The comfort and crown of great actions. In a sermon preached, Decemb. 4. 1657. Before the honorable East-India company. By Edward Reynolds, D.D.
         Reynolds, Edward, 1599-1676.
      
       
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             The comfort and crown of great actions. In a sermon preached, Decemb. 4. 1657. Before the honorable East-India company. By Edward Reynolds, D.D.
             Reynolds, Edward, 1599-1676.
          
           [4], 31, [1] p.
           
             printed by Tho. Newcomb, for George Thomason at the Rose and Crown in St Pauls Church-yard,
             London :
             1658.
          
           
             Running title reads: The crown of great actions.
             Annotation on Thomason copy: "Jan".
             Reproduction of the original in the British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Sermons, English -- 17th century.
           Christian life -- Biblical teaching -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
       A91736  R207682  (Thomason E934_4*).  civilwar no The comfort and crown of great actions.:  In a sermon preached, Decemb. 4. 1657. Before the honorable East-India company. By Edward Reynolds Reynolds, Edward 1658    10700 6 40 0 0 0 0 43 D  The  rate of 43 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           THE
           Comfort
           and
           Crown
           OF
           GREAT
           ACTIONS
           .
           IN
           A
           SERMON
           Preached
           ,
           
             Decemb.
          
           4.
           1657.
           
           Before
           the
           Honorable
           East-India
           Company
           .
        
         
           By
           
             Edward
             Reynolds
             ,
          
           D.
           D.
           
        
         
           
             LONDON
             :
          
           Printed
           by
           
             Tho.
             Newcomb
             ,
          
           for
           
             George
             Thomason
          
           at
           the
           Rose
           and
           Crown
           in
           St
           
             Pauls
          
           Church-yard
           .
           1658.
           
        
      
       
       
       
         
           To
           the
           Honorable
           The
           Governor
           and
           Committee
           OF
           THE
           
             EAST-INDIA
          
           COMPANY
           .
        
         
           
             Right
             Honorable
             ,
          
        
         
           IN
           the
           first
           entrance
           upon
           great
           Actions
           ,
           it
           hath
           been
           the
           use
           of
           
             good
             men
          
           to
           begin
           at
           the
           
             Sanctury
             ,
          
           and
           there
           to
           seek
           of
           the
           
             Lord
          
           a
           
             right
             way
             ,
          
           as
           knowing
           that
           whatever
           be
           the
           
             services
          
           of
           Men
           ,
           yet
           the
           
             success
          
           and
           
             blessing
          
           must
           be
           from
           
             God
          
           alone
           .
           A
           course
           which
           
             honorable
             persons
          
           amongst
           the
           
             Heathen
          
           have
           sometimes
           used
           ,
           as
           
             Scipio
             ,
          
           in
           
             Consultations
          
           of
           
             State
             ,
          
           went
           first
           to
           the
           
             Capitole
             ,
          
           and
           then
           to
           the
           
             Senate
             .
          
           You
           were
           pleased
           in
           the
           
             great
             work
          
           which
           you
           have
           undertaken
           ,
           thus
           to
           do
           ,
           and
           what
           
             businesses
          
           you
           are
           to
           prosecute
           by
           the
           
             concurrent
             Counsels
          
           and
           
             Services
          
           of
           Men
           ,
           to
           commend
           first
           to
           the
           favor
           and
           blessing
           of
           
             God
             .
          
           Wherein
           having
           used
           my
           
             poor
          
           
           
             service
             ,
          
           you
           were
           pleased
           so
           far
           to
           accept
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           to
           desire
           to
           have
           it
           made
           more
           publick
           .
           Hereunto
           I
           was
           the
           more
           easily
           perswaded
           ,
           that
           the
           great
           and
           good
           example
           of
           
             Nehemiah
          
           might
           be
           still
           before
           your
           eyes
           ,
           both
           to
           direct
           you
           in
           your
           
             Honorable
             undertakings
             ,
          
           and
           to
           
             comfort
          
           you
           in
           your
           
             imitation
          
           thereof
           .
           The
           
             Lord
          
           be
           pleased
           so
           to
           
             remember
             you
             for
             good
             ,
          
           as
           by
           his
           
             Counsel
          
           to
           direct
           ,
           and
           by
           his
           
             blessing
          
           to
           
             reward
          
           whatever
           you
           go
           about
           in
           comformity
           to
           his
           
             Will
             ,
          
           and
           in
           pursuance
           of
           his
           
             Glory
             .
          
           To
           his
           most
           
             gracious
             protection
          
           I
           commend
           your
           persons
           and
           enterprises
           ,
           and
           am
        
         
           
             Your
             Faithful
             Servant
             in
             the
             Work
             of
             the
             
               Lord
               ,
            
             Ed.
             Reynolds
             .
          
        
      
    
     
       
       
         
           THE
           CROVVN
           OF
           Great
           Actions
           .
        
         
           
             NEHE.
             13.
             31.
             
          
           
             Remember
             me
             ,
             O
             my
             God
             ,
             for
             Good
             .
          
        
         
           THough
           all
           
             Saints
          
           have
           all
           the
           members
           of
           the
           
             new
             man
             ,
          
           and
           all
           the
           
             Graces
          
           of
           
             Christ
          
           fashioned
           in
           them
           (
           for
           there
           are
           no
           
             monsters
          
           in
           his
           body
           ,
           )
           
             John
          
           1.
           16.
           yet
           as
           in
           the
           
             natural
             body
             ,
          
           some
           excel
           in
           sight
           ,
           or
           hearing
           ,
           or
           swiftness
           ,
           or
           strength
           ,
           or
           beauty
           ;
           so
           in
           the
           
             minde
             ,
          
           one
           excelleth
           in
           one
           grace
           ,
           another
           in
           another
           ,
           according
           as
           the
           
             Spirit
          
           is
           pleased
           diversly
           to
           distribute
           his
           gifts
           unto
           men
           .
           1
           
             Cor.
             12.
             11.
             
             Ephes.
             4.
             7.
             
             Abraham
          
           is
           renowned
           for
           Faith
           ,
           
             Isaac
          
           for
           Meditation
           ,
           
             Jacob
          
           for
           Plainness
           ,
           
             Joseph
          
           for
           Chastity
           ,
           
             Job
          
           for
           Patience
           ,
           
             Solomon
          
           for
           Wisdom
           ,
           
             Moses
          
           for
           Meekness
           ,
           
             Phineas
          
           for
           Zeal
           ,
           
             David
          
           for
           Devotion
           ,
           
             Mary
          
           for
           Love
           ,
           
             Nathaniel
          
           for
           Singleness
           ;
           and
           as
           some
           are
           more
           eminent
           then
           others
           in
           special
           
             graces
             ,
          
           so
           likewise
           in
           special
           
             services
             .
             Joshuah
          
           for
           a
           Warrior
           ,
           
             Hushai
          
           for
           a
           
           Counsellor
           ,
           
             Solomon
          
           for
           a
           Governor
           ,
           
             Paul
          
           for
           a
           Preacher
           ,
           and
           in
           this
           Book
           
             Nehemiah
          
           for
           a
           wise
           and
           a
           valiant
           Manager
           of
           great
           and
           honorable
           Actions
           .
        
         
           I
           would
           send
           a
           Worldling
           to
           read
           
             Ecclesiastes
             ,
          
           to
           learn
           the
           
             Vanity
             of
             the
             Creature
             ;
          
           a
           Lover
           of
           
             Christ
             ,
          
           to
           
             Solomons
             Canticles
             ;
          
           a
           Devout
           person
           ,
           to
           
             David
             Psalms
             ;
          
           an
           Afflicted
           person
           ,
           to
           
             Jobs
          
           Temptations
           ;
           a
           Preacher
           ,
           to
           
             Timothy
          
           and
           
             Titus
             ;
          
           a
           Backslider
           in
           Faith
           ,
           to
           the
           
             Hebrews
             ;
          
           a
           Moralist
           ,
           to
           the
           
             Proverbs
             ;
          
           a
           Justitiary
           and
           Legalist
           ,
           to
           the
           
             Romans
          
           and
           
             Galatians
             ;
          
           a
           Libertine
           ,
           to
           
             James
             ,
             Peter
             ,
          
           and
           
             Jude
             ;
          
           a
           Soldier
           ,
           to
           
             Joshua
          
           and
           
             Judges
             ;
          
           a
           Man
           that
           would
           study
           
             Gods
             Providence
             ,
          
           to
           
             Esther
             ;
          
           and
           those
           who
           go
           about
           
             great
             undertakings
             ,
          
           to
           the
           reading
           of
           this
           Book
           of
           
             Nehemiah
             .
          
        
         
           There
           are
           many
           things
           which
           such
           men
           may
           observe
           in
           him
           for
           their
           special
           
             Direction
             .
          
           And
           because
           he
           desires
           
             God
          
           to
           
             remember
             them
             ,
          
           I
           shall
           not
           look
           upon
           it
           as
           a
           departing
           from
           my
           Text
           ,
           if
           we
           ,
           upon
           this
           solemn
           occasion
           ,
           do
           a
           little
           
             remember
             them
          
           likewise
           ,
           and
           consider
           of
           what
           use
           they
           may
           be
           unto
           you
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Observe
           his
           care
           of
           Forein
           and
           
             remote
             intelligence
          
           and
           correspondence
           ;
           when
           he
           was
           in
           
             Shushan
             ,
          
           he
           made
           enquiry
           of
           the
           state
           of
           his
           
             Brethren
          
           in
           
             Jerusalem
             ,
             Chap.
          
           1.
           1
           ,
           2
           ,
           3.
           
           You
           that
           undertake
           
             great
             Actions
             ,
          
           must
           be
           specially
           careful
           to
           have
           accurate
           and
           distinct
           
             intelligence
             .
          
           You
           have
           no
           
             Elishahs
          
           amongst
           you
           to
           save
           you
           that
           labor
           ,
           2
           
             Kings
          
           6.
           12.
           
           And
           therefore
           as
           the
           
             Historian
          
           said
           of
           Princes
           ,
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           You
           had
           
           
           need
           have
           many
           
             eyes
          
           and
           many
           
             ears
          
           in
           many
           parts
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           to
           see
           and
           hear
           by
           them
           ,
           what
           you
           cannot
           be
           your selves
           .
           
             Abrahams
          
           intelligence
           recovered
           
             Lot
             ,
             Gen.
             14.
             14
             ,
             16.
             
             Rebecca
          
           her
           intelligence
           saved
           
             Jacob
             ,
             Gen.
          
           27.
           42.
           
           The
           intelligence
           which
           the
           
             Spies
          
           brought
           ,
           animated
           
             Israel
             ,
             Josh.
             2.
             23
             ,
             24.
             
             Abigails
          
           intelligence
           saved
           
             Nabal
             ,
             1
             Sam.
             25.
             14.
             
             Hushai's
          
           intelligence
           preserved
           
             David
             ,
             2
             Sam.
          
           17.
           15
           ,
           22.
           
           Many
           a
           man
           by
           speedy
           intelligence
           is
           enriched
           ,
           is
           delivered
           :
           It
           was
           the
           way
           whereby
           
             Joshua
          
           overcame
           the
           Kings
           of
           
             Canaan
             ,
             Josh.
          
           10.
           9.
           by
           coming
           suddenly
           upon
           them
           ,
           before
           they
           could
           have
           intelligence
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           in
           like
           manner
           ,
           
             Abimelech
          
           discomfited
           
             Gaal
          
           by
           the
           benefit
           of
           secret
           intelligence
           ,
           
             Judg.
             9.
             30
             ,
             31
             ,
             &c.
             
          
        
         
           2.
           
           His
           extraordinary
           
             love
             ,
             zeal
             ,
          
           and
           
             tender-heartedness
          
           towards
           his
           
             Country
             ,
          
           and
           the
           
             honor
          
           thereof
           ;
           and
           his
           
             zealous
             prayer
          
           unto
           
             God
          
           night
           and
           day
           for
           it
           ,
           
             Chap.
          
           1.
           4
           ,
           6.
           
           Men
           of
           great
           and
           remote
           
             employments
             ,
          
           should
           be
           very
           careful
           by
           their
           vigilancy
           ,
           to
           prevent
           any
           
             reproach
          
           and
           
             injury
          
           against
           the
           Land
           of
           their
           
             Nativity
             ,
          
           and
           to
           manage
           all
           their
           dealings
           with
           such
           
             honor
          
           and
           
             integrity
             ,
          
           as
           that
           the
           very
           
             Nation
          
           which
           brought
           them
           forth
           ,
           may
           have
           renown
           in
           the
           remotest
           parts
           of
           the
           
             World
             .
             Deut.
             4.
             6.
             
             Keep
             the
             Statutes
             and
             Judgments
             which
             the
             Lord
             commanded
             ,
             saith
          
           Moses
           ,
           
             and
             do
             them
             ;
             for
             this
             is
             your
             wisdom
             ,
             and
             your
             understanding
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             the
             Nations
             ,
             which
             shall
             hear
             all
             these
             Statutes
             ,
             and
             say
             ,
             Surely
             this
             great
             Nation
             is
             a
             wise
             and
             understanding
             people
             .
          
        
         
         
           3.
           
