          
           and
           
             constant
             Forerunner
          
           of
           all
           desolating
           Judgments
           .
           It
           is
           at
           large
           insisted
           upon
           by
           our
           Saviour
           himself
           ,
           
             Matth.
          
           24.
           
           3●
           ,
           ●8
           .
           〈◊〉
           17.
           26.
           
        
         
           Now
           this
           
             Security
          
           is
           like
           the
           Disease
           in
           the
           Body
           ,
           which
           is
           commonly
           called
           the
           
             Scurvy
             ;
          
           It
           is
           not
           any
           single
           
             Distemper
          
           or
           Disease
           ,
           but
           a
           Complication
           or
           Concurrence
           of
           many
           prevalent
           Distempers
           .
           
             Security
          
           is
           not
           the
           Name
           of
           any
           one
           vicious
           Habit
           or
           Inclination
           of
           the
           Mind
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           a
           concurrent
           complication
           of
           many
           ▪
           Spiritual
           
             Stupidity
          
           and
           Sloth
           ,
           called
           a
           Spi●●t
           
           
             of
             Slumber
             ,
             Love
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             carnal
             Wisdom
             ,
             Groundless
             hopes
             of
             Life
             ,
          
           all
           Proceeding
           from
           
             Vnbelief
             ,
          
           do
           concur
           in
           its
           Constitution
           .
           And
           if
           a
           Practice
           in
           a
           Course
           of
           Sin
           ,
           have
           for
           some
           season
           ensued
           on
           these
           Principles
           ,
           whereby
           Conscience
           comes
           to
           be
           
             seared
             ,
          
           or
           is
           made
           senceless
           ,
           the
           Case
           of
           those
           in
           whom
           it
           is
           ,
           is
           for
           the
           most
           part
           remediless
           .
           And
           not
           a
           few
           of
           this
           sort
           are
           amongst
           us
           .
        
         
           And
           many
           other
           Reasons
           there
           are
           ,
           rendring
           this
           VVork
           full
           of
           
             Difficulty
             ,
          
           though
           it
           be
           so
           necessary
           ,
           so
           just
           and
           equal
           .
           As
           for
           those
           by
           whom
           all
           these
           things
           are
           despised
           ,
           and
           even
           scoffed
           at
           ,
           something
           shall
           be
           spoken
           afterwards
           unto
           them
           ,
           or
           concerning
           them
           .
        
         
           But
           yet
           this
           Consideration
           ought
           not
           to
           deter
           any
           from
           endeavouring
           the
           discharge
           of
           their
           own
           Duty
           herein
           :
           For
           as
           we
           have
           seen
           ,
           it
           is
           indispensably
           necessary
           ,
           that
           we
           and
           the
           Nation
           may
           be
           saved
           from
           desolating
           Judgments
           ;
           so
           we
           shall
           see
           afterwards
           how
           and
           by
           what
           means
           this
           Difficulty
           may
           be
           surmounted
           ,
           and
           those
           Obstacles
           removed
           out
           of
           the
           way
           .
           However
           ,
           happy
           will
           they
           be
           ,
           be
           they
           ever
           so
           few
           ,
           never
           so
           Poor
           ,
           never
           so
           unknown
           
           to
           the
           World
           ,
           whom
           God
           
             shall
             find
             so
             doing
             ,
          
           when
           he
           ariseth
           out
           of
           his
           Place
           to
           shake
           the
           Earth
           terribly
        
         
           VI.
           I
           shall
           therefore
           in
           the
           next
           place
           ,
           to
           bring
           all
           things
           nearer
           home
           ,
           enquire
           ,
           What
           is
           
             the
             Nature
             of
             that
             Repentance
             and
             Reformation
             which
             at
             this
             time
             God
             requires
             of
             us
             all
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             not
             perish
             in
             his
             sore
             Displeasure
             .
          
        
         
           After
           a
           
             Devastation
          
           made
           of
           the
           Treasure
           of
           the
           
             Roman
             Empire
             ,
          
           by
           sundry
           Tyrants
           successively
           ,
           
             Vespasian
          
           coming
           to
           the
           Government
           ,
           acquainted
           the
           
             Senate
             ,
          
           that
           there
           was
           need
           of
           so
           
             many
             Millions
             of
             Money
             ,
          
           that
           the
           
             Empire
             might
             stand
             ;
          
           not
           that
           it
           might
           
             flourish
             and
             grow
             vigorus
             ,
          
           whereunto
           much
           more
           was
           required
           ;
           but
           that
           it
           might
           be
           preserved
           from
           Dissolution
           and
           Ruine
           :
           And
           I
           shall
           propose
           not
           what
           is
           requisite
           ,
           to
           render
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           in
           this
           Nation
           ,
           orderly
           ,
           beautiful
           ,
           and
           vigorous
           ,
           but
           only
           what
           is
           necessary
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           
             stand
          
           and
           live
           ,
           by
           a
           Deliverance
           from
           Desolating
           Judgments
           .
           And
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           Repentance
           which
           in
           any
           Case
           ,
           God
           requireth
           
             absolutely
             ,
          
           is
           that
           which
           is
           
             internal
             ,
             and
             real
             ,
             in
             sincere
             Conversion
             unto
             
             himself
          
           accompanied
           with
           Fruits
           meet
           for
           such
           Repentance
           .
           So
           is
           it
           declared
           ,
           
             Ezek.
             18.
             30
             ,
             31
             Therefore
             I
             will
             judge
             you
             ,
             O
             House
             of
          
           Israel
           ,
           
             every
             one
             according
             unto
             his
             ways
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             God
             :
             Repent
             and
             turn
             your selves
             from
             all
             your
             Transgressions
             ,
             so
             Iniquity
             shall
             not
             be
             your
             Ruine
             .
             Cast
             away
             from
             you
             all
             your
             Transgressions
             ,
             whereby
             you
             have
             Transgressed
             ,
             and
             make
             you
             a
             new
             Heart
             ,
             and
             a
             new
             Spirit
             ,
             for
             why
             will
             you
             die
             ,
             O
             House
             of
             Israel
             ?
             A
             new
             Heart
             ,
          
           and
           a
           
             new
             Spirit
             ,
          
           or
           real
           
             internal
             Conversion
          
           unto
           God
           by
           the
           grace
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           is
           required
           in
           this
           Repentance
           ,
           as
           the
           Renunciation
           and
           Relinquishment
           of
           all
           Iniquities
           ,
           must
           be
           the
           
             Fruit
          
           of
           it
           .
           So
           also
           is
           it
           expressed
           ,
           
             Isai.
          
           1.
           16
           ,
           17.
           
           Internal
           purification
           of
           the
           heart
           ,
           with
           the
           practice
           of
           universal
           Obedience
           ,
           and
           abstinence
           of
           all
           Sin
           ,
           is
           that
           which
           God
           requires
           .
        
         
           This
           is
           that
           Repentance
           which
           was
           the
           Subject
           of
           the
           Ministry
           of
           
             John
             the
             Baptist
             ;
          
           on
           the
           neglect
           whereof
           ,
           he
           threatned
           the
           People
           with
           final
           Excision
           ;
           which
           accordingly
           not
           long
           after
           befell
           them
           ,
           
             Mat.
          
           3.
           8
           ,
           9
           ,
           10.
           
           God
           doth
           not
           require
           a
           
             feigned
          
           Repentance
           ,
           or
           that
           which
           is
           meerly
           outward
           
           and
           temporary
           :
           In
           this
           Case
           ,
           see
           
             Joel
          
           2.
           12
           ,
           13.
           
           But
           ,
        
         
           2.
           
           Where
           there
           is
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           that
           are
           
             real
          
           in
           the
           
             Root
          
           or
           Cause
           of
           them
           ,
           which
           is
           an
           effectual
           Conviction
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           Sense
           of
           ensuing
           ,
           approaching
           Judgments
           ,
           giving
           testimony
           of
           Sincerity
           in
           its
           Fruits
           ,
           by
           an
           Abstinence
           from
           open
           Provoking
           Sins
           ,
           and
           the
           performance
           of
           known
           Duties
           ,
           unto
           its
           Sincerity
           ;
           in
           both
           which
           ,
           a
           Sense
           and
           Reverence
           of
           God
           is
           owned
           ,
           though
           it
           be
           not
           in
           m●ny
           ,
           in
           the
           most
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           in
           few
           ,
           
             absolutely
             sincere
             and
             holy
             ,
          
           yet
           may
           it
           prevail
           to
           the
           turning
           away
           of
           threatned
           Judgments
           ,
           at
           least
           for
           a
           season
           .
        
         
           These
           things
           therefore
           are
           required
           unto
           this
           Repentance
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           
             A
             Real
             Conviction
             of
             Sin
             ,
          
           in
           them
           that
           are
           called
           unto
           it
           ,
           or
           do
           make
           Profession
           of
           it
           .
           If
           this
           lie
           not
           in
           the
           Foundation
           ,
           no
           expression
           of
           Repentance
           ,
           no
           Profession
           of
           Reformation
           is
           of
           any
           value
           in
           the
           Sight
           of
           God
           :
           Yea
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           Mocking
           of
           him
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           highest
           Provocation
           .
           Men
           without
           this
           Conviction
           ,
           may
           be
           driven
           to
           somewhat
           that
           
             looks
             like
             
             Repentance
             and
             Reformation
             ;
          
           as
           the
           keeping
           of
           
             Days
             of
             Fasting
             or
             Humiliation
             ,
          
           by
           outward
           Force
           or
           Compulsion
           of
           Law
           ;
           but
           there
           is
           nothing
           in
           what
           they
           do
           ,
           of
           what
           we
           enquire
           after
           .
           By
           such
           days
           and
           Ways
           they
           shall
           never
           save
           the
           Nation
           ,
           
             Jerem.
          
           3.
           10.
           
        
         
           2
           :
           
             A
             real
             Sence
             of
             Gods
             Displeasure
             ,
             and
             the
             Approach
             of
             desolating
             Judgments
             .
          
           It
           is
           not
           enough
           that
           we
           have
           a
           Conviction
           and
           Sence
           of
           our
           own
           Sins
           ,
           but
           we
           must
           have
           them
           also
           of
           the
           Sins
           of
           the
           Nation
           ,
           whereby
           God
           is
           provoked
           to
           Anger
           ;
           and
           Apprehensions
           of
           his
           Displeasure
           are
           to
           influence
           our
           Minds
           in
           all
           that
           we
           go
           about
           herein
           .
           Unless
           these
           abide
           and
           dwell
           in
           our
           Minds
           ,
           unless
           they
           accompany
           us
           continually
           in
           all
           our
           Ways
           and
           Occasions
           ,
           rise
           and
           lie
           down
           with
           us
           ,
           we
           shall
           not
           cordially
           engage
           in
           this
           Duty
        
         
           3.
           
           Real
           Reformation
           is
           an
           
             Abstinence
             from
             all
             known
             Sin
             ,
          
           and
           the
           avowed
           Fruits
           of
           a
           reformed
           Converstion
           are
           required
           hereunto
           ,
           
             Mat.
          
           3.
           10.
           
        
         
           4.
           
           That
           it
           be
           
             persisted
             in
             ,
          
           Hos.
           6.
           1.
           
        
         
         
           On
           these
           Suppositions
           ,
           that
           this
           Repentance
           is
           usefull
           unto
           the
           End
           proposed
           ,
           is
           made
           fully
           evident
           in
           the
           Instances
           of
           
             Nineveh
             ,
          
           and
           of
           
             Ahab
             ,
          
           1
           Kings
           21.
           27
           ,
           28
           ,
           29.
           
           
             Ahab
          
           in
           his
           Repentance
           and
           Humiliation
           ,
           manifested
           a
           deep
           Sense
           of
           the
           Guilt
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           Divine
           Displeasure
           .
           
             Seest
             thou
             ,
          
           saith
           God
           ,
           to
           
             Elijah
             ,
             how
             he
             humbleth
             himself
             ?
          
           It
           might
           easily
           be
           known
           and
           taken
           notice
           of
           .
           There
           is
           an
           Humiliation
           described
           by
           the
           Prophet
           
             Isaiah
             ,
             Chap.
             58.
             v
             ,
          
           1
           ,
           2
           ,
           3
           ,
           4
           ,
           5.
           which
           God
           abhorreth
           ,
           and
           which
           shall
           be
           profitable
           for
           nothing
           .
           Such
           have
           been
           the
           Humiliations
           among
           us
           for
           the
           most
           part
           :
           But
           although
           it
           be
           the
           Duty
           of
           every
           man
           ,
           to
           endeavour
           that
           his
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           do
           consist
           in
           a
           sincere
           ,
           internal
           ,
           cordial
           Conversion
           unto
           God
           ,
           which
           the
           Divine
           Calls
           do
           intend
           ;
           without
           which
           ,
           it
           will
           not
           be
           of
           advantage
           unto
           his
           own
           Soul
           ,
           as
           unto
           his
           eternal
           Condition
           ;
           yet
           as
           unto
           the
           turning
           away
           of
           
             Temporal
             Calamities
             ,
          
           at
           least
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           suspension
           of
           them
           ,
           such
           a
           publick
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           as
           evidence
           themselves
           in
           their
           Fruits
           ,
           do
           proceed
           from
           a
           real
           Sense
           of
           Sin
           and
           Judgment
           ,
           may
           be
           usefull
           and
           prevalent
           .
           In
           breif
           ,
           the
           
             Repentance
          
           which
           God
           requireth
           ,
           with
           respect
           
           to
           his
           
             Covenant
             ,
          
           that
           the
           Souls
           of
           men
           may
           be
           saved
           ,
           unto
           the
           Glory
           of
           his
           Grace
           by
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           is
           eternal
           ,
           spiritual
           ,
           supernatural
           ,
           whereby
           the
           whole
           Soul
           is
           renewed
           ,
           changed
           and
           turned
           unto
           himself
           .
           But
           as
           God
           is
           the
           supream
           Governour
           of
           the
           World
           in
           Temporal
           things
           ,
           with
           respect
           unto
           the
           
             Dispensation
             of
             his
             providence
          
           in
           Mercies
           and
           Judgments
           ,
           there
           may
           be
           a
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           ,
           wherein
           his
           Glory
           is
           vindicated
           in
           a
           visible
           compliance
           with
           his
           Calls
           and
           Warnings
           ,
           and
           an
           Acknowledgment
           of
           him
           in
           his
           righteous
           Judgments
           ,
           which
           may
           be
           of
           Use
           unto
           the
           End
           proposed
           .
           Besides
           ,
           where-ever
           there
           is
           a
           
             General
             Reformation
             of
             Life
          
           sincerely
           attempted
           ,
           it
           is
           to
           be
           believed
           ,
           that
           in
           many
           it
           is
           spiritual
           and
           saving
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           required
           ,
           must
           be
           suited
           unto
           the
           
             State
             and
             Condition
             of
             those
             who
             are
             called
             ther●unto
             .
          
           All
           are
           to
           consider
           what
           is
           amiss
           in
           them
           ,
           as
           unto
           their
           own
           State
           and
           Condition
           ,
           
             Isai.
             55.
             7.
             
             Let
             the
             wicked
             forsake
             his
             Way
             ,
             and
             the
             unrigheous
             man
             his
             Thoughts
             ,
          
           every
           one
           his
           own
           Way
           and
           Thoughts
           in
           their
           present
           Condition
           .
        
