







 
   
     
       
         The cause of God and His people in New-England as it was stated and discussed in a sermon preached before the honourable General Court of the Massachusets Colony, on the 27 day of May, 1663, being the day of election at Boston / by John Higginson ...
         Higginson, John, 1616-1708.
      
       
         
           1663
        
      
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         A43755
         Wing H1955
         ESTC W37706
         13046131
         ocm 13046131
         96918
         
           
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             The cause of God and His people in New-England as it was stated and discussed in a sermon preached before the honourable General Court of the Massachusets Colony, on the 27 day of May, 1663, being the day of election at Boston / by John Higginson ...
             Higginson, John, 1616-1708.
          
           [4], 24 p.
           
             Printed by Samuel Green,
             Cambridg [sic, Mass.] :
             1663.
          
           
             Reproduction of original in Huntington Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           Congregational churches -- New England.
           Elections -- Massachusetts -- Sermons.
           Sermons, American -- 17th century.
        
      
    
     
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           THE
           CAUSE
           OF
           GOD
           AND
           HIS
           PEOPLE
           IN
           NEW-ENGLAND
           ,
           as
           it
           was
           STATED
           and
           DISCUSSED
           IN
           A
           Sermon
           Preached
           before
           the
           Honourable
           GENERAL
           COVRT
           of
           the
           
             MASSACHVSETS
             COLONY
          
           ,
           on
           the
           27
           day
           of
           May
           1663.
           
           Being
           the
           Day
           OF
           ELECTION
           at
           BOSTON
           .
        
         
           By
           
             JOHN
             HIGGINSON
          
           Pastor
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           Christ
           at
           SALEM
           .
        
         
           
             
               Mat.
               22.21
            
             .
          
           
             And
             Jesus
             said
             unto
             them
             ,
             render
             unto
             Cesar
             the
             things
             that
             are
             Cesars
             :
             and
             unto
             GOD
             the
             things
             that
             are
             Gods.
             
          
        
         
           
             
               1
               Pet.
               2.17
            
             .
          
           
             Honour
             all
             men
             ,
             love
             the
             Brotherhood
             ,
             fear
             God
             ,
             Honour
             the
             King.
             
          
        
         
           
             
               1
               Chron.
               12.32
            
             .
          
           
             And
             of
             the
             children
             of
             Issachar
             ,
             which
             were
             men
             that
             had
             understanding
             in
             the
             times
             ,
             to
             know
             what
             Israel
             ought
             to
             do
             .
          
        
         
           CAMBRIDG
           ,
           Printed
           by
           
             Samuel
             Green
          
           1663.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           
             Christian
             Reader
             ,
          
        
         
           THe
           Curse
           of
           God
           and
           his
           people
           (
           which
           is
           the
           subject
           of
           this
           following
           Pious
           and
           Elabourate
           discourse
           )
           never
           〈◊〉
           more
           ●●lp
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           nor
           more
           servant
           prayers
           from
           earth
           ,
           to
           be
           put
           up
           to
           the
           God
           of
           heaven
           ,
           for
           then
           a●●aming
           of
           it
           ,
           t●●●
           〈◊〉
           this
           time
           .
           For
           some
           there
           are
           (
           and
           not
           a
           sin
           )
           that
           are
           so
           engaged
           to
           their
           own
           interests
           ,
           that
           le●
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           and
           his
           people
           ,
           sink
           or
           swim
           ,
           they
           care
           not
           ,
           so
           their
           own
           ●nds
           be
           compassed
           ,
           and
           their
           own
           designe
           &
           projects
           may
           find
           sure
           foo●●ng
           :
           and
           these
           are
           your
           self-loving
           worldly
           politici●ns
           ,
           that
           are
           of
           this
           world
           ,
           
             as
             Christ
             speaks
             and
             savour
             nothing
             but
             the
             things
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             seek
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             and
             not
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             that
             seek
             their
             own
             and
             not
             the
             things
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             .
          
           Others
           there
           are
           so
           dissolute
           and
           prophane
           ,
           &
           are
           risen
           up
           to
           such
           as
           height
           of
           impiety
           ,
           that
           they
           do
           no
           more
           regard
           this
           Cause
           ,
           than
           the
           air●
           under
           then
           ●●et
           ,
           they
           are
           so
           around
           in
           drink
           &
           other
           sensual
           deli●hts
           his
           ,
           and
           are
           so
           heightned
           in
           their
           Oaths
           &
           blasphe●●●
           and
           other
           abominations
           ,
           tha●
           God
           and
           his
           peoples
           c●●se
           are
           not
           in
           their
           thoughts
           :
           〈◊〉
           if
           at
           any
           time
           this
           c●●se
           come
           into
           them
           〈◊〉
           as
           ,
           it
           is
           only
           to
           cast
           the
           foulest
           pers●●●●
           they
           can
           upon
           it
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           spatter
           〈◊〉
           with
           the
           ba●●st
           obliquies
           and
           〈◊〉
           speeches
           that
           the
           Devil
           &
           their
           own
           cursed
           hearts
           can
           invent
           ,
           and
           to
           persecute
           it
           wi●●
           tongue
           &
           〈◊〉
           and
           heart
           &
           hand
           to
           the
           highest
           degree
           of
           persecution
           ,
           even
           unto
           bloud
           and
           sl●ughter
           :
           though
           when
           they
           have
           done
           all
           that
           ever
           they
           〈◊〉
           ,
           they
           shall
           not
           be
           able
           to
           〈◊〉
           the
           cause
           nor
           the
           faithfull
           servants
           of
           Christ
           that
           ●●●ck
           〈◊〉
           ;
           
             but
             as
             the
             Primitive
             believers
             said
             of
             persecuting
          
           Nero
           ,
           
             Nero
             may
             kill
             us
             ,
             but
             he
             cannot
             hurt
             us
          
           ;
           so
           may
           we
           say
           now
           .
           Others
           there
           are
           that
           seem
           to
           own
           this
           cause
           and
           adventure
           much
           this
           way
           ,
           and
           may
           not
           only
           be
           willing
           to
           lose
           their
           liberty
           &
           estates
           ,
           &
           the
           favour
           of
           great
           freinds
           ,
           but
           go
           further
           also
           ,
           yet
           afterward
           turn
           away
           &
           draw
           back
           ,
           and
           these
           are
           hypocrites
           ,
           which
           are
           either
           taken
           with
           the
           eye-lids
           of
           the
           aluring
           harlot
           the
           world
           ,
           in
           the
           profits
           ,
           pleasures
           &
           honours
           of
           it
           ,
           or
           else
           are
           afraid
           of
           her
           frownes
           &
           discouragements
           ,
           after
           all
           their
           former
           sufferings
           :
           they
           have
           ventured
           so
           far
           ,
           but
           dare
           go
           no
           further
           ,
           and
           so
           lise
           all
           they
           have
           wrought
           ,
           and
           suffer
           in
           vain
           ,
           these
           are
           not
           true
           to
           the
           ca●se
           of
           God
           and
           his
           people
           ,
           and
           by
           their
           
             puting
             away
             a
             good
             conscience
          
           ,
           and
           wan●
           of
           self-denial
           ,
           
             make
             shipwrack
             of
             the
             faith
          
           and
           cause
           we
           speak
           of
           .
           Only
           there
           is
           a
           very
           few
           sincere
           ones
           that
           hold
           their
           own
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           worst
           times
           deale
           p●●●ently
           ,
           and
           discern
           both
           
             time
             and
             judgment
          
           ,
           and
           are
           valiant
           for
           this
           c●●se
           .
           
             All
             which
             duty
             weighed
             and
             seriously
             considered
             ,
             no
             wonder
             that
             this
             holy
             man
             of
             God
             being
             guided
             by
             his
             Spirit
             ,
             made
             choise
             of
             this
             subject
             to
             preach
             upon
             ,
             in
             that
             great
             Assembly
             at
             the
             Court
             
             of
             Election
             ,
             now
             in
             these
             dayes
             wherin
             so
             many
             turne
             their
             backs
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             set
             themselves
             so
             desparately
             against
             H●●
             ,
             &
             his
             peoples
             cause
             .
          
           I
           was
           to
           star●
           us
           all
           up
           to
           besiege
           &
           beleag●●
           the
           ●●r●e
           of
           Grace
           now
           in
           th●se
           last
           and
           pe●il●us
           dayes
           and
           times
           ,
           to
           awake
           &
           stand
           to
           maintaine
           this
           cause
           ,
           &
           to
           shew
           forth
           his
           Almighty
           power
           in
           crushing
           all
           the
           designes
           ,
           and
           out-plotting
           all
           the
           plots
           of
           Sathan
           &
           his
           instruments
           that
           undermine
           this
           cause
           ,
           and
           the
           Lord
           help
           us
           all
           to
           attend
           what
           God
           by
           his
           Spirit
           speaks
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           now
           if
           ever
           ,
           to
           pray
           &
           
             give
             God
             no
             rest
          
           ,
           ●ll
           this
           cause
           be
           maintained
           against
           the
           faces
           &
           forces
           of
           all
           its
           enemies
           .
           
             The
             Sermon
             when
             preached
             was
             acceptable
             to
             all
             ,
             and
             found
             general
             approbation
             among
             all
             the
             wise-hearted
             and
             godly
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             we
             have
             heard
             .
          
        
         
           Reader
           thou
           hast
           i●
           to
           peruse
           ,
           read
           it
           ,
           understand
           thy
           time
           according
           to
           it
           ,
           let
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           and
           his
           people
           lie
           neerer
           to
           thine
           heart
           then
           ever
           ,
           and
           let
           thy
           so●l
           awake
           more
           to
           be
           a
           
             Prince
             with
             God
             to
             prevaile
          
           ,
           that
           this
           cause
           may
           be
           main
           a●ed
           &
           upheld
           against
           all
           the
           powers
           of
           darkness
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           conspiracies
           of
           men
           on
           earth
           ,
           and
           devills
           in
           hell
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           be
           victorious
           ,
           &
           ride
           in
           triumph
           till
           Christ
           come
           ,
           who
           will
           own
           is
           before
           the
           whole
           world
           ,
           and
           them
           that
           have
           stood
           for
           it
           ,
           though
           it
           have
           cost
           them
           dear
           from
           those
           that
           have
           been
           the
           d●spisers
           of
           it
           .
           
             We
             have
             no
             more
             to
             say
             ,
             but
             to
             desire
             from
             our
             hearts
             that
             the
             blessing
             of
             heaven
             may
             go
             along
             with
             the
             labour
             of
             his
             Servant
             in
             this
             work
             ,
             and
             that
             be
             &
             we
             ,
             and
             whosoever
             read
             it
             ,
             may
             find
             this
             fruit
             that
             we
             may
             tread
             in
             this
             wise
             Kings
             steps
             ,
             who
             prayed
             so
             fervently
             ,
             that
             God
             would
          
           maintain
           his
           cause
           &
           his
           peoples
           alwayes
           ,
           as
           the
           matter
           shall
           require
           ;
           
             Prayer
             of
             Faith
             opens
             all
             dores
             ,
             prevailes
             for
             all
             blessings
             ,
             hath
             such
             power
             with
             God
             that
             it
             never
             comes
             away
             empty
             ,
             but
             as
             that
             renowned
             Emperour
             said
             ,
          
           that
           he
           never
           sent
           any
           su●er
           ●●d
           w●●
           from
           his
           presence
           ,
           
             so
             we
             may
             be
             sure
             that
             the
             Lord
             will
             do
             to
             them
             that
             sue
             to
             him
             ,
             giving
             them
             all
             that
             they
             seek
             to
             him
             for
             (
             especially
             in
             maintaining
             his
             own
             and
             his
             peoples
             cause
             ,
             which
             he
             cannot
             s●e
             forsaken
             )
             and
             will
             not
             send
             his
             suiters
             and
             suppliants
             sad
             away
             from
             him
             ,
             they
             are
             bidden
             to
          
           come
           with
           boldnesse
           to
           ●he
           Throne
           of
           Grace
           .
           
             One
             word
             more
             &
             we
             have
             done
             ,
             Jesus
             Christ
             that
             great
             Favourite
             by
             whom
             both
             our
             persons
             and
             prayers
             are
             accepted
             ,
             and
             this
             cause
             comes
             to
             be
             maintained
             for
             the
             much
             Incense
             that
             he
             offers
             up
             with
             the
             prayers
             of
             all
             Saints
             ,
             prevailes
             ever
             for
             us
             ,
             &
             this
             cause
             when
             it
             and
             we
             the
             honour
             of
             both
             are
             laid
             most
             in
             the
             dust
             .
          
           To
           this
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           with
           the
           blessed
           Father
           and
           Eternal
           Spirit
           ,
           be
           Glory
           and
           Power
           everlasting
           .
           Amen
           .
        
         
           
             
               Thine
               in
               Him
               who
            
             is
             ●o●
             Love
             and
             Life
             ,
             
               
                 
                   John
                   Wilson
                
                 ,
                 Senior
                 .
              
               
                 
                   Samuel
                   Whit●ng
                
                 .
              
            
          
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           THE
           CAUSE
           OF
           GOD
           AND
           HIS
           PEOPLE
           IN
           NEW-ENGLAND
           ,
           Stated
           and
           Discussed
           .
        
         
           
             
               
                 1
                 King.
                 8.57
                 ,
                 58
                 ,
                 59.
                 
              
            
             
               The
               Lord
               our
               GOD
               be
               with
               us
               ,
               as
               He
               was
               with
               our
               Fathers
               ,
               let
               him
               not
               leave
               us
               nor
               forsake
               us
               ;
               That
               be
               may
               encline
               our
               hearts
               unto
               him
               ,
               to
               walke
               in
               all
               his
               wayes
               ,
               and
               to
               keep
               his
               Commandements
               ,
               his
               Statutes
               and
               his
               Judgments
               which
               he
               Commanded
               our
               Fathers
               .
               And
               let
               these
               my
               words
               wherewith
               I
               have
               made
               supplication
               before
               the
               Lord
               ,
               be
               nigh
               unto
               the
               Lord
               our
               God
               day
               and
               night
               ,
               that
               He
               maintain
               the
               cause
               of
               his
               Servant
               ,
               and
               the
               cause
               of
               his
               people
               Israel
               at
               all
               times
               ,
               as
               the
               matter
               shall
               require
               .
            
          
        
         
           IN
           the
           beginning
           of
           this
           Chapter
           ,
           we
           read
           of
           a
           General
           Assembly
           of
           the
           Representative
           body
           of
           the
           people
           of
           Israel
           :
           thus
           in
           verse
           1.
           