           His
           not
           being
           contented
           with
           his
           own
           
             honor
          
           and
           
             greatness
             ,
          
           who
           was
           in
           so
           near
           attendance
           upon
           the
           
             greatest
             Prince
          
           on
           the
           Earth
           ,
           and
           was
           sure
           enough
           to
           live
           in
           
             plenty
          
           and
           
             prosperity
          
           himself
           ,
           though
           his
           
             Brethren
          
           were
           in
           affliction
           .
           But
           his
           improving
           that
           interest
           for
           the
           
             service
          
           of
           
             community
             ,
          
           and
           the
           particular
           
             comfort
          
           of
           
             Gods
          
           people
           .
           Men
           of
           great
           and
           publick
           
             undertakings
             ,
          
           should
           not
           look
           onely
           after
           narrow
           and
           
             domestical
             interests
             ,
          
           but
           should
           make
           use
           of
           their
           own
           
             greatness
             ,
             power
             ,
             wealth
             ,
          
           prevalency
           with
           
             potent
             persons
             ,
          
           to
           do
           real
           offices
           of
           
             love
          
           and
           
             service
          
           to
           the
           poor
           
             Church
          
           of
           
             God
             .
             Esther
          
           might
           possibly
           have
           lived
           in
           
             splendor
          
           and
           
             royal
             majesty
             ,
          
           though
           her
           people
           had
           been
           destroyed
           ;
           but
           she
           chuseth
           rather
           the
           danger
           of
           perishing
           ,
           then
           to
           neglect
           their
           salvation
           .
           
             If
             I
             perish
             ,
             I
             perish
             ,
             Esth.
          
           4.
           16.
           
           And
           so
           
             Moses
          
           chose
           
             rather
             affliction
             with
             the
             people
             of
             God
             ,
             then
             to
             be
             called
             the
             son
             of
          
           Pharaohs
           
             daughter
             ,
             Heb.
             11.
             24
             ,
             25.
             
             Nature
          
           hath
           implanted
           even
           in
           senseless
           and
           inanimate
           
             Creatures
             ,
          
           such
           a
           
             love
             of
             community
             ,
          
           as
           makes
           them
           forget
           their
           own
           proper
           
             motions
             ,
          
           to
           preserve
           the
           whole
           from
           violence
           or
           reproach
           .
           How
           much
           more
           should
           we
           lay
           to
           heart
           
             publick
             evils
             ,
          
           even
           then
           when
           our
           own
           condition
           may
           seem
           prosperous
           ?
        
         
           4.
           
           His
           prudent
           vigilancy
           in
           viewing
           the
           
             state
             of
             the
             City
          
           secretly
           ,
           and
           then
           imparting
           his
           
             commission
          
           to
           his
           
             Brethren
             ,
             Chap.
          
           2.
           12
           ,
           18.
           
           In
           great
           works
           ,
           
             personal
             prudence
          
           and
           
             joynt
             communication
             ,
          
           are
           singularly
           necessary
           for
           the
           happy
           management
           of
           them
           :
           
             For
             in
             the
             multitude
             of
             Counsellors
             is
             safety
             ,
             Prov.
          
           11.
           14.
           
        
         
         
           5.
           
           His
           
             pious
             courage
          
           animating
           his
           
             Brethren
             ,
          
           bearing
           up
           himself
           against
           
             envious
             aspersions
          
           of
           the
           enemy
           ,
           and
           drawing
           in
           his
           
             Brethren
          
           into
           an
           unanimous
           
             society
          
           in
           great
           and
           honorable
           works
           ;
           and
           all
           upon
           
             grounds
             of
             Faith
             ,
          
           giving
           assurance
           of
           
             divine
             help
             ,
             Chap.
             2.
             17.
             18
             ,
             20.
             
             &
             3.
             per
             totum
             .
             &
             4.
             1
             ,
             5
             ,
             14.
             
             Faith
          
           is
           a
           foundation
           of
           
             courage
             ,
          
           (
           no
           
             grace
          
           so
           valiant
           as
           that
           ,
           
             Heb.
          
           11.
           33
           ,
           34.
           1
           
             Joh.
          
           5.
           4.
           
           )
           and
           
             Courage
          
           a
           foundation
           of
           
             constancy
             ,
             2
             Tim.
          
           4.
           17
           ,
           18.
           
           And
           therefore
           
             Faith
             and
             fortitude
          
           are
           necessary
           graces
           for
           those
           who
           will
           go
           with
           
             resolution
          
           through
           great
           and
           difficult
           
             undertakings
             .
          
           And
           therein
           a
           special
           
             wisdom
          
           to
           work
           all
           in
           a
           sweet
           and
           amicable
           concurrence
           ,
           to
           draw
           one
           way
           ,
           and
           to
           joyn
           with
           special
           accord
           ,
           
             hearts
             and
             hands
          
           in
           the
           same
           work
           ;
           for
           differences
           and
           divisions
           will
           unjoynt
           the
           frame
           of
           
             great
             actions
             ,
          
           and
           as
           a
           breach
           in
           a
           Wall
           ,
           will
           minister
           unto
           adversaries
           an
           occasion
           of
           advantage
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           His
           wise
           discovery
           of
           adverse
           counsels
           and
           preparations
           ,
           
             Chap.
          
           4.
           8
           ,
           9
           ,
           15.
           
           There
           never
           was
           any
           great
           enterprise
           without
           special
           
             opposition
             .
             Zorobabel
          
           met
           with
           mountainous
           obstructions
           in
           the
           
             great
             work
          
           which
           he
           went
           about
           .
           
             Zach.
          
           4.
           7.
           
           (
           onely
           these
           Obstructions
           are
           more
           secret
           and
           invisible
           then
           Mountains
           ;
           )
           and
           therefore
           men
           that
           engage
           in
           
             great
             works
             ,
          
           must
           ever
           have
           their
           
             eyes
             running
          
           to
           and
           fro
           to
           discover
           dangers
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           prevent
           them
           ,
           
             Prov.
          
           22.
           3.
           
        
         
           7.
           
           His
           special
           care
           upon
           all
           
             emergent
             occasions
             ,
          
           to
           call
           the
           people
           together
           for
           new
           and
           further
           
           
             counsels
             ,
             Chap.
          
           4.
           19
           ,
           20.
           
           Great
           businesses
           being
           full
           of
           variety
           of
           incidental
           and
           circumstantial
           
             contingencies
             ,
          
           will
           frequently
           call
           for
           further
           
             resolutions
          
           and
           
             renewed
             consultations
             ,
          
           will
           like
           great
           Vessels
           many
           times
           spring
           a
           leak
           ,
           and
           require
           immediate
           application
           of
           
             remedies
             .
          
           And
           therefore
           it
           is
           a
           part
           of
           necessary
           
             wisdom
             ,
          
           as
           in
           great
           
             Cities
             ,
          
           so
           in
           great
           
             actions
             ,
          
           to
           have
           
             Physitians
          
           always
           within
           call
           ,
           who
           may
           timely
           advise
           upon
           all
           needful
           expedients
           for
           safety
           ,
           
             Judg.
          
           19.
           30.
           
        
         
           8.
           
           His
           indefatigable
           labor
           night
           and
           day
           ,
           being
           not
           onely
           a
           
             commander
             ,
          
           but
           an
           
             example
          
           of
           unwearied
           patience
           to
           all
           the
           people
           ,
           
             Verse
          
           22
           ,
           23.
           
           And
           all
           great
           
             actions
          
           will
           require
           this
           part
           of
           
             self-denial
             .
          
           A
           man
           either
           of
           
             sensual
          
           or
           
             sluggish
             principles
             ,
          
           is
           very
           unfit
           for
           the
           management
           of
           any
           arduous
           and
           weighty
           affairs
           .
           It
           was
           a
           great
           business
           ,
           but
           one
           would
           think
           a
           sad
           one
           ,
           for
           a
           man
           to
           sacrifice
           his
           
             beloved
             son
             ,
          
           and
           yet
           
             Abraham
          
           rose
           
             up
             early
          
           to
           go
           about
           it
           ,
           
             Gen.
          
           22.
           3.
           
        
         
           9.
           
           His
           compassionate
           zeal
           mixed
           with
           wisdom
           ,
           impartiality
           ,
           and
           self-denial
           ,
           for
           the
           
             poor
          
           which
           were
           oppressed
           ,
           rebuking
           the
           
             oppressors
             ,
          
           and
           forbearing
           his
           own
           just
           
             allowances
             ,
          
           and
           preventing
           the
           injuries
           of
           
             servants
          
           and
           
             officers
             ,
             Chap.
          
           5.
           14
           ,
           15.
           
           In
           great
           employments
           which
           pass
           through
           many
           mens
           hands
           ,
           it
           is
           neither
           impossible
           nor
           improbable
           ,
           for
           
             innocency
          
           many
           times
           to
           
             suffer
             ,
          
           and
           much
           wrong
           to
           be
           done
           ,
           and
           that
           
             reductivè
             ,
          
           even
           by
           good
           men
           themselves
           ,
           if
           their
           ears
           be
           too
           much
           open
           to
           misrepresentations
           ;
           as
           we
           see
           it
           was
           in
           the
           case
           of
           
             Ziba
          
           and
           
             Mephibosheth
             ,
             2
             Sam.
          
           
           16.
           1
           ,
           4.
           
           Unless
           much
           care
           ,
           wisdom
           ,
           and
           courage
           be
           used
           ,
           to
           require
           
             all
             Officers
          
           to
           do
           the
           things
           belonging
           unto
           them
           ,
           with
           
             Justice
          
           and
           
             expedition
             .
          
           And
           here
           give
           me
           leave
           to
           commend
           unto
           you
           the
           care
           of
           your
           
             poor
             Brethren
             ;
          
           a
           duty
           which
           
             Apostles
          
           themselves
           have
           put
           one
           another
           in
           minde
           of
           ,
           
             Gal.
          
           2.
           10.
           
           You
           cannot
           be
           without
           many
           
             objects
          
           of
           that
           kinde
           ,
           even
           amongst
           those
           who
           serve
           you
           in
           these
           
             Expeditions
             ;
          
           sick
           Mariners
           ,
           desolate
           Widows
           ,
           poor
           Children
           :
           It
           would
           be
           a
           work
           of
           a
           
             sweet
             savor
             to
             God
             ,
          
           to
           have
           a
           steady
           stock
           going
           for
           the
           advantage
           of
           these
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           of
           the
           
             Merchants
             .
          
           Their
           
             Prayers
          
           may
           be
           wind
           in
           your
           
             Sails
             ,
          
           and
           bring
           down
           a
           
             blessing
          
           on
           all
           your
           
             undertakings
             .
          
        
         
           10.
           
           His
           
             bounty
          
           to
           the
           work
           ,
           
             He
             bought
             no
             Land
             ,
          
           but
           spent
           himself
           upon
           the
           
             service
             ,
          
           and
           upon
           
             hospitality
          
           to
           the
           people
           ,
           
             Chap.
          
           5.
           16
           ,
           17
           ,
           18.
           
           Covetousness
           is
           not
           onely
           a
           bar
           and
           obstruction
           to
           all
           
             honorable
             undertakings
             ,
          
           but
           doth
           miserably
           corrupt
           and
           spoil
           them
           by
           a
           
             self-seeking
             management
             ,
          
           when
           men
           drive
           on
           and
           interweave
           domestical
           
             interests
             ,
          
           under
           the
           specious
           pretence
           of
           
             publick
             good
             .
          
           And
           therefore
           all
           
             great
             works
          
           do
           require
           great
           and
           large
           
             hearts
             ,
          
           for
           the
           promoting
           of
           them
           .
           It
           was
           a
           great
           work
           ,
           the
           building
           of
           the
           
             Sanctuary
             ,
          
           and
           the
           
             Lord
          
           gave
           greatness
           of
           heart
           to
           the
           people
           to
           contribute
           unto
           it
           ,
           
             Exod.
          
           36.
           5.
           
           It
           was
           a
           great
           work
           ,
           the
           building
           of
           the
           
             Temple
             ,
          
           and
           
             God
          
           gave
           an
           immense
           largeness
           of
           heart
           to
           
             David
          
           and
           his
           Princes
           in
           offering
           thereunto
           :
           For
           the
           sums
           offered
           ,
           were
           so
           great
           as
           surpassed
           the
           treasures
           of
           any
           other
           
           Princes
           which
           we
           read
           of
           ,
           
             Sardanapalus
          
           onely
           excepted
           ;
           
           as
           the
           learned
           
             Breerwood
             ,
          
           and
           Sir
           
             Walter
             Raleigh
          
           have
           observed
           ,
           1
           
             Chro.
             22.
             14.
             
             &
          
           29.
           14.
           
           See
           
             Isa.
          
           60.
           6
           ,
           7.
           
        
         
           11.
           
           His
           undiscouraged
           
             constancy
             ,
          
           notwithstanding
           all
           the
           threats
           ,
           slanders
           ,
           letters
           ,
           prophecies
           ,
           misreports
           ,
           and
           wicked
           artifices
           purposely
           used
           by
           the
           subtle
           enemies
           ,
           to
           weaken
           and
           dishearten
           his
           resolutions
           ,
           
             Chap.
          
           6.
           
           None
           are
           fit
           for
           
             great
             actions
             ,
          
           who
           are
           not
           men
           of
           constant
           and
           undanted
           spirits
           ,
           who
           cannot
           go
           through
           
             evil
             report
          
           as
           well
           as
           
             good
             ,
          
           whom
           the
           integrity
           of
           their
           own
           
             Consciences
          
           cannot
           bear
           up
           above
           the
           reproaches
           of
           enemies
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
             4.
             3.
             2
             Cor.
          
           6.
           8
           ,
           9
           ,
           10.
           
        
         
           12.
           
           His
           wise
           and
           pious
           care
           to
           communicate
           part
           of
           the
           charge
           unto
           faithful
           
             coadjutors
             ,
          
           whom
           he
           advanced
           ,
           not
           barely
           for
           their
           
             relation
          
           unto
           him
           ,
           but
           for
           their
           
             fidelity
          
           to
           the
           
             service
             ,
             Chap.
          
           7.
           2
           ,
           3.
           
           Since
           it
           is
           impossible
           for
           
             great
             actions
          
           to
           be
           managed
           without
           much
           
             concurrence
             ,
          
           singular
           care
           is
           to
           be
           used
           that
           
             good
          
           and
           
             faithful
             men
             ,
          
           by
           whose
           care
           ,
           and
           prudence
           ,
           and
           prayers
           ,
           they
           may
           be
           promoted
           ,
           be
           employed
           in
           the
           transaction
           of
           them
           ;
           that
           even
           near
           
             relations
          
           do
           not
           prevail
           with
           us
           ,
           to
           entrust
           great
           works
           in
           the
           hands
           of
           weak
           or
           wicked
           men
           .
           