         
         
           Wherefore
           the
           Persons
           intended
           in
           this
           Call
           ,
           are
           of
           two
           sorts
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Such
           as
           
             are
             wicked
             ,
          
           as
           unto
           their
           State
           and
           Condition
           ,
           persons
           unconverted
           ,
           unregenerate
           ,
           not
           born
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           And
           as
           are
           
             sincere
             Believers
             ,
          
           really
           converted
           unto
           God.
           
        
         
           The
           Call
           of
           God
           is
           unto
           both
           sorts
           :
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           are
           required
           of
           them
           both
           :
           And
           they
           are
           so
           in
           a
           suitableness
           unto
           their
           different
           conditions
        
         
           In
           each
           of
           these
           sorts
           ,
           there
           are
           
             various
             Degrees
          
           of
           Sin
           and
           Provocation
           .
           Some
           of
           the
           first
           sort
           are
           openly
           flagitious
           ,
           publick
           habitual
           Sinners
           ,
           such
           as
           whose
           
             Sins
             go
             before-hand
             unto
             Judgment
             ,
          
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           ,
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           5.
           24.
           
           And
           some
           are
           
             more
             sober
          
           in
           their
           outward
           Conversation
           .
           The
           Call
           of
           God
           respects
           them
           all
           in
           their
           several
           degrees
           of
           sinning
           .
           Let
           the
           
             wicked
             man
          
           forsake
           his
           Ways
           ,
           and
           the
           
             unrighteous
             man
          
           his
           Thoughts
           ,
           those
           which
           are
           his
           
             own
             ,
          
           which
           are
           proper
           to
           him
           .
           None
           doubts
           ,
           unless
           it
           be
           themselves
           ,
           that
           the
           
             first
             sort
          
           ought
           to
           reform
           themselves
           ;
           the
           
           Generality
           of
           men
           cry
           out
           against
           them
           ,
           and
           fear
           ,
           that
           for
           
             their
             Sins
             ,
          
           especially
           if
           they
           be
           Persons
           in
           high
           places
           ,
           the
           Judgments
           of
           God
           will
           come
           upon
           the
           Land.
           
        
         
           But
           if
           those
           of
           the
           
             other
             sort
          
           also
           ,
           who
           are
           apt
           to
           justifie
           themselves
           ,
           because
           they
           run
           not
           out
           unto
           the
           same
           
             Excess
             of
             Riot
             with
             them
             ,
          
           do
           not
           apply
           themselves
           unto
           the
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           which
           are
           proper
           unto
           their
           
             State
             and
             Condition
             ,
          
           the
           Will
           of
           God
           is
           not
           answered
           in
           his
           Warnings
           .
           Yet
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           Impenitency
           of
           this
           sort
           of
           men
           ,
           that
           is
           the
           most
           dangerous
           
             Symptome
          
           at
           this
           day
           in
           the
           Nation
           .
           Their
           unshaken
           Security
           keeps
           all
           that
           truly
           fear
           God
           in
           a
           trembling
           posture
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           It
           is
           so
           with
           
             Churches
          
           peculiarly
           
             reformed
             ,
          
           and
           
             true
             Believers
          
           in
           them
           ;
           as
           also
           all
           other
           true
           Beleivers
           ,
           who
           walk
           more
           at
           large
           .
           They
           also
           are
           called
           unto
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           ,
           and
           that
           according
           to
           their
           State
           ,
           and
           their
           respective
           degrees
           therein
           :
           For
           some
           are
           
             more
             Guilty
          
           than
           others
           ,
           in
           decays
           of
           Faith
           ,
           Love
           ,
           Zeal
           ,
           Holiness
           and
           Fruitfulness
           in
           Obedience
           .
           with
           Conformity
           to
           the
           World.
           And
           if
           their
           should
           be
           a
           publick
           Reformation
           in
           the
           Nation
           ,
           as
           to
           outward
           
           
             provoking
             Sin
             ;
          
           yet
           if
           these
           of
           
             this
             sort
             ,
          
           do
           not
           reform
           themselves
           ,
           according
           as
           their
           Condition
           doth
           require
           ,
           the
           desired
           
             Deliverance
          
           would
           scarcely
           be
           obtained
           .
           And
           wo
           be
           to
           such
           persons
           ,
           if
           through
           their
           Neglect
           of
           their
           Duty
           ,
           the
           whole
           Nation
           should
           be
           exposed
           to
           Ruine
           .
           Wherefore
           ,
        
         
           4.
           
           The
           Reformation
           called
           for
           ,
           as
           the
           condition
           of
           escaping
           of
           impendent
           Judgments
           ,
           must
           be
           
             Vniversal
             ,
          
           at
           least
           
             General
             ;
          
           amongst
           all
           sorts
           and
           Degrees
           ,
           all
           Orders
           and
           Estates
           of
           Men.
           All
           sorts
           have
           sinned
           ,
           all
           sorts
           are
           threatned
           ;
           and
           therefore
           Repentance
           is
           required
           of
           
             all
             ,
          
           if
           we
           would
           not
           perish
           .
           It
           is
           so
           of
           
             Magistrates
          
           and
           
             Ministers
             ,
          
           of
           
             Nobles
          
           and
           
             Common
             People
          
           in
           
             City
          
           and
           
             Country
             ;
          
           and
           that
           to
           be
           evidenced
           by
           its
           Fruits
           ;
           so
           as
           that
           it
           may
           be
           said
           of
           us
           
             See
             you
             not
             how
             they
             humble
             themselves
             .
          
        
         
           But
           if
           this
           be
           so
           ,
           some
           may
           be
           apt
           to
           say
           ,
           It
           seems
           if
           
             All
          
           do
           not
           set
           their
           Hearts
           and
           Hands
           unto
           this
           Work
           ,
           if
           
             All
             sorts
          
           do
           not
           engage
           in
           it
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           good
           effect
           to
           be
           hoped
           or
           looked
           for
           :
           But
           when
           shall
           we
           see
           any
           such
           thing
           ?
           When
           shall
           we
           see
           the
           
             Generality
          
           of
           all
           sorts
           of
           men
           in
           
           this
           Nation
           cordially
           to
           go
           about
           this
           Work
           of
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           ?
           as
           good
           therefore
           let
           it
           alone
           ,
           as
           go
           about
           to
           attempt
           it
           .
        
         
           I
           Answer
           ,
           1.
           
           If
           you
           cannot
           be
           
             content
             to
             perish
          
           with
           the
           impenitent
           and
           unreformed
           ,
           you
           may
           chuse
           to
           do
           as
           they
           do
           :
           If
           you
           would
           avoid
           their
           Punishment
           ,
           you
           must
           avoid
           their
           Sin
           ,
           especially
           their
           refusal
           to
           turn
           on
           the
           Call
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           Some
           must
           
             begin
             this
             Work
             ,
          
           and
           be
           exemplary
           unto
           others
           .
           And
           blessed
           are
           they
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           who
           shall
           receive
           the
           Grace
           and
           Honour
           so
           to
           do
           ,
           Let
           us
           not
           then
           sit
           looking
           on
           others
           to
           see
           what
           they
           will
           do
           ,
           but
           immediately
           engage
           unto
           our
           own
           Duty
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           duty
           herein
           ,
           of
           
             no
             one
             private
             Person
             ,
          
           much
           less
           of
           whole
           Churches
           shall
           be
           lost
           ,
           though
           the
           Nation
           should
           not
           be
           reformed
           in
           general
           .
           For
           ,
        
         
           1
           ,
           They
           
             shall
             deliver
             their
             own
             Souls
          
           and
           if
           they
           be
           not
           saved
           (
           as
           I
           believe
           they
           would
           be
           in
           an
           eminent
           manner
           )
           from
           somewhat
           of
           the
           outward
           part
           of
           a
           publick
           Calamity
           ,
           yet
           they
           should
           be
           from
           all
           
           the
           Wrath
           and
           Displeasure
           of
           God
           in
           it
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           A
           
             few
             ,
          
           for
           ought
           I
           know
           ,
           
             one
             man
             ,
          
           may
           sometimes
           prevail
           with
           
             God
             ,
          
           for
           the
           suspending
           ,
           at
           least
           of
           Judgments
           threatned
           unto
           a
           whole
           Nation
           .
           And
           hereby
           ,
        
         
           3.
           
           They
           shall
           give
           unto
           others
           a
           farther
           
             Season
             of
             Repentance
             ,
          
           which
           God
           can
           bless
           and
           make
           effectual
           unto
           them
           .
           There
           are
           therefore
           blessed
           Encouragements
           unto
           all
           Churches
           ,
           unto
           all
           individual
           persons
           to
           endeavour
           a
           compliance
           with
           the
           present
           Calls
           of
           
             God
             ,
          
           though
           
             the
             Body
             of
             the
             People
             should
             not
             be
             gathered
             .
          
        
         
           VII
           .
           Our
           next
           Enquiry
           is
           ,
           
             Whence
             ,
             or
             from
             what
             Causes
             such
             a
             Reformation
             may
             be
             expected
             ,
             as
             may
             be
             useful
             unto
             the
             turning
             away
             of
             impendent
             Judgments
             ?
          
           And
           these
           Causes
           are
           either
           supream
           ,
           or
           Subordinate
           .
        
         
           The
           Supream
           Cause
           hereof
           ,
           must
           be
           the
           
             Sovereign
             Grace
             of
             God
             ,
          
           in
           fresh
           Effusions
           of
           his
           Spirit
           on
           the
           Souls
           of
           Men
           ,
           to
           turn
           them
           unto
           himself
           .
           Without
           this
           ,
           all
           other
           ways
           and
           means
           of
           attaining
           it
           will
           be
           in
           vain
           .
           This
           is
           every
           where
           in
           the
           Scripture
           attested
           unto
           ,
           as
           the
           only
           supream
           
           efficient
           Cause
           of
           the
           Conversion
           of
           Men
           unto
           God.
           And
           unto
           that
           State
           are
           things
           come
           to
           amongst
           us
           ,
           that
           unless
           we
           are
           made
           partakers
           of
           it
           in
           a
           somewhat
           more
           than
           
             ordinary
             manner
             ,
          
           our
           Breaches
           cannot
           be
           healed
           ;
           Whether
           we
           have
           Grounds
           or
           no
           to
           expect
           any
           such
           thing
           ,
           shall
           be
           afterwards
           considered
           :
           At
           present
           there
           seems
           to
           be
           no
           other
           hopes
           of
           it
           ,
           but
           only
           because
           it
           is
           a
           
             Sovereign
          
           Act
           of
           Divine
           Grace
           ,
           which
           hath
           been
           exemplified
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           old
           .
           There
           seems
           indeed
           rather
           as
           yet
           ,
           to
           be
           a
           withdrawing
           drawing
           of
           the
           Communications
           of
           the
           Holy
           spirit
           in
           effectually
           prevalent
           Grace
           ,
           on
           the
           part
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           a
           contempt
           of
           them
           ,
           on
           the
           part
           of
           Men
           :
           But
           Sovereignty
           can
           conquer
           all
           Obstacles
           .
           This
           way
           did
           God
           heal
           and
           recover
           his
           Church
           of
           old
           when
           all
           other
           Means
           ,
           all
           Mercies
           ,
           Afflictions
           and
           Judgments
           failed
           ,
           
             Ezek.
          
           36.
           22
           ,
           23
           ,
           24
           ,
           25
           ,
           26
           ,
           27
           ,
           28
           ,
           29.
           
           And
           it
           may
           at
           present
           be
           for
           a
           Lamentation
           ,
           that
           this
           work
           of
           Grace
           is
           so
           disregarded
           by
           the
           most
           ,
           so
           
             despised
             by
             many
             ,
          
           and
           so
           little
           cried
           for
           by
           the
           Residue
           .
           But
           without
           it
           ,
           in
           vain
           shall
           we
           use
           any
           other
           Remedies
           ,
           we
           shall
           not
           be
           healed
           .
           It
           is
           not
           the
           best
           Projections
           of
           men
           for
           Reformation
           by
           this
           or
           that
           Order
           or
           State
           of
           things
           in
           
           Church
           or
           State
           ,
           that
           
             without
             this
             ,
          
           will
           be
           of
           advantage
           unto
           us
           .
        
         
           The
           
             Subordinate
             Causes
          
           hereof
           ,
           must
           be
           the
           diligent
           Discharge
           of
           their
           Duty
           ,
           by
           
             Magistrates
          
           and
           
             Ministers
             .
          
        
         
           I
           shall
           but
           name
           these
           things
           ,
           that
           I
           give
           no
           place
           to
           Complaints
           or
           Indignation
           ,
           though
           just
           and
           almost
           necessary
           .
           And
           ,
        
         
           
             First
             ,
          
           As
           unto
           the
           Furtherance
           of
           it
           by
           
             Magistrates
             ,
          
           it
           must
           consist
           in
           three
           Things
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           By
           evidencing
           that
           the
           
             Promotion
          
           of
           it
           is
           their
           
             Interest
             .
          
           Unless
           it
           be
           understood
           so
           to
           be
           ,
           whatever
           else
           they
           do
           in
           the
           Countenance
           of
           it
           ,
           will
           be
           of
           no
           Use
           nor
           Advantage
           .
           For
           this
           is
           that
           which
           the
           
             Generality
          
           will
           conform
           unto
           ,
           or
           comply
           with
           all
           .
           And
           if
           it
           be
           once
           understood
           ,
           that
           
             Reformation
          
           is
           what
           they
           
             desire
             ,
          
           what
           they
           
             design
             ,
          
           what
           they
           place
           their
           
             cheif
             Interest
          
           in
           ,
           as
           it
           was
           with
           
             David
             ,
             Hezekiah
             ,
             Josiah
             ,
          
           and
           others
           ,
           it
           will
           have
           an
           Influence
           on
           the
           People
           ,
           not
           inferiour
           unto
           what
           the
           Design
           of
           
             Jeroboam
          
           in
           pursuit
           of
           his
           corrupt
           Interest
           ,
           had
           on
           the
           people
           of
           
             Israel
             ,
          
           to
           sin
           ,
           All
           other
           
           Means
           are
           dead
           ,
           unless
           they
           are
           enlivened
           by
           an
           Evidence
           of
           Reality
           in
           the
           Minds
           of
           Magistrates
           ,
           and
           an
           high
           Concernment
           in
           the
           prosperity
           of
           their
           Work.
           Let
           them
           make
           what
           Laws
           and
           Orders
           they
           please
           ,
           appoint
           what
           outward
           Means
           they
           can
           devise
           ,
           unless
           it
           be
           made
           uncontroulably
           evident
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           their
           
             Cordial
             Design
             ,
          
           and
           what
           they
           place
           their
           
             Cheif
             Interest
          
           in
           ,
           they
           will
           not
           be
           available
           .
           Add
           hereunto
           ,
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           due
           Execution
           of
           Laws
           against
           
             Flagitious
             Immoralities
             .
          
           And
           ,
        
         
           3.
           
           An
           encouraging
           Example
           in
           their
           own
           persons
           ;
           without
           which
           ,
           all
           things
           will
           grow
           worse
           and
           worse
           ,
           whatever
           else
           be
           done
           .
           Men
           seem
           to
           be
           weary
           in
           some
           measure
           ,
           of
           the
           
             dismal
             Effects
             of
             Sin
             ;
          
           but
           they
           seem
           not
           to
           be
           
             weary
             of
             Sin.
          