           
             Then
             Solomon
             assembled
             the
             Elders
             of
             Israel
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             heads
             of
             the
             Tribes
             ,
             the
             chiefe
             of
             the
             Fathers
             of
             the
             children
             of
             Israel
             :
             and
          
           verse
           2
           ,
           3.
           
           
             And
             all
             the
             men
             of
             Israel
             assembled
             themselves
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Elders
             of
             Israel
             came
             .
          
        
         
           The
           special
           end
           of
           this
           great
           Assembly
           is
           shewed
           in
           verse
           6.
           they
           
             brought
             in
             the
             Ark
             of
             the
             Covenant
             of
             the
             Lord
             into
             his
             place
             ,
             in
             the
             house
             of
             the
             Lord.
          
           Upon
           this
           occasion
           Solomon
           makes
           a
           large
           Prayer
           for
           the
           welfare
           and
           prosperity
           of
           the
           people
           of
           Israel
           which
           begins
           at
           the
           22
           and
           continues
           to
           the
           54.
           verse
           ,
           wherin
           he
           mentions
           all
           the
           common
           Cases
           which
           might
           in
           changes
           of
           time
           befall
           the
           people
           of
           Israel
           ,
           and
           he
           commends
           their
           condition
           to
           the
           Lord
           for
           special
           mercy
           &
           help
           in
           such
           cases
           as
           are
           expressed
           in
           the
           37.
           
             verse
             ;
             If
             ne●●
             be
             famine
             ,
             or
             pestilence
             ,
             or
             warrs
             or
             captivity
             ,
          
           if
           there
           be
           these
           or
           such
           like
           cases
           ,
           
             and
             thy
             people
             Israel
             do
             repent
             and
             confess
             thy
             Name
             ,
             and
             pra●●
             ;
             then
             hear
             thou
             in
             heaven
             and
             forgive
             ,
             and
             do
             for
             them
             ,
             and
             hearken
             to
             them
             in
             all
             that
             they
             call
             upon
             ●hee
             for
             .
          
           This
           is
           the
           Sūme
           of
           his
           prayer
           .
        
         
         
           At
           the
           Conclusion
           of
           which
           he
           pronounceth
           a
           solemn
           blessing
           upon
           the
           Congregation
           verse
           55
           ;
           
             He
             stood
             and
             blessed
             all
             the
             Congregation
             of
             Is●●●
             .
          
           This
           blessing
           of
           Solomon
           consists
           in
           three
           things
           .
        
         
           1
           A
           thankfull
           acknowledgment
           of
           present
           and
           former
           mercy
           ,
           that
           hitherto
           the
           Lord
           had
           given
           them
           rest
           .
           verse
           56
           ;
           
             Blessed
             be
             the
             Lord
             that
             〈◊〉
             given
             ●●st
             〈◊〉
             people
             Israel
          
        
         
           2.
           
           A
           renewed
           Prayer
           for
           a
           threefold
           blessing
           to
           be
           farther
           granted
           ,
           bo●●at
           the
           present
           and
           for
           future
           times
           .
        
         
           1
           And
           that
           he
           prayes
           for
           the
           gracious
           presence
           of
           God
           ,
           even
           such
           a
           gracious
           presence
           of
           God
           with
           them
           as
           their
           fathers
           had
           enjoyed
           .
           verse
           57
           ;
           
             the
             Lord
             our
             God
             be
             with
             us
             〈…〉
             with
             our
             Father
          
           ;
           and
           because
           his
           heart
           was
           much
           in
           this
           ,
           therefore
           he
           repeats
           it
           againe
           ,
           
             let
             him
             not
             leave
             us
             nor
             forsake
             us
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           He
           payes
           so
           Divine
           assistance
           verse
           58.
           
           
             That
             he
             may
             encline
             our
             hearts
             unto
             him
             to
             walk
             in
             his
             wayes
             ,
             and
             to
             keep
             his
             Commandements
             ,
             which
             he
             Commanded
             our
             Fathers
             .
          
        
         
           3.
           
           His
           third
           request
           is
           for
           Divine
           protection
           verse
           59.
           
           
             Let
             these
             my
             Prayers
             be
             high
             to
             the
             Lord
             our
             God
             ,
             that
             his
             〈◊〉
             the
             cause
             of
             his
             People
             Israel
             ,
             which
             is
             amplyfied
             by
             the
             end
             of
             it
             ;
             that
             all
             the
             People
             of
             the
             〈◊〉
             may
             know
             that
             the
             Lord
             is
             God
             and
             that
             there
             is
             none
             el●●●
             verse
          
           60.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           And
           th●n
           the
           last
           particular
           wherein
           he
           blesseth
           the
           People
           is
           ,
           by
           Exhorting
           them
           to
           upright
           waking
           with
           God.
           
             Let
             your
             heart
             therefore
             be
             perfect
             with
             the
             Lord
             our
             God
             ,
             ●o
             walk
             in
             his
             Statutes
             and
             to
             keep
             his
             Commandements
             as
             at
             this
             a●y
             ,
             verse
          
           61.
           
        
         
           The
           Text
           (
           as
           you
           see
           falls
           within
           the
           compass
           of
           Solomons
           blessing
           upon
           the
           representatative
           body
           of
           the
           People
           of
           Israel
           .
        
         
           From
           the
           whole
           you
           may
           please
           to
           take
           notice
           of
           this
           Observation
           in
           the
           generall
           ,
           which
           I
           shall
           but
           briefly
           touch
           upon
           .
        
         
           Doct.
           
             The
             Lords
             gracious
             presence
             with
             his
             people
             inclining
             their
             hearts
             to
             keep
             his
             Commandements
             ,
             and
             maintaining
             their
             cause
             ;
             is
             a
             Sufficient
             means
             to
             Establish
             the
             welfare
             of
             such
             a
             people
             ,
             even
             at
             their
             own
             hearts
             can
             wish
             .
          
        
         
           For
           thus
           did
           Solomon
           bless
           the
           heads
           of
           the
           Tribes
           of
           Israel
           ,
           and
           he
           had
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           whole
           Congregation
           going
           along
           with
           him
           ,
           that
           if
           the
           Lord
           would
           but
           grant
           his
           presence
           with
           them
           ,
           his
           assistance
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           his
           protection
           over
           them
           ,
           they
           had
           enough
           ,
           they
           
           could
           have
           no
           more
           ,
           they
           could
           be
           no
           better
           in
           this
           world
           .
        
         
           And
           if
           we
           our selves
           now
           might
           have
           our
           wish
           ,
           if
           the
           Lord
           should
           say
           to
           us
           as
           Ahas●●rus
           to
           
             Esther
             ,
             what
             is
             thy
             Petition
             ?
          
           or
           as
           he
           said
           sometime
           to
           Solomon
           ,
           
             ask
             what
             I
             shall
             give
             thee
          
           ;
           what
           could
           any
           of
           us
           ,
           or
           all
           of
           us
           desire
           more
           then
           this
           ?
           
             that
             the
             Lord
             our
             God
             would
             be
             with
             us
             ,
             as
             he
             hath
             been
             with
             our
             Fathers
             ,
             that
             he
             would
             incline
             our
             hearts
             to
             keep
             his
             Commandements
             which
             be
             Commanded
             our
             Fathers
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             would
             maintaine
             his
             own
             and
             his
             Peoples
             cause
             amongst
             us
             :
          
           what
           can
           be
           desired
           and
           enjoyed
           by
           us
           more
           then
           this
           ?
        
         
           For
           ,
           doth
           not
           
             Immanuel
             ,
             God
             with
             us
          
           ,
           comprehend
           our
           whole
           good
           ?
           and
           the
           
             keeping
             of
             Gods
             Commandements
          
           containe
           our
           whole
           duty●
           and
           is
           not
           the
           Lords
           maintaining
           the
           cause
           of
           his
           People
           enough
           to
           keep
           off
           whatever
           might
           interrupt
           or
           hinder
           us
           in
           the
           performing
           this
           duty
           ,
           and
           enjoying
           that
           good
           wherein
           the
           utmost
           happyness
           of
           a
           People
           on
           this
           side
           Heaven
           doth
           consist
           ?
           Let
           these
           requests
           (
           therefore
           )
           dwell
           upon
           the
           hearts
           of
           all
           the
           Lords
           People
           ,
           let
           us
           bear
           them
           continually
           upon
           our
           hearts
           before
           the
           Lord
           ,
           that
           as
           hitherto
           ,
           so
           still
           ,
           he
           may
           graunt
           unto
           all
           his
           Servants
           ,
           both
           Magistrates
           ,
           Ministers
           ,
           and
           People
           ,
           his
           Gracious
           presence
           ,
           divine
           assistance
           ,
           and
           divine
           protection
           in
           the
           times
           that
           are
           come
           upon
           us
           .
           This
           is
           the
           Summe
           of
           all
           that
           we
           need
           or
           can
           receive
           ,
           or
           can
           desire
           whilest
           we
           are
           here
           tossed
           in
           the
           troublesome
           sea
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           passing
           to
           the
           Haven
           of
           eternall
           rest
           .
        
         
           But
           I
           shall
           not
           further
           insist
           upon
           this
           .
           It
           is
           another
           Doctrine
           which
           I
           mainly
           intend
           from
           the
           latter
           part
           of
           the
           59
           
             verse
             .
             That
             he
             maintaine
             the
             cause
             of
             his
             People
             at
             all
             times
             as
             the
             matter
             shall
             require
             .
          
           There
           are
           two
           things
           need
           a
           little
           opening
           here
           .
        
         
           
             1.
             
             What
             is
             meant
             by
             the
             cause
             of
             his
             People
             Israel
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             What
             is
             meant
             by
             the
             Lords
             maintaining
             the
             cause
             of
             his
             People
             at
             all
             times
             as
             the
             matter
             shall
             require
             .
          
        
         
           1.
           
           By
           
             [
             because
             of
             his
             People
             ●r●●
             ]
          
           I
           understand
           the
           same
           which
           in
           other
           Scriptures
           is
           called
           the
           
             cause
             of
             G●●
             ,
             P●●l
          
           74.
           
           ●2
           .
           
             Arise
             O
             God
             and
             plead
             thy
             own
             Cause
             .
          
           So
           that
           there
           is
           a
           cause
           of
           God
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           (
           mark
           I
           beseech
           you
           )
           there
           is
           a
           cause
           which
           is
           God
           own
           cause
           :
           
             A●●se
             O
             Lord
             and
             plead
             h●●
             own
             ●use
             .
          
           And
           if
           you
           please
           but
           to
           cast●y
           ur●ey
           upon
           two
           or
           three
           passages
           of
           that
           Psalm
           ,
           we
           need
           go
           no
           further
           to
           understand
           clearly
           ,
           what
           is
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           〈◊〉
           20.
           
             have
             respect
             unto
             the
             Covenant
          
           ,
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           is
           the
           cause
           of
           his
           Covenant
           
           it
           is
           also
           the
           cause
           of
           his
           
             Temple
             the
             dwelling
             place
             of
             his
             name
             ,
             verse
          
           7.
           and
           further
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           cause
           of
           his
           Church
           ,
           verse
           2.
           
           
             Remember
             thy
             Congregation
             which
             thou
             hast
             purchased
             of
             old
             ,
             thine
             inheritance
             which
             thou
             hast
             redeemed
             ,
             this
             mount
             Sion
             wherein
             thou
             hast
             dwel●
             ,
          
           i.
           e.
           his
           Church
           ,
           and
           so
           in
           the
           8
           verse
           you
           read
           of
           the
           Synagogues
           of
           God
           in
           the
           Land.
           
        
         
           Now
           the
           very
           same
           was
           the
           cause
           of
           his
           People
           Israel
           ,
           for
           the
           speciall
           end
           of
           the
           great
           assembly
           mentioned
           in
           this
           Chapter
           ,
           it
           was
           to
           bring
           in
           the
           
             Ark
             of
             the
             Covenant
          
           into
           the
           house
           of
           the
           Lord
           :
           by
           virtue
           of
           which
           Covenant
           the
           Lord
           was
           their
           God
           and
           they
           were
           his
           people
           ;
           and
           ,
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           was
           theirs
           ,
           and
           their
           cause
           was
           his
           ;
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           &
           his
           People
           Israel
           was
           one
           and
           the
           same
           ,
           and
           that
           was
           the
           cause
           of
           Religion
           according
           to
           the
           word
           of
           God.
           Therefore
           in
           the
           Text
           here
           Solomon
           prayes
           that
           the
           hearts
           of
           his
           People
           might
           be
           
             enclined
             to
             walk
             in
             Gods
             wayes
             and
             to
             keep
             his
             Commandements
             .
          
        
         
           Againe
           ,
           it
           is
           observable
           ,
           the
           word
           rendred
           cause
           here
           in
           the
           text
           is
           translated
           
             [
             right
          
           ]
           in
           the
           Margine
           of
           the
           45.
           
           &
           49.
           verses
           ,
           that
           he
           
             maintain
             the
             right
             of
             his
             People
             ,
          
           there
           is
           a
           right
           unto
           house
           and
           land
           and
           the
           like
           ,
           but
           there
           is
           a
           
             jus
             divinum
          
           ,
           a
           speciall
           divine
           right
           which
           the
           People
           of
           Israel
           had
           unto
           the
           one
           true
           Religion
           ,
           and
           a
           liberty
           annexed
           unto
           that
           right
           that
           none
           could
           lawfully
           hinder
           them
           from
           enjoying
           all
           that
           belonged
           to
           the
           service
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           So
           that
           (
           in
           one
           word
           )
           the
           
             cause
             of
             his
             people
             Israel
          
           was
           right
           from
           God
           ,
           and
           liberty
           from
           God
           ,
           to
           keep
           Gods
           Commandements
           in
           matters
           of
           Religion
           .
           This
           was
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           and
           Israel
           then
           ,
           and
           I
           hope
           it
           will
           appear
           anon
           ,
           that
           the
           very
           same
           is
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           and
           his
           people
           now
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           What
           is
           meant
           by
           [
           the
           Lords
           maintaining
           this
           cause
           at
           all
           times
           as
           the
           matter
           shall
           require
           ]
           He
           had
           made
           the
           same
           request
           twice
           before
           verse
           45.
           
           &
           49.
           that
           he
           
             maintain
             his
             Peoples
             cause
          
           ;
           here
           he
           mentions
           it
           againe
           the
           third
           time
           ,
           that
           he
           
             maintain
             the
             cause
             of
             his
             People
             Israel
             ,
          
           with
           an
           addition
           of
           this
           further
           expression
           ,
           
             at
             all
             times
             as
             the
             matter
             shall
             require
             .
          