             Consanguinity
          
           hath
           a
           strong
           byass
           even
           with
           good
           men
           .
           
             Barnabas
          
           did
           earnestly
           contend
           to
           take
           
             Mark
          
           along
           in
           his
           and
           
             Pauls
          
           expedition
           to
           visit
           the
           
             Churches
             ,
          
           which
           
             Paul
          
           opposed
           ,
           
             Acts
          
           15.
           37
           ,
           38.
           
           The
           
             Apostle
          
           doth
           implicitely
           give
           us
           the
           reason
           of
           it
           in
           another
           place
           ,
           
             Col.
          
           4.
           10.
           where
           he
           
           telleth
           us
           ,
           that
           
             Mark
          
           was
           sisters
           son
           to
           
             Barnabas
             .
          
        
         
         
           13.
           
           His
           singular
           
             zeal
          
           for
           the
           purity
           of
           the
           people
           of
           
             God
             ,
          
           that
           they
           might
           be
           an
           
             Holy
             Seed
             ;
          
           and
           for
           the
           
             Offices
          
           of
           
             Gods
             house
             ,
          
           that
           they
           might
           not
           be
           polluted
           ,
           
             Chap.
          
           7.
           
           His
           care
           of
           the
           
             Worship
          
           of
           
             God
             ,
          
           Preaching
           ,
           Praying
           ,
           Fasting
           ,
           renewing
           
             Covenant
             ,
          
           restoring
           intermitted
           
             Duties
             ,
             Chap.
          
           8.
           9
           ,
           10.
           
           Of
           the
           
             Chambers
          
           of
           
             Gods
             house
             ,
          
           that
           they
           might
           not
           be
           defiled
           ,
           
             Chap.
          
           13.
           7
           ,
           9.
           
           Of
           the
           
             Portions
          
           of
           the
           
             Priests
          
           and
           
             Levites
             ,
          
           that
           they
           might
           not
           be
           detained
           ,
           
             Vers
             .
          
           10
           ,
           14.
           
           Of
           the
           
             Sabbath
             ,
          
           that
           it
           might
           be
           duly
           sanctified
           ,
           
             Vers
             .
          
           15
           ,
           22.
           
           Of
           the
           
             courses
             and
             services
          
           of
           the
           
             Priests
             and
             Levites
             ,
          
           that
           they
           might
           be
           appointed
           ,
           
             Vers
             .
          
           30
           ,
           31.
           
           Of
           the
           
             Holy
             Seed
          
           that
           that
           might
           not
           be
           by
           
             Heathenish
             marriages
          
           corrupted
           ,
           
             Vers
             .
          
           23
           ,
           30.
           
           Of
           the
           
             Name
             of
             God
             ,
          
           that
           that
           might
           be
           duly
           praised
           and
           glorified
           ,
           
             Chap.
          
           12.
           
           By
           all
           which
           we
           learn
           ,
           that
           the
           greater
           mens
           care
           is
           of
           the
           
             service
          
           and
           
             glory
             of
             God
             ,
          
           the
           fitter
           
             instruments
          
           they
           are
           to
           do
           great
           works
           ,
           and
           the
           more
           likely
           to
           prosper
           in
           the
           doing
           of
           them
           ;
           because
           ,
           
             they
             that
             honor
             God
             ,
             he
             will
             honor
             ,
             1
             Sam.
          
           2.
           
           30.
           
           So
           long
           as
           
             Uzziah
             sought
             the
             Lord
             ,
             God
             made
             him
             to
             prosper
             ,
          
           2
           Chro.
           26.
           5.
           
           
             Hezekiah
             trusted
             the
             Lord
             ,
          
           and
           clave
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           the
           
             Lord
          
           was
           with
           him
           ,
           
             and
             blessed
             him
             whithersoever
             he
             went
             ,
             2
             King.
             18.
             5
             ,
             6
             ,
             7.
             2
             Chron.
          
           31.
           21.
           
           But
           when
           
             Jehoshaphat
          
           joyned
           with
           
             Ahaziah
             ,
          
           who
           did
           very
           wickedly
           ,
           the
           
             Lord
          
           brake
           his
           ships
           ,
           and
           disappointed
           his
           expedition
           ,
           2
           
             Chro.
          
           20.
           35
           ,
           37.
           
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           His
           special
           wisdom
           and
           care
           to
           
             heal
          
           the
           
             sinful
             breaches
          
           and
           
             divisions
          
           which
           were
           amongst
           the
           people
           ,
           causing
           them
           to
           enter
           into
           a
           
           
             solemn
             promise
             ,
          
           to
           make
           reparations
           of
           all
           injuries
           done
           unto
           their
           
             poor
             Brethren
             ,
          
           and
           to
           prevent
           the
           reproach
           of
           the
           
             Heathen
             ,
             Chap.
          
           5.
           11
           ,
           12
           ,
           13.
           
           In
           great
           
             companies
             ,
          
           and
           great
           
             businesses
             ,
          
           it
           is
           hardly
           possible
           to
           carry
           things
           on
           in
           so
           smooth
           and
           regular
           a
           way
           ,
           but
           that
           some
           
             differences
          
           of
           judgment
           may
           arise
           ,
           and
           cause
           difficulties
           ,
           breaches
           ,
           and
           obstructions
           in
           the
           whole
           
             work
             ;
          
           and
           as
           our
           
             Saviour
          
           saith
           of
           
             Kingdoms
             ,
             Cities
             ,
             Houses
             ;
          
           so
           may
           we
           of
           
             companies
          
           and
           
             undertakings
             ,
          
           that
           
             divisions
          
           will
           endanger
           their
           standing
           ,
           
             Matth.
          
           12.
           25.
           
           It
           is
           one
           of
           
             Gods
          
           sore
           judgments
           ,
           when
           he
           intendeth
           to
           shatter
           and
           disappoint
           
             enterprises
             ,
          
           to
           send
           a
           
             spirit
             of
             division
          
           amongst
           those
           who
           are
           concerned
           in
           it
           ,
           as
           he
           did
           between
           the
           
             men
             of
             Shechem
             and
             Abimelech
             ,
             Judg.
          
           9.
           23.
           and
           between
           the
           Host
           of
           the
           
             Midianites
             ,
             Judg.
          
           7.
           22.
           and
           of
           the
           
             Ammonites
             ,
             Moabites
             ,
          
           and
           
             Edomites
             ,
             2
             Chron.
          
           20.
           22
           ,
           23.
           
           And
           so
           he
           threatneth
           to
           do
           with
           the
           
             Egyptians
             ,
             Isai.
          
           19.
           2.
           and
           with
           the
           
             Armies
             of
             Gog
             and
             Magog
             ,
             Ezek.
          
           38.
           21.
           
           The
           like
           whereunto
           we
           read
           of
           in
           
             Pausanias
             ,
          
           
           and
           in
           
             Dionysius
             Halicarnasseus
             .
          
           In
           which
           case
           ,
           wise
           and
           prudent
           men
           ,
           as
           
             Nehemiah
          
           here
           ,
           will
           use
           their
           uttermost
           endeavors
           to
           heal
           
             breaches
             ,
          
           to
           close
           up
           
             divisions
             ,
          
           to
           prevent
           
             mistakes
             ,
          
           to
           finde
           out
           
             expedients
             ,
          
           wherein
           all
           may
           readily
           agree
           ,
           for
           the
           preventing
           of
           those
           evils
           ,
           which
           
             differences
          
           of
           judgment
           ,
           if
           not
           timely
           cured
           ,
           may
           be
           likely
           to
           produce
           .
           In
           which
           case
           ,
           there
           is
           nothing
           more
           conducent
           then
           mutual
           
             mildeness
             ,
             meekness
             ,
          
           and
           
             condescension
             .
          
           So
           
             Abraham
          
           healed
           the
           breach
           which
           was
           going
           to
           be
           made
           between
           
             a
          
           his
           family
           ,
           
           and
           the
           family
           of
           
             Lot
          
           his
           Kinsman
           ,
           
             Gen.
          
           13.
           17
           ,
           8.
           
           Therefore
           
             Rulers
          
           are
           called
           
             Healers
             ,
             Isai.
          
           3.
           7.
           
           And
           so
           
             Christ
          
           is
           described
           as
           a
           
             binder
          
           up
           ,
           and
           a
           strengthner
           ,
           
             Ezek.
          
           34.
           16.
           
           And
           
             Moses
             ,
          
           the
           first
           Ruler
           
           which
           
             God
          
           chose
           for
           his
           people
           ,
           was
           the
           
             meekest
             man
             alive
             ,
             Numb.
          
           12.
           3.
           
           Certainly
           
             meekness
          
           is
           a
           very
           great
           
             ornament
             ,
          
           and
           a
           very
           great
           
             instrument
             of
             power
             .
          
           We
           may
           think
           that
           we
           shew
           our
           
             power
          
           by
           our
           stiffness
           and
           inflexibleness
           ;
           but
           it
           is
           a
           great
           
             evidence
             of
             power
          
           to
           be
           of
           an
           
             yeelding
          
           and
           a
           
             meek
             disposition
             .
          
           It
           shews
           ,
           first
           ,
           a
           great
           power
           which
           a
           
           man
           hath
           
             over
             his
             own
             spirit
             ,
          
           which
           is
           a
           work
           of
           more
           power
           sometimes
           then
           the
           taking
           of
           a
           City
           ,
           
             Prov.
          
           16.
           32.
           
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           shews
           great
           humility
           ,
           and
           self-denial
           ,
           when
           as
           the
           
             Apostle
          
           speaks
           ,
           
             Nothing
             is
             done
             through
             strife
             ,
             or
             vain-glory
             ,
             but
             in
             lowliness
             of
             minde
             ,
             each
             esteemeth
             other
             better
             then
             themselves
             ,
             Phil.
          
           2.
           3.
           
           And
           
             do
             mutually
             submit
             unto
             one
             another
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             God
             ,
             Ephes.
             5.
             21.
             1
             Pet.
          
           5.
           5.
           
           And
           
             in
             honor
             prefer
             one
             another
             ,
             Rom.
          
           12.
           10.
           
           The
           
             Apostle
          
           made
           himself
           
             a
             servant
             to
             all
             ,
          
           and
           studied
           to
           please
           all
           for
           their
           good
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
             9.
             19
             ,
             22.
             
             Faciet
             sapiens
             ,
          
           said
           
             Seneca
             ,
             &
             quae
             non
             probavit
             ,
             ut
          
           
           
             ad
             majora
             transitum
             inveniat
             .
          
           A
           wise
           man
           will
           sometimes
           deny
           his
           own
           judgment
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           a
           greater
           
             good
             .
          
           And
           it
           is
           an
           excellent
           
             direction
          
           of
           
             Hilary
             ,
             Ex
             alienis
             utilitatibus
             placere
             ,
             nec
             offendere
          
           
           
             ex
             propriis
             .
          
           To
           be
           ready
           to
           make
           it
           appear
           unto
           other
           men
           ,
           that
           I
           am
           more
           desirous
           to
           please
           them
           upon
           the
           accompt
           of
           their
           profit
           ,
           then
           to
           offend
           them
           upon
           the
           accompt
           of
           mine
           own
           .
           
             Istae
             cogitationes
          
           
           
             deprimentes
             superbiam
             ,
             &
             tenentes
             charitatem
             ,
          
           
           
             faciunt
             onera
             fraterna
             invicem
             libentissimè
             sustineri
             ,
          
           saith
           St.
           
             Austin
             .
          
           Thirdly
           ,
           It
           imitates
           the
           example
           of
           
             Christ
             ,
          
           who
           did
           
             not
             look
             on
             his
             own
             things
             ,
          
           but
           
             on
             the
             things
             of
             others
             ,
             Phil.
          
           2.
           4
           ,
           5.
           
           And
           of
           the
           
             Lord
             ,
          
           whom
           
             Moses
          
           besought
           by
           an
           argument
           drawn
           from
           his
           
             power
          
           to
           be
           
             patient
          
           and
           
             long-suffering
          
           unto
           his
           people
           ,
           
             Numb.
          
           14.
           17
           ,
           18.
           
        
         
           We
           have
           seen
           in
           
             Nehemiah
             ,
          
           the
           things
           which
           he
           remembred
           to
           do
           ;
           and
           which
           having
           done
           them
           ,
           he
           beseecheth
           
             God
             to
             remember
             .
          
           And
           though
           the
           words
           seem
           to
           have
           properly
           a
           
             Retrospect
          
           onely
           to
           what
           had
           been
           done
           ,
           yet
           because
           we
           finde
           
             Nehemiah
          
           praying
           when
           he
           began
           these
           
             excellent
             works
             ,
             Chap.
          
           1.
           6
           ,
           11.
           we
           shall
           therefore
           extend
           this
           
             prayer
          
           both
           ways
           ;
           both
           as
           an
           
             humble
             representation
          
           of
           his
           
             own
             sincerity
          
           before
           
             God
             ,
          
           in
           what
           
             he
             had
             done
             ;
          
           and
           likewise
           as
           an
           
             humble
             imploring
          
           of
           being
           remembred
           by
           
             God
             ,
          
           in
           what
           he
           
             should
             further
             do
             .
          
        
         
           For
           the
           former
           of
           these
           
             considerations
             ,
          
           as
           the
           words
           have
           a
           
             Retrospect
          
           to
           what
           he
           had
           already
           done
           ,
           we
           shall
           consider
           them
           under
           a
           double
           notion
           ;
           first
           ,
           as
           the
           
             Comfort
          
           of
           this
           good
           man
           ;
           secondly
           ,
           as
           
             his
             Prayer
             .
          