           Unto
           this
           weariness
           ,
           they
           yet
           want
           Motives
           ,
           Encouragements
           and
           Examples
           .
           And
           it
           is
           strange
           unto
           me
           ,
           that
           in
           all
           our
           Fears
           and
           Dangers
           ,
           in
           the
           Divisions
           of
           our
           Councels
           ,
           and
           Confusions
           amongst
           all
           sorts
           of
           Men
           ,
           under
           an
           high
           Profession
           of
           Zeal
           for
           the
           
             Protestant
             Religion
             ,
          
           in
           the
           Nation
           ,
           and
           the
           Preservation
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           this
           only
           Expedient
           for
           our
           Relief
           and
           Safety
           lies
           wholly
           neglected
           ,
        
         
         
           As
           unto
           
             Ministers
             ,
          
           the
           Faithful
           Discharge
           of
           his
           Duty
           in
           Preaching
           ,
           Prayer
           ,
           and
           Example
           is
           required
           hereunto
           .
           Should
           I
           stay
           to
           shew
           the
           necessity
           hereof
           at
           this
           season
           ;
           as
           also
           what
           is
           required
           thereunto
           ,
           what
           
             Care
             ,
          
           what
           
             Diligence
             ,
          
           what
           
             Watchfulness
             ,
          
           what
           
             Compassion
             ,
          
           what
           
             Zeal
             ,
          
           what
           
             Exercise
             of
             all
             Gospel-Grace
             ,
          
           with
           the
           
             over-Neglect
          
           of
           these
           things
           among
           many
           ,
           it
           would
           take
           up
           a
           Volume
           ,
           rather
           than
           become
           a
           Place
           in
           this
           present
           Enquiry
           .
        
         
           But
           I
           proceed
           unto
           that
           which
           is
           more
           our
           immediate
           Concernment
           .
           Wherefore
           ,
        
         
           VIII
           .
           What
           if
           all
           these
           Means
           do
           fail
           ?
           what
           if
           all
           Expectations
           from
           them
           be
           in
           vain
           ?
           What
           is
           incumbent
           on
           them
           in
           particular
           ,
           who
           are
           really
           sensible
           of
           these
           things
           ;
           namely
           of
           the
           abounding
           of
           provoking
           Sins
           ,
           and
           the
           near
           Approach
           of
           deserved
           Judgments
           ?
        
         
           That
           which
           I
           design
           herein
           ,
           is
           to
           give
           some
           Directions
           ,
           as
           unto
           what
           
             Frame
             of
             Heart
          
           ought
           to
           be
           found
           in
           us
           ,
           and
           the
           
             Practice
             of
             what
             Duties
          
           we
           ought
           to
           be
           found
           in
           at
           such
           a
           Season
           as
           this
           is
           .
           It
           is
           no
           common
           ,
           no
           easie
           thing
           to
           wait
           for
           the
           
             Lord
             in
             the
             way
             of
             his
             Judgments
             ,
             Isai.
          
           26
           ,
           
           8
           ,
           9.
           
           There
           is
           inward
           Soul-work
           night
           and
           day
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           outward
           Duties
           required
           unto
           it
           .
           That
           God
           may
           be
           
             Glorified
          
           in
           a
           due
           manner
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           
             found
             in
             Peace
             ,
          
           whatever
           be
           the
           Event
           of
           things
           ;
           that
           we
           may
           be
           
             usefull
          
           unto
           others
           ;
           and
           in
           all
           serve
           the
           Will
           of
           God
           in
           our
           Generation
           ,
           are
           all
           expected
           from
           us
           in
           a
           way
           of
           Duty
           ,
        
         
           Unto
           this
           End
           ,
           the
           ensuing
           Directions
           may
           be
           made
           use
           of
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           
             Take
             heed
             of
             stout-heartedness
             ,
             and
             a
             Contempt
             or
             neglect
             thereby
             of
             Divine
             Warnings
             .
          
           There
           is
           a
           Generation
           ,
           who
           either
           really
           ,
           or
           in
           pretence
           ,
           are
           bold
           ,
           fearless
           ,
           stout-hearted
           ,
           regardless
           of
           these
           things
           ;
           they
           seem
           to
           provoke
           and
           dare
           God
           to
           do
           his
           utmost
           ,
           all
           that
           he
           seems
           to
           threaten
           .
           So
           they
           speak
           ,
           
             Isai.
             5
             ,
             19.
             
             Let
             him
             make
             speed
             ,
             and
             hasten
             his
             Work
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             see
             it
             ;
             and
             let
             the
             Counsel
             of
             the
             Holy
             One
             of
          
           Israel
           
             draw
             nigh
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             know
             it
             .
          
           Here
           is
           much
           talk
           indeed
           of
           the
           Judgments
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           their
           near
           Approach
           ;
           When
           shall
           we
           see
           them
           ?
           why
           do
           not
           they
           come
           ?
           when
           shall
           he
           bring
           forth
           his
           Work
           ?
        
         
           This
           hath
           been
           the
           great
           Controversie
           between
           the
           Church
           and
           the
           wicked
           World
           
           from
           the
           beginning
           of
           it
           .
           Those
           that
           truly
           feared
           God
           ,
           were
           always
           testifying
           that
           God
           
             would
             come
             ,
          
           and
           take
           vengeance
           on
           them
           for
           their
           Impieties
           and
           Impenitency
           .
           But
           because
           these
           Judgments
           were
           not
           speedily
           executed
           ,
           the
           sinful
           world
           did
           always
           despise
           their
           warnings
           ,
           and
           scoff
           at
           their
           Message
           ,
           So
           
             Enoch
          
           the
           seventh
           from
           
             Adam
             ,
          
           he
           Preached
           and
           Prophesied
           of
           these
           things
           ;
           namely
           of
           the
           
             Coming
             of
             God
             to
             take
             vengeance
             of
             ungodly
             men
             ,
          
           Jude
           14
           ,
           15.
           
           And
           this
           Message
           was
           scoffed
           at
           ,
           as
           is
           evident
           ,
           because
           no
           Reformation
           ensued
           thereon
           ,
           until
           the
           Flood
           took
           them
           all
           away
           .
           So
           was
           it
           with
           
             Noah
             ,
          
           and
           his
           Preaching
           ;
           and
           so
           it
           hath
           been
           with
           all
           that
           fear
           
             God
             ,
          
           in
           their
           several
           Generations
           ;
           and
           this
           was
           one
           especial
           thing
           that
           the
           Pagans
           laughed
           and
           mocked
           at
           the
           Primitive
           Christians
           about
           ;
           as
           is
           plain
           in
           
           Lucian's
           
             Philopatr
             .
          
           So
           the
           Apostle
           
             Peter
          
           gives
           us
           an
           Account
           both
           of
           what
           was
           past
           ,
           and
           what
           would
           afterwards
           come
           to
           pass
           ,
           2
           
             Pet.
          
           3.
           3
           ,
           4
           ,
           5
           ,
           6.
           unto
           the
           End.
           
        
         
           And
           such
           as
           these
           abound
           amongst
           us
           :
           All
           the
           
             Warnings
          
           of
           God
           have
           been
           turned
           into
           
             Ridicule
             ,
          
           previous
           Judgments
           despised
           ,
           and
           Sin
           it self
           made
           a
           Scoff
           of
           .
           But
           of
           all
           others
           ,
           God
           most
           abhorreth
           this
           
           sort
           of
           Men.
           They
           are
           said
           to
           be
           
             far
             from
             Righteousness
             ,
          
           Isai.
           46.
           12.
           
           Unto
           such
           he
           speaks
           in
           his
           Wrath
           ,
           
             Hear
             ye
             despisers
             ,
             wonder
             ,
             and
             perish
             .
          
           Yea
           ,
           the
           Scripture
           is
           full
           with
           the
           severest
           Threatnings
           against
           this
           sort
           of
           men
           ;
           nor
           shall
           any
           in
           the
           appointed
           season
           ,
           drink
           deeper
           of
           the
           Cup
           of
           Gods
           Indignation
           .
           See
           
             Isai
             :
             28
             ,
             14
             ,
             15.
             
             Deut.
          
           29.
           19.
           20.
           
           Such
           secure
           Despisers
           ,
           such
           Scoffers
           at
           approaching
           Judgments
           ,
           such
           Deriders
           of
           the
           Signs
           and
           Tokens
           of
           them
           God
           will
           deal
           withal
           .
           And
           some
           there
           are
           ,
           who
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           not
           from
           the
           same
           Spirit
           of
           open
           Prophaneness
           ,
           but
           out
           of
           Prejudices
           ,
           corrupt
           Arguings
           ,
           pretended
           Observations
           of
           things
           past
           ,
           Disbelief
           of
           all
           they
           do
           not
           feel
           ,
           and
           such
           like
           effects
           of
           long
           Security
           ,
           do
           utterly
           scorn
           and
           scoff
           at
           all
           these
           things
           .
           They
           account
           it
           a
           matter
           of
           
             Weakness
             ,
             Pusillanimity
             ,
          
           or
           Superstition
           to
           concern
           themselves
           in
           these
           warnings
           of
           Providence
           ,
           or
           the
           explication
           of
           them
           by
           the
           Word
           :
           but
           their
           Judgment
           sleepeth
           not
           .
           And
           it
           may
           be
           observed
           ,
           and
           will
           be
           found
           true
           ,
           that
           when
           Judgments
           do
           really
           approach
           ,
           of
           all
           sorts
           of
           men
           ,
           they
           are
           the
           most
           
             cowardly
             ,
          
           distracted
           ,
           fearfull
           and
           void
           of
           Counsel
           :
           For
           when
           God
           begins
           to
           deal
           with
           them
           ,
           their
           hearts
           cannot
           indure
           ,
           nor
           their
           hands
           be
           
           strong
           ,
           He
           smites
           through
           their
           loins
           ,
           and
           filleth
           them
           with
           a
           Spirit
           of
           horrour
           and
           fear
           ,
           that
           they
           shall
           tremble
           like
           the
           Leaves
           of
           the
           Forrest
           .
           In
           that
           day
           you
           may
           say
           unto
           them
           ,
           as
           
             Zebul
          
           did
           to
           boasting
           
             Gaal
             ,
          
           upon
           the
           Approach
           of
           
             Abimelech
             ,
          
           his
           Enemy
           ,
           
             Where
             is
             now
             thy
             Mouth
             wherewith
             thou
             saidst
             ,
             Who
             is
             Abimelech
             ?
          
           Where
           is
           now
           your
           Mouth
           and
           your
           Vauntings
           ,
           with
           respect
           unto
           these
           Judgments
           of
           God
           ?
           So
           
             Micaiah
          
           the
           Prophet
           told
           
             Zedekiah
          
           the
           false
           Prophet
           ,
           in
           his
           Boasting
           and
           Confidence
           of
           Success
           ,
           1
           
             Kin.
          
           22.
           25.
           
           With
           all
           thy
           confidence
           &
           boasting
           ,
           thou
           shalt
           be
           one
           of
           the
           first
           that
           shall
           endeavour
           to
           fly
           and
           hide
           thy self
           .
           Yea
           ,
           this
           sort
           of
           persons
           are
           commonly
           the
           most
           ridiculous
           and
           contemptible
           ,
           when
           real
           Danger
           overtakes
           them
           ,
           of
           any
           sort
           of
           men
           in
           the
           world
           .
        
         
           That
           which
           God
           requires
           of
           us
           in
           such
           a
           season
           ,
           is
           called
           in
           Scripture
           
             Trembling
             ;
             They
             that
             tremble
             at
             my
             word
             .
          
           This
           he
           regards
           ,
           this
           he
           accepts
           ,
           this
           he
           approveth
           of
           ,
           
             Isai.
             66.
             2
             ,
             5.
             
             Jer.
          
           5.
           22.
           
           It
           is
           not
           a
           weakning
           ,
           an
           astonishing
           ,
           heartless
           consternation
           of
           Spirit
           that
           is
           intended
           ;
           not
           such
           a
           Dread
           and
           Terrour
           as
           should
           obstruct
           us
           in
           the
           chearfull
           performance
           of
           Duty
           ,
           and
           preparation
           to
           comply
           with
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           Such
           is
           that
           mentioned
           ,
           
           
             Deut.
          
           18
           ,
           66
           ,
           67.
           which
           is
           the
           most
           severe
           of
           judgments
           .
           But
           it
           is
           an
           awful
           Reverence
           of
           the
           Greatness
           and
           Holiness
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           the
           way
           of
           his
           Judgments
           ,
           casting
           out
           all
           carnal
           Security
           ,
           Self-confidence
           ,
           and
           contempt
           of
           Divine
           warnings
           ,
           so
           bringing
           the
           soul
           into
           a
           submissive
           compliance
           with
           the
           will
           of
           God
           in
           all
           things
           .
           But
           look
           well
           in
           the
           first
           place
           ,
           that
           this
           Evil
           on
           no
           pretences
           do
           make
           any
           approach
           unto
           you
           .
        
         
           If
           one
           Evil
           seems
           to
           be
           diverted
           ,
           do
           not
           say
           with
           
             Agag
             ,
             surely
             the
             bitterness
             of
             Death
             is
             past
             ;
          
           which
           will
           prove
           an
           entrance
           into
           this
           evill
           Frame
           ,
           and
           so
           grow
           regardless
           of
           your
           Duty
           :
           God
           expects
           other
           things
           from
           you
           .
           
             The
             Lion
             ,
          
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             hath
             roared
             ,
             who
             will
             not
             fear
             ?
          
           Amos
           3.
           8.
           
           There
           is
           the
           Voice
           of
           a
           Lion
           roaring
           for
           his
           Prey
           ,
           in
           the
           present
           Divine
           Warnings
           :
           Take
           heed
           that
           you
           despise
           not
           that
           ,
           which
           when
           it
           comes
           to
           pass
           ,
           you
           can
           neither
           abide
           ,
           nor
           avoid
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Take
           heed
           of
           a
           Frame
           of
           heart
           that
           is
           
             regardless
          
           of
           these
           things
           We
           have
           a
           sort
           of
           Men
           ,
           who
           although
           they
           will
           not
           ,
           they
           dare
           not
           openly
           ,
           as
           others
           ,
           despise
           Divine
           Warnings
           ,
           yet
           they
           see
           all
           things
           
           in
           such
           a
           Light
           ,
           as
           suffers
           them
           not
           to
           take
           Notice
           of
           any
           Concernment
           of
           their
           own
           in
           them
           ,
           
             Psal.
             28.
             5.
             
             Jer.
          
           36.
           24.
           
           The
           Land
           is
           
             filled
          
           with
           
             Sin
             ;
          
           it
           is
           true
           ,
           but
           they
           are
           the
           Sins
           of
           other
           men
           ,
           not
           theirs
           ;
           
             There
             are
             Tokens
             and
             Signs
             of
             Gods
             Displeasure
          
           in
           Heaven
           above
           ,
           and
           the
           Earth
           beneath
           ,
           but
           men
           are
           not
           agreed
           whether
           these
           things
           be
           of
           any
           signification
           or
           no
           ;
           some
           say
           Yea
           ,
           and
           some
           Nay
           ;
           but
           they
           are
           new
           and
           strange
           ,
           and
           so
           are
           meet
           to
           be
           the
           Subject
           of
           Discourse
           ;
           
             previous
             Judgments
             have
             been
             upon
             us
             ;
          
           they
           are
           but
           such
           Accidents
           as
           fall
           out
           frequently
           in
           the
           world
           .
           But
           
             the
             Divisions
             among
             our selves
             ,
             and
             contrivances
             of
             our
             Adversaries
             ,
          
           seem
           to
           threaten
           Ruine
           to
           the
           Nation
           ;
           it
           may
           be
           so
           ;
           but
           these
           things
           belong
           unto
           our
           Rulers
           ;
           and
           Men
           are
           divided
           about
           this
           also
           ;
           some
           say
           one
           thing
           ,
           and
           some
           another
           :
           Some
           say
           there
           was
           a
           Plot
           ,
           and
           some
           say
           there
           was
           none
           .
           In
           the
           mean
           time
           ,
           they
           are
           
             filled
             with
             their
             own
             Occasions
             ,
          
           and
           will
           not
           be
           diverted
           from
           them
           ,
           unto
           any
           serious
           regard
           of
           God
           in
           his
           present
           Dispensations
           ;
           like
           the
           
             wild
             Ass
             in
             her
             occasion
             ,
             who
             can
             turn
             her
             away
             ?
          