        
         
           He
           had
           before
           in
           his
           large
           Prayer
           comprehended
           all
           the
           common
           cases
           which
           might
           fall
           out
           ;
           but
           because
           there
           might
           be
           other
           cases
           which
           he
           could
           not
           foresee
           ,
           or
           they
           might
           be
           otherwise
           circumstanced
           ,
           when
           the
           cause
           of
           Israel
           might
           be
           so
           endangered
           ,
           as
           there
           
           would
           not
           be
           any
           help
           in
           the
           ey
           of
           reason
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           Man
           ,
           therefore
           he
           commends
           the
           cause
           of
           his
           People
           Israel
           to
           the
           Lord
           himselfe
           ,
           and
           leaves
           it
           with
           him
           ,
           and
           beseecheth
           him
           ,
           that
           he
           by
           his
           prerogative
           would
           maintain
           
             the
             cause
             of
             his
             people
             ,
             even
             as
             the
             matter
             should
             require
             .
          
        
         
           And
           those
           words
           in
           the
           Text
           
             [
             at
             all
             times
          
           ]
           are
           in
           the
           Margine
           rendred
           [
           
             the
             thing
             of
             a
             day
          
           in
           his
           day
           ]
           
             i.
             e.
          
           not
           onely
           in
           the
           day
           of
           prosperity
           when
           things
           go
           
             smoothly
             on
          
           ;
           but
           in
           the
           dayes
           of
           adversity
           ,
           in
           the
           Hirracano's
           of
           tempestuous
           times
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           a
           day
           
             of
             trouble
             and
             rebuke
             ,
             and
             Blasphemy
             ,
          
           as
           is
           was
           in
           Hezekiahs
           time
           ,
           Isai
           .
           37.3
           .
           in
           a
           day
           of
           perplexity
           and
           treading
           down
           ,
           Isai
           22.5
           .
           in
           such
           a
           day
           as
           this
           ,
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           and
           Israel
           is
           Committed
           to
           the
           Lord
           himself
           that
           he
           would
           
             maintain
             it
          
           .
        
         
           And
           there
           is
           an
           Emphasis
           to
           be
           observed
           in
           that
           word
           
             [
             He
          
           ]
           that
           He
           
             maintain
             it
          
           ,
           when
           there
           is
           none
           else
           that
           will
           ,
           or
           can
           ,
           or
           knowes
           how
           :
           implying
           the
           need
           (
           the
           extream
           need
           )
           that
           the
           people
           of
           Israel
           might
           sometimes
           have
           for
           the
           Lord
           himselfe
           
             to
             maintain
             their
             cause
          
           above
           all
           that
           themselves
           ,
           or
           any
           else
           should
           be
           able
           to
           doe
           .
        
         
           So
           that
           the
           point
           of
           Doctrine
           which
           I
           would
           commend
           unto
           the
           consideration
           of
           this
           present
           Assembly
           from
           hence
           ,
           is
           this
           .
        
         
           Doct.
           The
           times
           may
           be
           such
           ,
           and
           the
           case
           may
           be
           such
           ,
           as
           the
           maintaining
           of
           the
           cause
           of
           Religion
           ,
           may
           need
           and
           require
           more
           then
           ordinary
           help
           from
           the
           Lord
           himself
           .
        
         
           The
           times
           may
           be
           so
           perillous
           ,
           and
           the
           case
           so
           circumstanced
           ,
           and
           the
           cause
           of
           Religion
           so
           endangered
           ,
           as
           it
           may
           be
           above
           the
           wisedom
           of
           Man
           to
           direct
           ,
           or
           the
           hand
           of
           Man
           to
           help
           :
           then
           there
           is
           work
           for
           Jehovah
           himselfe
           ,
           for
           him
           to
           
             maintain
             his
             own
             and
             his
             Peoples
             cause
             ,
          
           you
           see
           the
           point
           :
           a
           little
           for
           the
           Proof
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           many
           times
           the
           cry
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           
             give
             us
             help
             from
             trouble
             O
             Lord
             ,
             for
             vaine
             is
             the
             help
             of
             Man
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           108.
           
             last
             .
             and
             our
             help
             is
             in
             the
             Name
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             who
             made
             the
             Heavens
             and
             the
             Earth
             ,
             Psal
          
           124.
           last
           .
           there
           is
           creating
           wisedom
           &
           power
           and
           goodness
           with
           him
           ,
           that
           is
           
             God
             over
             all
             ,
             Blessed
             for
             evermore
             ,
          
           there
           and
           from
           thence
           alone
           is
           the
           help
           of
           his
           People
           when
           it
           s
           no
           where
           else
           to
           be
           seen
           upon
           Earth
           .
           I
           shall
           add
           no
           more
           but
           that
           in
           Isai
           .
           63.5
           .
           
             I
             looked
             and
             there
             was
             none
             to
             help
             ,
             and
             I
             wondred
             that
             there
             was
             none
             to
             uphold
             ,
             
             therefore
             mine
             own
             arm
             brought
             Salvation
             ●●ne
             ,
             and
             my
             fury
             it
             upheld
             mee
             .
          
           Our
           Saviour
           Christ
           is
           here
           brought
           in
           speaking
           of
           himself
           ,
           not
           as
           Chri●●nall
           ,
           but
           as
           Christ
           Mysticall
           ,
           
             Christ
             and
             ●is
             Church
          
           as
           be●…ers
           ,
           engaged
           together
           in
           the
           same
           cause
           ,
           and
           the
           cause
           of
           Christ
           and
           his
           Church
           is
           represented
           here
           as
           in
           a
           dispairing
           sinking
           case
           ,
           
             I
             looked
             and
             there
             was
             none
             to
             help
             ,
             I
             wondred
             that
             there
             was
             〈◊〉
             to
             uphold
             :
          
           what
           then
           ?
           
             why
             ,
             therfore
             mine
             own
             arm
             brought
             Salvation
             ●o
             me
             :
          
           the
           Church
           when
           sinking
           ,
           yet
           saved
           by
           Christ
           ,
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           and
           his
           People
           when
           ready
           to
           be
           overturned
           ,
           overwhelmed
           ;
           yet
           then
           ●reserved
           ,
           secured
           maintained
           ,
           by
           the
           outstretched
           a●m
           of
           a
           blessed
           ●aviour
           :
           implying
           ,
           the
           case
           may
           be
           such
           ,
           and
           the
           matter
           may
           so
           require
           ,
           that
           no
           less
           then
           the
           Infinite
           Wisedom
           ,
           and
           good
           pleasure
           of
           of
           Omnipotencie
           it selfe
           can
           do
           the
           deed
           .
           This
           may
           suffice
           for
           the
           Proof
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           a
           three
           f●ld
           Reason
           may
           convince
           us
           of
           the
           Truth
           of
           the
           Doctrine
           .
        
         
           
             1.
             
             From
             the
             weakness
             of
             Man.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             From
             the
             Malice
             of
             the
             Devil
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             From
             the
             Providence
             of
             God.
             
          
        
         
           Reas
           .
           1.
           
           The
           first
           reason
           is
           taken
           from
           
             the
             weakness
             of
             Men
          
           ,
           from
           the
           inability
           of
           Gods
           own
           People
           ,
           who
           are
           affected
           unto
           this
           cause
           ,
           and
           engaged
           in
           it
           ,
           but
           are
           not
           able
           to
           maintain
           it
           .
        
         
           The
           best
           of
           the
           Saints
           have
           flesh
           as
           well
           as
           Spirit
           ,
           they
           have
           something
           of
           the
           
             Old
             Man
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             of
             the
             New
          
           ;
           they
           
             know
             but
             in
             part
          
           ,
           and
           are
           
             Sanctified
             but
             in
             part
          
           :
           and
           hence
           many
           weaknesses
           in
           managing
           the
           cause
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           There
           is
           a
           mixture
           of
           Hypocrites
           amongst
           the
           sincere
           Servants
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           pretend
           unto
           this
           cause
           as
           well
           as
           they
           ;
           and
           hence
           many
           times
           not
           onely
           weakness
           but
           wickedness
           is
           inter-woven
           into
           the
           fairest
           pretences
           to
           the
           cause
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           There
           are
           various
           apprehensions
           ,
           affections
           ,
           and
           passions
           ,
           amongst
           good
           men
           .
           
             Moses
             the
             Servant
          
           ,
           and
           
             Aaron
             the
             Saint
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
          
           are
           sometimes
           unadvised
           :
           and
           when
           they
           are
           most
           upright
           ,
           when
           they
           lead
           the
           People
           according
           to
           the
           
             ●kilfulness
             of
             their
             hands
             ,
             and
             Integrity
             of
             their
             Heart
             ,
          
           yet
           then
           traduced
           ,
           reproached
           ,
           opposed
           ,
           
             et
             tantum
             n●n
          
           ,
           overpoured
           by
           a
           murmuring
           People
           ,
           and
           there
           were
           
             Men
             of
             renown
             and
             famous
             in
             the
             Congregation
             ,
          
           that
           would
           not
           submit
           unto
           Gods
           order
           .
        
         
           Sometimes
           
             (
             alas
          
           )
           there
           is
           a
           sharp
           contention
           between
           Paul
           and
           
           Barnabas
           :
           and
           Godly
           
             Peter
             doth
             not
             ever
             walk
             with
             a
             right
             foot
             :
          
           and
           blessed
           Paul
           when
           most
           faithfull
           and
           true
           ,
           is
           under
           evill
           surmises
           ,
           as
           a
           deceiver
           .
           There
           is
           names
           and
           parties
           of
           men
           ,
           dividing
           Christ
           amongst
           them
           :
           some
           
             departing
             from
             the
             Faith
          
           ,
           others
           led
           aside
           from
           the
           simplicity
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           
             on
             the
             right
             hand
             ,
             and
             on
             the
             left
             ,
          
           and
           many
           (
           in
           the
           last
           dayes
           very
           many
           )
           that
           
             have
             the
             form
             but
             deny
             the
             power
             of
             Godlyness
             .
          
        
         
           Hence
           the
           cause
           of
           Religion
           much
           obscured
           and
           ready
           to
           be
           spoyled
           in
           the
           hands
           of
           those
           that
           profess
           to
           be
           the
           lovers
           of
           it
           .
           That
           is
           the
           first
           Reason
           .
        
         
           Reas
           .
           2.
           
           Taken
           from
           the
           
             Malice
             of
             the
             Devil
             ,
             and
             his
             Instrumentie
          
           Satan
           from
           the
           beginning
           hath
           had
           an
           old
           grudg
           against
           the
           seed
           of
           the
           Woman
           ,
           and
           he
           never
           wanted
           instruments
           ,
           who
           either
           by
           force
           or
           fraud
           or
           both
           ,
           have
           done
           what
           mischief
           they
           could
           against
           the
           Church
           and
           cause
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           Thus
           in
           the
           story
           of
           Exodus
           ,
           Pharoah
           at
           first
           works
           ,
           wisely
           to
           undermine
           ,
           afterwards
           he
           works
           proudly
           to
           overtake
           and
           destroy
           the
           Israel
           of
           God.
           Thus
           also
           in
           Psal
           .
           83.1
           ,
           2
           ,
           3.
           
           
             Keep
             not
             Silence
             O
             God
             ,
             for
             ●thine
             Enemies
             make
             a
             tumult
             ,
             they
             have
             consulted
             together
             ,
             they
             have
             said
             ,
             come
             let
             us
             cut
             them
             off
             that
             the
             name
             of
             Israel
             be
             had
             no
             more
             in
             remembrance
          
           ;
           and
           then
           there
           is
           mention
           made
           of
           
             Gebal
             ,
             Ammon
          
           ,
           and
           Amalek
           and
           many
           others
           .
        
         
           And
           in
           the
           time
           of
           Ezra
           ,
           and
           Nehemiah
           ,
           no
           sooner
           had
           Zerubbabel
           and
           Joshua
           and
           the
           rest
           of
           the
           poor
           People
           of
           Israel
           begun
           to
           reform
           and
           set
           themselves
           about
           the
           work
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           but
           Sathan
           stood
           up
           to
           resist
           them
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           in
           Zech.
           3.1
           .
           
             &
             he
             had
             instruments
             at
             hand
             presently
             Sanballat
             and
             Tobia
             ,
             with
             their
             complices
             ,
             Nehem.
          
           4.11
           .
           
             and
             our
             adversaries
             said
             they
             shall
             neither
             see
             ,
             nor
             know
             ,
             till
             we
             be
             in
             the
             midst
             amongst
             them
             ,
             and
             Slay
             them
             and
             cause
             their
             work
             to
             cease
             ,
          
           thus
           also
           in
           Ezr.
           4.9
           .
           you
           read
           of
           
             Rehum
             the
             Chancellor
          
           ,
           and
           
             Shi●shi
             the
             Scribe
          
           ,
           with
           the
           rest
           of
           their
           companions
           ,
           pleading
           much
           the
           damage
           and
           dishonour
           of
           the
           King
           as
           in
           verse
           13.
           and
           when
           they
           had
           got
           a
           commission
           they
           went
           up
           in
           hast
           unto
           Jerusalem
           to
           
             cause
             the
             work
             to
             cease
          
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           verse
           23.
           
             they
             made
             them
             cease
             by
             force
             and
             power
             ,
          
           though
           it
           was
           but
           for
           a
           time
           as
           it
           appeares
           afterwards
           .
        
         
           And
           if
           you
           look
           into
           Rev.
           12.12
           .
           you
           shall
           find
           there
           in
           relation
           to
           the
           last
           times
           ,
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           
             Wee
             to
             the
             inhabitants
             of
             the
             Earth
             ,
             and
             of
             
             the
             Sea
             ,
             for
             the
             Devil
             is
             come
             down
             amongst
             you
             ,
             and
             his
             rage
             is
             great
             ,
             because
             he
             hath
             but
             a
             short
             time
             ,
          
           the
           shorter
           the
           time
           the
           fiercer
           the
           rage
           of
           Sathan
           against
           all
           that
           
             keep
             the
             Commandements
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             Faith
             of
             Jesus
          
           ;
           &
           where
           ever
           he
           can
           prevail
           ,
           down
           goes
           the
           divine
           Authority
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           up
           goes
           the
           Commandements
           of
           Men
           in
           the
           Worship
           of
           God
           :
           and
           all
           that
           will
           not
           doe
           ,
           must
           suffer
           ,
           and
           all
           that
           bear
           witness
           to
           truth
           and
           Holiness
           ,
           must
           
             be
             in
             sackcloth
             until
             the
             time
             of
             the
             End.
             