        
         
           As
           his
           
             Comfort
             ,
          
           he
           reviewed
           and
           looked
           back
           upon
           those
           
             good
             works
          
           which
           
             God
          
           had
           enabled
           him
           to
           do
           ,
           with
           much
           complacency
           and
           
             delight
             .
          
           And
           this
           the
           
             Lord
          
           alloweth
           his
           servants
           to
           do
           :
           For
           though
           in
           some
           respect
           the
           
             Apostle
          
           telleth
           us
           ,
           
             That
             he
             forgat
             the
             things
             behinde
             ,
             Phil.
          
           3.
           13.
           
           As
           not
           esteeming
           his
           
             work
          
           finished
           ,
           or
           his
           
             pace
          
           to
           be
           slackned
           upon
           his
           past
           acquirements
           ,
           yet
           in
           regard
           of
           
           
             comfort
             ,
          
           the
           same
           
             Apostle
          
           doth
           once
           and
           again
           make
           mention
           of
           his
           former
           conscionable
           
             conversation
             ,
          
           as
           matter
           of
           present
           rejoycing
           unto
           him
           ,
           
             Acts
          
           24.
           16.
           2
           
             Cor.
          
           1.
           12.
           1
           
             Thes.
          
           2.
           10.
           2
           
             Tim.
          
           4.
           7
           ,
           8.
           
           So
           did
           
             Job
             ,
             I
             have
             not
             concealed
             the
             words
             of
             the
             holy
             One
             ,
             Job
          
           6.
           10.
           
           The
           conscience
           of
           his
           
             true
             faith
             ,
             worship
             ,
          
           and
           
             constant
             obedience
          
           to
           the
           words
           of
           the
           
             holy
             One
             ,
          
           made
           him
           assured
           of
           
             comfort
          
           in
           his
           death
           ;
           and
           so
           elswhere
           ,
           
             Chap.
          
           23.
           10
           ,
           11
           ,
           12.
           
           &
           
             Chap.
          
           31.
           
           So
           
             Hezekiah
             ,
             Isai.
          
           38.
           3.
           
           Yea
           ,
           
             God
          
           is
           pleased
           to
           mention
           the
           
             good
             works
          
           of
           his
           servants
           for
           their
           comfort
           ,
           
             Job
          
           1.
           8.
           
           
             Joh.
          
           1.
           47.
           
           
             Acts
          
           10.
           4.
           
             Revel.
          
           2.
           2.
           
           And
           he
           hath
           appointed
           
             Officers
          
           on
           purpose
           
             to
             shew
             a
             man
             his
             uprightness
             ,
          
           and
           thereupon
           to
           comfort
           him
           ,
           
             Job
          
           33.
           23
           ,
           26.
           
           And
           hath
           given
           every
           man
           a
           
             conscience
          
           in
           his
           bosom
           ,
           to
           report
           the
           consolations
           of
           the
           
             holy
             Spirit
             ,
          
           unto
           wel-doing
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           a
           
             continual
             feast
          
           within
           him
           ,
           
             Prov.
          
           15.
           15.
           
           As
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           an
           habit
           of
           
             practical
             principles
             ,
          
           so
           it
           
             bindes
          
           us
           ;
           as
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           a
           knowledge
           of
           
             duty
             done
             ,
          
           so
           it
           
             comforts
          
           us
           ,
           1
           
             Joh.
          
           3.
           20.
           
           
             Qui
             facit
             praeceptum
             comparat
             paracletum
             .
          
        
         
           The
           Reasons
           hereof
           are
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           A
           godly
           life
           hath
           
             pardon
          
           of
           failings
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           matter
           of
           
             confidence
             ,
          
           That
           as
           the
           husbandman
           looketh
           on
           his
           Field
           of
           Corn
           with
           joy
           ,
           though
           he
           see
           many
           Weeds
           amongst
           it
           ,
           and
           Chaff
           
           about
           it
           :
           So
           we
           may
           look
           with
           joy
           on
           an
           
             holy
             life
             ,
          
           though
           many
           corruptions
           are
           mixed
           with
           it
           ,
           because
           
             God
          
           doth
           not
           remember
           against
           us
           
             the
             iniquity
             of
             our
             holy
             things
             .
             Pardon
          
           of
           sin
           is
           matter
           
           of
           joy
           ,
           
             Psal.
          
           32.
           1
           ,
           2.
           
           
             Acts
          
           16.
           34.
           
           And
           therefore
           
             mixture
          
           of
           sin
           cannot
           deprive
           of
           it
           ;
           the
           
             Passover
          
           was
           a
           
             Feast
             ,
          
           though
           eaten
           with
           bitter
           Herbs
           ;
           and
           a
           
             good
             Conscience
          
           is
           a
           
             feast
             ,
          
           though
           mingled
           with
           some
           corruptions
           .
           Nothing
           spoiled
           the
           
             Feast
          
           of
           a
           
             Passover
             .
          
           but
           
             Leaven
             ;
          
           and
           nothing
           spoils
           the
           
             Feast
          
           of
           
             Conscience
             ,
          
           but
           
             Hypocrisie
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           A
           godly
           life
           is
           
             Gods
             own
             work
             :
          
           It
           is
           not
           we
           ,
           
           but
           the
           
             Spirit
             of
             God
             which
             worketh
             in
             us
             ,
             Matth.
          
           10.
           20.
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           15.
           10.
           
           
             Phil.
          
           4.
           13.
           
           And
           as
           
             God
          
           reviewed
           his
           own
           works
           with
           special
           delight
           ,
           so
           may
           we
           review
           
             Gods
             works
          
           in
           us
           ,
           with
           comfort
           ●nd
           delight
           :
           This
           the
           
             Prophet
          
           lays
           as
           a
           foundation
           of
           peace
           ,
           
             That
             God
             worketh
             our
             works
             for
             us
             ,
             Isai.
          
           26.
           12.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           
             God
          
           hath
           commanded
           
             comfort
             ,
          
           first
           or
           last
           ,
           to
           wait
           upon
           a
           
             godly
             life
             ,
          
           as
           a
           proper
           adjunct
           thereof
           ,
           
             Isai.
          
           32.
           17.
           
           
             Psal.
          
           119.
           165.
           
           &
           32.
           12.
           
           
             Rom.
          
           14.
           17.
           
           And
           it
           is
           a
           wrong
           to
           
             Gods
          
           own
           appointment
           ,
           when
           we
           have
           taken
           
             in
             godliness
          
           to
           shut
           
             out
             comfort
             .
          
        
         
           4.
           
           A
           
             godly
             life
             honors
             God
             ,
             John
          
           15.
           8.
           
             benefits
             men
             ,
             Tit.
          
           3.
           8.
           
           And
           therefore
           being
           not
           without
           
             Fruit
             ,
          
           it
           is
           not
           without
           a
           foundation
           of
           
             comfort
             .
          
           When
           a
           man
           can
           say
           ,
           I
           have
           finished
           my
           course
           ,
           served
           my
           generation
           ,
           adorned
           the
           
             Gospel
             ,
          
           these
           and
           these
           are
           the
           better
           for
           me
           :
           I
           have
           not
           lived
           like
           an
           
             empty
             Vine
             ,
          
           as
           an
           unprofitable
           burden
           of
           the
           Earth
           ;
           but
           
             Gods
             end
          
           hath
           been
           my
           end
           ,
           and
           his
           
             service
          
           my
           work
           ;
           this
           will
           cause
           the
           
             face
             to
             shine
             ,
          
           and
           the
           
             heart
             to
             rejoyce
             .
          
        
         
           Every
           man
           would
           willingly
           live
           and
           die
           comfortably
           ;
           
           no
           way
           so
           to
           do
           ,
           but
           to
           lay
           up
           a
           foundation
           of
           comfort
           in
           an
           
             holy
             Conversation
             .
          
           A
           wicked
           man
           would
           gladly
           
             forget
             himself
             ,
          
           and
           run
           away
           from
           himself
           ,
           
             Hoc
             se
             quisque
             modo
             semper
             fugit
             .
          
           
           He
           cannot
           look
           
             backward
          
           or
           
             inward
          
           upon
           himself
           ,
           without
           guilt
           and
           horror
           .
           It
           was
           therefore
           good
           counsel
           of
           an
           old
           
             Rabbi
             ,
             Ne
             sis
             impius
             coram
             teipso
             .
          
           Be
           not
           wicked
           in
           thine
           own
           sight
           ,
           learn
           to
           reverence
           thy
           Conscience
           .
           
             Cor
             bonum
             bonus
             socius
             ,
          
           No
           such
           good
           Company
           as
           a
           good
           Conscience
           ;
           a
           man
           may
           then
           dare
           to
           be
           acquainted
           with
           himself
           ,
           as
           some
           men
           have
           written
           the
           
             History
          
           of
           their
           own
           lives
           .
           A
           
             Leaper
          
           cares
           not
           much
           for
           a
           Looking-glass
           ,
           because
           he
           shall
           see
           by
           it
           nothing
           but
           his
           own
           deformity
           .
           A
           
             Bankrupt
          
           cannot
           abide
           to
           cast
           up
           his
           accompts
           ,
           because
           he
           shall
           finde
           himself
           so
           much
           worse
           then
           nothing
           .
           But
           he
           that
           hath
           led
           an
           
             holy
             life
             ,
          
           is
           like
           a
           man
           which
           hath
           travelled
           over
           a
           
             beautiful
             valley
             ,
          
           and
           being
           on
           the
           top
           of
           the
           
             Hill
             ,
          
           turneth
           about
           with
           delight
           to
           take
           a
           view
           of
           it
           again
           .
        
         
           But
           may
           a
           man
           so
           look
           back
           on
           a
           
             godly
             life
             ,
          
           as
           to
           put
           
             confidence
          
           in
           the
           good
           work
           thereof
           ?
           For
           answer
           hereunto
           ,
           we
           are
           to
           distinguish
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           
             Inter
             rationem
             condignitatis
             ,
             &
             rationem
             ordinis
             :
          
           Between
           the
           
             merit
          
           deserving
           a
           
             Reward
             ,
          
           which
           we
           deny
           ;
           and
           the
           
             order
          
           and
           
             consequence
          
           which
           
             God
          
           hath
           put
           between
           a
           
             good
             work
          
           and
           the
           
             reward
             ,
          
           making
           this
           
             mercifully
             ,
          
           but
           yet
           
             certainty
          
           to
           follow
           the
           other
           ,
           
             Psal.
          
           19.
           11.
           
           
             Prov.
          
           11.
           18.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           
             Inter
             causam
             essendi
             &
             cognoscends
             :
          
           Between
           
           the
           
             cause
          
           of
           
             confidence
             à
             priori
             ,
          
           and
           the
           
             Arguments
          
           whereby
           to
           know
           it
           
             a
             posteriori
             .
          
        
         
           Our
           
             good
             works
          
           are
           not
           either
           the
           
             merits
          
           or
           
             cause
          
           of
           our
           confidence
           or
           comfort
           ,
           but
           onely
           the
           
             Free-grace
          
           of
           
             God
             ,
          
           and
           
             perfect
             Righteousness
          
           of
           
             Christ
          
           bestowed
           upon
           us
           ;
           yet
           from
           a
           
             good
             conscience
          
           and
           an
           
             holy
             conversation
             ,
          
           as
           from
           Fruits
           and
           Effects
           of
           
             Divine
             love
          
           and
           
             grace
             ,
          
           we
           may
           draw
           arguments
           of
           comfort
           :
           
             For
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             strong
             confidence
             ,
             Prov.
          
           14.
           26.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           These
           words
           as
           they
           bear
           a
           
             retrospect
          
           unto
           
             Nehemiah's
          
           former
           
             actions
             ,
          
           are
           likewise
           considerable
           as
           a
           
             Prayer
             ,
             Think
             upon
             me
             for
             good
             .
          
           And
           so
           good
           men
           that
           have
           done
           much
           service
           unto
           the
           
             Church
             of
             God
             ,
          
           should
           pray
           to
           be
           
             remembred
          
           by
           
             God
          
           in
           
             favor
          
           and
           
             mercy
             :
          
           And
           this
           
             Prayer
          
           is
        
         
           1.
           
           For
           
             Acceptation
          
           both
           with
           
             God
             ,
          
           and
           with
           his
           people
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           the
           
             Lord
          
           will
           be
           pleased
           to
           approve
           of
           our
           poor
           endeavors
           to
           serve
           him
           ,
           and
           smell
           a
           
             savor
          
           of
           rest
           in
           our
           
             oblations
             ,
          
           that
           he
           will
           let
           us
           know
           that
           he
           is
           well
           pleased
           with
           what
           we
           have
           done
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           eat
           and
           drink
           with
           joy
           ,
           when
           
             God
             accepteth
             of
             our
             works
             ,
          
           as
           the
           Wise
           man
           speaks
           ,
           
             Eccles.
          
           9.
           7.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           That
           the
           
             Lord
          
           will
           make
           our
           works
           acceptable
           to
           his
           people
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           said
           of
           
             David
             ,
             That
             what
             soever
             he
             did
             ,
             pleased
             all
             the
             people
             ,
             2
             Sam.
          
           3.
           36.
           
           And
           of
           
             Mordecai
             ,
             That
             he
             was
             accepted
             of
             the
             multitude
             of
             his
             Brethren
             ,
             Esth.
          
           10.
           3.
           
           And
           so
           
             Paul
          
           prayed
           ,
           
             That
             his
             service
             towards
          
           Jerusalem
           
             might
             be
             accepted
             of
             the
             Saints
             ,
          
           Rom.
           15.
           31.
           
        
         
         
           2.
           
           For
           
             Condonation
             ;
          
           for
           since
           no
           good
           works
           of
           ours
           do
           bear
           proportion
           to
           the
           rigor
           and
           exactness
           of
           the
           
             Law
             of
             God
             ,
          
           but
           that
           
             all
             our
             righteousness
          
           is
           as
           a
           menstruous
           cloth
           ,
           
             Isai.
             64.
             6.
             