           Jer.
           1.
           24.
           
           Of
           this
           Frame
           the
           Prophet
           complains
           ,
           as
           that
           which
           God
           will
           surely
           avenge
           ,
           
             Isa.
             26.
             11.
             
             Lord
             ,
             when
             thy
             Hand
             
             is
             lifted
             up
             ,
             they
             will
             not
             see
             ;
             but
             they
             shall
             see
             and
             be
             ashamed
             ,
             for
             their
             Envy
             at
             the
             People
             ;
             yea
             the
             Fire
             of
             thine
             Enemies
             shall
             devour
             them
             .
          
        
         
           Others
           look
           on
           all
           things
           in
           another
           Light
           ,
           and
           under
           another
           Notion
           ;
           for
           whereas
           it
           is
           part
           of
           our
           Sin
           and
           Punishment
           in
           this
           Nation
           ,
           an
           evident
           fruit
           of
           the
           Evil
           of
           our
           ways
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           
             divided
             into
             Designing
             Parties
          
           the
           one
           seeking
           the
           Ruine
           of
           the
           other
           ,
           they
           consider
           all
           Providences
           as
           relating
           unto
           such
           Differences
           .
           This
           gives
           them
           a
           zealous
           Concernment
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           continued
           Talk
           about
           them
           ;
           but
           the
           Will
           ,
           Work
           and
           Design
           of
           God
           in
           them
           is
           not
           laid
           to
           heart
           .
        
         
           Some
           are
           so
           well
           pleased
           with
           their
           present
           Advantages
           ,
           in
           Promotions
           ,
           Dignities
           and
           Wealth
           ,
           as
           their
           Interest
           ,
           that
           they
           cannot
           endure
           to
           think
           of
           these
           things
           .
           Whatever
           warnings
           are
           portended
           of
           approaching
           Judgments
           ,
           they
           look
           on
           them
           as
           the
           
             Threatnings
          
           of
           such
           as
           have
           ill
           will
           against
           them
           ,
           and
           would
           have
           these
           things
           to
           portend
           their
           Trouble
           :
           Guilt
           makes
           them
           fearful
           and
           sensible
           :
           and
           they
           think
           it
           best
           to
           hide
           those
           things
           from
           themselves
           ,
           which
           ,
           if
           they
           are
           so
           ,
           they
           cannot
           remedy
           .
        
         
         
           To
           free
           us
           from
           this
           Miscarriage
           also
           this
           unanswerableness
           unto
           the
           Mind
           of
           God
           in
           his
           present
           Dispensation
           ,
           we
           may
           consider
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           
             a
             deep
             consideration
             of
             ,
             and
             Enquiry
             into
             the
             Mind
             of
             God
             in
             such
             a
             season
             as
             we
             have
             described
             ,
             is
             required
             of
             us
             in
             a
             way
             of
             Duty
             .
          
           It
           is
           our
           Sin
           to
           neglect
           it
           ,
           and
           that
           attended
           with
           many
           Aggravations
           .
           It
           is
           not
           a
           thing
           that
           
             we
             may
             attend
             unto
          
           or
           
             omit
          
           as
           it
           seems
           convenient
           ;
           but
           it
           is
           required
           as
           
             a
             Duty
          
           of
           us
           ,
           without
           which
           we
           cannot
           Glorifie
           God
           in
           a
           due
           manner
           .
        
         
           He
           that
           is
           not
           daily
           exercised
           with
           prevalent
           Thoughts
           about
           the
           present
           ways
           of
           God
           in
           the
           Approach
           of
           his
           Judgments
           ,
           lives
           in
           such
           
             a
             Neglect
             of
             Duty
             ,
          
           as
           will
           bring
           in
           a
           Negligence
           and
           Coldness
           in
           all
           other
           Duties
           whatsoever
           ;
           for
           this
           is
           certain
           ,
           that
           when
           God
           calls
           unto
           any
           especial
           Duty
           in
           an
           
             extraordinary
          
           way
           or
           manner
           ,
           in
           any
           season
           ,
           those
           by
           whom
           it
           is
           neglected
           ,
           are
           really
           cold
           ,
           formal
           ,
           and
           negligent
           in
           all
           other
           ordinary
           Duties
           whatever
           .
           That
           Grace
           which
           will
           not
           be
           excited
           unto
           especiall
           Duties
           on
           extraordinary
           
           occasions
           ,
           is
           very
           lifeless
           in
           all
           other
           things
           .
           This
           is
           the
           best
           Note
           to
           try
           ,
           if
           not
           the
           
             Truth
             ,
          
           yet
           the
           
             Power
          
           of
           Grace
           .
           When
           it
           is
           in
           its
           vigor
           and
           due
           exercise
           ,
           it
           makes
           the
           Soul
           to
           be
           ready
           ,
           inclinable
           and
           disposed
           unto
           all
           Intimations
           of
           the
           Divine
           Will
           and
           Pleasure
           ;
           as
           speaks
           the
           Psalmist
           ;
           
             Thou
             shalt
             guide
             me
             by
             thine
             Eye
             and
             lead
             me
             with
             thy
             counsel
             .
          
           He
           attended
           to
           each
           Look
           and
           Guidance
           of
           Divine
           Providence
           to
           company
           with
           it
           ,
           when
           others
           must
           be
           forced
           with
           strong
           
             Curbs
             and
             Bridles
             ,
             like
             the
             Horse
             and
             Mule.
             
          
        
         
           2.
           
           It
           is
           such
           a
           Duty
           ,
           as
           whereunto
           real
           Wisdom
           and
           Diligence
           are
           required
           .
           We
           think
           it
           needfull
           to
           use
           our
           Wisdom
           about
           other
           things
           ,
           our
           own
           Affairs
           :
           But
           in
           this
           it
           is
           most
           necessary
           .
           
             The
             Voice
             of
             the
             Lord
             crieth
             unto
             the
             City
             ,
             the
             Man
             of
             Wisdom
             shall
             see
             thy
             Name
             ;
          
           Micah
           6.
           9.
           
           Ordinary
           ,
           slight
           and
           transient
           Thoughts
           will
           not
           answer
           this
           Duty
           .
           Such
           ,
           all
           men
           that
           are
           sober
           cannot
           but
           have
           ;
           and
           their
           Discourse
           is
           answerable
           thereunto
           .
           But
           Consideration
           with
           Diligence
           and
           Prudence
           is
           required
           of
           us
           :
           Let
           these
           Testimonies
           be
           consulted
           to
           this
           purpose
           ,
           
             Psal.
             65.
             9.
             
             Deut.
             12.
             10.
             
             Hos.
             4.
             last
             .
             Psal.
          
           107.
           43.
           
           Prayer
           ,
           Study
           and
           Meditation
           
           are
           all
           diligently
           to
           be
           engaged
           herein
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Take
           heed
           of
           
             vain
             Confidences
             .
          
           Men
           are
           apt
           in
           such
           seasons
           ,
           to
           fix
           on
           one
           thing
           or
           other
           ,
           wherewith
           they
           relieve
           and
           support
           themselves
           .
           And
           there
           is
           not
           any
           thing
           that
           is
           more
           effectual
           to
           keep
           them
           off
           from
           this
           Duty
           ,
           and
           the
           Frame
           of
           Spirit
           which
           is
           required
           in
           them
           .
           If
           you
           speak
           with
           any
           man
           almost
           ,
           you
           may
           with
           a
           little
           heed
           discover
           wherein
           his
           
             Confidence
          
           doth
           lie
           ,
           and
           what
           it
           is
           that
           he
           trusts
           unto
           .
           But
           saith
           the
           Prophet
           unto
           such
           persons
           ,
           
             The
             Lord
             hath
             rejected
             thy
             Confidences
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             not
             prosper
             in
             them
             ,
             Jer.
          
           2.
           37.
           
        
         
           There
           are
           sundry
           sorts
           of
           
             vain
             Confidences
          
           wherewith
           men
           are
           apt
           to
           relieve
           their
           Minds
           in
           such
           a
           season
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           countenance
           themselves
           in
           their
           Security
           and
           a
           Neglect
           of
           this
           especial
           Duty
           .
           Two
           in
           particular
           I
           shall
           onely
           mention
           ,
           as
           I
           do
           only
           name
           the
           Heads
           of
           things
           ,
           which
           might
           be
           much
           enlarged
           .
        
         
           I.
           The
           first
           is
           
             some
             certain
             Priviledges
             ,
          
           whereon
           they
           trust
           for
           an
           exemption
           from
           common
           Calamities
           :
           they
           are
           the
           
             Church
             ,
          
           they
           are
           the
           
             People
             of
             God
             ,
          
           they
           are
           separated
           
           from
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           persecuted
           by
           it
           ;
           and
           hence
           there
           is
           a
           secret
           Reserve
           in
           their
           Minds
           ,
           that
           indeed
           they
           shall
           not
           be
           in
           trouble
           as
           other
           men
           .
           So
           was
           it
           with
           the
           
             Jews
          
           of
           old
           ;
           when
           they
           were
           threatned
           with
           the
           Judgments
           of
           God
           for
           their
           Sins
           ,
           and
           called
           thereon
           to
           Repentance
           ,
           they
           justified
           themselves
           in
           their
           ways
           ,
           and
           despised
           all
           Divine
           warnings
           ,
           on
           a
           Confidence
           they
           had
           in
           their
           Church-Priviledges
           .
           They
           cried
           against
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           
             The
             Temple
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             the
             Temple
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             the
             Temple
             of
             the
             Lord
             are
             these
             ,
          
           and
           no
           evil
           shall
           come
           nigh
           us
           ,
           
             Jer.
          
           7.
           4.
           
           And
           in
           confidence
           hereof
           ,
           namely
           ,
           that
           they
           were
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           enjoyed
           the
           Priviledges
           belonging
           thereunto
           ,
           and
           the
           solemn
           Worship
           of
           God
           therein
           ,
           they
           gave
           themselves
           up
           unto
           all
           abominable
           Immoralities
           ,
           under
           an
           Assurance
           of
           Impunity
           by
           their
           priviledges
           as
           the
           prophet
           upbraids
           them
           ,
           
             v.
             8.
             9.
             
             Behold
             ye
             trust
             in
             lying
             words
             that
             cannot
             profit
             .
             Will
             you
             steal
             ,
             murder
             ,
             and
             commit
             Adultery
             ,
             and
             swear
             falsly
             ,
             and
             burn
             Incense
             unto
          
           Baal
           ,
           
             and
             walk
             after
             other
             Gods
             whom
             ye
             know
             not
             ;
             and
             say
             you
             shal
             be
             delivered
             ?
          
           At
           this
           day
           all
           sorts
           of
           men
           claim
           a
           Refuge
           in
           their
           priviledges
           .
           Those
           who
           design
           the
           Ruine
           of
           the
           Nation
           ,
           and
           of
           all
           true
           Religion
           
           therein
           ,
           do
           it
           with
           
             Confidence
          
           of
           Success
           from
           hence
           ,
           That
           
             they
             are
             the
             Church
             ,
          
           That
           the
           
             Temple
             of
             God
          
           is
           with
           them
           ,
           That
           all
           the
           priviledges
           belonging
           unto
           the
           Church
           are
           theirs
           ,
           and
           so
           are
           the
           Promises
           made
           unto
           it
           .
           And
           such
           is
           the
           infatuating
           Efficacy
           of
           their
           prejudicate
           peswasion
           herein
           ,
           that
           it
           hath
           had
           two
           marvellous
           Effects
           ;
           the
           one
           against
           the
           
             Light
             of
             Nature
             ,
          
           and
           the
           other
           against
           the
           
             Fundamental
             Principals
          
           of
           Religion
           .
        
         
           For
           first
           ,
           Under
           the
           Influence
           of
           this
           confidence
           ,
           they
           have
           engaged
           into
           as
           
             vile
             Immoralities
          
           as
           ever
           were
           perpetrated
           under
           the
           Sun.
           Murder
           ,
           Persecution
           ,
           Assassinations
           ,
           Dying
           in
           Falshoods
           ,
           with
           a
           general
           Design
           to
           pursue
           the
           same
           ways
           unto
           the
           utmost
           ,
           in
           the
           Destruction
           of
           multitudes
           of
           innocent
           persons
           ;
           as
           they
           did
           formerly
           in
           
             Ireland
             .
          
           But
           what
           if
           they
           do
           all
           those
           
             Abominations
             ?
          
           Yet
           they
           are
           the
           
             Church
             ;
          
           the
           promises
           and
           priviledges
           of
           it
           are
           theirs
           ,
           and
           all
           they
           do
           is
           accepted
           with
           God
           ;
           a
           principal
           tending
           directly
           to
           the
           vilest
           Atheism
           .
        
         
           Again
           ,
           Although
           God
           in
           a
           marvellous
           ,
           yea
           a
           miraculous
           manner
           ,
           hath
           discovered
           and
           frustrated
           their
           Hellish
           Designs-and
           
           brought
           many
           of
           them
           into
           the
           Pit
           they
           digged
           for
           others
           ,
           yet
           they
           will
           accept
           of
           
             no
             Rebuke
             from
             God
             ,
          
           but
           go
           on
           in
           an
           obstinate
           Presumption
           that
           
             they
             are
             the
             Church
             ,
          
           and
           shall
           prevaile
           at
           last
           .
           And
           
             that
             Church
          
           which
           shall
           prevail
           by
           these
           Means
           ,
           no
           doubt
           they
           are
           .
           Some
           indeed
           pretend
           highly
           
             to
             be
             the
             Church
             ,
          
           but
           they
           lay
           claim
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           I
           can
           find
           ,
           to
           no
           other
           Advantages
           thereby
           ,
           but
           
             Dignities
          
           and
           
             Promotions
             .
          