          
        
         
           Now
           from
           hence
           (
           againe
           )
           the
           cause
           of
           Religion
           is
           much
           endangered
           by
           the
           haters
           of
           it
           .
           That
           is
           the
           Second
           Reason
           .
        
         
           Reas
           .
           3.
           
           The
           last
           Reason
           is
           taken
           from
           
             afflicting
             Providence
          
           ,
           He
           (
           the
           great
           God
           )
           
             changeth
             the
             times
             and
             the
             seasons
             ,
             Dan.
          
           2.21
           .
           the
           History
           of
           the
           Church
           in
           all
           ages
           hath
           informed
           us
           of
           this
           ,
           that
           after
           a
           time
           
             of
             peace
          
           ,
           comes
           a
           time
           
             of
             trouble
          
           ,
           after
           a
           time
           
             of
             l●berty
          
           (
           to
           be
           as
           good
           as
           men
           would
           be
           and
           as
           they
           should
           be
           )
           there
           comes
           a
           time
           of
           restraint
           :
           and
           sometimes
           even
           in
           the
           valley
           of
           vision
           
             there
             is
             a
             day
             of
             perplexitie
             and
             treading
             down
             ,
          
           and
           
             that
             from
             the
             Lord
             God
             of
             Hostes
             ,
          
           as
           it
           is
           in
           Isai
           .
           22.5
           .
        
         
           And
           though
           it
           hath
           been
           questioned
           whether
           
             Dioclesians
             persecution
          
           or
           
             Julians
             Toleration
          
           were
           more
           pernicious
           to
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           ,
           yet
           without
           question
           neither
           of
           these
           was
           without
           the
           Providence
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           When
           the
           People
           of
           God
           know
           not
           how
           to
           use
           their
           peace
           and
           liberty
           ,
           when
           they
           have
           contracted
           the
           guilt
           of
           the
           Sins
           of
           such
           times
           ,
           it
           is
           but
           righteous
           with
           the
           Lord
           to
           bring
           them
           into
           bondage
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           know
           the
           service
           of
           the
           Lord
           with
           such
           a
           kind
           of
           Knowledg
           as
           Adam
           had
           after
           his
           fall
           ,
           to
           know
           good
           by
           the
           want
           and
           evil
           by
           the
           feeling
           of
           it
           ,
           
             by
             terrible
             thing●
             in
             righteousness
             wilt
             thou
             answer
             us
             O
             God
             ,
             who
             yet
             art
             the
             God
             of
             our
             Salvation
             and
             the
             confidence
             of
             such
             as
             are
             in
             the
             ends
             of
             the
             Earth
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           65.5
           .
        
         
           But
           from
           hence
           also
           the
           cause
           of
           Religion
           comes
           to
           be
           in
           the
           same
           condition
           as
           the
           ship
           in
           which
           the
           disciples
           went
           when
           Christ
           was
           asleep
           ,
           there
           came
           down
           such
           a
           
             storm
             upon
             the
             L●●●
          
           ,
           and
           they
           were
           so
           covered
           with
           the
           waves
           ,
           and
           in
           such
           Jeopardy
           ,
           they
           were
           faine
           to
           cry
           out
           unto
           him
           ,
           
             Master
             save
             us
             or
             we
             perish
             .
          
        
         
           
             Gather
             up
             the
             Reasons
             briefly
          
           .
        
         
           If
           the
           lovers
           of
           the
           cause
           of
           Religion
           be
           so
           unable
           to
           preserve
           it
           ,
           if
           
           the
           haters
           of
           it
           be
           so
           sedulous
           to
           destroy
           it
           ,
           and
           if
           the
           Lord
           himselfe
           seem
           to
           withdraw
           from
           it
           ;
           then
           it
           is
           no
           wonder
           if
           the
           times
           be
           such
           ,
           and
           the
           case
           be
           such
           ,
           as
           the
           maintaining
           of
           the
           cause
           of
           Religion
           doth
           need
           and
           require
           more
           then
           ordinary
           help
           from
           the
           Lord
           himselfe
           .
        
         
           By
           this
           time
           you
           see
           the
           truth
           of
           the
           Doctrine
           .
           Now
           let
           us
           consider
           the
           good
           of
           it
           in
           
             Application
             to
             our selves
          
           ,
           and
           that
           but
           in
           a
           couple
           of
           Uses
           .
        
         
           The
           one
           for
           the
           
             Information
             of
             our
             Judgments
          
           .
        
         
           The
           other
           for
           
             direction
             in
             point
             of
             Practice
          
           .
        
         
           Vse
           1.
           
           We
           may
           hence
           informe
           our selves
           ,
           not
           only
           
             what
             the
             Cause
             of
             God
             and
             his
             people
             is
             in
             other
             parts
          
           ;
           but
           
             what
             it
             is
             here
             with
             us
             .
          
           I
           say
           ,
           to
           informe
           us
           what
           is
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           and
           his
           people
           in
           New-England
           .
           This
           is
           the
           first
           use
           .
        
         
           A
           mistake
           in
           this
           may
           be
           of
           dangerous
           consequence
           ;
           the
           true
           stating
           of
           this
           cause
           ,
           and
           the
           right
           understanding
           of
           it
           ,
           may
           be
           of
           no
           little
           help
           unto
           us
           in
           the
           times
           that
           are
           come
           upon
           us
           .
        
         
           For
           it
           is
           more
           then
           our
           lives
           ,
           and
           as
           much
           as
           our
           soules
           are
           worth
           ,
           to
           
             own
             the
             cause
             of
             God
          
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           
             faithfull
             to
             it
             in
             our
             generation
             :
          
           to
           confess
           or
           deny
           this
           cause
           ,
           is
           in
           Scripture
           interpretation
           to
           confess
           or
           deny
           
             Christ
             himselfe
          
           ,
           and
           you
           know
           what
           he
           hath
           said
           in
           Mat.
           10.32
           .
           
             Whosoever
             shall
             confess
             me
             before
             men
             ,
             him
             will
             I
             confess
             before
             my
             Father
             which
             is
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             but
             whosoever
             shall
             deny
             me
             before
             Men
             ,
             him
             will
             I
             deny
             before
             my
             Father
             which
             is
             in
             Heaven
             :
          
           and
           in
           the
           eighth
           of
           Mark
           and
           verse
           38.
           
           
             Whosoever
             shall
             be
             ashamed
             of
             me
             and
             of
             my
             words
             in
             this
             adulterous
             and
             sinful
             Generation
             ,
             ●f
             him
             also
             shall
             the
             Son
             of
             Man
             be
             ashamed
             when
             he
             comes
             in
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             Father
             with
             all
             his
             Holy
             Angels
             .
          
        
         
           Give
           me
           leave
           then
           I
           beseech
           you
           ,
           Honoured
           and
           Beloved
           ,
           to
           present
           a
           few
           things
           unto
           you
           about
           this
           Caus●
           .
           I
           confess
           I
           should
           be
           utterly
           inexcusable
           in
           adventuring
           to
           shew
           my
           weakness
           in
           such
           a
           place
           at
           such
           a
           time
           as
           this
           ,
           were
           I
           not
           able
           to
           call
           the
           
             Most
             H●●h
          
           to
           Witness
           that
           nothing
           but
           Conscience
           of
           my
           duty
           put
           me
           and
           kept
           me
           upon
           this
           Subject
           :
           when
           I
           received
           the
           Summons
           of
           the
           
             Honourabl●
             G●●
          
           to
           preach
           it
           this
           time
           ,
           it
           was
           desired
           that
           some
           suitable
           word
           might
           be
           spoken
           :
           now
           whether
           the
           stating
           of
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           and
           his
           People
           amongst
           u●
           be
           not
           seasonable
           ,
           I
           leave
           to
           the
           consideration
           of
           ●his
           
             ●wful
             and
             〈◊〉
             A●s●h
          
           .
           And
           I
           hope
           ●n
           the
           Lord
           I
           shall
           say
           nothing
           about
           it
           ,
           but
           what
           might
           be
           more
           abundantly
           made
           out
           by
           
           Scripture
           light
           ,
           and
           what
           the
           generallity
           of
           all
           the
           People
           of
           God
           (
           not
           engaged
           unto
           parties
           )
           will
           readily
           subscribe
           unto
           .
        
         
           First
           then
           ,
           
             in
             the
             general
          
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           and
           his
           people
           amongst
           us
           is
           the
           
             Cause
             of
             Religion
          
           ,
           I
           say
           the
           cause
           of
           Religion
           〈◊〉
           
             the
             profession
             and
             practize
             of
             the
             one
             true
             Religion
             to
             be
             in
             all
             thing
             ,
             according
             to
             Gods
             Word
             .
          
           This
           was
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           and
           Israel
           then
           ,
           the
           same
           is
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           and
           his
           people
           now
           .
           
             To
             keep
             and
             seek
             for
             all
             the
             Commandements
             of
             God.
             To
             walk
             in
             his
             waies
             and
             to
             keep
             his
             Commandements
             which
             he
             Commanded
             our
             Fathers
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             in
             the
             text
             :
             that
             every
             thing
             in
          
           Doctrine
           Worship
           and
           Discipline
           be
           conformed
           unto
           and
           regulated
           by
           the
           rule
           of
           the
           word
           .
           This
           is
           the
           
             Cause
             of
             God
          
           and
           his
           People
           in
           New-England
           in
           the
           Generall
           .
        
         
           But
           that
           it
           may
           be
           more
           clearly
           understood
           ,
           let
           me
           propound
           it
           more
           particularly
           both
           in
           the
           Negative
           ,
           what
           this
           cause
           is
           not
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Affirmative
           what
           it
           is
           .
        
         
           
             And
             first
             Negatively
          
           .
        
         
           
             It
             is
          
           
             
               1.
               
               Not
               the
               getting
               of
               this
               Worlds
               good
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Not
               Separation
               from
               other
               Churches
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               Not
               a
               toleration
               of
               all
               Religions
               .
            
          
        
         
           1.
           
           
             Not
             the
             getting
             of
             this
             Worlds
             good
             .
          
           The
           cause
           we
           are
           speaking
           of
           ,
           it
           never
           was
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           now
           ,
           the
           getting
           &
           increasing
           of
           this
           worlds
           good
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           Christ
           hath
           commanded
           ,
           
             seek
             first
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             God
             and
             the
             righteousness
             therof
             ,
             and
             all
             other
             things
             shall
             be
             added
          
           Mat.
           6
           33.
           
           Accordingly
           when
           the
           Lord
           stirred
           up
           the
           spirits
           of
           so
           many
           of
           his
           people
           to
           come
           over
           into
           this
           wilderness
           ,
           it
           was
           not
           for
           worldly
           wealth
           ,
           or
           a
           better
           livelyhood
           here
           for
           the
           outward
           man
           :
           the
           generallity
           of
           the
           people
           that
           came
           over
           professed
           the
           contrary
           :
           nor
           had
           we
           any
           rationall
           grounds
           to
           expect
           such
           a
           thing
           in
           such
           a
           wilderness
           as
           this
           .
        
         
           And
           though
           God
           hath
           blessed
           his
           poor
           people
           here
           with
           an
           addition
           of
           many
           earthly
           comforts
           ,
           and
           there
           are
           that
           have
           encreased
           here
           from
           small
           beginnings
           to
           great
           estates
           ,
           that
           the
           Lord
           may
           call
           this
           whole
           generation
           to
           witness
           and
           say
           ,
           
             O
             generation
             see
             the
             word
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             have
             I
             been
             a
             wilderness
             unto
             you
             ?
             Jer.
          
           2.32
           .
           
             O
             generation
             see
          
           !
           look
           upon
           your
           towne
           ,
           &
           fields
           ,
           look
           upon
           your
           habitations
           &
           shops
           and
           ships
           ,
           and
           behold
           your
           numerous
           posterity
           ,
           and
           great
           encrease
           in
           the
           blessings
           of
           the
           Land
           &
           Sea
           ,
           
             have
             I
             been
             a
             wilderness
             unto
             you
             ?
          
           we
           
           must
           needs
           answer
           ,
           
             No
             Lord
             ,
             thou
             hast
             been
             a
             gracious
             God
             ,
             and
             exceeding
             good
             unto
             thy
             Servants
             ,
             ever
             since
             we
             came
             into
             this
             wilderness
             ,
             even
             in
             these
             earthly
             blessing
             ,
             we
             live
             in
             a
             more
             plentifull
             &
             comfortable
             manner
             then
             ever
             we
             did
             ●x●●ct
             .
          
           But
           these
           are
           but
           additions
           ,
           they
           are
           but
           additionall
           mercies
           ,
           it
           was
           another
           thing
           and
           a
           better
           thing
           that
           we
           followed
           the
           Lord
           into
           the
           wilderness
           for
           .
        
         
           My
           Fathers
           and
           Brethren
           this
           is
           never
           to
           be
           forgotten
           ,
           that
           
             New-England
             is
             originally
             plantation
             of
             Religion
             ,
             not
             a
             plantation
             of
             Trade
             .
          
        
         
           Let
           Merchants
           and
           such
           as
           are
           increasing
           
             Cent
             per
             Cent
          
           remember
           this
           ,
           Let
           others
           that
           have
           come
           over
           since
           at
           several
           times
           understand
           this
           ,
           that
           worldly
           gain
           was
           not
           the
           end
           and
           designe
           of
           the
           people
           of
           New-England
           ,
           but
           Religion
           .
           And
           if
           any
           man
           amongst
           us
           make
           Religion
           as
           twelve
           ,
           and
           the
           world
           as
           thirteen
           ,
           let
           such
           an
           one
           know
           he
           hath
           neither
           the
           spirit
           of
           a
           
             true
             New-England
             man
          
           ,
           nor
           yet
           of
           a
           
             sincere
             Christian
          
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Not
           
             Separation
             from
             other
             Churches
          
           ,
           either
           in
           our
           own
           or
           other
           countries
           ;
           I
           say
           ,
           not
           separation
           from
           any
           thing
           good
           in
           other
           Churches
           ,
           whether
           truth
           of
           
             Church
             estate
          
           ,
           or
           any
           Doctrine
           professed
           ,
           or
           any
           Ordinance
           administred
           ,
           
             so
             far
             as
             it
             was
             ,
             or
             is
             agreeable
             to
             the
             word
             of
             God.
             