             Omnis
             nostra
             humilis
             justitia
             ,
             recta
             forsan
             ,
             sed
             non
             pura
             ,
          
           saith
           
             Bernard
             :
          
           And
           since
           the
           
             Lord
          
           appointed
           
             Aaron
          
           
           as
           a
           type
           of
           
             Christ
             ,
             to
             bear
             the
             iniquity
             of
             the
             holy
             things
             of
             his
             people
             ,
             Exod.
          
           28.
           38.
           we
           must
           therefore
           confess
           with
           St.
           
             Austin
             ,
          
           that
           our
           
             righteousness
          
           
           here
           consisteth
           ▪
           
             Potius
             in
             remissione
             peccatorum
             quàm
             in
             perfectione
             virtutum
             .
          
           As
           therefore
           
             Job
          
           professeth
           ,
           
             If
             I
             say
             I
             am
             perfect
             ,
             mine
             own
             mouth
             shall
             prove
             me
             perverse
             ,
             Job
          
           9.
           20.
           
           And
           
             David
             ,
             Enter
             not
             into
             judgment
             with
             thy
             servant
             ,
             for
             in
             thy
             sight
             no
             flesh
             living
             shall
             be
             justified
             ,
             Psal.
          
           143.
           2.
           
           And
           
             Paul
             ,
             Though
             I
             know
             nothing
             by
             self
             ,
             yet
             am
             I
             not
             thereby
             justified
             ,
             1
             Cor.
          
           4.
           4.
           
           So
           this
           holy
           man
           
             Nehemiah
          
           prays
           to
           be
           
             spared
             ,
          
           as
           well
           as
           
           to
           be
           remembred
           ,
           as
           knowing
           that
           the
           
             reward
             is
             of
             mercy
             ,
          
           and
           not
           of
           
             debt
             .
          
           
             a
          
           It
           was
           a
           sweet
           and
           golden
           confession
           which
           
             Bernard
          
           made
           ,
           when
           he
           thought
           himself
           to
           be
           at
           the
           point
           of
           death
           :
           
             I
             confess
             ,
          
           said
           he
           ,
           
             I
             am
             not
             worthy
             ,
             I
             have
             no
             merits
             of
             mine
             own
             to
             obtain
             Heaven
             by
             :
             But
             my
             Lord
             had
             a
             double
             right
             thereunto
             ,
             an
             hereditary
             right
             as
             a
             son
             ,
             a
             meritorious
             right
             as
             a
             Sacrifice
             :
             He
             was
             contented
             with
             the
             one
             right
             himself
             ,
             the
             other
             right
             he
             hath
             given
             unto
             me
             ;
             by
             the
             vertue
             of
             which
             gift
             I
             do
             rightfully
             lay
             claim
             unto
             it
             ,
             and
             am
             not
             confounded
             .
          
        
         
         
           3.
           
           For
           
             Vindication
          
           against
           the
           misconstruction
           of
           perverse
           men
           .
           
             Nehemiah
          
           had
           many
           and
           great
           adversaries
           ,
           who
           raised
           false
           rumors
           upon
           him
           ,
           and
           were
           likely
           to
           misrepresent
           all
           that
           he
           did
           ,
           as
           the
           
             Psalmist
          
           complained
           of
           his
           enemies
           ,
           
             That
             they
             wrested
             his
             words
             ,
             Psal.
          
           56.
           5.
           
           So
           did
           the
           enemies
           of
           
             Nehemiah
          
           put
           perverse
           constructions
           upon
           his
           worthy
           actions
           ,
           
             Nehe.
          
           6.
           6
           ,
           14.
           
           And
           therefore
           he
           prays
           unto
           
             God
             to
             remember
             him
             ,
          
           and
           to
           strengthen
           him
           ;
           
             to
             remember
             them
             ,
          
           and
           to
           rebuke
           them
           ,
           
             Vers
             .
          
           9
           ,
           14.
           
        
         
           In
           great
           services
           we
           have
           all
           reason
           to
           minde
           these
           three
           things
           ;
           to
           beg
           of
           
             God
          
           pardon
           for
           our
           
             failings
             ;
          
           acceptance
           of
           our
           
             services
             ;
          
           vindication
           of
           our
           
             innocency
             ,
          
           and
           rebuke
           of
           our
           
             adversaries
             .
          
        
         
           Now
           because
           
             Nehemiah
             ,
          
           as
           a
           Governor
           ,
           had
           work
           still
           to
           do
           ;
           therefore
           we
           may
           allow
           this
           
             Prayer
          
           a
           
             Prospect
             forward
          
           in
           relation
           to
           
             actions
          
           which
           he
           was
           to
           do
           :
           And
           they
           serve
           for
           special
           
             instruction
          
           unto
           us
           ,
           upon
           that
           accompt
           ;
           For
           besides
           that
           ,
           the
           
             Prayer
          
           as
           to
           these
           
             actions
             ,
          
           may
           take
           in
           the
           three
           former
           particulars
           ,
           of
           
             acceptance
             ,
             pardon
          
           and
           
             vindication
             .
          
           There
           are
           three
           things
           more
           which
           may
           be
           comprised
           in
           it
           under
           that
           aspect
           :
           It
           is
           a
           
             Prayer
             .
          
        
         
           1.
           
           For
           counsel
           and
           direction
           ,
           
             Remember
             me
             to
          
           
           
             teach
             me
             .
          
           I
           have
           
             great
          
           and
           
             weighty
             businesses
          
           go
           through
           my
           
             hand
          
           and
           
             care
             ;
          
           I
           am
           subject
           to
           
             errors
          
           and
           
             mistakes
             ;
          
           one
           miscarriage
           of
           mine
           might
           
             open
             the
             mouthes
          
           of
           many
           to
           reproach
           me
           ,
           might
           sadden
           the
           
             hearts
          
           of
           many
           who
           love
           and
           honor
           me
           ,
           might
           be
           of
           
             dangerous
             consequence
          
           to
           all
           thy
           people
           ;
           
           
             Remember
             me
          
           therefore
           to
           teach
           me
           ,
           shew
           me
           the
           way
           wherein
           thou
           wouldst
           have
           me
           to
           go
           ;
           let
           not
           
             mine
             ignorance
          
           betray
           me
           to
           dishonor
           thee
           ,
           or
           to
           inconvenience
           thy
           people
           .
           So
           
             David
          
           prayed
           ,
           
             Make
             thy
             way
             strait
             before
             my
             face
             ,
          
           Psal.
           5.
           8.
           
           
             Cause
             me
             to
             know
             the
             way
             wherein
             I
             should
             walk
             ,
          
           Psal.
           143.
           8.
           
           So
           
             Solomon
             ,
             I
             am
             but
             a
             childe
             ,
             I
             know
             not
             how
             to
          
           
           
             go
             out
             or
             come
             in
             :
             Give
             me
             therefore
             an
             understanding
             heart
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             discern
             between
             good
             and
             bad
             ;
             For
             who
             is
             able
             to
             judge
             this
             thy
             so
             great
             a
             people
             ?
             1
             King.
          
           3.
           8
           ,
           9.
           
           The
           
             greater
             the
             actions
          
           are
           which
           we
           undertake
           ,
           the
           
             greater
             need
          
           we
           have
           to
           
             implore
             wisdom
          
           for
           the
           direction
           of
           them
           ;
           Even
           
             wisdom
          
           
           to
           
             plough
             and
             sowe
          
           is
           ascribed
           unto
           
             God
             ,
             Isai.
          
           28.
           24
           ,
           29.
           
           How
           much
           more
           necessary
           is
           it
           in
           profound
           and
           abstruse
           actions
           to
           implore
           his
           
             guidance
             ?
          
        
         
           2.
           
           For
           
             Assistance
             ;
          
           for
           when
           we
           know
           what
           to
           do
           ,
           we
           have
           weak
           hearts
           and
           weak
           hands
           ,
           apt
           to
           be
           discouraged
           ,
           apt
           to
           flag
           and
           hang
           down
           ,
           except
           he
           be
           pleased
           to
           animate
           and
           strengthen
           them
           ,
           and
           as
           he
           hath
           promised
           ,
           that
           he
           
             will
             hold
             our
             hand
          
           that
           it
           may
           not
           miscarry
           ,
           
             Isai.
          
           42.
           6.
           
           We
           must
           all
           say
           as
           
             Nehemiah
          
           did
           ,
           
             Strengthen
             thou
             our
          
           
           
             hands
             ,
             Chap.
          
           6.
           9.
           
           As
           
             Jehoshaphat
          
           did
           ,
           
             We
             have
             no
             might
             ,
             we
             know
             not
             what
             to
             do
             ,
             2
             Chron.
          
           20.
           12.
           
           And
           therefore
           
             our
             eyes
             are
             upon
             God
             ;
          
           He
           it
           is
           
             that
             girdeth
             with
             strength
             ,
             Psal.
          
           18.
           39.
           
           It
           is
           not
           we
           that
           do
           any
           thing
           ,
           
             but
             the
             grace
             of
             God
          
           which
           is
           with
           us
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
             15.
             10.
             
             Phil.
             4.
             12
             ,
             13.
             
             Isai.
          
           26.
           12.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           For
           
             Success
             ;
          
           for
           when
           we
           are
           
             taught
             ,
          
           and
           when
           we
           are
           
             strengthned
             ,
          
           yet
           still
           we
           must
           wait
           
           upon
           
             God
          
           for
           his
           
             blessing
             .
          
           We
           by
           his
           
             help
          
           may
           do
           our
           works
           ,
           but
           he
           reserveth
           it
           to
           himself
           as
           his
           
             peculiar
             work
          
           to
           impart
           the
           
             blessing
             :
          
           We
           may
           draw
           the
           Patent
           ,
           but
           the
           
             Prince
          
           onely
           can
           command
           the
           Seal
           ,
           and
           make
           it
           thereby
           
             valid
          
           and
           
             effectual
             ,
             Psal.
             127.
             1
             ,
             2.
             
             Paul
          
           and
           
             Apollo
          
           can
           onely
           
             plant
          
           and
           
             water
             ,
          
           but
           the
           
             increase
          
           is
           from
           
             God
          
           alone
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
             3.
             6.
             
             The
             race
             is
             not
             to
             the
             swift
             ,
             nor
             the
             battel
             to
             the
             strong
             ,
          
           
           
             &c.
             
          
           But
           the
           
             power
          
           and
           
             providence
             of
             God
          
           over-ruleth
           all
           ,
           
             Eccles.
          
           9.
           11.
           
           And
           when
           he
           pleaseth
           ,
           an
           handful
           of
           men
           shall
           discomfit
           a
           mighty
           host
           ,
           as
           
             Gideon
          
           did
           the
           
             Midianites
          
           with
           Three
           hundred
           men
           :
           And
           fewer
           then
           Ten
           thousand
           
             Grecians
          
           did
           vanquish
           an
           army
           of
           Three
           hundred
           thousand
           
             Persians
             ,
          
           in
           the
           famous
           battel
           at
           
             Marathon
             ,
          
           as
           
             Pausanias
          
           
           and
           
             Valerius
             Maximus
          
           give
           the
           numbers
           .
        
         
           Now
           lastly
           ,
           with
           relation
           unto
           all
           
             performances
          
           which
           he
           had
           ,
           or
           should
           dispatch
           ,
           so
           this
           
             Prayer
          
           is
           a
           Petition
           for
           that
           
             gracious
             Reward
          
           which
           the
           
             Lord
          
           is
           mercifully
           pleased
           to
           encourage
           his
           
             services
          
           by
           ,
           in
           those
           great
           and
           difficult
           works
           whereunto
           he
           calleth
           them
           ,
           whereby
           not
           his
           servants
           onely
           but
           
             his
             own
             Son
             ,
          
           have
           been
           animated
           to
           endure
           
             sufferings
          
           and
           to
           
             despise
             shame
             ,
             Heb.
          
           11.
           26.
           
           &
           12.
           2.
           
           For
           the
           
             expected
             promises
          
           do
           awaken
           our
           
             patience
          
           in
           the
           
             Lords
          
           work
           ,
           
             Heb.
             10.
             36.
             2
             Cor.
          
           7.
           1.
           
           The
           
             Apostle
          
           pressed
           
             forward
             to
             the
             price
             ,
             Phil.
             3.
             14.
             
             Fought
             his
             fight
             ,
             finished
             his
             course
             ,
             kept
             the
             faith
             ,
          
           in
           pursuance
           of
           that
           
             Crown
             of
             Righteousness
          
           which
           was
           
             set
             before
             him
             ,
             2
             Tim.
          
           4.
           8.
           
           For
           
             in
             keeping
             the
             Commandments
             ,
             there
             is
             a
             great
             Reward
             ,
             Psal.
          
           19.
           11.
           
        
         
         
           And
           this
           indeed
           is
           matter
           of
           
             comfort
          
           and
           
             encouragement
          
           unto
           us
           ,
           that
           though
           the
           works
           which
           we
           are
           to
           do
           ,
           are
           difficult
           ,
           and
           we
           have
           
             withdrawing
             hearts
             ,
          
           and
           
             weak
             hands
             ,
          
           and
           
             fainting
             spirits
             ,
          
           and
           
             potent
             enemies
             ,
          
           and
           
             strong
             temptations
             ,
          
           and
           having
           conflicted
           with
           all
           these
           ,
           may
           haply
           lose
           our
           thanks
           with
           men
           ,
           and
           possibly
           be
           rewarded
           with
           hatred
           and
           ill-will
           ;
           yet
           we
           work
           for
           a
           
             Master
          
           who
           
             remembers
             all
             ,
          
           who
           keeps
           an
           accompt
           of
           but
           a
           
             cup
          
           
           
             of
             cold
             water
             ,
          
           which
           is
           given
           to
           him
           in
           any
           of
           his
           
             poor
             servants
             .
          