           And
           others
           also
           are
           apt
           to
           relieve
           themselves
           with
           this
           Confidence
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           
             the
             People
             of
             God
             ,
          
           and
           shall
           have
           an
           especial
           interest
           in
           Deliverance
           on
           that
           Account
           .
           And
           I
           say
           ,
           far
           be
           it
           from
           me
           ,
           to
           weaken
           any
           perswasion
           of
           Gods
           especial
           Regard
           of
           those
           that
           are
           truly
           his
           .
           God
           hath
           a
           peculiar
           People
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           let
           the
           World
           scoss
           at
           it
           whilst
           they
           please
           ,
           unto
           whom
           all
           the
           Promises
           of
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           Priviledges
           of
           the
           Church
           do
           belong
           .
           These
           Promises
           they
           ought
           to
           mix
           with
           Faith
           ,
           and
           plead
           before
           God
           continually
           and
           they
           shall
           be
           all
           accomplished
           towards
           them
           in
           the
           way
           and
           time
           of
           Gods
           appointment
           .
           Nor
           do
           any
           sort
           of
           dissenting
           Professions
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           called
           ,
           that
           I
           know
           of
           ,
           appropriate
           this
           Right
           and
           Priviledge
           unto
           themselves
           ,
           unto
           the
           exclusion
           of
           others
           ;
           but
           extend
           it
           
           to
           all
           who
           are
           sincere
           Believers
           .
           But
           this
           is
           that
           which
           I
           say
           concerning
           all
           sorts
           of
           men
           .
           That
           if
           an
           Apprehension
           or
           Perswasion
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           the
           
             Church
             or
             People
             of
             God
             ,
          
           do
           keep
           them
           off
           from
           that
           Duty
           of
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           ,
           which
           God
           cals
           unto
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           
             Confidence
          
           which
           God
           rejecteth
           ,
           and
           in
           which
           they
           will
           not
           prosper
           .
           I
           desire
           to
           ask
           of
           any
           ,
           Hath
           not
           the
           Church
           sinned
           ?
           Have
           not
           Prosessors
           sinned
           ?
           Are
           there
           not
           sins
           amongst
           us
           against
           the
           Lord
           our
           God
           ,
           proper
           unto
           our
           State
           ,
           and
           according
           to
           our
           Measure
           ?
           If
           it
           be
           so
           ,
           our
           being
           
             the
             People
             of
             God
             ,
          
           any
           of
           us
           ,
           if
           we
           are
           so
           ,
           
             unless
             we
             repent
             ,
          
           doth
           only
           ,
           as
           unto
           these
           Providential
           Dispensations
           ,
           expose
           us
           unto
           his
           just
           Severity
           ,
           for
           
             Judgment
             must
             begin
             at
             the
             House
             of
             God
             ;
             it
             must
             begin
             at
             us
             .
          
           Take
           heed
           of
           this
           failing
           
             Reserve
             :
          
           I
           have
           observed
           much
           Security
           to
           arise
           from
           hence
           ,
           and
           great
           Negligence
           of
           known
           Duties
           .
           If
           you
           are
           the
           People
           of
           God
           ,
           you
           had
           the
           more
           need
           to
           tremble
           at
           his
           Judgments
           ,
           and
           at
           the
           Tokens
           of
           his
           displeasure
           .
           Especially
           ought
           it
           to
           be
           so
           with
           you
           at
           this
           Day
           ,
           when
           God
           seems
           in
           a
           peculiar
           manner
           to
           be
           displeased
           with
           the
           
             Rivers
             ,
          
           as
           the
           Prophet
           speaks
           ,
           
             Hab.
          
           3.
           8.
           
           Those
           who
           should
           send
           forth
           streams
           of
           refeshment
           
           unto
           the
           Nation
           .
           To
           me
           at
           present
           all
           things
           appear
           in
           that
           condition
           ,
           That
           there
           is
           
             no
             Reserve
          
           left
           as
           unto
           publick
           Judgments
           ,
           but
           only
           in
           
             Sovereign
             Grace
             and
             Mercy
             ,
          
           to
           be
           waited
           for
           in
           a
           way
           of
           
             Repentance
             and
             Reformation
             .
          
           As
           unto
           our
           priviledges
           ,
           God
           speaks
           unto
           us
           ,
           as
           he
           did
           to
           the
           people
           of
           old
           ,
           concerning
           their
           Ornaments
           ,
           
             Exod.
             33.
             5.
             
             Put
             them
             off
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             know
             to
             do
             unto
             you
             .
          
           We
           are
           to
           lay
           aside
           our
           pleas
           and
           pretences
           ,
           betaking
           our selves
           to
           Sovereign
           Grace
           and
           Mercy
           alone
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           
             Another
             Ground
             of
             vain
             confidence
             may
             be
             ,
          
           an
           unjust
           Expectation
           of
           such
           an
           Accomplishment
           of
           Scripture-Promises
           ,
           Prophesies
           and
           Predictions
           ,
           as
           are
           not
           applicable
           unto
           our
           present
           Condition
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           undeniable
           that
           there
           are
           such
           Promises
           ,
           prophesies
           and
           predictions
           concerning
           the
           Deliverance
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           the
           Ruine
           of
           its
           Adversaries
           ,
           the
           Glory
           and
           Beauty
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           Christ
           ,
           as
           those
           intended
           .
           For
           although
           the
           most
           of
           that
           kind
           in
           the
           old
           Testament
           ,
           are
           of
           a
           
             Spiritual
             Interpretation
             ,
          
           and
           have
           their
           Accomplishment
           in
           all
           the
           Elect
           in
           every
           Age
           ,
           whatever
           be
           their
           outward
           State
           and
           Condition
           ;
           
           yet
           that
           there
           are
           such
           also
           as
           concern
           the
           
             State
             of
             the
             Church
             in
             this
             World
             ,
          
           and
           the
           Ruine
           of
           all
           its
           
             Antichristian
             Enemies
             ,
          
           with
           Peace
           and
           Glory
           ensuing
           thereon
           ,
           cannot
           be
           denied
           .
        
         
           And
           concerning
           them
           ,
           we
           may
           observe
           sundry
           things
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           not
           abuse
           them
           into
           vain
           
             groundless
             Confidences
          
           in
           such
           a
           Season
           this
           as
           is
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           we
           ought
           to
           have
           a
           
             firm
             Faith
          
           of
           their
           Accomplishment
           in
           their
           proper
           Season
           .
           The
           Rule
           of
           them
           all
           is
           that
           of
           the
           Prophet
           ;
           
             I
             the
             Lord
             will
             hasten
             it
             in
             his
             time
             ,
          
           Isai.
           60.
           22.
           
           As
           it
           is
           also
           ,
           
             Hab.
          
           2.
           2
           ,
           3.
           
           Though
           they
           seem
           to
           be
           prolonged
           and
           
             tarry
          
           beyond
           their
           proper
           season
           ,
           yet
           they
           have
           their
           
             fixed
             and
             determinate
             time
             ,
          
           beyond
           which
           they
           shall
           not
           tarry
           .
           And
           two
           things
           I
           would
           offer
           on
           this
           Occasion
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           we
           are
           not
           
             only
             to
             believe
             their
             Accomplishment
             ,
          
           but
           to
           be
           in
           the
           Actual
           Exercise
           of
           Faith
           about
           it
           .
           For
           without
           this
           ,
           we
           shall
           want
           a
           great
           supportment
           of
           patient
           long-suffering
           in
           every
           time
           of
           Trial.
           And
           by
           this
           Faith
           do
           we
           take
           in
           the
           Power
           and
           Comfort
           of
           things
           promised
           
           things
           not
           actually
           enjoyed
           .
           For
           Faith
           is
           
             the
             Substance
             of
             things
             hoped
             for
             ,
          
           Heb.
           11
           1.
           that
           which
           gives
           a
           previous
           subsistance
           in
           the
           Mind
           and
           Soul
           ,
           as
           unto
           the
           benefit
           and
           comfort
           of
           them
           ,
           of
           
             the
             things
             hoped
             for
             .
          
           And
           those
           whose
           Minds
           are
           exercised
           unto
           these
           things
           ,
           do
           know
           what
           benefit
           they
           have
           by
           such
           a
           preception
           of
           them
           .
           They
           are
           carryed
           sometimes
           by
           a
           way
           of
           believing
           into
           Communion
           with
           them
           who
           lived
           in
           the
           Old
           World
           ,
           as
           they
           had
           with
           us
           in
           the
           expectation
           of
           what
           we
           enjoy
           ;
           and
           into
           the
           same
           kind
           of
           Communion
           with
           those
           who
           herafter
           shall
           enjoy
           the
           accomplishment
           of
           those
           Promises
           which
           may
           be
           yet
           afar
           off
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           This
           Faith
           ought
           to
           be
           most
           firm
           when
           all
           things
           seem
           to
           conspire
           in
           rendring
           the
           Accomplishment
           of
           such
           Promises
           not
           only
           improbable
           ,
           but
           also
           impossible
           ,
           as
           unto
           present
           outward
           Causes
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           State
           of
           things
           at
           this
           day
           in
           the
           world
           .
           There
           are
           no
           visible
           or
           appearing
           means
           of
           the
           fulfilling
           any
           of
           them
           ;
           yet
           the
           whole
           World
           is
           joyned
           in
           a
           conspiracy
           to
           defeat
           them
           ;
           but
           true
           Faith
           riseth
           against
           those
           Oppositions
           ,
           and
           is
           prevalent
           against
           them
           all
           .
        
         
           For
           having
           God
           alone
           ,
           his
           Power
           ,
           Faithfulness
           
           and
           Truth
           for
           its
           Objects
           ,
           it
           values
           not
           the
           Opposition
           that
           men
           can
           make
           against
           them
           .
           That
           shall
           be
           done
           in
           this
           kind
           ,
           which
           God
           is
           able
           to
           do
           ,
           let
           men
           do
           what
           they
           please
           .
           God
           laughs
           all
           their
           proud
           Attempts
           to
           scorn
           ,
           and
           so
           may
           the
           
             Virgin
             Daughter
             of
             Sion
          
           also
           .
        
         
           2
           It
           is
           our
           Duty
           
             to
             pray
             for
             the
             accomplishment
             of
             all
             the
             Promises
             and
             Predictions
          
           that
           are
           on
           Record
           in
           the
           book
           of
           God
           concerning
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           Christ
           and
           his
           Church
           in
           this
           World.
           God
           will
           do
           these
           things
           ,
           yet
           for
           all
           of
           them
           ,
           he
           will
           be
           sought
           unto
           
             by
             the
             house
             of
             Israel
             .
          
           This
           hath
           been
           the
           Practice
           of
           Believers
           in
           all
           ages
           both
           under
           the
           Old
           Testament
           and
           the
           New
           ,
           Prayer
           for
           the
           accomplishment
           of
           Promises
           ,
           hath
           been
           the
           Life-breath
           of
           the
           Church
           in
           all
           Ages
           ;
           and
           Faith
           hereby
           brings
           in
           great
           refreshment
           unto
           the
           Soul.
           And
           the
           greatest
           Evidence
           of
           its
           approach
           will
           be
           a
           plentiful
           effusion
           of
           the
           holy
           Spirit
           in
           the
           hearts
           of
           Believers
           ,
           be
           they
           few
           or
           more
           at
           any
           time
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           stirring
           them
           up
           and
           enabling
           them
           to
           pray
           effectually
           and
           fervently
           for
           their
           accomplishment
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           Example
           of
           
             Daniel
             ,
          
           Chap.
           9.
           1
           ,
           2
           ,
           3.
           
           Wherefore
           ,
        
         
         
           3.
           
           There
           are
           three
           things
           considerable
           in
           such
           Promises
           and
           Predictions
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           Grace
           and
           Mercy
           that
           is
           in
           them
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           
             suitableness
          
           of
           that
           Grace
           and
           Mercy
           unto
           the
           State
           of
           Believers
           at
           any
           time
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           
             Litteral
             Accomplishment
          
           of
           them
           in
           their
           outward
           Circumstance
           .
           The
           two
           former
           belong
           unto
           us
           at
           all
           times
           ,
           and
           we
           may
           plead
           with
           God
           in
           Faith
           ,
           for
           the
           Effects
           of
           them
           in
           all
           our
           Trials
           and
           Distresses
           .
        
         
           With
           respect
           hereunto
           ,
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           the
           People
           of
           God
           have
           Faith
           in
           him
           against
           the
           World
           ,
           with
           all
           their
           Enemies
           and
           Oppressors
           ,
           which
           they
           have
           been
           so
           reproached
           withal
           ,
           as
           the
           
             Lord
             Christ
          
           was
           with
           his
           Faith
           unto
           the
           same
           Purpose
           ,
           
             Psal.
          
           22.
           8.
           
           When
           thing●
           seem
           to
           go
           evil
           with
           them
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           shut
           up
           in
           the
           hands
           of
           their
           Enemies
           and
           Oppressors
           ,
           as
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           was
           upon
           the
           Cross
           ,
           the
           World
           is
           ready
           to
           approach
           them
           with
           their
           Confidence
           in
           God
           ,
           and
           there
           owning
           themselves
           to
           be
           his
           People
           ;
           but
           they
           
           faint
           not
           herein
           .
           However
           things
           may
           go
           for
           a
           season
           ,
           they
           are
           secur'd
           of
           the
           Grace
           and
           Mercy
           which
           is
           the
           Promises
           ,
           which
           are
           suited
           unto
           all
           their
           Wants
           ,
           all
           that
           they
           can
           desire
           absolutely
           ;
           yea
           ,
           their
           full
           Deliverance
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           best
           for
           them
           :
           But
           ,
        
         
           4.
           
           Remember
           ,
           That
           as
           unto
           the
           
             Application
          
           of
           the
           Accomplishment
           of
           such
           Promises
           and
           Predictions
           in
           their
           outward
           Effects
           ,
           unto
           certain
           Times
           and
           Seasons
           ,
           many
           have
           been
           wofully
           mistaken
           ,
           which
           hath
           been
           the
           Ground
           and
           occasion
           of
           very
           scandalous
           Miscarriages
           :
           The
           World
           hath
           scarce
           seen
           greater
           outrages
           of
           Sin
           and
           Wickedness
           that
           have
           been
           countenanced
           by
           this
           Pretence
           ,
           that
           
             such
          
           or
           
             such
          
           a
           time
           was
           now
           come
           ,
           and
           that
           therein
           
             such
          
           and
           
             such
          
           things
           were
           to
           be
           done
           by
           those
           who
           made
           such
           Interpretations
           and
           Applications
           .
           For
           when
           such
           a
           Conceit
           befalls
           the
           Minds
           of
           men
           ,
           it
           sets
           them
           loose
           from
           all
           Rules
           but
           their
           own
           Inclinations
           And
           many
           have
           from
           such
           Apprehensions
           fallen
           under
           sad
           and
           scandalous
           disappointments
           .
           VVherefore
           ,
        
         
           
             Such
             an
             Expectation
          
           or
           Confidence
           of
           the
           Events
           of
           Promises
           ,
           Prophesies
           ,
           and
           
           Predictions
           ,
           as
           hinders
           men
           from
           applying
           their
           Minds
           throughly
           unto
           the
           present
           Duties
           that
           God
           calls
           for
           ,
           is
           heedfully
           to
           be
           watched
           against
           .
           I
           have
           heard
           many
           arguing
           and
           pleading
           for
           the
           strengthening
           of
           such
           Confidences
           ,
           but
           I
           never
           saw
           good
           effect
           of
           them
           ;
           they
           please
           for
           the
           present
           ,
           they
           profit
           not
           .
        
         
           The
           Story
           of
           the
           Prophets
           
             Jeremiah
          
           and
           
             Hananiah
             ,
          
           is
           applicable
           in
           this
           case
           ,
           
             Jer.
          
           28.
           
           And
           it
           is
           certain
           that
           before
           the
           Final
           Destruction
           of
           
             Hierusalem
             ,
          
           that
           which
           principally
           hardened
           the
           People
           unto
           their
           utter
           Ruine
           ,
           so
           as
           they
           would
           hearken
           neither
           to
           the
           Voice
           of
           God
           nor
           man
           for
           their
           safety
           ,
           was
           a
           Presumption
           they
           had
           ,
           that
           at
           
             that
             time
          
           their
           
             Messiah
          
           would
           come
           and
           save
           them
           ,
        
         
           6.
           