          
        
         
           We
           deny
           not
           the
           being
           of
           Churches
           ,
           where
           many
           things
           are
           wanting
           to
           their
           well-being
           .
           We
           distinguish
           between
           the
           
             corruptions
             and
             disorders
             of
             Churches
          
           ,
           and
           the
           
             Churches
             themselves
          
           .
           We
           profess
           
             communion
             with
          
           ,
           not
           
             separation
             from
          
           the
           Churches
           of
           Christ
           in
           lawfull
           things
           .
           They
           are
           the
           European
           Churches
           ,
           in
           which
           that
           numerous
           company
           of
           144000.
           are
           said
           to
           
             stand
             with
             the
             ●amb
             upon
             mount
             Sion
             ,
             Rev.
          
           14.1
           .
           and
           these
           are
           said
           to
           
             ●●●p
             the
             Commandements
             of
             God
             and
             the
             faith
             of
             Jesus
          
           verse
           12.
           
           It
           is
           the
           doctrine
           and
           worship
           of
           the
           Reformed
           Churches
           comming
           out
           of
           Popery
           which
           are
           said
           to
           be
           as
           a
           
             Sea
             of
             glass
             man
             led
             with
             〈◊〉
             ,
             R●●
          
           15.2
           .
           if
           g●●●
           ,
           then
           they
           are
           not
           
             clear
             as
             Cristall
          
           ,
           as
           those
           in
           the
           Primitive
           times
           Chap.
           4
           6
           and
           yet
           not
           as
           
             the
             blood
             of
             a
             dead
             man
             ,
          
           as
           those
           under
           Popery
           Ch●●
           .
           16.3
           .
           it
           〈◊〉
           a
           
             Sea
             of
             gl●ss
             mingled
             with
             ●●r
             ,
          
           (
           the
           fire
           of
           persecution
           with●ut
           ,
           and
           of
           contention
           within
           )
           and
           yet
           they
           that
           stand
           upon
           this
           Sea
           have
           gotten
           the
           
             victory
             over
             the
             Beast
             ,
             and
             have
             the
             Harpes
             of
             God
             in
             their
             hands
             and
             are
             accepted
             of
             the
             Lord.
             
          
        
         
           The
           end
           of
           our
           comming
           hither
           was
           a
           reformation
           only
           of
           what
           was
           amiss
           or
           defective
           in
           the
           churches
           we
           came
           from
           :
           from
           which
           we
           
           made
           no
           separation
           ,
           but
           a
           locall
           secession
           only
           into
           this
           wilderness
           ,
           with
           true
           desires
           and
           endeavours
           after
           a
           more
           full
           Reformation
           according
           to
           Gods
           word
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           
             Not
             a
             toleration
             of
             all
             Religions
             ,
          
           or
           of
           the
           
             Heresies
             &
             Idolatries
          
           of
           the
           age
           we
           live
           in
           .
           I
           say
           ,
           not
           a
           toleration
           of
           these
           so
           farr
           as
           wee
           have
           liberty
           and
           power
           for
           to
           help
           it
           .
           How
           inconsistent
           would
           such
           a
           toleration
           be
           ,
           with
           the
           love
           of
           the
           one
           true
           Religion
           revealed
           in
           the
           word
           of
           God
           ?
           would
           not
           such
           a
           state
           be
           guilty
           of
           having
           
             other
             Gods
          
           ,
           where
           such
           a
           toleration
           is
           ?
           is
           it
           not
           the
           end
           of
           Civill
           Authority
           ,
           that
           men
           may
           
             live
             a
             quiet
             &
             peaceable
             life
             ,
             in
             godliness
             as
             well
             as
             honesty
             ?
          
           but
           not
           in
           the
           wayes
           of
           ungodliness
           ,
           no
           more
           then
           in
           the
           wayes
           of
           dishonesty
           :
           in
           a
           word
           ,
           the
           Gospel
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           hath
           a
           
             right
             paramount
          
           ,
           all
           rights
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           it
           hath
           a
           
             Divine
             &
             Supream
          
           right
           to
           be
           received
           in
           every
           Nation
           ,
           and
           the
           
             knee
             of
             Magistracie
          
           is
           to
           bow
           at
           the
           name
           of
           Jesus
           .
           This
           right
           carryes
           
             liberty
             along
             with
             it
          
           ,
           for
           all
           such
           as
           profess
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           to
           walk
           according
           to
           the
           
             Faith
             &
             Order
             of
             the
             Gospell
             .
          
           That
           which
           is
           contrary
           to
           the
           Gospel
           hath
           
             no
             right
          
           ,
           and
           therefore
           should
           have
           
             no
             liberty
          
           .
           But
           the
           Lawes
           which
           have
           been
           made
           by
           the
           Civill
           Government
           here
           ,
           with
           respect
           unto
           Religion
           ,
           whereby
           you
           have
           declared
           your
           
             professed
             subjection
             to
             the
             Gospel
          
           ,
           and
           your
           non-toleration
           of
           that
           which
           is
           
             contrary
             thereunto
          
           ;
           this
           will
           be
           a
           name
           and
           a
           glory
           to
           New-England
           
             so
             long
             as
             the
             Sun
             and
             Moon
             endure
             .
          
        
         
           And
           so
           much
           for
           the
           Negative
           ,
           what
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           and
           his
           People
           amongst
           us
           is
           not
           ,
           viz
           ,
           not
           this
           Worlds
           good
           ,
           not
           separation
           ,
           not
           a
           toleration
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Now
           in
           the
           second
           place
           for
           the
           Affirmative
           ,
           if
           my
           weakness
           was
           able
           to
           shew
           you
           what
           the
           Cause
           of
           God
           and
           his
           People
           in
           New-England
           is
           ,
           according
           to
           its
           
             divine
             Originall
          
           and
           
             Native
             beautie
          
           ,
           it
           would
           dazle
           the
           eyes
           of
           Angels
           daunt
           the
           hearts
           of
           devils
           ,
           ravish
           and
           chain
           fast
           the
           Affections
           of
           all
           the
           Saints
           .
           I
           crave
           Leave
           to
           propound
           it
           thus
           ,
           Affirmatively
           ;
        
         
           
             It
             is
          
           
             
               1.
               
               Reformation
               of
               Religion
               according
               to
               Gods
               Word
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               A
               Progress
               in
               that
               Reformation
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               The
               Union
               of
               Reformers
               .
            
          
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           Cause
           of
           God
           and
           ours
           it
           was
           and
           is
           
             Reformation
             of
             Religion
             according
             to
             Gods
             word
             .
          
        
         
         
           There
           was
           Religion
           in
           the
           Churches
           from
           whence
           we
           came
           ,
           but
           New-Englands
           design
           in
           this
           vast
           undertaking
           ,
           it
           was
           Reformation
           
             i.
             e.
             the
             avoyding
             of
             some
             special
             corruptions
             ,
             and
             the
             Vigorous
             profession
             and
             practise
             of
             every
             thing
             ,
             in
             Doctrine
             ,
             worship
             and
             discipline
             ,
             according
             to
             Scripture
             patterne
             :
          
           as
           in
           Heb.
           8.5
           .
           when
           Moses
           was
           about
           to
           make
           the
           Tabernacle
           ,
           he
           was
           admonished
           of
           God
           ,
           
             saying
             ,
             see
             that
             thou
             make
             it
             in
             all
             things
             according
             to
             the
             pattern
             shewed
             thee
             in
             the
             mount
             .
          
           And
           our
           Saviour
           said
           unto
           his
           disciples
           ,
           Mat.
           28.20
           .
           
             teach
             them
             to
             observe
             all
             whatsoever
             I
             have
             Commanded
             .
          
        
         
           
             This
             was
             and
             is
             our
             Cause
             ,
             that
             Christ
             alone
             might
             be
             acknowledged
             by
             us
             ,
             as
             the
             onely
             head
             ,
             Lord
             ,
             and
             Law-giver
             ,
             in
             his
             Church
             ,
             that
             his
             written
             word
             might
             be
             acknowledged
             as
             the
             onely
             Rule
             ,
             that
             onely
             and
             all
             his
             Institutions
             might
             be
             observed
             and
             enjoyed
             by
             us
             ,
             and
             that
             with
             puritie
             and
             libertie
             ,
             with
             peace
             and
             power
             .
          
           This
           was
           the
           end
           of
           our
           coming
           hither
           ,
           this
           is
           our
           Cause
           ,
           hence
           I
           humbly
           conceive
           that
           the
           consent
           of
           the
           Synod
           here
           to
           the
           confession
           of
           Faith
           by
           the
           Assembly
           of
           Westminster
           ,
           and
           the
           platform
           of
           Discipline
           published
           in
           the
           year
           49
           these
           for
           the
           substance
           of
           them
           ,
           have
           carryed
           with
           them
           a
           declaration
           of
           the
           Faith
           and
           order
           of
           these
           Churches
           ,
           and
           are
           so
           looked
           upon
           by
           the
           reformed
           Churches
           abroad
           ,
           unto
           which
           may
           be
           added
           many
           other
           books
           of
           our
           divines
           of
           the
           same
           import
           :
           and
           the
           practise
           of
           these
           Churches
           so
           farr
           as
           we
           have
           attained
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           
             A
             progress
             in
             Reformation
          
           .
           I
           conceive
           our
           cause
           is
           ,
           not
           barely
           ,
           a
           Reformation
           ,
           but
           a
           progress
           in
           reformation
           ;
           it
           was
           the
           charge
           of
           our
           Saviour
           to
           the
           Church
           of
           Philadelphia
           ,
           hold
           fast
           what
           thou
           hast
           ,
           Rev.
           3.11
           .
           it
           is
           also
           the
           duty
           of
           the
           People
           of
           God
           to
           go
           on
           unto
           Perfection
           ,
           Heb.
           6.1
           .
        
         
           A
           conceit
           of
           having
           allready
           attained
           a
           perfect
           reformation
           should
           be
           farr
           from
           us
           :
           a
           true
           endeavour
           after
           a
           full
           reformation
           in
           the
           sense
           of
           our
           many
           defects
           ,
           is
           the
           duty
           and
           Spirit
           of
           sincere
           Christians
           that
           advance
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           the
           onely
           perfect
           rule
           ,
           not
           that
           we
           have
           already
           attained
           or
           are
           already
           perfect
           ,
           (
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           of
           himselfe
           ,
           Phi●
           .
           3.12
           .
           )
           but
           we
           are
           to
           press
           forward
           still
           unto
           this
           mark
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           in
           all
           be
           conformable
           to
           the
           perfect
           rule
           of
           the
           word
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           Hence
           what
           we
           have
           attained
           in
           Doctrine
           ,
           Worship
           &
           Discipline
           ,
           according
           to
           Gods
           Word
           ,
           we
           must
           hold
           fast
           and
           then
           go
           forward
           
           unto
           any
           of
           the
           things
           of
           Christ
           ,
           we
           are
           defective
           in
           ,
           
             we
             must
             go
             forward
             still
             ,
             but
             not
             backward
             ,
          
           I
           say
           not
           backward
           ,
           
             at
             for
             Instance
          
           .
        
         
           Our
           Fathers
           fled
           into
           this
           Wilderness
           from
           the
           face
           
             of
             a
             Lording
             Episcopacie
             ,
             and
             humane
             injunctions
             in
             the
             Worship
             of
             God
             :
             now
             if
             any
             of
             us
             their
             Children
             should
             yeild
             unto
             ,
             or
             be
             instrumentall
             to
             set
             up
             in
             this
             Country
             ,
             any
             of
             the
             wayes
             of
             mens
             inventions
             ,
             such
             as
             Prelacie
             ,
             imposed
             Leiturgies
             ,
             humane
             Ceremonies
             in
             the
             Worship
             of
             God
             ,
             or
             to
             admit
             ignorant
             and
             Scandalous
             Persons
             to
             the
             Lords
             Table
             ,
             this
             would
             be
             a
             backslideing
             indeed
             :
          
           it
           would
           be
           a
           backsliding
           to
           the
           things
           which
           we
           and
           our
           Fathers
           have
           departed
           from
           ,
           and
           have
           openly
           testified
           against
           ,
           to
           be
           not
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           Platform
           of
           Discipline
           ,
           and
           many
           other
           wayes
           .
           Instance
           againe
           ,
           if
           after
           such
           a
           publick
           witness
           as
           hath
           been
           given
           amongst
           us
           against
           a
           toleration
           of
           all
           Religions
           ,
           there
           should
           be
           a
           
             graduall
             yeilding
             to
             a
             toleration
          
           of
           any
           false
           Religion
           ,
           (
           either
           by
           Law
           ,
           or
           against
           Law
           ,
           for
           want
           of
           the
           Execution
           of
           Laws
           ,
           )
           this
           also
           would
           be
           a
           heinous
           backsliding
           which
           the
           Lords
           jealousy
           will
           not
           bear
           .
           
             And
             for
             our
             Civil
             Government
             to
             put
             forth
             any
             act
             of
             consent
             unto
             either
             of
             the
             former
             ,
             would
             be
             a
             thing
             to
             be
             trembled
             at
             ,
             and
             Prayed
             against
             ,
             that
             the
             Lord
             would
             keep
             them
             from
             .
          
        
         
           But
           on
           the
           other
           side
           :
           it
           is
           our
           duty
           to
           press
           forward
           still
           to
           the
           mark
           ;
           and
           to
           make
           a
           progress
           in
           reforming
           what
           ever
           is
           amiss
           or
           defective
           amongst
           us
           ,
           as
           in
           those
           the
           late
           Synod
           hath
           pointed
           unto
           ,
           about
           the
           subjects
           of
           Baptisme
           ,
           and
           consociation
           of
           Churches
           .
        
         
           
             That
             Baptisme
             be
             administred
             to
             the
             Children
             of
             Church
             Members
             who
             have
             right
             thereunto
             .
             And
             that
             the
             Communion
             of
             Churches
             be
             better
             improved
             amongst
             us
             .
          
           These
           are
           things
           we
           have
           been
           defective
           in
           ,
           and
           therefore
           should
           be
           reformed
           in
           a
           practicall
           way
           .
        
         
           And
           that
           we
           be
           very
           carefull
           there
           be
           no
           superstition
           amongst
           us
           ,
           nothing
           
             supra
             statutum
             ,
             in
             discipline
          
           no
           more
           then
           in
           worship
           
             that
             nothing
             be
             Imposed
             as
             necessary
             unto
             Church-Membership
             ,
             which
             God
             hath
             not
             made
             necessary
             in
             his
             word
             ;
             that
             there
             be
             no
             arbitrary
             way
             of
             Judging
             according
             to
             the
             private
             satisfaction
             or
             dis-satisfaction
             of
             mens
             Spirit●
             ;
             and
             that
             no
             breach
             be
             made
             upon
             that
             order
             which
             God
             hath
             set
             in
             his
             Church
             between
             the
             Rulers
             and
             the
             Ruled
             .
          