           If
           a
           
             Raven
          
           feed
           his
           
             Prophet
             ;
          
           if
           
             Dogs
          
           
           lick
           the
           sres
           of
           
             Lazarus
             ;
          
           if
           
             Rotten
             rags
          
           draw
           
             Jeremy
          
           from
           a
           
             Dungeon
             ;
          
           if
           a
           
             broken
             Potsherd
          
           stand
           
             Job
          
           in
           any
           stead
           in
           his
           
             afflictions
             ;
          
           if
           a
           
             Basket
          
           be
           a
           
           means
           to
           deliver
           
             Paul
             ,
          
           or
           
             Stalks
          
           of
           
             Flax
          
           to
           hide
           
           the
           
             Spies
          
           of
           
             Israel
             ;
          
           if
           the
           
             cover
          
           of
           a
           
             Well
          
           do
           protect
           
             Davids
          
           Intelligencers
           ,
           if
           
             spread
             Garments
          
           and
           
             broken
             Boughs
          
           contribute
           any
           thing
           towards
           the
           
             honor
             of
             Christ
             ,
          
           there
           shall
           be
           a
           
             Record
          
           kept
           ,
           and
           an
           
             honorable
             Mention
          
           made
           of
           the
           
             services
          
           even
           of
           these
           
             inanimate
             Creatures
             .
          
           O
           what
           a
           good
           
             Lord
          
           
           do
           we
           serve
           ,
           who
           keeps
           a
           
             Book
          
           for
           our
           
             sighs
             ,
          
           a
           
             Bottle
          
           for
           our
           
             tears
             ,
          
           a
           
             Register
          
           for
           but
           two
           
             Mites
          
           cast
           
           into
           his
           
             Treasurie
             ?
          
           Who
           keeps
           a
           
             Record
          
           of
           gleaning
           of
           
             Barley
             ,
          
           dipping
           in
           
             Vinegar
             ,
          
           of
           a
           
             Cake
             of
             Meal
             ,
          
           of
           a
           
             Table
             ,
          
           a
           
             Stool
             ,
          
           and
           a
           
             Candlestick
             ,
          
           and
           esteemeth
           himself
           a
           
             debtor
          
           for
           such
           poor
           things
           ,
           as
           men
           scarce
           value
           for
           
             ordinary
             courtesies
             ?
          
           Who
           would
           not
           put
           forth
           all
           his
           strength
           in
           the
           service
           of
           such
           a
           
             Lord
             ,
          
           who
           takes
           notice
           of
           the
           least
           that
           that
           can
           be
           done
           ,
           who
           rendreth
           
             Robes
          
           for
           
             Rags
             ,
             Crowns
          
           for
           
             Crums
             ,
          
           turns
           our
           
             Water
          
           into
           
             Wine
             ,
          
           
           gives
           a
           
             weight
             of
             glory
          
           for
           
             light
             afflictions
             ,
          
           and
           
             eternal
             wages
          
           for
           a
           little
           
             momentary
             service
             ?
          
        
         
           Now
           in
           that
           this
           
             good
             man
          
           doth
           as
           often
           as
           he
           makes
           this
           
             Prayer
             ,
          
           make
           mention
           of
           
             God
          
           as
           
             his
             God
             ,
             Remember
             me
             ,
             O
             my
             God
             :
          
           We
           may
           from
           thence
           certainly
           infer
           ,
           that
           by
           this
           consideration
           he
           had
           been
           greatly
           animated
           in
           his
           
             undertakings
             ,
          
           by
           the
           which
           he
           was
           so
           much
           comforted
           in
           the
           review
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           encouraged
           to
           pray
           for
           a
           
             merciful
             reward
          
           unto
           them
           .
           And
           this
           leadeth
           us
           unto
           Three
           
             Observations
             ,
          
           which
           I
           shall
           but
           name
           .
        
         
           I.
           That
           a
           
             sound
             faith
          
           and
           
             particular
             interest
          
           in
           
             God
          
           as
           
             our
             God
             ,
          
           is
           a
           
             special
             principle
          
           to
           quicken
           us
           in
           
             great
          
           and
           
             honorable
             undertakings
             .
          
           It
           set
           
             Nehemiah
          
           at
           first
           to
           improve
           his
           
             relation
          
           unto
           the
           King
           of
           
             Persia
          
           for
           the
           good
           of
           his
           people
           ,
           and
           the
           City
           
             Jerusalem
             ,
             Nehem.
          
           1.
           11.
           
           &
           2.
           4
           ,
           8.
           
           And
           by
           the
           same
           
             Argument
          
           he
           encouraged
           the
           people
           to
           
             valor
          
           and
           
             resolution
             ,
             Nehe.
          
           4.
           20.
           
           The
           
             Church
          
           professeth
           ,
           
             That
             in
             the
             name
             of
             their
             God
             they
             would
             set
             up
             their
             Banners
             ,
             Psal.
             20.
             5.
             
             David
          
           went
           unarmed
           in
           the
           confidence
           of
           that
           name
           against
           
             Goliah
             ,
          
           because
           
             God
          
           was
           
             the
             God
             of
             the
             hosts
             of
          
           Israel
           ,
           1
           
             Sam.
          
           17.
           45.
           
           In
           all
           their
           
             marches
          
           and
           
             motions
          
           in
           the
           
             Wilderness
             ,
          
           this
           was
           their
           
             comfort
             ,
          
           That
           they
           had
           a
           
             God
          
           which
           went
           before
           them
           as
           their
           
             Captain
             ,
          
           who
           was
           able
           to
           scatter
           all
           their
           enemies
           ,
           
             Num.
             10.
             35
             ,
             36.
             
             Psal.
          
           68.
           7
           ,
           8.
           
           In
           this
           confidence
           
             Asa
          
           and
           
             Jehoshaphat
          
           applied
           themselves
           to
           
             God
             as
             their
             God
             ,
          
           and
           went
           on
           with
           courage
           and
           comfort
           against
           huge
           armies
           of
           enemies
           ,
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           14.
           11.
           
           &
           20.
           6
           ,
           7
           ,
           
           11
           ,
           12.
           
           By
           this
           faith
           ,
           
             Gideon
             ,
             Barak
             ,
             Sampson
             ,
             Jephthah
             ,
             David
             ,
             subdued
             Kingdoms
             ,
             obtained
             Promises
             ,
             stopped
             the
             mouths
             of
             Lions
             ,
             quenched
             the
             violence
             of
             the
             fire
             ,
             escaped
             the
             edge
             of
             the
             Sword
             ,
             out
             of
             weakness
             were
             made
             strong
             ,
             waxed
             valiant
             in
             fight
             ,
             &c.
             
             Heb.
          
           11.
           32
           ,
           34.
           
        
         
           1.
           
           Faith
           is
           an
           
             active
          
           and
           
             working
             grace
             ;
             Remembring
          
           
           
             your
             work
             of
             faith
             ,
          
           saith
           the
           
             Apostle
             ,
             1
             Thes.
          
           1.
           3.
           
           It
           will
           not
           let
           men
           be
           
             idle
             or
             unfruitful
             ,
             2
             Pet.
          
           1.
           8.
           
           It
           knows
           what
           a
           
             back
          
           and
           
             strength
          
           it
           hath
           in
           the
           truth
           and
           power
           of
           
             God
             ,
          
           through
           whom
           
             it
             can
             do
             all
             things
             ,
             Phil.
          
           4.
           13.
           
           And
           thereupon
           what
           it
           findeth
           to
           do
           ,
           it
           doth
           with
           its
           might
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           It
           is
           an
           
             Heroical
             grace
             ,
          
           as
           the
           
             Philosopher
          
           saith
           of
           
             Wisdom
             ,
          
           That
           it
           is
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           the
           knowledge
           of
           the
           most
           
             honorable
             things
             ;
          
           so
           we
           may
           say
           of
           
             Faith
             ,
          
           That
           it
           undertaketh
           the
           most
           
             honorable
             things
             ,
          
           eyeth
           
             great
             objects
             ,
          
           pursueth
           
             great
             ends
             ,
          
           looketh
           upon
           
             all
             things
             as
             possible
             ,
             Mark
          
           9.
           23.
           and
           therefore
           is
           not
           dismayed
           at
           any
           .
           What
           an
           
             Heroical
             Faith
          
           was
           that
           of
           
             Joshuah
             ,
          
           whereby
           he
           prevailed
           with
           
             God
          
           in
           
             Prayer
          
           to
           stop
           the
           course
           of
           the
           
             Sun
          
           and
           
             Moon
             ,
          
           while
           
             Israel
          
           was
           avenged
           on
           their
           enemies
           ?
           
             Josh.
          
           10.
           12.
           
           And
           though
           
             Ordinary
             Faith
          
           be
           not
           a
           
             Faith
             of
             miracles
             ,
          
           yet
           it
           hath
           a
           
             nobleness
          
           and
           a
           
             greatness
          
           in
           it
           ,
           whereby
           it
           can
           in
           the
           assurance
           of
           its
           
             interest
             in
             God
             ,
          
           set
           upon
           
             great
             actions
          
           which
           are
           conformable
           unto
           his
           
             Will
             .
          
        
         
           3.
           
           It
           is
           a
           
             valiant
          
           and
           
             victorious
             Grace
             ,
          
           is
           not
           afraid
           of
           Men
           or
           Devils
           when
           it
           hath
           made
           sure
           of
           
             God
             .
          
           It
           
             quencheth
          
           the
           
             fiery
             darts
             of
             Satan
             ;
          
           it
           
           
             overcomes
             the
             world
             :
          
           One
           
             David
          
           having
           
             God
          
           for
           his
           
             God
          
           was
           not
           afraid
           of
           Ten
           thousand
           of
           Armies
           of
           men
           ,
           
             Psal.
             3.
             6.
             
             &
          
           27.
           3.
           
           By
           his
           
             God
             ,
             he
             can
             run
             through
             a
             Troop
             ,
          
           and
           
             leap
             over
             a
             Wall
             ,
          
           and
           
             break
             a
             Bow
             of
             Steel
             ,
             Psal.
          
           18.
           29.
           
           Nothing
           is
           invincible
           to
           
             Faith
             ,
          
           it
           can
           
             level
             Mountains
             ,
             Zach.
          
           4.
           7.
           
           It
           can
           
           
             more
             then
             conquer
          
           greatest
           difficulties
           ,
           
             Rom.
          
           8.
           35
           ,
           37.
           
           As
           one
           man
           by
           an
           
             Engine
          
           may
           
             move
             Bodies
             ,
          
           which
           an
           hundred
           without
           it
           could
           not
           stir
           ;
           so
           by
           the
           
             Engine
             of
             Faith
             ,
          
           things
           are
           many
           times
           effected
           ,
           which
           to
           
             sense
          
           and
           
             reason
          
           do
           seem
           impossible
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           It
           is
           a
           
             Patient
             Grace
             ;
          
           it
           is
           not
           discouraged
           with
           every
           
             obstacle
             ,
          
           nor
           dismayed
           with
           every
           
             terriculament
             ,
          
           nor
           wearied
           with
           every
           
             encounter
             ;
          
           but
           like
           
             Box
             ,
          
           or
           
             Holly
             ,
          
           and
           such
           other
           
             Trees
             ,
          
           retains
           its
           verdure
           in
           the
           
             Winter
             ,
          
           and
           holds
           out
           amidst
           all
           difficulties
           unto
           the
           
             End
             ,
          
           knows
           how
           near
           the
           
             promised
             mercies
          
           are
           ,
           and
           doth
           chearfully
           press
           forward
           towards
           them
           ;
           says
           with
           those
           in
           the
           
             Prophet
             ,
             Isai.
             25.
             9.
             
             This
             is
             our
             God
             ,
             we
             have
             waited
             for
             him
             ,
             and
             he
             will
             save
             us
             .
             Faith
          
           doth
           not
           suffer
           a
           man
           to
           
             draw
             back
             ,
          
           but
           patiently
           to
           continue
           in
           
             well-doing
             ,
          
           that
           he
           may
           after
           a
           little
           while
           receive
           the
           
             promises
             ,
             Heb.
             10.
             36
             ,
             39.
             
             Rom.
          
           2.
           7.
           
        
         
           5.
           
           It
           is
           a
           
             Praying
             Grace
             ,
          
           can
           in
           every
           exigent
           and
           distress
           call
           down
           invisible
           help
           from
           
             God
             :
          
           And
           none
           go
           with
           more
           vigor
           about
           any
           enterprise
           then
           they
           ,
           who
           being
           
             backed
          
           with
           
             potent
             friends
             ,
          
           and
           having
           
             free-access
          
           unto
           
             great
             Treasures
             ,
          
           are
           able
           in
           any
           extremity
           to
           obtain
           the
           
             concurrent
             counsels
          
           and
           
             succors
          
           of
           others
           ,
           to
           further
           their
           designs
           .
           
           The
           
             Apostle
          
           bids
           us
           by
           
             Faith
          
           to
           ask
           
             wisdom
          
           of
           
             God
             ,
          
           that
           thereby
           
             patience
          
           may
           go
           thorow
           and
           have
           her
           
             perfect
             work
             ,
             Jam.
             1.
             4
             ,
             5
             ,
             6.
             
             God
          
           hath
           honored
           
             Faith
          
           and
           
             Repentance
             ,
          
           in
           the
           
             Gospel
             ,
          
           above
           other
           
             graces
             ,
          
           because
           they
           have
           a
           peculiar
           
             vertue
          
           to
           carry
           us
           out
           of
           our selves
           in
           Prayer
           unto
           
             God
             :
          
           And
           no
           
             graces
          
           do
           more
           promote
           great
           
             actions
          
           then
           
             self-denying
             graces
             ,
          
           when
           men
           have
           
             ends
          
           and
           
             aids
          
           above
           themselves
           .
           