           Few
           know
           of
           what
           sort
           
             Day
             of
             the
             Lord
          
           will
           be
           ,
           which
           they
           desire
           long
           for
           an
           expect
           .
           We
           know
           how
           it
           proved
           unto
           the
           Church
           of
           the
           
             Jews
             ,
          
           Mal.
           3.
           1.
           2
           ,
           A
           Day
           may
           be
           coming
           ,
           which
           ,
           although
           it
           may
           be
           a
           glorious
           Issue
           ,
           yet
           it
           may
           consume
           all
           the
           Hopes
           that
           men
           have
           treasured
           up
           in
           their
           expectation
           of
           it
           .
           But
           I
           will
           not
           touch
           farther
           on
           these
           things
           :
           My
           Design
           is
           only
           to
           take
           us
           all
           off
           from
           
           such
           vain
           Confidences
           as
           may
           obstruct
           us
           in
           a
           diligent
           attendance
           unto
           those
           Duties
           ,
           which
           God
           at
           this
           season
           calls
           us
           unto
           ;
           which
           shall
           be
           declared
           immediately
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Some
           place
           their
           Confidence
           in
           
             secret
             Reserves
          
           which
           they
           have
           in
           themselves
           ,
           that
           however
           it
           go
           with
           others
           ,
           yet
           they
           shall
           escape
           well
           enough
           .
           They
           are
           
             rich
             ,
          
           and
           they
           intend
           to
           be
           
             wise
             :
          
           They
           intend
           not
           to
           be
           ingaged
           in
           any
           thing
           
             Civil
          
           or
           
             Religious
             ,
          
           that
           should
           prejudice
           them
           in
           their
           Possessions
           :
           whilst
           things
           pass
           at
           the
           cheap
           rate
           of
           talking
           ,
           they
           will
           be
           like
           unto
           others
           ;
           but
           when
           Trials
           come
           ,
           they
           will
           make
           a
           safe
           Retreat
           .
           We
           have
           their
           character
           and
           their
           Doom
           ,
           
             Jer.
          
           28.
           15
           ,
           17
           ,
           18.
           
        
         
           4.
           
           A
           Fourth
           Direction
           for
           our
           Deportment
           in
           such
           a
           season
           is
           ,
           That
           
             we
             diligently
             consider
             and
             search
             our
             own
             hearts
             ,
             and
             ways
             ,
             to
             find
             out
             and
             understand
             how
             it
             is
             between
             God
             and
             our
             Souls
             .
          
           This
           Direction
           is
           given
           us
           
             Lam.
             3.
             39.
             40.
             
             Wherefore
             doth
             a
             living
             man
             complain
             ,
             a
             man
             for
             the
             punishment
             of
             his
             Sins
             ?
             Let
             us
             search
             and
             try
             our
             ways
             ,
             and
             turn
             again
             to
             the
             Lord.
          
           When
           Trials
           and
           Punishments
           draw
           nigh
           ,
           or
           are
           upon
           us
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           our
           Business
           nor
           Duty
           
           to
           lie
           
             complaining
          
           under
           them
           ,
           but
           so
           to
           
             search
             and
             try
             our
             Ways
             ,
          
           as
           
             to
             turn
             unto
             the
             Lord.
          
           This
           is
           the
           first
           word
           of
           the
           voice
           of
           God
           in
           approaching
           Judgments
           ,
           
             Search
             your selves
             ,
             try
             your
             hearts
             and
             your
             ways
             ,
          
           try
           how
           it
           is
           with
           you
           .
           At
           such
           a
           season
           to
           pass
           by
           the
           consideration
           of
           our selves
           ,
           of
           our
           State
           ,
           of
           our
           VValk
           ,
           of
           our
           Actions
           ,
           in
           an
           ordinary
           manner
           ,
           or
           with
           slight
           or
           common
           thoughts
           ,
           is
           to
           despise
           the
           Voice
           of
           God.
           God
           speaks
           aloud
           ,
           the
           
             Voice
             of
             God
             cryeth
             unto
             the
             City
          
           ;
           he
           doth
           so
           by
           the
           ways
           before-mentioned
           ;
           he
           speaks
           articulately
           ,
           distinctly
           ,
           so
           as
           that
           
             a
             man
             of
             Wisdom
             may
             see
             his
             Name
             ,
          
           and
           know
           his
           mind
           ;
           he
           speaks
           unto
           us
           ;
           and
           says
           ,
           
             Search
             now
             your selves
             .
          
        
         
           And
           in
           this
           Search
           ,
           respect
           is
           to
           be
           had
           unto
           the
           things
           ensuing
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           In
           general
           ,
           Search
           into
           your
           
             State
             and
             Condition
          
           ;
           try
           whether
           it
           be
           built
           on
           a
           good
           foundation
           ;
           on
           the
           
             Rock
          
           by
           Faith
           ;
           or
           on
           the
           
             Sand
             ,
          
           by
           Profession
           only
           ;
           whether
           it
           will
           hold
           his
           Trial
           who
           will
           bring
           it
           to
           the
           Refiners
           fire
           ;
           
             He
             shall
             slay
             the
             Hypocrite
             with
             the
             breath
             of
             his
             mouth
             .
          
           And
           many
           dreadfull
           Discoveries
           will
           be
           made
           of
           the
           false
           and
           rotten
           States
           of
           men
           when
           
           the
           Lords
           day
           of
           Trial
           shall
           come
           .
           This
           is
           one
           certain
           End
           of
           a
           fiery
           Trial
           ;
           namely
           ,
           to
           discover
           and
           consume
           the
           
             Profession
             of
             Hypocrites
             ,
          
           as
           hath
           been
           done
           in
           part
           already
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           With
           respect
           unto
           those
           Ways
           and
           Sins
           which
           are
           the
           
             peculiarly
             provoking
             sins
          
           of
           Churches
           and
           Professors
           ;
           such
           as
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           testifieth
           his
           Displeasure
           against
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           which
           may
           have
           as
           great
           an
           influence
           into
           the
           procurement
           of
           temporal
           Judgments
           ,
           as
           the
           more
           flagitious
           Sins
           of
           open
           Sinners
           :
           such
           are
           
             Decays
             in
             Love
             ,
             Zeal
          
           and
           
             Fruits
             of
             Obedience
             ,
          
           want
           of
           Delight
           ,
           VVarmth
           and
           Life
           in
           the
           Ordinances
           of
           Gospel-VVorship
           :
           with
           Pride
           ,
           Elation
           of
           Mind
           ,
           Self-conceit
           ,
           and
           Barrenness
           in
           good
           VVorks
           .
           If
           we
           would
           know
           what
           are
           the
           Sins
           in
           Churches
           and
           Professors
           ,
           that
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           is
           so
           displeased
           with
           us
           ,
           as
           to
           threaten
           his
           departing
           from
           them
           ,
           we
           cannot
           better
           learn
           it
           ,
           than
           in
           the
           Declaration
           of
           his
           Mind
           ,
           which
           he
           makes
           unto
           the
           Churches
           of
           
             Asia
             ,
             Rev
          
           2
           and
           3.
           
           And
           these
           are
           the
           things
           which
           he
           chargeth
           on
           them
           :
           For
           persons
           under
           the
           Capacities
           of
           Church-Members
           and
           Professors
           ,
           to
           content
           themselves
           with
           
             such
             a
             Search
          
           of
           their
           outward
           Actions
           
           and
           Duties
           ,
           of
           all
           sorts
           ,
           Religious
           ,
           Moral
           and
           Civil
           ,
           as
           none
           may
           justly
           cast
           blame
           upon
           them
           ,
           it
           know
           way
           answers
           the
           
             search
          
           that
           God
           calls
           them
           unto
           .
           How
           is
           it
           as
           unto
           the
           inward
           frame
           of
           the
           heart
           ?
           What
           is
           the
           vigour
           and
           power
           of
           Faith
           and
           Love
           in
           you
           ?
           how
           do
           they
           act
           themselves
           ;
           what
           is
           your
           real
           delight
           in
           the
           ways
           of
           God
           ?
           Where
           is
           your
           Fruitfulness
           in
           works
           of
           Charity
           and
           Mercy
           ?
           VVhere
           is
           your
           readiness
           to
           forgive
           your
           Enemies
           ?
           Are
           there
           no
           Failings
           ,
           no
           Decays
           in
           these
           things
           ?
           Are
           there
           no
           Indispositions
           ,
           Deadness
           and
           Coldness
           in
           Duties
           ,
           grown
           upon
           you
           ?
           How
           is
           it
           as
           unto
           constant
           Meditation
           on
           spiritual
           things
           ,
           and
           the
           fixing
           your
           Affections
           on
           things
           that
           are
           above
           ?
           VVith
           respect
           unto
           these
           things
           ,
           ought
           we
           to
           
             search
             our selves
             diligently
          
           in
           such
           a
           Day
           as
           this
           is
           ;
           and
           if
           we
           find
           our selves
           under
           
             Decays
          
           in
           them
           ,
           let
           us
           know
           of
           a
           truth
           that
           God
           calls
           us
           unto
           Repentance
           or
           pain
           of
           his
           highest
           Displeasure
           .
        
         
           For
           our
           parts
           ,
           we
           cannot
           search
           into
           ,
           we
           cannot
           judge
           the
           hearts
           of
           others
           ,
           any
           other
           way
           but
           by
           the
           
             Application
          
           of
           the
           Word
           unto
           their
           Consciences
           .
           But
           I
           must
           needs
           say
           ,
           That
           if
           mens
           outward
           Actions
           be
           an
           Indication
           of
           the
           inward
           frame
           
           of
           their
           Minds
           ,
           there
           is
           reason
           enough
           for
           the
           most
           of
           us
           to
           be
           jealous
           over
           our selves
           herein
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           With
           respect
           unto
           your
           
             Callings
             ,
             Circumstances
          
           and
           
             Inclinations
             ,
          
           and
           the
           Sins
           that
           are
           peculiar
           unto
           them
           .
           There
           are
           Sins
           which
           are
           very
           apt
           to
           insinuate
           themselves
           into
           the
           
             Callings
          
           and
           
             Circumstances
          
           of
           men
           ,
           both
           of
           high
           and
           low
           degree
           ,
           that
           do
           
             easily
             beset
             them
             ;
          
           as
           Hardness
           ,
           Oppression
           ,
           Severity
           and
           Unmercifulness
           ,
           in
           those
           that
           are
           great
           ,
           and
           have
           large
           Possessions
           ;
           and
           Deceit
           ,
           Equivocations
           ,
           Over-reaching
           ,
           in
           those
           of
           more
           ordinary
           Employments
           .
           I
           speak
           not
           of
           these
           at
           present
           :
           They
           are
           of
           the
           number
           of
           those
           
             which
             go
             before-hand
             unto
             Judgment
             :
          
           But
           these
           things
           ,
           namely
           ,
           mens
           
             Callings
             ,
             Circumstances
          
           and
           
             Inclination
          
           are
           apt
           to
           influence
           their
           Mind
           with
           vicious
           Habits
           ,
           and
           to
           render
           their
           ways
           crooked
           .
           
             Pride
             of
             Life
             ,
             Self-Conceit
             ,
             negligence
             in
             holy
             Duties
             ,
             Destempered
             Passions
          
           and
           
             Lusts
             ,
             devouring
             Cares
             ,
             carnal
             Fears
             ,
          
           with
           other
           hurtful
           Evils
           ,
           do
           spring
           from
           these
           things
           ,
           if
           not
           watched
           against
           .
           In
           reference
           unto
           them
           therefore
           are
           we
           called
           to
           search
           our selves
           in
           Day
           wherein
           God
           is
           pleading
           with
           us
           .
           With
           respect
           
           unto
           them
           ought
           we
           to
           be
           exceding
           jealous
           over
           our selves
           ;
           for
           verily
           they
           have
           rendred
           the
           VVays
           and
           VValkings
           of
           the
           Generality
           of
           Professors
           a
           great
           provocation
           unto
           Christ
           Jesus
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           In
           an
           especial
           manner
           with
           a
           respect
           unto
           
             Love
             of
             the
             World
             ,
          
           and
           conformity
           thereunto
           .
           This
           is
           that
           which
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           will
           not
           alwaies
           bear
           withal
           in
           his
           Churches
           ;
           for
           it
           lies
           in
           opposition
           unto
           the
           whole
           work
           of
           Faith
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           Precepts
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           It
           is
           not
           against
           this
           or
           that
           Command
           only
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           against
           the
           whole
           Design
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           the
           Grace
           administred
           therein
           .
        
         
           Now
           at
           present
           concerning
           our
           outward
           Conformity
           unto
           the
           VVorld
           there
           needs
           no
           
             great
             Search
          
           to
           be
           made
           :
           it
           is
           open
           and
           evident
           unto
           all
           ;
           so
           that
           as
           unto
           Attire
           ,
           Fashions
           ,
           manner
           of
           ordinary
           Converse
           ,
           Mispence
           of
           Time
           ,
           Feastings
           of
           rich
           ones
           ,
           and
           Jolities
           ,
           there
           is
           little
           difference
           left
           between
           Professors
           and
           the
           World
           ,
           which
           God
           will
           not
           long
           bear
           with
           them
           in
           ;
           especially
           not
           in
           those
           who
           have
           increased
           their
           wealth
           in
           ,
           and
           grown
           into
           Conformity
           with
           the
           VVorld
           ,
           whilst
           others
           under
           the
           same
           Profession
           ,
           have
           
           been
           harrassed
           ,
           imprisoned
           ,
           impoverished
           and
           ruined
           by
           the
           VVorld
           .
           And
           as
           for
           
             inordinate
             Love
          
           unto
           the
           VVorld
           ,
           I
           have
           spoken
           so
           often
           to
           it
           ,
           treated
           so
           much
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           I
           shall
           not
           here
           again
           insist
           upon
           it
           :
           I
           shall
           only
           say
           ,
           that
           when
           men
           grow
           proud
           ,
           high-minded
           ,
           and
           value
           themselves
           according
           to
           the
           increase
           of
           their
           earthly
           Enjoyments
           ,
           and
           think
           themselves
           wronged
           if
           others
           do
           not
           also
           so
           value
           them
           ,
           it
           is
           in
           vain
           for
           them
           to
           pretend
           that
           their
           hearts
           do
           not
           inordinately
           cleave
           unto
           the
           VVorld
           ,
           and
           the
           things
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           The
           
             Self-Searching
          
           is
           the
           first
           Duty
           we
           are
           at
           this
           season
           called
           unto
           ;
           and
           if
           we
           are
           negligent
           or
           overly
           herein
           ,
           we
           shall
           not
           answer
           the
           Mind
           and
           VVill
           of
           God
           in
           any
           one
           Duty
           or
           Instance
           of
           any
           other
           kind
           .
           VVe
           are
           therefore
           herein
           to
           call
           in
           God
           and
           Men
           unto
           our
           Aid
           and
           Assistance
           as
           also
           to
           stir
           up
           our selves
           unto
           it
           with
           Diligence
           and
           Perseverance
           .
           So
           the
           
             Psalmist
             ,
          
           lest
           ,
           he
           should
           not
           be
           able
           to
           make
           a
           diligent
           effectual
           Examination
           of
           himself
           and
           his
           ways
           ,
           cries
           unto
           God
           ,
           to
           
             search
             and
             try
             him
             ,
          
           that
           he
           might
           be
           known
           unto
           himself
           ,
           especially
           with
           respect
           unto
           any
           
             evil
             way
             of
             Sin
          
           or
           wickedness
           ,
           
             Psal.
          
           139.
           23
           ,
           24.
           