           That
           whilest
           we
           witness
           ,
           against
           superstition
           in
           some
           things
           ,
           we
           do
           not
           fall
           into
           superstition
           in
           other
           things
           ,
           but
           that
           the
           rule
           of
           Gods
           word
           be
           observed
           in
           all
           .
        
         
           The
           People
           of
           God
           sincerely
           endeavouring
           Reformation
           ,
           (
           yet
           
           through
           inadvertencie
           ,
           are
           subject
           to
           erre
           ,
           either
           in
           defect
           or
           excess
           ;
           and
           while
           they
           would
           avoyd
           one
           extream
           ,
           to
           fall
           into
           another
           :
           the
           way
           of
           God
           in
           his
           word
           is
           a
           narrow
           way
           ,
           there
           are
           extreames
           on
           either
           side
           ,
           the
           Lord
           requires
           it
           of
           us
           ,
           that
           we
           neither
           turne
           to
           the
           right
           hand
           ,
           nor
           to
           the
           left
           ,
           that
           we
           neither
           add
           unto
           ,
           nor
           take
           from
           ,
           what
           he
           hath
           Commanded
           concerning
           the
           order
           of
           his
           house
           ,
           Prov.
           4.26
           ,
           27.
           
           Deut.
           12.32
           .
           Heb.
           8.5
           .
           Mat.
           28.20
           .
           Hence
           
             it
             is
             our
             duty
             to
             use
             all
             circumspection
             that
             there
             be
             no
             additions
             to
             ,
             nor
             detractions
             from
             ,
             the
             Lords
             institutions
             ,
             but
             that
             all
             may
             be
             according
             to
             Scripture
             pattern
          
           ;
           that
           so
           farr
           as
           is
           possible
           in
           this
           our
           state
           of
           imperfection
           ,
           we
           may
           be
           compleat
           in
           all
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           Col.
           4.12
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           
             Vnto
             Reformantium
          
           :
           the
           
             Vnion
             of
             Reformers
          
           .
           I
           say
           ,
           the
           Union
           of
           Reformers
           belongs
           unto
           this
           cause
           ,
           for
           there
           is
           not
           any
           one
           duty
           more
           pressed
           by
           our
           Saviour
           Christ
           and
           his
           Apostles
           ,
           then
           this
           
             of
             a
             holy
             and
             close
             Vnion
             amongst
             those
             that
             profess
             his
             name
             .
          
           Our
           blessed
           Saviour
           solemnly
           prayed
           for
           this
           ,
           in
           the
           seventeenth
           of
           John
           
             that
             his
             Disciples
             might
             be
             one
             .
          
           The
           Apostle
           Exhorts
           unto
           this
           in
           Eph.
           4.3
           .
           
             endeavouring
             to
             keep
             the
             Vnity
             of
             the
             Spirit
             in
             the
             bond
             of
             peace
          
           ;
           and
           he
           urgeth
           his
           Exhortation
           by
           an
           Argument
           taken
           from
           a
           seven-fold
           Unity
           ,
           wherein
           all
           sincere
           Christians
           agree
           ,
           verse
           4
           ,
           5.
           
             there
             is
             one
             body
          
           ,
           and
           
             one
             Spirit
          
           ,
           and
           
             one
             Hope
             ,
             one
             Lord
             ,
             one
             Faith
             ,
             one
             Baptisme
             ,
             one
             God
             and
             Father
             of
             us
             all
             .
          
           Therefore
           endeavour
           to
           
             keep
             the
             Vnitie
             of
             the
             Spirit
             in
             the
             bond
             of
             peace
             .
          
           And
           he
           beseecheth
           the
           Corinthians
           to
           mind
           Vnion
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           1.11
           .
           
             I
             beseech
             you
             Brethren
             by
             the
             name
             of
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             that
             there
             be
             no
             divisions
             amongst
             you
             ,
             but
             that
             you
             be
             perfectly
             Joyned
             together
             in
             the
             same
             Judgment
             ,
             and
             the
             same
             mind
             ,
             and
             that
             you
             speak
             the
             same
             thing
             .
          
           To
           the
           same
           purpose
           he
           hath
           a
           most
           passionate
           Exhortation
           to
           the
           Philippians
           in
           Chap
           2
           1
           ,
           2.
           
             if
             there
             be
             any
             Consolation
             in
             Christ
             ,
             if
             any
             fellowship
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             if
             any
             bowels
             ,
             and
             mercies
             ,
             fulfill
             you
             my
             joy
             ,
             that
             you
             be
             like
             minded
             ,
             having
             the
             same
             love
             ,
             being
             of
             one
             accord
             ,
             of
             one
             min●
             :
          
           and
           sometimes
           ,
           when
           he
           saw
           little
           hopes
           of
           it
           upon
           Earth
           ,
           he
           looks
           up
           to
           the
           Lord
           in
           heaven
           ,
           &
           beseeches
           him
           to
           grant
           this
           mercy
           to
           his
           Churches
           and
           People
           ,
           as
           in
           Rom.
           15.5
           .
           
             N●w
             the
             God
             of
             patience
             ,
             and
             Consolation
             ,
             grant
             you
             to
             be
             like
             minded
             one
             to
             another
             according
             to
             Christ
             Jesus
             ,
             that
             with
             one
             mind
             ,
             and
             one
             mouth
             ,
             ye
             may
             Glorifie
             God
             even
             the
             Father
             of
             our
             Lord
             Iesus
             Christ
             .
          
        
         
           All
           which
           may
           leave
           a
           strong
           conviction
           upon
           us
           ,
           that
           this
           belongs
           
           to
           the
           Cause
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           People
           ,
           that
           there
           be
           a
           spirit
           of
           
             Vnion
             and
             Communion
          
           ,
           amongst
           us
           in
           the
           
             things
             of
             Christ
          
           ,
           and
           though
           it
           be
           the
           priviledg
           of
           some
           times
           ,
           when
           the
           Lord
           shall
           fulfill
           those
           prophecies
           in
           an
           eminent
           way
           ,
           that
           his
           People
           shall
           
             serve
             him
             with
             one
             consent
          
           ;
           and
           that
           
             the
             Lord
             shall
             be
             one
             ,
             and
             his
             name
             shall
             be
             one
             :
          
           yet
           this
           is
           the
           duty
           of
           the
           People
           of
           God
           at
           all
           times
           ,
           (
           especially
           at
           this
           time
           &
           in
           this
           place
           )
           to
           endeavour
           Vnion
           ,
           that
           (
           so
           far
           as
           is
           possible
           )
           we
           may
           be
           of
           
             one
             judgment
             ,
             of
             one
             heart
             ,
             and
             one
             way
             ,
             in
             all
             the
             Churches
             of
             the
             Saints
             .
          
        
         
           Hence
           there
           should
           be
           
             no
             affecting
             of
             dividing
             names
             and
             parties
             amongst
             us
             ,
          
           but
           all
           should
           be
           for
           this
           ,
           that
           
             the
             Lord
             may
             be
             one
             ,
             and
             his
             name
             but
             one
             .
          
        
         
           Hence
           also
           it
           is
           desireable
           that
           one
           Catechisme
           ,
           one
           
             confession
             of
             Faith
          
           ,
           and
           one
           Covenant
           were
           agreed
           upon
           and
           used
           in
           the
           severall
           Churches
           as
           a
           meanes
           of
           consent
           .
        
         
           And
           hence
           again
           (
           so
           farr
           as
           the
           Lord
           gives
           liberty
           )
           there
           should
           be
           a
           frequent
           use
           of
           Councils
           amongst
           us
           ,
           to
           enquire
           after
           the
           
             mind
             of
             God
             and
             his
             word
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             pattern
             in
             Acts.
          
           15.
           and
           other
           Scriptures
           .
           It
           s
           true
           that
           in
           times
           of
           Popery
           ,
           there
           was
           great
           abuse
           of
           Councils
           :
           yet
           it
           is
           as
           true
           ,
           that
           in
           divers
           of
           the
           first
           Centuries
           there
           was
           great
           advantage
           to
           the
           truth
           by
           meanes
           of
           Councils
           ,
           and
           in
           somewhat
           above
           the
           last
           hundred
           years
           ,
           the
           work
           of
           Reformation
           was
           much
           promoted
           by
           the
           Godly
           Councils
           and
           conference
           of
           Reformers
           .
           It
           is
           a
           known
           passage
           of
           Melancton
           .
        
         
           V●ximus
           in
           Synodis
           et
           jam
           mortemur
           in
           illis
           .
        
         
           They
           were
           constantly
           searching
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           reform
           all
           according
           to
           that
           ,
           and
           before
           them
           ,
           the
           Churches
           of
           the
           Waldenses
           for
           many
           hundreds
           of
           years
           ,
           walking
           in
           the
           simplicitie
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           they
           had
           then
           frequent
           Councils
           ,
           and
           their
           generall
           ●ouncils
           every
           year
           ,
           nor
           is
           there
           any
           one
           point
           more
           frequently
           insisted
           on
           ,
           in
           the
           writings
           of
           our
           Divines
           of
           the
           Congregationall
           way
           then
           this
           of
           the
           right
           use
           of
           Councils
           .
        
         
           
             Not
             that
             the
             judgment
             of
             a
             Synod
             bindes
             any
             further
             the
             〈◊〉
             hath
             Conformity
             with
             the
             Scriptures
             ,
          
           but
           Counsels
           
             are
             a
             meane
          
           ,
           which
           the
           Lord
           hath
           appointed
           ,
           and
           promised
           to
           bless
           for
           clearing
           up
           of
           the
           truth
           and
           uniting
           his
           People
           therein
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           true
           ,
           the
           best
           of
           Men
           may
           erre
           ;
           and
           there
           being
           divers
           measures
           of
           light
           and
           grace
           ,
           there
           cannot
           but
           be
           different
           apprehensions
           in
           some
           
           things
           ,
           and
           therefore
           where
           there
           is
           not
           so
           full
           an
           agreement
           as
           was
           to
           be
           desired
           ,
           
             it
             is
             our
             duty
             to
             forbear
             one
             another
             in
             love
             ,
             so
             farr
             as
             we
             have
             attained
             ,
             walking
             by
             the
             same
             rule
             ,
             minding
             the
             same
             thing
             ,
             leaving
             other
             things
             to
             God
             &
             time
             ,
             Phil.
          
           3.15.16
           .
           that
           is
           now
           ,
           when
           all
           Gods
           meanes
           have
           been
           used
           ,
           and
           yet
           some
           lesser
           things
           remain
           controversall
           amongst
           pious
           and
           sober
           men
           ,
           who
           agree
           in
           the
           maine
           ,
           there
           is
           the
           place
           for
           
             Christian
             forbearance
          
           ,
           not
           in
           order
           to
           separation
           ,
           but
           in
           order
           to
           union
           ,
           for
           so
           the
           Apostle
           joynes
           them
           together
           ,
           Ephe.
           4.2
           ,
           3.
           
             in
             lowlyness
             and
             meeknes
             forbearing
             one
             another
             in
             love
             ,
          
           and
           endeavouring
           to
           
             keep
             the
             unitie
             of
             the
             spirit
             in
             the
             bond
             of
             peace
             .
          
           In
           one
           word
           ;
           union
           is
           to
           be
           endeavoured
           because
           the
           
             truth
             is
             but
             one
          
           ,
           and
           forbearance
           is
           to
           be
           used
           because
           of
           the
           weaknes
           of
           men
           ,
           which
           yet
           is
           as
           far
           from
           a
           toleration
           of
           a
           false
           Religion
           ,
           as
           the
           East
           is
           from
           the
           West
           .
        
         
           Thus
           I
           have
           shewed
           you
           (
           as
           my
           weaknes
           was
           able
           )
           what
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           and
           his
           people
           amongst
           us
           is
           Affirmatively
           ,
           it
           is
           Reformation
           ,
           a
           
             progress
             in
             reformation
          
           ,
           and
           the
           
             Vnion
             of
             Reformers
          
           .
        
         
           Now
           I
           shall
           add
           but
           this
           one
           thing
           more
           ,
           That
           this
           cause
           hath
           a
           
             Divine
             right
          
           ,
           and
           a
           
             Divine
             liberty
          
           adjoyned
           unto
           it
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           law
           of
           liberty
           ,
           the
           
             Royall
             Law
             of
             God
          
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           called
           ,
           James
           2.8
           ,
           12.
           i.
           e.
           
             Right
             from
             God
             ,
             and
             liberty
             from
             God
             for
             his
             people
             ,
             to
             do
             their
             duty
             to
             God
             and
             Christ
             ,
             in
             matters
             of
             Religion
             according
             to
             Gods
             word
             .
             Nor
             is
             there
             any
             power
             upon
             earth
             that
             can
             lawfully
             hinder
             this
             .
          
        
         
           And
           this
           is
           the
           cheif
           interest
           of
           New
           England
           :
           
             i.
             e.
          
           it
           is
           the
           matter
           of
           greatest
           importance
           in
           it self
           ,
           and
           of
           greatest
           concernment
           unto
           us
           .
           The
           one
           true
           Religion
           according
           to
           Scripture
           ,
           being
           the
           only
           meanes
           to
           the
           highest
           end
           ,
           the
           
             glory
             of
             God
          
           and
           the
           
             salvation
             of
             soules
          
           :
           and
           therefore
           what
           ever
           may
           be
           said
           of
           our
           interest
           in
           other
           respects
           ,
           yet
           we
           may
           be
           sure
           of
           this
           ,
           that
           here
           lyes
           our
           predominat
           interest
           &
           cause
           ,
           and
           the
           great
           end
           for
           which
           we
           came
           into
           this
           wilderness
           ,
           and
           continue
           in
           it
           .
           And
           so
           much
           for
           the
           Use
           of
           Information
           .
        
         
           Vse
           2.
           
           It
           is
           for
           Direction
           ,
           if
           the
           times
           be
           such
           ,
           and
           the
           case
           be
           such
           ,
           as
           the
           
             maintaining
             of
             the
             Cause
             of
             Religion
             ,
             doth
             need
             and
             require
             more
             then
             ordinary
             help
             from
             the
             Lord
             himselfe
             ,
          
           then
           it
           serves
           ,
           to
           teach
           all
           that
           are
           sincerely
           affected
           unto
           this
           cause
           ,
           what
           course
           we
           should
           take
           for
           the
           maintaining
           of
           it
           :
           and
           that
           is
           this
           ,
           to
           commend
           this
           cause
           unto
           Iehovah
           himself
           ,
           beseeching
           him
           that
           he
           would
           
             maintain
             his
             own
             
             and
             his
             people
             Cause
          
           both
           now
           at
           this
           time
           
             even
             as
             the
             matter
             doth
             require
          
           ;
           and
           hereafter
           at
           all
           times
           as
           the
           
             matter
             may
             require
          
           .
        