             Carnal
             ends
             ,
             domestical
             interests
             ,
          
           and
           
             private
             affections
             ,
          
           do
           usually
           obstruct
           
             noble
             undertakings
             ;
          
           because
           such
           men
           ,
           as
           soon
           as
           
             storms
          
           arise
           ,
           and
           
             difficulties
          
           shake
           them
           ,
           forsake
           the
           
             proper
          
           and
           
             internal
             merits
          
           of
           the
           
             business
             ,
          
           and
           hold
           or
           alter
           their
           
             resolutions
             ,
          
           according
           as
           their
           own
           
             personal
             hopes
          
           or
           
             fears
          
           do
           dictate
           unto
           them
           .
           And
           therefore
           the
           best
           way
           to
           make
           strong
           and
           steady
           progress
           in
           any
           serious
           employment
           ,
           is
           to
           have
           
             God
             for
             our
             God
             ,
          
           that
           in
           every
           difficulty
           we
           may
           be
           able
           to
           have
           recourse
           unto
           him
           for
           
             counsel
             ,
             wisdom
             ,
             succor
             ,
             support
             ,
          
           and
           may
           be
           
             strong
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             power
             of
             his
             might
             .
          
        
         
           II.
           As
           
             Faith
          
           is
           a
           special
           principle
           of
           
             action
          
           in
           
             great
             undertakings
             ;
          
           so
           it
           is
           a
           special
           ground
           of
           
             comfort
          
           in
           the
           reviewing
           of
           them
           ,
           when
           we
           can
           say
           ,
           In
           this
           
             action
             ,
          
           though
           full
           of
           many
           difficulties
           ,
           yet
           
             Faith
             in
             God
             as
             my
             God
             ,
          
           hath
           upheld
           me
           and
           carried
           me
           through
           it
           to
           the
           end
           :
           I
           have
           undertaken
           it
           not
           in
           mine
           own
           strength
           ,
           nor
           in
           the
           confidence
           of
           mine
           own
           wisdom
           ;
           but
           in
           an
           
             holy
             fear
             ,
          
           and
           
             comfortable
             dependance
          
           upon
           
             God
             ;
          
           I
           have
           aimed
           at
           his
           
             glory
             ,
          
           and
           at
           
             publick
             interest
             ;
          
           I
           have
           not
           immixed
           nor
           interwoven
           in
           it
           ,
           any
           
             carnal
             counsels
             ,
          
           or
           
           
             sinful
             projects
          
           of
           mine
           own
           :
           I
           have
           labored
           to
           keep
           a
           good
           
             conscience
          
           in
           doing
           of
           mine
           own
           
             duty
             ,
          
           and
           have
           cast
           my self
           upon
           his
           
             holy
             providence
          
           for
           the
           
             event
             :
          
           In
           this
           case
           the
           
             Lord
          
           doth
           ordinarily
           return
           such
           an
           answer
           of
           
             peace
          
           to
           
             works
          
           that
           are
           done
           in
           the
           fear
           of
           his
           
             name
             ,
          
           by
           the
           
             rule
          
           of
           his
           
             Word
             ,
          
           in
           the
           
             comfort
          
           of
           his
           
             promises
             ,
          
           and
           with
           submission
           to
           his
           
             providence
             ,
          
           as
           that
           one
           way
           or
           other
           ,
           the
           heart
           shall
           be
           able
           to
           take
           comfort
           in
           it
           :
           For
           
             Faith
          
           is
           a
           
             successful
             grace
             ,
          
           and
           hath
           a
           promise
           of
           
             prospering
             .
             Believe
             in
             the
             Lord
             your
             God
             ,
             so
             shall
             you
             be
             established
             ;
             beleeve
             his
             Prophets
             ,
             so
             shall
             you
             prosper
             ,
             2
             Chron.
          
           20.
           20.
           
           By
           
             Faith
             ,
             Israel
          
           passed
           through
           the
           
             Red
             Sea
             ,
          
           and
           saw
           the
           victory
           of
           their
           
             Faith
          
           in
           the
           ruine
           of
           their
           proud
           enemies
           ,
           
             Exod.
          
           14.
           30
           ,
           31.
           
        
         
           If
           the
           
             Lord
          
           bless
           the
           undertaking
           it self
           ,
           with
           a
           desired
           
             success
             ,
             Faith
          
           hath
           this
           comfort
           ,
           That
           it
           is
           a
           
             blessing
          
           received
           from
           the
           hand
           of
           a
           
             Father
             ,
          
           an
           evidence
           of
           his
           
             love
             ,
          
           an
           accession
           unto
           the
           gift
           of
           his
           
             Son
             ▪
             with
             whom
             he
             freely
             giveth
             all
             other
             things
             .
          
           It
           is
           the
           portion
           which
           
             God
          
           hath
           graciously
           given
           unto
           his
           servant
           ;
           and
           though
           the
           thing
           given
           be
           good
           it self
           ,
           yet
           the
           
             favor
          
           and
           
             blessing
          
           of
           
             God
          
           which
           comes
           along
           with
           it
           ,
           is
           much
           more
           excellent
           ;
           as
           the
           Money
           in
           the
           Mouth
           of
           the
           Fish
           ,
           or
           the
           Pearl
           in
           the
           Body
           of
           the
           Oyster
           is
           more
           precious
           then
           that
           which
           was
           the
           
             vehiculum
          
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           And
           on
           the
           other
           hand
           ,
           if
           the
           
             Lord
          
           suffer
           not
           our
           
             labors
          
           to
           succeed
           ,
           yet
           he
           is
           
             our
             God
          
           himself
           still
           ,
           and
           all
           
             desireable
             good
          
           is
           eminently
           comprised
           
           in
           him
           ,
           who
           is
           a
           
             God
             All-sufficient
             to
             those
             that
             walk
             before
             him
             ,
             and
             are
             upright
             .
          
           Though
           he
           answer
           me
           not
           in
           the
           particular
           ,
           wherein
           I
           waited
           upon
           him
           ,
           he
           ever
           answers
           
             Secundum
             cardinem
             desiderii
             ,
          
           
           in
           such
           a
           way
           as
           is
           better
           for
           me
           :
           Though
           the
           issue
           be
           not
           
             secundum
             voluntatem
             ,
          
           according
           to
           
           my
           will
           ,
           yet
           it
           is
           ever
           
             ad
             utilitatem
             ,
          
           according
           to
           my
           profit
           and
           good
           .
           
             Paul
          
           had
           not
           the
           thing
           he
           expresly
           prayed
           for
           ,
           to
           have
           the
           messenger
           of
           Satan
           depart
           from
           him
           ,
           but
           he
           had
           a
           
             sufficiency
             of
             grace
          
           to
           uphold
           him
           ,
           which
           was
           much
           better
           .
           And
           as
           a
           
             Merchant
          
           is
           not
           angry
           with
           his
           
             Factor
             ,
          
           though
           he
           send
           him
           not
           the
           
             commodities
          
           he
           wrote
           for
           ,
           if
           he
           send
           him
           those
           which
           are
           ten
           times
           more
           beneficial
           ;
           no
           more
           is
           a
           
             believer
          
           displeased
           with
           the
           good
           providence
           of
           
             God
             ,
          
           when
           he
           receives
           in
           answer
           to
           his
           
             labors
          
           and
           
             prayers
             ,
          
           not
           what
           himself
           expected
           ,
           but
           what
           
             God
          
           knew
           much
           better
           for
           him
           .
        
         
           III.
           A
           special
           interest
           
             in
             God
             as
             our
             God
             ,
          
           is
           a
           notable
           argument
           in
           
             Prayer
             ,
          
           for
           the
           obtaining
           of
           a
           
             gracious
             Reward
          
           unto
           our
           sincere
           
             Services
             ;
          
           for
           upon
           this
           ground
           doth
           this
           
             holy
             man
          
           thrice
           desire
           to
           
             be
             remembred
             of
             God
             :
          
           And
           upon
           this
           ground
           did
           our
           
             Saviour
          
           teach
           his
           Disciples
           to
           build
           all
           their
           
             Petitions
          
           by
           calling
           God
           
             Our
             Father
             .
          
           It
           is
           the
           
             Prayer
             of
             Faith
             ,
          
           the
           
             Prayer
          
           of
           a
           
             righteous
             man
          
           that
           is
           effectual
           ,
           
             Jam.
          
           5.
           15
           ,
           16.
           
           For
           the
           
             Lord
          
           will
           not
           hear
           those
           that
           
             regard
             iniquity
             in
             their
             heart
             ,
          
           their
           Prayer
           is
           an
           
             abomination
             ,
             Psal.
          
           66.
           18.
           
           The
           
             Lord
          
           is
           far
           from
           the
           wicked
           ,
           but
           he
           
             heareth
             the
             prayer
             of
             the
             righteous
             ,
             Prov.
          
           15.
           29.
           
        
         
         
           It
           is
           true
           ,
           he
           is
           pleased
           sometimes
           to
           take
           notice
           of
           the
           
             Cries
          
           and
           
             Prayers
          
           of
           
             Nature
             ,
          
           and
           to
           return
           some
           answer
           unto
           them
           ,
           that
           even
           wicked
           men
           may
           know
           that
           it
           is
           not
           in
           vain
           even
           for
           them
           to
           
             seek
             the
             Lord
             ;
          
           and
           therefore
           such
           as
           their
           
             Prayers
          
           are
           ,
           such
           
             returns
          
           he
           is
           pleased
           many
           times
           to
           make
           unto
           them
           .
           So
           
             God
          
           heard
           the
           voice
           of
           
             Ishmael
          
           crying
           for
           Water
           ,
           and
           shewed
           
             Hagar
          
           a
           Well
           ,
           
             Gen.
          
           21.
           17
           ,
           19.
           
           He
           took
           notice
           of
           the
           
             humiliation
          
           of
           
             Ahab
             ,
          
           and
           thereupon
           respited
           the
           
             judgment
          
           which
           he
           had
           threatned
           ,
           1
           
             King.
          
           21.
           29.
           
           As
           
             Abraham
             ,
          
           though
           he
           gave
           the
           
             blessing
          
           and
           the
           
             inheritance
          
           unto
           
             Isaac
             ,
          
           yet
           he
           gave
           gifts
           to
           the
           rest
           of
           his
           children
           ,
           
             Gen.
          
           25.
           5
           ,
           6.
           
           So
           the
           
             Lord
             ,
          
           though
           he
           reserve
           his
           
             great
             Reward
          
           for
           the
           
             heirs
             of
             promise
             ,
          
           yet
           he
           leaveth
           not
           himself
           without
           
             witness
          
           even
           amongst
           others
           ,
           giving
           such
           
             benefits
          
           unto
           them
           as
           they
           tender
           
             services
          
           unto
           him
           ;
           they
           give
           none
           but
           
             outward
             services
             ,
          
           desire
           none
           but
           
             outward
             benefits
             ;
          
           and
           according
           to
           the
           
             nature
          
           of
           their
           
             services
          
           and
           
             desires
             ,
          
           the
           
             Lord
          
           answereth
           them
           with
           meer
           
             outward
             good
             things
             .
          
        
         
           But
           the
           
             Prayer
             of
             Faith
             ,
          
           pleading
           the
           great
           and
           precious
           
             promises
          
           of
           the
           
             new
             Covenant
             ,
          
           and
           calling
           upon
           
             God
          
           as
           a
           
             Father
          
           by
           the
           
             Spirit
          
           of
           his
           
             Son
          
           shed
           abroad
           into
           the
           hearts
           of
           those
           who
           are
           
             heirs
             of
             promise
             ,
          
           hath
           two
           great
           advantages
           above
           any
           other
           meer
           
             Natural
             prayer
             .
          
        
         
           1.
           
           It
           is
           sure
           to
           obtain
           
             pardon
          
           for
           what
           failings
           and
           miscarriages
           proceed
           from
           
             humane
             infirmity
             ,
          
           the
           
             Lord
          
           sparing
           his
           children
           ,
           
             as
             a
             man
             spareth
             his
             own
             son
             that
             serveth
             him
             ,
             Mal.
          
           3.
           17.
           and
           
           
             Christ
          
           bearing
           the
           iniquity
           of
           our
           
             holy
             things
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           It
           is
           sure
           to
           obtain
           
             spiritual
             rewards
          
           for
           those
           holy
           and
           sincere
           
             performances
             ,
          
           which
           proceed
           from
           the
           grace
           and
           assistance
           of
           the
           
             Spirit
             of
             Christ
             ;
          
           the
           
             Lord
          
           being
           pleased
           ,
           first
           ,
           by
           his
           
             grace
          
           to
           
             work
          
           all
           our
           works
           for
           us
           ,
           
             Isai.
          
           26.
           12.
           
           And
           then
           by
           a
           second
           
             grace
          
           to
           
             reward
          
           them
           ,
           and
           to
           
             crown
          
           his
           own
           
             mercies
          
           in
           us
           .
           
             For
             verily
             there
             is
             a
             reward
             for
             the
             righteous
             ,
             Psal.
             58.
             11.
             
             Matth.
          
           10.
           41.
           
           And
           thus
           we
           receive
           
             grace
             for
             grace
             ;
          
           the
           
             grace
          
           of
           
             remuneration
          
           for
           the
           
             grace
          
           of
           
             obedience
             ;
          
           the
           
             grace
          
           of
           
             God
          
           enabling
           us
           to
           work
           ,
           and
           the
           
             grace
          
           of
           
             God
          
           rewarding
           us
           for
           working
           :
           For
           though
           it
           be
           the
           
             work
          
           which
           is
           rewarded
           ,
           yet
           the
           
             reward
          
           is
           not
           of
           mans
           work
           ,
           but
           of
           
             Gods
          
           grace
           ,
           
             Rom.
          
           4.
           4.
           
           &
           11.
           6.
           