           So
           we
           ought
           to
           cry
           for
           fresh
           Communications
           
           of
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           of
           God
           in
           his
           
             convincing
             Efficacy
             ,
          
           to
           acquaint
           us
           throughly
           with
           our selves
           ,
           and
           to
           deliver
           us
           from
           all
           self-deceivings
           in
           this
           matter
           .
           For
           when
           we
           go
           about
           this
           Search
           ,
           a
           thousand
           Pretences
           and
           arguings
           will
           arise
           ,
           to
           the
           Concealment
           or
           Countenance
           of
           Self
           and
           Sin
           ,
           against
           a
           Discovery
           and
           Pursuit
           .
           Nothing
           can
           remove
           and
           scatter
           them
           ,
           but
           the
           power
           of
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           acting
           in
           his
           convincing
           Efficacy
           .
           The
           whole
           Deceit
           of
           the
           heart
           in
           such
           a
           season
           will
           be
           put
           forth
           ,
           to
           hide
           ,
           palliate
           ,
           excuse
           and
           countenance
           such
           Frames
           and
           actings
           as
           ought
           to
           be
           seized
           on
           and
           brought
           to
           Judgment
           .
           There
           is
           need
           of
           the
           
             Candle
             of
             the
             Lord
             to
             search
             the
             inward
             parts
             of
             the
             Belly
             ,
          
           Prov.
           20.
           27.
           of
           Spiritual
           Light
           ,
           to
           look
           into
           the
           secret
           recesses
           of
           the
           Mind
           and
           affections
           ,
           to
           discover
           what
           is
           amiss
           in
           them
           .
           And
           there
           is
           need
           of
           Spiritual
           Strength
           ,
           to
           
             cast
          
           down
           all
           the
           
             Srong
             holds
          
           and
           Fortifications
           of
           Sin
           ,
           which
           will
           be
           all
           set
           up
           at
           such
           a
           time
           ,
           and
           will
           not
           be
           demolished
           or
           scattered
           without
           powerfull
           actings
           of
           Grace
           .
           This
           therefore
           in
           the
           first
           place
           ,
           we
           are
           to
           apply
           our selves
           unto
           ,
           if
           we
           intend
           any
           Success
           in
           this
           work
           of
           Self-Examination
           .
        
         
         
           So
           also
           are
           we
           to
           pray
           ,
           that
           the
           
             Word
          
           in
           the
           
             Preaching
          
           and
           
             Dispensation
          
           of
           it
           ,
           may
           be
           effectual
           unto
           the
           same
           End
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           find
           it
           
             quick
             and
             powerfull
             ,
          
           Heb.
           4.
           12.
           that
           it
           may
           so
           judge
           the
           
             Secrets
             of
             our
             Hearts
             ,
          
           1.
           
           Cor.
           14.
           25.
           that
           we
           may
           fall
           down
           and
           judge
           our selves
           also
           .
           To
           hide
           our selves
           at
           such
           a
           season
           ,
           ,
           from
           the
           power
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           is
           an
           open
           Evidence
           of
           a
           ruining
           Security
           .
        
         
           This
           Work
           in
           the
           use
           of
           these
           Means
           ,
           is
           to
           be
           called
           over
           and
           persisted
           in
           ,
           if
           we
           design
           a
           Compliance
           with
           the
           present
           Calls
           of
           God
           ,
           or
           an
           Endeavour
           to
           be
           found
           of
           him
           in
           Peace
           ,
           when
           he
           cometh
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           To
           be
           deeply
           
             humbled
             before
             the
             Lord
          
           for
           our
           own
           Sins
           ,
           with
           a
           Relinquishment
           of
           them
           all
           thereon
           ,
           is
           the
           principal
           part
           of
           our
           Duty
           in
           this
           Season
           .
           This
           the
           whole
           Scripture
           testifieth
           unto
           ,
           speaking
           of
           these
           things
           .
           Without
           this
           ,
           all
           that
           we
           do
           ,
           or
           can
           do
           ,
           signifies
           nothing
           as
           unto
           a
           compliance
           with
           the
           Calls
           of
           God.
           This
           is
           the
           End
           of
           the
           Search
           before
           insisted
           on
           .
           We
           are
           to
           find
           out
           ,
           to
           know
           every
           one
           the
           
             Plague
             ,
          
           the
           stroke
           ,
           the
           Disease
           of
           his
           
           own
           Heart
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           be
           
             humbled
          
           before
           the
           Lord
           for
           it
           .
        
         
           And
           unto
           this
           Humiliation
           it
           is
           required
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           it
           be
           
             internal
          
           and
           
             sincere
             .
          
           There
           is
           an
           Humiliation
           commonly
           expressing
           it self
           in
           the
           Observation
           of
           
             Days
             of
             Fasting
             and
             Prayer
             ,
          
           which
           oftentimes
           is
           but
           the
           
             Hanging
             down
             of
             the
             Head
             like
             a
             Bulrush
             for
             a
             Day
             .
          
           However
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           so
           carried
           sometimes
           ,
           as
           to
           divert
           or
           prolong
           the
           Execution
           of
           threatned
           Judgments
           :
           But
           that
           which
           God
           requireth
           of
           us
           ,
           is
           to
           be
           in
           the
           
             fixed
             Affections
             of
             the
             Heart
             .
          
           VVhen
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           comes
           to
           enjoyn
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           ,
           he
           gives
           himself
           that
           Title
           ,
           
             I
             am
             he
             that
             searcheth
             the
             Reins
             and
             Hearts
             ,
          
           Rev.
           2.
           23.
           
           It
           is
           an
           internal
           hidden
           work
           ,
           which
           he
           looks
           after
           in
           our
           Humiliation
           for
           Sin.
           So
           saith
           
             David
          
           in
           the
           same
           Case
           ;
           
             Thou
             requirest
             Truth
             in
             the
             inward
             parts
             ,
          
           Psal.
           51.
           
           Truth
           or
           Sincerity
           in
           the
           Affections
           ,
           is
           that
           which
           God
           regards
           in
           our
           Humiliation
           ;
           which
           answers
           the
           Charge
           in
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           
             Rend
             your
             Hearts
             ,
             and
             not
             your
             Garments
             :
          
           Inward
           Power
           ,
           not
           outward
           Signs
           ,
           are
           accepted
           with
           God
           in
           this
           Matter
           .
           Let
           us
           every
           
           one
           take
           it
           on
           our
           own
           Souls
           ,
           every
           one
           charge
           his
           own
           Conscience
           in
           private
           with
           the
           performance
           of
           this
           Duty
           :
           God
           will
           bear
           no
           longer
           with
           Pretences
           ;
           no
           outward
           Appearances
           or
           evanid
           Affections
           in
           a
           temporary
           Humiliation
           for
           
             a
             Day
             ,
          
           though
           in
           the
           Observation
           of
           the
           most
           solemn
           Duties
           ,
           required
           on
           such
           a
           Day
           ,
           will
           answer
           the
           Mind
           of
           God
           herein
           .
           For
        
         
           2.
           
           It
           must
           be
           
             extraordinary
             .
          
           Humiliation
           for
           our
           own
           Sins
           ,
           is
           a
           Duty
           constantly
           incumbent
           on
           us
           .
           To
           
             walk
             humbly
             with
             God
             ,
          
           is
           the
           principal
           thing
           that
           he
           requires
           of
           us
           in
           this
           world
           ,
           
             Micah
          
           6.
           9.
           
           Hereof
           Self-Abasement
           in
           a
           sence
           of
           Sin
           is
           the
           Life
           and
           Soul
           ,
           the
           Principle
           of
           all
           other
           Acts
           and
           Duties
           belonging
           thereunto
           .
           But
           when
           the
           
             Calls
             of
             God
          
           are
           
             extraordinary
             ,
          
           as
           they
           are
           at
           this
           day
           ,
           it
           is
           necessary
           that
           we
           attend
           hereunto
           in
           an
           extraordinary
           manner
           .
           Failing
           in
           the
           necessary
           degrees
           of
           a
           Duty
           ,
           renders
           it
           ineffectual
           and
           unacceptable
           .
           If
           as
           unto
           Times
           and
           Seasons
           ,
           VVays
           ,
           Means
           and
           Manner
           of
           this
           Duty
           ,
           we
           do
           not
           apply
           our selves
           unto
           it
           with
           more
           than
           ordinary
           diligence
           ,
           and
           with
           great
           intention
           of
           Mind
           ,
           we
           sail
           in
           what
           is
           expected
           from
           us
           .
           To
           deal
           with
           God
           
           on
           
             extraordinary
             Occasions
             ,
          
           in
           an
           
             ordinary
             frame
             of
             Spirit
             ,
          
           is
           to
           despise
           him
           ,
           or
           argues
           at
           least
           no
           due
           Reverence
           of
           him
           in
           his
           Judgments
           ,
           nor
           a
           due
           apprehensions
           of
           our
           own
           Concerns
           in
           them
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           It
           is
           required
           that
           Humiliation
           for
           Sin
           be
           accompanied
           with
           a
           
             Relinquishment
             of
             Sin
             :
             He
             that
             confesseth
             his
             Sins
             ,
             and
             forsaketh
             them
             ,
             shall
             find
             Mercy
             .
          
           Confession
           is
           grown
           a
           cheap
           and
           easie
           Labour
           ,
           whether
           it
           be
           
             read
             out
             of
             a
             Book
             ,
          
           or
           discharged
           by
           vertue
           of
           Spiritual
           Gifts
           .
           Humiliation
           may
           be
           
             pretended
             ,
          
           when
           it
           is
           not
           ;
           and
           
             expressed
             ,
          
           when
           it
           is
           transitory
           ,
           no
           way
           answering
           the
           Mind
           and
           Will
           of
           God.
           But
           the
           
             real
             Relinquishment
          
           of
           sinful
           frames
           ,
           sinful
           ways
           ,
           sinful
           neglects
           ,
           can
           neither
           be
           pretended
           ,
           nor
           represented
           better
           than
           it
           is
           .
           He
           that
           thinks
           he
           hath
           
             nothing
          
           to
           forsake
           ,
           no
           
             evil
             way
             ,
          
           no
           sinfull
           negligence
           ,
           no
           frame
           of
           Heart
           ,
           will
           be
           awakened
           to
           a
           better
           kowledge
           of
           himself
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           too
           late
           .
           This
           we
           may
           therefore
           evidently
           try
           our selves
           by
           ;
           what
           real
           Change
           hath
           there
           been
           in
           us
           ,
           in
           compliance
           with
           the
           Calls
           of
           God
           ?
           what
           have
           we
           relinquished
           in
           our
           ways
           ,
           frames
           or
           actings
           ?
           what
           vain
           thoughts
           are
           utterly
           excluded
           ,
           whereunto
           we
           have
           given
           entertainment
           ?
           what
           Passions
           
           or
           Affections
           have
           been
           reduced
           into
           Order
           ,
           which
           have
           exceeded
           their
           due
           Bounds
           and
           Measures
           ?
           what
           vain
           Communication
           ,
           formerly
           accustomed
           unto
           ,
           hath
           been
           watched
           against
           and
           prevented
           ?
           what
           Dissimulation
           in
           Love
           hath
           been
           cured
           or
           cast
           out
           ?
           what
           irregular
           actings
           in
           our
           Persons
           ,
           Families
           or
           Occasions
           of
           Life
           have
           been
           forsaken
           ?
           An
           Enquiry
           into
           these
           things
           ,
           will
           give
           us
           real
           ,
           sensible
           Evidence
           ,
           whether
           our
           
             Humillation
          
           for
           our
           own
           Sins
           be
           compliant
           with
           the
           present
           Calls
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           6.
           
           Another
           Duty
           of
           the
           Season
           is
           ,
           That
           
             we
             mourn
             for
             the
             Sins
             of
             others
             ;
          
           of
           those
           especially
           in
           whom
           we
           are
           Providentially
           concerned
           ;
           as
           Relations
           ,
           Churches
           ,
           the
           whole
           People
           of
           the
           Land
           of
           our
           Nativity
           ,
           with
           whom
           we
           are
           engaged
           by
           manifold
           Bonds
           and
           Means
           of
           Conjunction
           .
           It
           is
           well
           known
           that
           this
           sincere
           Mourning
           for
           the
           Sins
           of
           the
           Places
           and
           Times
           wherein
           we
           live
           ,
           of
           the
           People
           and
           Churches
           whereunto
           we
           do
           belong
           ,
           is
           eminently
           approved
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           a
           Token
           unto
           themselves
           ,
           in
           whom
           that
           sence
           is
           ,
           of
           Deliverance
           in
           a
           Day
           of
           Calamity
           ,
           
             Ezek.
          
           9.
           4.
           5
           ,
           6.
           
           To
           have
           Minds
           careless
           and
           regardless
           
           of
           the
           Sins
           of
           other
           Men
           ,
           is
           a
           great
           Evidence
           of
           want
           of
           Sincerity
           in
           our
           Profession
           of
           the
           Detestation
           of
           Sin.
           Many
           Pretences
           there
           are
           of
           it
           ;
           as
           that
           they
           will
           not
           hear
           us
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           concerned
           in
           them
           ;
           That
           they
           are
           wicked
           Enemies
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           worse
           they
           are
           ,
           the
           more
           will
           their
           Destruction
           be
           hastened
           :
           By
           such
           Pretences
           do
           men
           deceive
           their
           Souls
           into
           a
           neglect
           of
           this
           Duty
           ,
           yea
           ,
           unto
           provoking
           Sin
           such
           as
           this
           is
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           a
           Matter
           of
           Sorrow
           unto
           them
           that
           truly
           fear
           God
           ,
           and
           have
           any
           Concernment
           in
           his
           Glory
           ,
           or
           the
           Honour
           of
           Christ
           ,
           that
           the
           whole
           VVorld
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           we
           know
           ,
           is
           filled
           with
           all
           abominable
           provoking
           Sins
           ;
           it
           lies
           under
           
             a
             Deluge
             of
             Sin
             ,
          
           as
           it
           lay
           of
           old
           under
           a
           Flood
           of
           Waters
           only
           here
           and
           there
           appeareth
           an
           
             Ark
             ,
          
           that
           is
           carried
           above
           it
           .
           
             Atheism
             ,
             Anti
             Scripturism
             ,
             Disbelief
             of
             Gospel-Mysteries
             ,
             Contempt
             of
             the
             Religion
             which
             they
             themselves
             profess
             ;
          
           amongst
           all
           sorts
           
             of
             Christians
             ,
             the
             Loss
             of
             all
             Publick
             Faith
             and
             Trust
             ;
          
           with
           a
           Litter
           of
           unclean
           Lusts
           
             Ambition
             ,
             Pride
             ,
             Covetousness
             ,
          
           in
           many
           who
           have
           the
           outward
           Conduct
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           have
           spread
           themselves
           over
           
           the
           face
           of
           the
           Earth
           .
           VVhen
           God
           thus
           deals
           with
           the
           World
           ,
           when
           he
           gives
           it
           up
           unto
           this
           open
           
             profligate
             Excess
          
           which
           now
           abounds
           in
           it
           ,
           it
           becomes
           unto
           all
           that
           truly
           fear
           him
           ,
           a
           Place
           of
           Darkness
           and
           Sorrow
           ,
           which
           calls
           for
           a
           mourning
           Frame
           of
           Heart
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           so
           much
           more
           as
           unto
           the
           
             Land
             of
             our
             Nativity
             .
          
           From
           a
           Conjunction
           with
           this
           People
           in
           Blood
           ,
           Language
           ,
           Manners
           ,
           Laws
           Civil
           Interests
           ,
           Relations
           ,
           arising
           form
           the
           common
           
             Law
             of
             Nativity
             ,
          
           in
           a
           Place
           limited
           and
           bounded
           by
           Providence
           unto
           especial
           Ends
           ,
           we
           cannot
           but
           have
           a
           great
           concernment
           in
           their
           Good
           or
           Evil.
           It
           is
           greater
           from
           hence
           ,
           that
           the
           
             same
             true
             Religion
          
           hath
           been
           professed
           in
           the
           whole
           Nation
           ,
           with
           innumerable
           Priviledges
           accompanying
           it
           .
        