         
           Me
           thinks
           I
           look
           upon
           this
           present
           Assembly
           as
           in
           its
           proportion
           resembling
           that
           great
           assembly
           of
           the
           People
           of
           Israel
           mentioned
           in
           the
           text
           .
        
         
           Here
           are
           the
           heads
           of
           our
           Tribes
           ,
           the
           
             Honoured
             Magistrates
          
           ,
           and
           
             Deputies
             of
             this
             Colonie
          
           ,
           the
           
             Reverend
             Elders
             of
             the
             Churches
          
           ,
           and
           a
           multitude
           of
           other
           
             Godly
             People
          
           ;
           and
           I
           am
           perswaded
           you
           are
           affected
           to
           this
           Cause
           ,
           as
           that
           Assembly
           was
           ,
           your
           desire
           is
           to
           see
           
             Religion
             flourish
          
           ,
           and
           the
           Cause
           of
           God
           and
           his
           People
           be
           maintained
           amongst
           us
           .
        
         
           I
           need
           not
           tell
           you
           what
           the
           times
           are
           ,
           (
           shaking
           times
           ,
           and
           trying
           times
           )
           wherein
           the
           cause
           of
           Religion
           is
           endangered
           on
           every
           side
           .
           I
           desire
           onely
           to
           discharge
           the
           duty
           of
           a
           poor
           Servant
           of
           the
           Lord
           and
           yours
           ,
           by
           putting
           you
           in
           remembrance
           of
           that
           which
           the
           Text
           here
           points
           us
           unto
           ,
           namely
           ,
           to
           
             commit
             this
             Cause
             to
             the
             Infinite
             Wisdome
             and
             good
             pleasure
             of
             the
             Lord
             our
             God
             ,
             whose
             name
             is
             upon
             us
             ,
             and
             who
             dwels
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             us
             ,
          
           to
           interest
           him
           ,
           and
           engage
           him
           ,
           in
           the
           maintaining
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           This
           was
           Holy
           counsell
           given
           to
           Job
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           his
           plunges
           and
           distresses
           ,
           Iob
           5
           8
           ,
           9.
           
           
             I
             would
             seek
             unto
             God
             ,
             and
             unto
             God
             would
             I
             commit
             my
             Cause
             ,
             which
             doth
             great
             things
             ,
             and
             unsearchable
             ,
             and
             mervellous
             things
             without
             number
             ,
             who
             disappointeth
             the
             devices
             of
             the
             crafty
             ,
             to
             set
             up
             on
             high
             those
             that
             are
             low
             ,
             that
             such
             as
             mourne
             may
             be
             exalted
             unto
             safety
             .
          
           Say
           (
           Brethren
           I
           beseech
           you
           )
           is
           not
           this
           that
           you
           would
           have
           ,
           
             that
             the
             Cause
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             those
             that
             love
             it
             ,
             may
             be
             in
             safety
             ?
          
           then
           here
           is
           the
           way
           ,
           for
           all
           the
           servants
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           
             commit
             this
             cause
             unto
             him
             which
             doth
             great
             things
             and
             unsearchable
             ,
             and
             marveilous
             things
             without
             number
             ,
          
           unto
           him
           who
           hath
           maintained
           ,
           who
           doth
           maintaine
           ,
           and
           will
           maintain
           
             his
             Own
             and
             his
             Peoples
             Cause
          
           according
           to
           the
           Counsel
           of
           his
           own
           will
           ,
           for
           the
           Praise
           of
           his
           Glorious
           Grace
           .
        
         
           Quest
           .
           
             Now
             if
             it
             be
             demanded
             .
             But
             now
             should
             we
             commit
             this
             Cause
             unto
             him
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             be
             engaged
             in
             the
             maintaining
             of
             it
             ,
             above
             all
             that
             we
             can
             ask
             or
             think
             ?
          
        
         
           Answ
           .
           I
           Answer
           breifly
           in
           this
           one
           direction
           ,
           (
           which
           will
           be
           useful
           to
           the
           Honoured
           worthies
           of
           the
           
             General
             Court
          
           ,
           and
           yet
           will
           also
           reach
           the
           meanest
           in
           the
           Congregation
           )
           
             that
             you
             commit
             the
             safety
             
             of
             this
             cause
             to
             the
             Lord
             himselfe
             ,
             in
             the
             same
             way
             as
             you
             do
             commit
             unto
             him
             the
             Salvation
             of
             your
             own
             soules
             ,
          
           I
           say
           ,
           that
           we
           do
           all
           commit
           this
           cause
           unto
           the
           Lord
           even
           in
           the
           same
           way
           as
           we
           do
           every
           one
           commit
           unto
           him
           the
           Salvation
           of
           our
           Soules
           .
           You
           may
           see
           the
           bottom
           of
           this
           direction
           in
           1
           Pet.
           4.19
           .
           where
           the
           Apostle
           adviseth
           Christians
           in
           evil
           times
           ,
           to
           
             commit
             the
             keeping
             of
             their
             Soules
             unto
             God
             in
             w●l●ing
             as
             unto
             a
             Faithfull
             Creator
             .
          
        
         
           I
           doubt
           not
           but
           there
           are
           abundance
           here
           that
           are
           acquainted
           with
           this
           ,
           when
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           Spirituall
           distresses
           you
           
             commit
             your
             Soules
             to
             the
             mercy
             of
             God
             in
             Christ
             in
             the
             promise
             ,
          
           you
           do
           also
           remember
           the
           way
           of
           well-doing
           ,
           the
           way
           of
           
             Gods
             Commandements
          
           ,
           (
           the
           
             narrow
             way
             to
             life
          
           which
           our
           Saviour
           hath
           told
           us
           of
           )
           and
           in
           that
           way
           you
           do
           commit
           your
           Soul
           into
           the
           hand
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           Sanctifying
           him
           as
           your
           onely
           and
           alsufficient
           Saviour
           .
        
         
           As
           David
           in
           Psal
           .
           31.3
           ,
           5
           ,
           6.
           
             into
             thy
             hands
             I
             commit
             my
             Spirit
             ,
             thou
             hast
             redeemed
             me
             O
             Lord
             God
             of
             truth
             ,
             for
             thou
             art
             my
             rock
             and
             my
             fortress
             ,
             for
             thy
             name
             sake
             lead
             me
             and
             guide
             me
             in
             thy
             way
             ,
             for
             I
             hate
             lying
             Vanities
             ,
             but
             I
             trust
             in
             the
             Lord.
          
           Now
           in
           the
           very
           same
           way
           we
           should
           all
           commit
           the
           safety
           of
           the
           Cause
           of
           Religion
           to
           the
           Lord
           himselfe
           .
        
         
           
             That
             is
          
           
             
               1.
               
               In
               the
               way
               of
               Well-doing
               ,
            
             
               2.
               
               In
               the
               way
               of
               Humble
               Prayer
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               Sanctifie
               the
               Lord
               himselfe
               as
               the
               maintainer
               of
               this
               Cause
               .
               I
               entreat
               that
               I
               may
               borrow
               but
               a
               little
               of
               your
               time
               and
               patience
               ,
               to
               explain
               these
               three
               Particulars
               and
               then
               I
               have
               done
               .
            
          
        
         
           1.
           
           
             In
             the
             way
             of
             well
             doing
             .
          
           Commit
           this
           Cause
           to
           the
           Lord
           in
           the
           way
           of
           well
           doing
           ,
           thus
           the
           Apostle
           informs
           us
           ,
           that
           
             this
             is
             the
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             we
             keep
             in
             the
             way
             of
             well
             doing
          
           1
           Pet.
           2.15
           .
           and
           upon
           this
           ground
           ,
           he
           Exhorts
           in
           the
           same
           place
           ,
           verse
           13
           ,
           14.
           
           
             Submit
             your selves
             to
             every
             ordinance
             of
             man
             for
             the
             Lords
             sake
             .
          
           Civill
           Government
           in
           Genere
           is
           an
           Ordinance
           of
           God
           ,
           (
           
             the
             higher
             powers
             are
             Ordained
             of
             God
             ,
             R●m
          
           13.1
           .
           )
           but
           in
           Spe●●●
           ,
           it
           is
           an
           Ordinance
           of
           man
           ,
           though
           every
           form
           of
           Civil
           Government
           is
           to
           be
           subservient
           unto
           Religion
           ,
           as
           its
           ultimate
           end
           ;
           yet
           (
           
             hic
             aut
             iste
             singularis
             modus
          
           as
           divines
           use
           to
           speak
           )
           this
           o●
           that
           particular
           forme
           of
           Civil
           Government
           is
           an
           Ordinance
           of
           man
           ,
           it
           is
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           a
           humane
           Creature
           .
           Now
           mark
           I
           beseech
           
           you
           what
           the
           Apostle
           sayes
           ,
           
             Submit
             your selves
             to
             every
             ordinance
             of
             man
             for
             the
             Lords
             sake
             ,
             whether
             to
             the
             King
             as
             Supream
             ,
             or
             unto
             Governours
             sent
             by
             him
             .
          
        
         
           This
           is
           our
           case
           ,
           his
           Majesty
           the
           King
           whom
           the
           Lord
           hath
           set
           upon
           the
           throne
           is
           the
           Supream
           Civill
           Governour
           under
           God
           ,
           and
           over
           us
           ;
           and
           the
           Government
           setled
           here
           by
           the
           Charter
           of
           this
           Colonie
           is
           a
           subordinate
           Government
           ,
           we
           are
           to
           remember
           our
           duty
           to
           both
           ,
           and
           that
           
             for
             the
             Lords
             sake
          
           ,
           for
           so
           is
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           
             with
             well
             doing
             you
             put
             to
             silence
             the
             ignorance
             of
             foolish
             men
             ,
          
           as
           the
           Apostle
           there
           speaks
           verse
           15.
           
        
         
           This
           way
           of
           well
           doing
           ,
           is
           a
           narrow
           way
           ,
           (
           as
           every
           way
           of
           duty
           is
           )
           there
           are
           by-pathes
           ,
           and
           down-falls
           on
           either
           side
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           
             good
             intentions
          
           ,
           nor
           p●aefrau●es
           ,
           that
           will
           excuse
           from
           going
           out
           of
           the
           way
           of
           well-doing
           ,
           but
           here
           lyes
           the
           exercise
           of
           Godly
           wisdom
           to
           keep
           in
           the
           
             narrow
             way
             of
             well-doing
          
           shewed
           in
           the
           word
           of
           God
           ,
           
             to
             fear
             God
             ,
             and
             Honour
             the
             King
             ,
             to
             give
             unto
             God
             the
             things
             that
             are
             Gods
             ,
             and
             unto
             Cesar
             the
             things
             that
             are
             Cesars
             .
          
        
         
           The
           Counsel
           of
           our
           Saviour
           is
           to
           be
           remembred
           ,
           
             be
             wise
             as
             serpents
          
           ,
           and
           
             Innocent
             as
             Doves
          
           ,
           the
           Serpents
           ey
           in
           the
           Doves
           head
           ,
           becomes
           a
           Christian
           well
           ,
           it
           is
           for
           the
           honour
           of
           Religion
           when
           the
           Servants
           of
           God
           cary
           it
           so
           as
           Paul
           did
           ,
           
             so
             as
             to
             give
             no
             occasion
          
           ;
           so
           as
           to
           cut
           off
           occasion
           from
           them
           that
           seek
           occasion
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           able
           to
           say
           as
           he
           did
           ,
           
             neither
             against
             the
             Temple
             ,
             nor
             against
             the
             Law
             ,
             nor
             ●gainst
             Cesar
             have
             I
             offended
             any
             thing
             ,
             Act.
          
           25.8
           .
           and
           so
           as
           Daniel
           did
           in
           whom
           there
           was
           an
           excellent
           Spirit
           Dan.
           6.3
           and
           the
           excellencie
           of
           his
           Spirit
           did
           appear
           in
           this
           ,
           that
           he
           behaved
           himselfe
           so
           as
           those
           that
           sought
           to
           find
           occasion
           against
           him
           ,
           could
           find
           none
           ,
           for
           as
           much
           as
           he
           was
           faithfull
           ,
           neither
           was
           there
           any
           Errour
           or
           fault
           in
           him
           ,
           
             then
             said
             these
             men
             ,
             we
             shall
             not
             find
             any
             occasion
             against
             this
             Daniel
             ,
             except
             we
             find
             it
             against
             him
             concerning
             the
             law
             of
             his
             God.
             
          
        
         
           My
           Fathers
           &
           Brethren
           ,
           this
           is
           for
           our
           Admonition
           ,
           and
           this
           will
           be
           for
           the
           Honour
           of
           Religion
           ,
           when
           such
           as
           have
           the
           managing
           of
           Publick
           affaires
           ,
           are
           
             understanding
             in
             the
             times
             to
             know
             what
             Israel
             ought
             to
             do●
             ,
          
           2
           Chron.
           12.32
           .
           not
           what
           they
           can
           do
           ,
           or
           what
           they
           will
           do
           ,
           but
           what
           they
           ought
           to
           do
           ,
           not
           what
           their
           liberty
           is
           ,
           but
           what
           their
           duty
           is
           ,
           and
           what
           their
           liberty
           is
           according
           to
           their
           duty
           .
           
             To
             serve
             the
             times
             in
             matters
             of
             Religion
             we
             must
             not
             :
             we
             must
             obey
             God
             rather
             
             then
             men
             ,
          
           if
           it
           come
           to
           a
           stress
           ,
           but
           in
           managing
           publick
           affairs
           in
           such
           times
           as
           Daniel
           lived
           in
           the
           matter
           did
           so
           require
           for
           him
           to
           be
           so
           carefull
           ,
           as
           that
           no
           errour
           nor
           fault
           might
           be
           found
           in
           him
           .
           This
           is
           for
           our
           imitation
           .
        
         
           The
           Holy
           Ghost
           informes
           us
           ,
           
             it
             is
             the
             Wisdom
             of
             the
             prudent
             to
             understand
             his
             way
             ,
             Prov.
          
           14.8
           .
           
             And
             a
             wise
             mans
             heart
             discerneth
             of
             time
             and
             Judgment
             :
          
           and
           in
           Ephes
           .
           5.17
           .
           