           Both
           these
           graces
           did
           this
           holy
           
             Nehemiah
          
           beg
           ,
           in
           the
           confidence
           of
           his
           interest
           
             in
             God
             as
             his
             God
             .
             Remember
             me
             ,
             O
             my
             God
             ,
             concerning
             this
             also
             ,
             and
             spare
             me
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             greatness
             of
             thy
             meroy
             ,
             Nehe.
          
           13.
           22.
           
           Remember
           me
           to
           
             spare
             me
          
           for
           my
           sinful
           infirmities
           ;
           remember
           me
           to
           
             reward
             me
          
           for
           my
           sincere
           performances
           ;
           and
           both
           these
           onely
           upon
           the
           accompt
           of
           thy
           
             great
             mercy
             .
          
           Nothing
           but
           
             great
             mercy
          
           passeth
           by
           many
           sins
           ;
           nothing
           but
           
             great
             mercy
          
           rewardeth
           weak
           services
           .
        
         
           I
           have
           done
           with
           the
           words
           ,
           and
           have
           from
           all
           but
           a
           word
           more
           to
           say
           unto
           you
           .
           What
           the
           nature
           of
           that
           
             great
             undertaking
          
           is
           ,
           which
           
             God
          
           hath
           thus
           graciously
           moved
           your
           hearts
           to
           begin
           at
           the
           doors
           of
           his
           
             Sanctuary
             ,
          
           and
           to
           consecrate
           your selves
           unto
           ,
           by
           
             inquiring
          
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           
             seeking
             of
             him
             a
             right
             way
             ,
          
           is
           much
           better
           known
           to
           you
           
           then
           to
           me
           ,
           who
           have
           little
           
             inspection
          
           into
           such
           things
           :
           But
           being
           a
           very
           weighty
           business
           ,
           and
           possibly
           full
           of
           
             variety
          
           and
           
             difficulty
             ,
          
           and
           all
           men
           being
           subject
           to
           
             errors
          
           and
           
             mistakes
             ,
          
           to
           
             impotency
          
           and
           
             infirmity
             ,
          
           to
           
             sinful
             failings
          
           and
           
             defects
             ,
          
           to
           
             difference
          
           of
           
             judgments
             ,
          
           and
           
             divided
             affections
             ,
          
           and
           all
           
             humane
             actions
          
           being
           obnoxious
           to
           
             misconstructions
          
           and
           
             various
             miscarriages
             :
          
           And
           
             God
          
           having
           reserved
           
             events
          
           and
           
             successes
          
           in
           his
           proper
           power
           ,
           it
           is
           therefore
           your
           duty
           in
           all
           your
           
             addresses
          
           unto
           
             action
             ,
          
           to
           make
           your
           
             first
             applications
             unto
             God
             ,
          
           that
           he
           would
           
             lead
             you
             by
             his
             Spirit
             ,
          
           and
           cause
           you
           to
           make
           
             his
             Word
             your
             Counsellors
             ;
          
           that
           he
           would
           
             work
             all
             your
             works
             for
             you
             ,
          
           and
           shine
           upon
           
             your
             counsels
             and
             undertakings
          
           by
           his
           
             special
             blessing
             ;
          
           that
           he
           would
           preserve
           you
           from
           
             all
             mistakes
          
           and
           
             misunderstandings
             ,
          
           and
           pour
           out
           upon
           you
           a
           
             spirit
             of
             unity
             and
             agreement
             ;
          
           that
           he
           would
           forgive
           all
           your
           
             failings
             ,
          
           and
           teach
           you
           to
           approve
           your
           
             hearts
          
           and
           
             consciences
          
           unto
           him
           in
           well-doing
           ;
           that
           your
           
             labors
          
           may
           so
           be
           conversant
           about
           
             treasures
          
           here
           below
           ,
           as
           that
           your
           
             hearts
          
           and
           
             affections
          
           may
           be
           upon
           things
           
             above
             ;
          
           and
           you
           may
           with
           such
           
             sincerity
             ,
             courage
             ,
             zeal
             ,
          
           and
           
             holy
             affections
             ,
          
           go
           through
           the
           
             duties
          
           of
           your
           
             places
          
           and
           
             callings
          
           here
           ,
           as
           that
           you
           may
           be
           able
           to
           look
           
             backward
          
           with
           comfort
           upon
           a
           
             fruitful
             life
             ,
          
           and
           
             forward
          
           with
           
             Faith
          
           and
           
             Hope
          
           upon
           a
           
             glorious
             Reward
             ,
          
           and
           conclude
           your
           
             lives
          
           and
           your
           
             labors
             ,
          
           as
           
             Nehemiah
          
           doth
           his
           Book
           ,
           with
           a
           
             Remember
             me
             ,
             O
             my
             God
             ,
             for
             Good
             .
          
           And
           we
           should
           all
           learn
           so
           to
           lead
           our
           lives
           ,
           with
           such
           an
           eye
           to
           
             Gods
             Word
          
           and
           
             Rule
             ,
          
           to
           his
           
             glory
          
           and
           
             honor
             ,
          
           to
           the
           
           service
           of
           his
           
             Church
             ,
          
           and
           our
           
             Generation
             ;
          
           to
           be
           so
           diligent
           ,
           careful
           ,
           prudent
           ,
           sincere
           ,
           trusty
           ,
           faithful
           ,
           in
           every
           
             service
          
           which
           lieth
           upon
           us
           ,
           as
           that
           when
           we
           come
           to
           die
           ,
           and
           give
           up
           our
           
             accompts
          
           to
           him
           ,
           we
           may
           be
           able
           to
           say
           ,
           
             Lord
             ,
          
           I
           have
           been
           
             faithful
          
           in
           that
           
             little
             service
          
           wherein
           thou
           hast
           employed
           me
           ,
           let
           me
           now
           
             enter
             into
             my
             Masters
             joy
             :
          
           I
           have
           remembred
           thy
           
             Name
             ,
          
           to
           glorifie
           thee
           :
           I
           have
           remembred
           thy
           
             People
             ,
          
           to
           serve
           them
           :
           I
           have
           remembred
           thy
           
             House
             ,
          
           and
           the
           
             Offices
          
           thereof
           :
           I
           have
           remembred
           the
           
             Widow
             ,
          
           the
           
             Fatherless
             ,
          
           the
           
             Poor
          
           and
           
             Helpless
             ,
          
           to
           provide
           for
           them
           :
           I
           have
           remembred
           every
           
             trust
          
           imposed
           upon
           me
           ,
           and
           have
           not
           by
           any
           
             wilful
             indiligence
             ,
             imprudence
             ,
          
           or
           
             unfaithfulness
          
           betrayed
           it
           ,
           but
           have
           
             labored
          
           to
           adorn
           my
           
             general
             calling
          
           by
           
             sincerity
          
           and
           
             fidelity
          
           in
           my
           
             particular
             calling
             :
          
           And
           now
           ,
           be
           thou
           graciously
           pleased
           to
           
             remember
             me
             for
             good
             ,
             and
             to
             spare
             me
             according
             to
             the
             multitude
             of
             thy
             mercies
             .
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A91736e-570
           
             Zenophon
             .
             Cyropaed
             .
          
           
             Budaeus
             de
             Asse
             .
             lib.
             4.
             
             Breerwood
             de
             Nummis
             .
             pag.
             16.
             
             Raleigh
             .
             lib.
             2.
             cap.
             17.
             sect.
             9
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
             .
             Marc.
             Antonin
             .
             lib.
             6.
             sect.
             2.
             Vid.
             lib.
             10.
             sect.
             11.
             
          
           
             Vid.
             Baron
             .
             An.
             45.
             sect.
             42.
             
          
           
             Romanos
             magnos
             feceruni
             domi
             industria
             ,
             for
             is
             justum
             Imperium
             ,
             animus
             in
             consulendo
             liber
             ,
             neque
             libidini
             neque
             delicto
             obnoxius
             .
             
               Vid.
               Aug.
               de
               Civit.
               
               Dei
               .
               lib.
               5.
               c.
               12.
               
               &
               15.
               
            
          
           
             Pausan.
             lib.
             10.
             pag.
             654.
             
             Gr.
             Lat.
             Dionys
             Hal.
             Antiquit.
             lib.
             7.
             
             P.
             419.
             
          
           
             a
             Vid.
             Exemplum
             Chaeracratis
             &
             Chaeraphontis
             apud
             Xenophont
             .
             lib.
             2.
             
             Memorabil
             .
             pag
             744
             ,
             746.
             
             Edit.
             Paris
             .
             1625.
             
          
           
             Vid
             ,
             Chrysost.
             in
             Psal.
             131.
             1.
             
          
           
             Latius
             regnes
             avidum
             domando
             spiritum
             ,
             quàm
             si
             Lybiam
             remotis
             Gadibus
             jungas
             ,
             &
             uterque
             Polus
             serviat
             uni
             .
             
               Horat.
               Vid.
               Philip
               .
               Camerar.
               Hor.
               subcisiv
               .
               part
               .
               3.
               c.
               26.
               
            
          
           
             Lactant.
             lib.
             3.
             c.
             15.
             
          
           
             Hilar.
             in
             Psal.
             54.
             
          
           
             August
             .
             83.
             quaest.
             qu.
             71.
             
          
           
             Omnia
             mundata
             facta
             deputantur
             quando
             quicquid
             non
             fit
             ,
             ignoscitur
             .
             
               Aug.
               
            
          
           
             Ille
             facit
             ut
             saciamus
             .
             
               Aug.
               ep.
               105.
               
            
          
           
             Lucretius
             .
          
           
             De
             verbis
             Isaiae
             ,
             Serm.
             5.
             
          
           
             Aug.
             de
             Civit.
             
             Dei
             ,
             lib.
             19.
             cap.
             27.
             
             Et
             —
             contra
             Cresconin
             .
             Gram.
             lib.
             3.
             c.
             80.
             
          
           
             Chap.
             13.
             22.
             
          
           
             a
             Affuit
             Satan
             improbis
             ●um
             accusationibus
             pulsans
             —
             Ille
             territus
             &
             turbatus
             ait
             ,
             Fateor
             non
             sum
             dignus
             ego
             nec
             propriis
             possum
             meritis
             regnum
             obtinere
             Coelorum
             .
             Caeterum
             duplici
             jure
             illud
             obtinens
             dominus
             meus
             ,
             haereditate
             patris
             ,
             &
             merito
             passionis
             ,
             Altero
             ipse
             contentus
             ,
             Alterum
             mihi
             donat
             ,
             ex
             cujus
             dono
             jure
             illud
             mihi
             vendicans
             non
             confundor
             .
             
               Guliel
               Abbas
               in
               vita
               Bern.
               lib.
               1.
               cap.
               12.
               
            
          
           
             Bene
             ac
             sapienter
             majores
             instituerunt
             ut
             rerum
             agendarum
             ,
             it
             a
             dicendi
             initium
             à
             precationibus
             capere
             .
             Plin.
             Panegyr
             .
          
           
             Vide
             Pinedam
             derebus
             Solomonis
             ,
             lib.
             3.
             cap.
             9.
             
          
           
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
             Arat
             .
          
           
             Certum
             est
             nos
             velle
             cum
             volumus
             ,
             sed
             ille
             facit
             ut
             velimus
             ,
             &c.
             
             Aug
             ▪
             de
             Grat.
             &
             lib.
             Arb.
             c.
             16.
             
          
           
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
             ▪
             &c.
             Xenoph.
             de
             Expedit
             .
             Cyri.
             lib.
             3.
             
          
           
             Valer.
             Max.
             lib.
             5.
             c.
             3.
             Pausan.
             l.
             4.
             
          
           
             Matth.
             10.
             24.
             
          
           
             1
             King.
             17.
             6.
             
             Luke
             16.
             21.
             
             Jere.
             38.
             11.
             
          
           
             Job
             2.
             8.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             11.
             33.
             
             Josh.
             2.
             6.
             2
             Sam.
             17.
             18
             ,
             19.
             
             Matth.
             21.
             8.
             
          
           
             Mal.
             3.
             16.
             
             Psal.
             56.
             8.
             
          
           
             Mark
             12.
             42.
             
             Ruth
             2.
             8
             ,
             9
             ,
             14.
             1
             
             King.
             17.
             13
             ,
             15.
             2
             
             King.
             4.
             8
             ,
             9.
             10.
             
          
           
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
             .
             
               Clem.
               Alex.
               Strom.
               lib.
               5.
               
            
             Per
             fidem
             Christi
             non
             sumus
             liberi
             ab
             operibus
             ,
             sed
             ab
             opinionibus
             operum
             .
             Luth.
             Est
             res
             viva
             ,
             potens
             ,
             operosa
             ,
             &c.
             
             Luther
             
               in
               Gen.
               12.
               fol.
               153
               Metaphys.
               lib.
               1.
               
            
             Fides
             maxima
             &
             Heroica
             operatur
             ,
             Luth.
             in
             
               Gen.
               29.
               
            
          
           
             Credenti
             omnia
             sunt
             possibilia
             ;
             fides
             facit
             ex
             eo
             quod
             nihil
             est
             ut
             sit
             ,
             &
             ex
             impossibilibus
             facit
             omnia
             possibilia
             .
             —
             Figit
             cor
             in
             illud
             quod
             omnino
             eis
             absurdum
             &
             impossibile
             ,
             contentum
             verbo
             .
             Luth.
             in
             
               Gen.
               27.
               fol.
               405.
               
            
          
           
             Aug.
             Confes.
             lib.
             5.
             c.
             8.
             
          
           
             
               Bonus
               Deus
               qui
               non
               tribuit
               saepe
               quod
               volumus
               ,
               ut
               tribuat
               quod
               malimus
               .
            
             Aug.
             epist.
             34.
             
             &
             Tract.
             73.
             in
             Joan.
             
             &
             Tom.
             7.
             lib.
             de
             Unitat
             .
             Eccles.
             c.
             19.
             &
             contr.
             Julian
             .
             lib.
             5.
             cap.
             4.
             &
             ep.
             121.
             cap.
             14.