         
           On
           these
           and
           the
           like
           Considerations
           ,
           the
           whole
           Nation
           is
           laid
           under
           the
           same
           .
           Law
           of
           Providence
           for
           Good
           or
           evil
           .
        
         
           In
           the
           
             Sin
          
           therefore
           of
           this
           People
           we
           are
           in
           a
           peculiar
           manner
           concerned
           ;
           and
           shall
           be
           so
           in
           their
           
             Sufferings
             .
          
        
         
         
           Whether
           Sin
           abound
           in
           the
           Land
           at
           present
           ,
           we
           have
           already
           made
           Enquiry
           ;
           and
           nothing
           ,
           spoken
           before
           ,
           shall
           be
           repeated
           .
           If
           we
           have
           not
           a
           sense
           of
           these
           Provocations
           ,
           if
           we
           endeavour
           not
           to
           affect
           our
           Hearts
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           mourn
           over
           them
           ,
           we
           are
           very
           remote
           from
           that
           frame
           which
           God
           calls
           unto
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           
             Mourning
             for
             the
             Sins
             of
             others
          
           from
           a
           double
           Spring
           .
        
         
           Zeal
           for
           the
           Glory
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           
             Compassion
             for
             the
             Souls
             of
             Men
             ;
          
           yea
           ,
           for
           the
           
             woful
             calamitous
             State
          
           and
           
             Condition
          
           which
           is
           coming
           upon
           them
           ,
           even
           in
           this
           World.
           
        
         
           Surely
           those
           who
           are
           true
           Believers
           cannot
           but
           be
           concerned
           in
           all
           the
           Concerns
           of
           the
           Glory
           of
           God.
           If
           in
           
             all
             our
             Afflictions
             he
             is
             Afflicted
             ,
          
           in
           all
           the
           sufferngs
           of
           his
           Glory
           ,
           we
           ought
           to
           suffer
           .
           In
           the
           blessed
           
             Direction
          
           given
           us
           for
           our
           Prayers
           ,
           as
           unto
           what
           we
           ought
           to
           pray
           for
           ,
           that
           which
           in
           the
           first
           place
           is
           prescribed
           ,
           as
           that
           which
           principally
           and
           eminently
           we
           ought
           to
           insist
           on
           ,
           is
           the
           
             Glory
             of
             God
          
           in
           
           the
           
             Sanctification
             of
             his
             Name
             ,
          
           the
           
             progressive
             Coming
          
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           
             Accomplishment
          
           of
           his
           VVill
           by
           the
           Obedience
           of
           men
           in
           the
           world
           .
           If
           we
           are
           sincere
           herein
           ,
           if
           we
           are
           servent
           in
           these
           Supplications
           ,
           is
           it
           nothing
           unto
           us
           ,
           when
           all
           these
           things
           are
           
             quite
             contrary
          
           amongst
           us
           ?
           when
           the
           Name
           of
           God
           is
           blasphemed
           ,
           and
           all
           things
           whereon
           he
           hath
           placed
           his
           Name
           are
           derided
           ;
           when
           the
           whole
           
             Internal
             Interest
          
           and
           Kingdom
           of
           Christ
           are
           opposed
           ,
           and
           the
           
             outward
             Court
          
           of
           the
           Temple
           ,
           given
           every
           where
           to
           be
           
             trodden
             down
             of
             the
             Gentiles
             ?
          
           when
           all
           manner
           of
           Sins
           abound
           in
           opposition
           unto
           the
           
             Will
          
           and
           Commands
           of
           God
           ;
           when
           the
           
             Earth
          
           is
           almost
           as
           unlike
           unto
           
             Heaven
             ,
          
           as
           
             Hell
          
           it self
           ;
           is
           their
           nothing
           to
           be
           mourned
           for
           herein
           ?
           VVe
           are
           for
           the
           most
           part
           selfish
           ,
           and
           so
           it
           may
           go
           well
           with
           our selves
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           extent
           of
           our
           Relations
           and
           Circumstances
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           greatly
           moved
           with
           what
           befals
           others
           .
           There
           is
           Evil
           enough
           herein
           ;
           but
           shall
           we
           be
           moreover
           so
           minded
           towards
           
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
          
           that
           whilst
           we
           are
           in
           safety
           ,
           we
           care
           not
           though
           his
           Concernments
           are
           in
           the
           utmost
           hazard
           ?
           Do
           we
           love
           
           the
           Name
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           Ways
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           Glory
           of
           God
           in
           his
           Kingdom
           and
           Rule
           ,
           we
           cannot
           but
           be
           deeply
           affected
           with
           the
           suffering
           of
           them
           all
           in
           these
           Days
           .
        
         
           The
           other
           
             Spring
             of
             this
          
           Mourning-Frame
           ,
           is
           Compassion
           for
           the
           
             Souls
             of
             Sinners
             ,
          
           and
           their
           Persons
           also
           in
           the
           Approach
           of
           Calamitous
           Desolations
           .
        
         
           I
           am
           hastening
           to
           an
           End
           ,
           and
           cannot
           insist
           on
           these
           things
           :
           This
           only
           I
           shall
           say
           ,
           He
           that
           can
           take
           a
           Prospect
           of
           the
           eternally
           miserable
           Condition
           of
           Multitudes
           among
           whom
           we
           live
           ,
           and
           the
           approaching
           Miseries
           ,
           which
           ,
           without
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           will
           not
           be
           avoided
           ,
           and
           not
           spend
           some
           Tears
           on
           them
           ,
           hath
           a
           Heart
           like
           a
           Flint
           or
           Adamant
           ,
           that
           is
           capable
           of
           no
           Impression
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           It
           is
           a
           Season
           wherein
           we
           are
           called
           to
           a
           diligent
           ,
           heedfull
           Attendance
           unto
           the
           
             Duties
             of
             our
             Stations
             Places
             and
             Callings
             .
          
           Duties
           in
           our
           Church-Relations
           ,
           Duties
           in
           our
           Families
           ;
           Duties
           in
           our
           Callings
           and
           manner
           of
           Conversation
           
           in
           the
           World.
           This
           is
           the
           Advice
           given
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           with
           respect
           unto
           such
           a
           season
           ,
           2
           
             Pet.
             3
             ,
             13
             ,
             14.
             
             Seeing
             that
             all
             these
             things
             shall
             be
             dissolved
             ,
             what
             manner
             of
             Persons
             ought
             ye
             to
             be
             ,
             in
             all
             manner
             of
             Conversation
             and
             Godliness
             :
             Wherefore
             be
             diligent
             that
             you
             may
             be
             found
             of
             him
             in
             peace
             ,
             without
             spot
             and
             blemish
             .
          
           Without
           a
           sacred
           Diligence
           in
           all
           these
           Duties
           ,
           we
           cannot
           be
           
             found
             in
             peace
          
           of
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           when
           he
           comes
           to
           judge
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           purifie
           his
           Church
           with
           a
           fiery
           Trial.
           
        
         
           Negligence
           ,
           Coldness
           and
           Sloth
           in
           these
           things
           are
           Tokens
           of
           approaching
           Judgments
           And
           of
           some
           of
           them
           at
           this
           day
           the
           Generality
           of
           Professors
           seem
           to
           be
           almost
           weary
           of
           ,
           and
           to
           attend
           unto
           them
           in
           a
           very
           indifferent
           and
           overly
           manner
           .
           But
           we
           may
           know
           assuredly
           ,
           that
           if
           we
           thrive
           not
           in
           our
           Diligence
           in
           these
           things
           ,
           if
           the
           vigour
           of
           our
           Spirits
           in
           Watchfulness
           be
           not
           engaged
           in
           them
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           compliant
           with
           the
           present
           Calls
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           8.
           
           It
           is
           required
           of
           us
           that
           we
           cry
           earnestly
           ,
           continually
           ,
           with
           preserverance
           ,
           for
           such
           an
           
             Effusion
             of
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             from
             
             above
             ,
          
           as
           may
           dispose
           and
           work
           the
           Inliabitants
           of
           the
           Land
           unto
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           .
        
         
           That
           this
           is
           the
           only
           Way
           ,
           the
           only
           Means
           of
           Releif
           ,
           of
           a
           sanctified
           Deliverance
           from
           Desolating
           Judgments
           .
           hath
           been
           declared
           .
           And
           this
           is
           the
           only
           Way
           which
           some
           of
           us
           have
           to
           help
           and
           assist
           the
           Nation
           in
           its
           Distress
           .
           Wherefore
           by
           a
           constant
           continuance
           in
           Supplication
           for
           such
           
             Fffusion
             of
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             ,
          
           we
           shall
           have
           a
           threefold
           Advantage
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           We
           shall
           hereby
           
             discharge
             the
             Duty
             we
             owe
             unto
             the
             Land
             of
             our
             Nativity
             ,
          
           in
           such
           a
           way
           as
           none
           can
           deny
           or
           hinder
           .
        
         
           We
           owe
           a
           Duty
           unto
           it
           on
           all
           good
           Accounts
           ,
           Moral
           ,
           Political
           ,
           Spiritual
           .
           We
           are
           ,
           for
           the
           most
           of
           us
           ,
           shut
           up
           from
           giving
           any
           other
           Assistance
           unto
           it
           ,
           by
           Advice
           ,
           Counsel
           ,
           or
           Action
           ;
           this
           is
           that
           which
           none
           can
           hinder
           ;
           wherein
           the
           poorest
           may
           be
           as
           useful
           and
           serviceable
           as
           the
           Mighty
           .
           And
           if
           i●
           be
           diligently
           attended
           unto
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           far
           above
           whatever
           can
           be
           contributed
           by
           Wisdom
           ,
           Wealth
           or
           Strength
           unto
           the
           same
           End.
           For
           by
           
           this
           Means
           we
           shall
           be
           saved
           or
           perish
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           It
           will
           preserve
           our
           own
           Hearts
           in
           the
           
             best
             frame
          
           for
           what
           we
           our selves
           may
           be
           called
           unto
           .
           He
           that
           is
           earnest
           and
           sincere
           in
           his
           Supplications
           for
           the
           Communication
           of
           the
           Spirit
           unto
           others
           ,
           shall
           not
           want
           blessed
           supplies
           of
           him
           in
           his
           own
           Soul
           :
           He
           will
           not
           withdraw
           from
           them
           ,
           as
           unto
           themselves
           ,
           who
           so
           esteem
           ,
           prize
           and
           value
           his
           VVork
           towards
           others
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           VVe
           shall
           hereby
           give
           
             Testimony
             unto
             God
          
           and
           his
           Grace
           ,
           against
           the
           cursed
           Prophaneness
           of
           the
           world
           ;
           who
           reject
           and
           despise
           this
           only
           Means
           of
           Relief
           and
           Deliverance
           :
           For
           when
           all
           other
           Remedies
           fail
           ,
           if
           God
           will
           not
           utterly
           forsake
           a
           Church
           or
           People
           ,
           he
           doth
           constantly
           assign
           this
           ,
           as
           the
           only
           Means
           of
           their
           Safety
           .
           See
           
             Jer.
             31.
             31
             ,
             32.
             33.
             
             Ezek.
             11.
             17
             ,
             18
             ,
             19.
             
             Chap.
          
           36.
           25
           ,
           26
           ,
           27.
           
           This
           way
           the
           VVorld
           despiseth
           ,
           regardeth
           not
           ;
           wherefore
           we
           can
           in
           nothing
           give
           a
           greater
           
             Testimony
             unto
             God
             ,
          
           than
           by
           insisting
           on
           this
           way
           ,
           with
           Faith
           and
           Patience
           ,
           contemning
           the
           Reproaches
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           on
           the
           Account
           of
           it
           .
        
         
         
           9.
           
           Let
           us
           labour
           our selves
           to
           be
           
             exemplary
             in
             Reformation
             ,
          
           thereby
           to
           promote
           it
           among
           others
           .
           Let
           us
           plead
           and
           exhort
           what
           we
           will
           ,
           unless
           we
           give
           an
           Evidence
           in
           our
           own
           persons
           ,
           of
           the
           necessity
           which
           we
           judge
           that
           there
           is
           of
           
             present
             Reformation
             ,
          
           we
           shall
           we
           be
           of
           little
           Use
           unto
           the
           Promotion
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           Many
           Retrenchments
           of
           Liberty
           in
           Conversation
           may
           be
           made
           among
           the
           best
           of
           us
           ;
           many
           Duties
           may
           be
           attended
           with
           more
           diligence
           ;
           many
           Causes
           Offence
           avoided
           ;
           many
           Evidences
           given
           of
           a
           deep
           sence
           of
           deserved
           Judgments
           ,
           and
           of
           our
           Reverence
           of
           the
           Name
           of
           God
           therein
           ;
           much
           Fruitfulness
           in
           Charity
           and
           good
           works
           be
           declared
           .
        
         
           I
           have
           heard
           ,
           that
           in
           the
           Country
           ,
           where
           a
           man
           is
           looked
           on
           to
           be
           a
           wise
           man
           ,
           and
           a
           
             good
             Husband
             ,
          
           among
           his
           Neighbours
           ,
           they
           will
           
             n●te
             the
             times
          
           of
           his
           Plowing
           ,
           Sowing
           and
           manuring
           his
           Ground
           ,
           and
           not
           undertake
           any
           thing
           ,
           until
           they
           find
           him
           going
           before
           them
           in
           it
           ,
           And
           if
           men
           are
           looked
           on
           in
           a
           peculiar
           manner
           as
           
             Professors
             of
             Religion
          
           at
           such
           a
           time
           as
           this
           ,
           
           under
           Calls
           and
           Warnings
           from
           God
           for
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           ,
           the
           
             Eyes
             of
             other
             men
          
           will
           be
           towards
           them
           ,
           to
           see
           what
           they
           do
           on
           this
           Occasion
           .
           And
           if
           they
           find
           them
           as
           unto
           all
           outward
           Appearance
           ,
           careless
           and
           negligent
           ,
           they
           will
           judge
           themselves
           unconcerned
           ,
           and
           abide
           in
           their
           Security
           .
           Wherefore
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           I
           know
           ,
           if
           such
           persons
           be
           not
           
             exemplary
             ,
          
           not
           only
           in
           
             Repentance
             .
          
           But
           also
           in
           the
           
             Evidence
          
           and
           Demonstration
           of
           it
           ,
           by
           its
           outward
           Fruits
           ,
           they
           may
           be
           ,
           and
           are
           the
           great
           Obstructers
           of
           the
           Reformation
           of
           the
           Cities
           ,
           Towns
           and
           places
           wherein
           they
           do
           inhabit
           ;
           nor
           can
           any
           contract
           the
           Guilt
           of
           a
           greater
           Sin.
           And
           if
           God
           should
           bring
           an
           overflowing
           Scourge
           on
           the
           Inhabitants
           of
           this
           Land
           ,
           because
           they
           have
           not
           turned
           unto
           him
           at
           his
           Calls
           ,
           it
           is
           most
           righteous
           that
           they
           should
           share
           in
           the
           Judgment
           also
           ,
           who
           were
           an
           Occasion
           of
           their
           Continuance
           in
           Security
           ;
           a
           Matter
           we
           have
           all
           just
           Cause
           to
           tremble
           at
           .
        
         
           FINIS
        
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A53702-e1280
           
             These
             things
             were
             spoken
             on
             the
             burning
             of
             several
             Persons
             to
             death
             ,
             in
             one
             of
             the
             late
             Fires
             in
             
               London
               .