             Be
             not
             unwise
             ,
             but
             understanding
             what
             the
             will
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             .
          
        
         
           In
           two
           evils
           of
           sin
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           Election
           ,
           neither
           is
           to
           be
           chosen
           ,
           but
           in
           two
           evils
           of
           affliction
           the
           less
           hath
           the
           respect
           of
           a
           good
           ,
           and
           may
           be
           chosen
           to
           prevent
           a
           greater
           evil
           .
        
         
           In
           the
           question
           what
           is
           best
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           only
           to
           consider
           what
           is
           best
           in
           it self
           ,
           but
           what
           is
           best
           with
           reference
           to
           all
           the
           circumstances
           of
           a
           case
           .
        
         
           
             In
             matters
             divine
             where
             we
             have
             a
             clear
             Command
             ,
             with
             Moses
             we
             must
             not
             yeild
             an
             hoof
             ,
          
           but
           in
           matters
           humane
           ,
           
             Summum
             jus
          
           may
           be
           
             Summa
             injuria
          
           ,
           standing
           upon
           extream
           right
           ,
           may
           prove
           extream
           wrong
           ,
           
             Salu●
             populi
             suprema
             Lex
          
           ,
           the
           safety
           of
           the
           Common-wealth
           ,
           is
           the
           supream
           Law.
           
        
         
           And
           here
           ,
           suffer
           me
           I
           beseech
           you
           to
           exhort
           you
           unto
           that
           which
           is
           the
           duty
           of
           us
           all
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           ,
           to
           be
           peaceable
           and
           
             faithful
             in
             Israel
          
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           speech
           of
           one
           in
           a
           troublesome
           time
           ,
           when
           there
           were
           some
           that
           said
           they
           had
           
             no
             part
             in
             David
          
           ,
           2
           Sam.
           20.19
           .
           
             I
             am
             one
             that
             am
             peaceable
             and
             faithfull
             in
             Israel
             ,
          
           it
           was
           the
           speech
           of
           a
           woman
           ,
           but
           it
           may
           well
           become
           the
           wisest
           men
           and
           the
           most
           godly
           ,
           to
           be
           
             peaceable
             and
             faithfull
             in
             Israel
          
           .
        
         
           First
           peaceable
           from
           Schisme
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           sedition
           in
           the
           Common-Wealth
           ,
           or
           whatsoever
           tends
           unto
           faction
           ,
           
             studying
             to
             be
             quiet
             ,
             and
             every
             one
             to
             do
             their
             own
             work
             ,
          
           and
           then
           faithfull
           to
           the
           cause
           of
           Religion
           according
           to
           our
           duty
           to
           God
           :
           faithfull
           to
           the
           King
           according
           to
           the
           oath
           of
           Alleg●●nce
           ,
           and
           faithfull
           to
           the
           Government
           here
           according
           to
           the
           Oath
           of
           fidelity
           .
        
         
           And
           be
           you
           all
           exhorted
           in
           the
           words
           of
           the
           Holy
           Apostle
           Rom.
           14.
           
           ●9
           .
           
             ●●w
             after
             the
             things
             which
             make
             for
             peace
             ,
          
           and
           beware
           of
           such
           things
           as
           may
           endanger
           it
           amongst
           your selves
           ,
           
             let
             none
             say
             that
             these
             or
             those
             are
             disaffected
             to
             the
             Cause
             of
             God
             and
             his
             People
             ,
             because
             they
             see
             not
             〈◊〉
             some
             things
             as
             others
             do
             ,
          
           do
           not
           impropriate
           the
           cause
           of
           Religion
           to
           
           some
           in
           opposition
           to
           others
           ,
           who
           profess
           the
           same
           cause
           ,
           none
           should
           speak
           of
           themselves
           as
           if
           they
           were
           the
           Godly
           party
           and
           eminently
           Saints
           and
           faithful
           with
           despising
           others
           ,
           nothing
           is
           more
           offensive
           amongst
           Christians
           ,
           then
           to
           confine
           Religion
           to
           some
           singular
           Opinion
           ,
           as
           if
           Religion
           did
           mainly
           Center
           there
           ,
           there
           were
           differences
           at
           Corinth
           ,
           but
           how
           doth
           the
           Apostle
           write
           unto
           them
           all
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           1.2
           .
           2
           Cor.
           1.2
           .
           
             to
             the
             Saints
             at
             Corinth
             ,
             and
             to
             all
             that
             call
             upon
             the
             Name
             of
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             their
             Lord
             and
             ours
          
           ;
           mark
           that
           expression
           
             their
             Lord
             and
             ours
          
           ,
           theirs
           and
           ours
           ,
           wherin
           the
           Apostle
           checks
           the
           conceitedness
           in
           some
           that
           would
           impale
           and
           inclose
           the
           common
           Cause
           of
           Christ
           unto
           themselves
           and
           some
           peculiar
           Opinion
           of
           theirs
           ,
           let
           us
           beware
           of
           this
           .
        
         
           And
           the
           Apostle
           saw
           it
           needfull
           to
           admonish
           the
           best
           Christians
           ,
           
             let
             nothing
             be
             done
             through
             strife
             or
             vain
             glory
             ,
             or
             in
             a
             way
             of
             provoking
             one
             another
             ,
             avoyding
             jealousi●s
             and
             uncharitable
             censures
             ,
             being
             watchfull
             that
             Satan
             get
             no
             advantage
             ,
          
           this
           also
           is
           for
           our
           Admonition
           ,
           and
           I
           hope
           that
           the
           votes
           of
           this
           day
           will
           make
           it
           appear
           you
           have
           a
           due
           respect
           unto
           your
           ancient
           Magistrates
           that
           have
           born
           the
           burden
           and
           heat
           of
           the
           day
           ,
           and
           that
           you
           have
           no
           undue
           prejudice
           against
           any
           that
           have
           been
           and
           may
           be
           still
           instruments
           of
           publick
           good
           .
           When
           once
           in
           Capua
           they
           were
           thinking
           of
           leaving
           out
           some
           of
           their
           Senators
           ,
           they
           considered
           where
           they
           should
           have
           better
           and
           what
           might
           follow
           ,
           (
           they
           considered
           what
           might
           follow
           )
           and
           this
           Reconciled
           their
           mindes
           .
        
         
           Finally
           Brethren
           
             be
             you
             all
             of
             one
             mind
          
           in
           this
           to
           
             be
             faithfull
             and
             peaceable
             in
             Israel
             ,
          
           that
           as
           it
           hath
           been
           ,
           so
           it
           may
           still
           be
           an
           honour
           to
           all
           the
           people
           of
           this
           Colonie
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           
             peaceable
             men
          
           ;
           and
           whatever
           the
           rumors
           and
           surmises
           have
           been
           ,
           yet
           I
           hope
           it
           will
           appear
           ,
           such
           as
           are
           not
           yet
           fr●-Men
           will
           be
           so
           farr
           from
           disturbance
           that
           they
           will
           not
           offer
           to
           vote
           in
           the
           Elections
           of
           this
           day
           .
           And
           I
           doubt
           not
           but
           the
           
             General
             Court
          
           will
           take
           the
           case
           into
           Serious
           Consideration
           afterwards
           ,
           but
           for
           the
           present
           all
           should
           be
           carefull
           that
           there
           may
           be
           a
           
             peaceable
             transaction
          
           of
           the
           
             publick
             affaire
          
           ,
           and
           a
           
             peaceable
             Subjection
          
           to
           the
           Government
           here
           ,
           and
           that
           all
           the
           People
           as
           one
           Man
           doe
           manifest
           their
           due
           sense
           of
           the
           many
           ,
           Blessings
           they
           have
           enjoyed
           under
           the
           present
           Government
           for
           so
           many
           years
           ,
           that
           there
           may
           be
           conjoyned
           Prayers
           and
           endeavours
           for
           the
           continuance
           of
           it
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           
           Patent
           ,
           which
           under
           God
           and
           the
           King
           is
           to
           be
           acknowledged
           as
           the
           foundation
           of
           the
           civil
           Government
           here
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           now
           35
           year
           since
           I
           well
           Remember
           ,
           in
           the
           year
           28
           that
           one
           of
           the
           first
           Ministers
           that
           came
           over
           into
           this
           Wilderness
           ,
           giving
           some
           account
           of
           his
           grounds
           in
           a
           great
           Assembly
           of
           many
           Thousands
           at
           Leicester
           in
           Old-England
           ,
           he
           mentioned
           this
           as
           one
           ,
           the
           mercy
           of
           the
           Patent
           ,
           and
           the
           largeness
           of
           the
           Patent
           ,
           from
           the
           royall
           Authority
           of
           England
           ,
           for
           the
           people
           here
           to
           chuse
           their
           own
           Magistrates
           ,
           and
           to
           admit
           unto
           freedom
           such
           as
           they
           should
           think
           meet
           ,
           and
           that
           Religion
           was
           the
           Principall
           end
           of
           this
           Plantation
           in
           his
           Majesties
           Royal
           intention
           and
           the
           adventurers
           free
           possession
           .
           This
           whole
           generation
           hath
           seen
           how
           good
           the
           Lord
           hath
           been
           unto
           us
           in
           this
           Wilderness
           for
           so
           many
           years
           under
           the
           Government
           setled
           here
           by
           the
           Patent
           .
        
         
           
             And
             therefore
             at
             in
             the
             matter
             of
             Religion
             we
             are
             to
             keep
             to
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             ,
             so
             in
             the
             matter
             of
             the
             Civil
             Government
             keep
             to
             the
             Patent
             .
          
        
         
           And
           thus
           to
           
             be
             peaceable
             &
             faithful
             in
             Israel
             ,
          
           is
           the
           way
           of
           well
           doing
           ,
           wherin
           we
           are
           to
           
             commit
             the
             maintaining
             of
             the
             Cause
             of
             Religion
             to
             the
             Lord
             our
             God.
             
          
        
         
           I
           shall
           now
           dispatch
           the
           other
           two
           directions
           very
           breifly
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           
             In
             the
             way
             of
             humble
             Prayer
             ,
          
           commit
           this
           Cause
           unto
           God
           by
           humble
           fervent
           and
           frequent
           Prayer
           as
           we
           are
           directed
           in
           the
           text
           :
           
             let
             these
             my
             Prayers
             be
             nigh
             to
             the
             Lord
             our
             God
             ,
             that
             he
             maintain
             the
             Cause
             of
             his
             People
             Israel
             .
          
        
         
           When
           the
           matter
           requires
           more
           then
           ordinary
           help
           from
           the
           Lord
           himselfe
           ,
           and
           yet
           the
           Lord
           seems
           to
           withdraw
           and
           to
           be
           asleep
           ,
           then
           the
           Servants
           of
           God
           must
           awaken
           him
           by
           their
           Importunate
           Prayers
           ,
           as
           the
           disciples
           in
           the
           storm
           did
           awaken
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           saying
           ;
           
             Lord
             save
             us
             or
             we
             Perish
             .
          
        
         
           When
           the
           People
           of
           God
           are
           faithfull
           to
           own
           his
           Cause
           ,
           and
           carefull
           ,
           neither
           to
           fall
           short
           of
           their
           duty
           nor
           to
           go
           beyond
           it
           ,
           but
           keep
           in
           the
           narrow
           way
           of
           wel-doing
           and
           yet
           meet
           with
           such
           stormes
           of
           Providence
           as
           they
           are
           at
           their
           Wits
           end
           what
           remaines
           then
           but
           Prayers
           &
           tears
           ?
           
             O
             our
             God
             we
             know
             not
             what
             to
             doe
             ,
             but
             our
             eyes
             are
             unto
             thee
             ,
             Arise
             O
             Lord
             and
             plead
             thy
             own
             Cause
             .
             Awake
             awake
             O
             arm
             of
             the
             Lord
             as
             in
             ancient
             times
             .
          
        
         
           3.
           
           Last
           of
           all
           ,
           
             Sanctifie
             the
             Lord
             himselfe
             as
             the
             alsufficient
             maintainer
             
             of
             this
             Cause
          
           as
           David
           said
           ,
           
             th●●
             O
             Lord
             art
             the
             maintainer
             of
             my
             L●●
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           16.5
           .
        
         
           When
           the
           Cause
           of
           Religion
           seemes
           ready
           to
           be
           spoiled
           by
           the
           professors
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           ready
           to
           be
           mined
           by
           the
           opposers
           of
           it
           ,
           yet
           there
           is
           one
           in
           heaven
           that
           is
           able
           and
           faithfull
           ,
           and
           watchfull
           ,
           and
           skilful
           ,
           for
           the
           preservation
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           therefore
           
             in
             quietness
             ,
             and
             confidence
             ,
             in
             returning
             and
             resting
             shall
             we
             be
             saved
             ,
          
           as
           the
           Prophet
           speaks
           ,
           Isai
           .
           30.15
           .
           we
           should
           not
           onely
           submit
           unto
           ,
           but
           acquiesce
           and
           rest
           in
           the
           Infinite
           Wisdom
           and
           good
           pleasure
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           doe
           it
           in
           his
           own
           way
           ,
           rejoicing
           in
           this
           ,
           that
           
             the
             Lord
             Reignes
             over
             all
          
           .
        
         
           
             Give
             unto
             the
             Lord
             the
             Glory
             due
             unto
             his
             name
             ,
             that
             he
             will
             not
             forsake
             his
             People
             ,
          
           (
           he
           may
           afflict
           his
           People
           ,
           and
           there
           may
           be
           need
           of
           it
           and
           Cause
           for
           it
           ,
           but
           he
           will
           not
           forsake
           his
           People
           )
           for
           his
           
             great
             names
             sake
          
           ,
           1
           Sam.
           12.22
           .
        
         
           And
           be
           comforted
           in
           this
           ,
           that
           the
           safety
           of
           the
           Church
           Militant
           lyes
           upon
           the
           hand
           ,
           and
           belongs
           to
           the
           care
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           the
           ship
           of
           the
           Church
           may
           be
           endangered
           ,
           it
           cannot
           be
           drowned
           so
           long
           as
           the
           Lord
           lives
           ,
           he
           hath
           a
           thousand
           wayes
           (
           that
           we
           know
           not
           of
           )
           for
           him
           to
           maintain
           his
           own
           and
           his
           Peoples
           Cause
           .
        
         
           Now
           unto
           him
           be
           Glory
           in
           the
           Church
           by
           Christ
           Jesus
           throughout
           all
           ages
           ,
           world
           without
           end
           .
           Amen
           .
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
     
  

