A sermon preach'd before the societies for reformation of manners in Dublin, October the 4th, 1698 by Tho. Emlyn. Emlyn, Thomas, 1663-1741. 1698 Approx. 56 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 13 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A39386 Wing E713 ESTC R29400 11081439 ocm 11081439 46337 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A39386) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 46337) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1423:6) A sermon preach'd before the societies for reformation of manners in Dublin, October the 4th, 1698 by Tho. Emlyn. Emlyn, Thomas, 1663-1741. 23 p. Printed by Andrew Crook for Math. Gunne and Josiah Shaw, Dublin : 1698. "Published at the desire of the said societies." Reproduction of original in the Trinity College Library, Dublin. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Bible. -- O.T. -- Samuel, 1st, II, 3 -- Sermons. Sermons, English -- 17th century. 2003-05 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-07 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-01 Emma (Leeson) Huber Sampled and proofread 2004-01 Emma (Leeson) Huber Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A SERMON Preach'd before the SOCIETIES FOR Reformation of Manners IN DUBLIN : October the 4 th , 1698. By Tho. Emlyn . Published at the desire of the said SOCIETIES . DVBLIN : Printed by Andrew Crook , Printer to the Kings Most Excellent Majesty , for Math. Gunne at the Sign of the Bible and Crown in Essex-street , and Iosiah Shaw at Russel's Coffee-house on Cork-Hill , Booksellers . M DC XC VIII . 1. Sam. 2. v. 30. Them that honour me , I will honour ; and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed . AS 't is easy to apprehend the Important Consequences of that Excellent Work , for the furtherance of which , we are here met , viz. The endeavouring an effectual restraint , upon the Open Indecencies of a Lewd Age : So I doubt not , but the Tryal which some of you have made herein , hath convinc'd you , more than ever , that not a few Discouragements , are like to attend , the promotion of so Pious a Design : That the Strong man armed , after so long and quiet a possession , is not to be turned out but with conflict and violence ; That those Sons of Belial , who if let alone , will surely prove as Thorns in your sides , by provoking the Anger of Heaven against us , are when you thrust them away as Thorns in your hands , so that as David speaks , He that touches them , had need be fenced with Iron and the staff of ● Spear : Since therefore 't is now my part , to strengthen your hands , that they may never hang down , in the pursuit of so sacred ●n Attempt , I have judg'd it requisite to lay before you some M●ti●es , that may be proportionable , both to the greatness of your Task , and the Variety of your Discouragements . And I think there is enough contained in the Text , to answer my end ; for it intimates your Work to be honourable in God's account , and that it shall redound to your own immortal honour in the issue . Humane Nature never acts with more violence and force , than when it feels the power of Aspiring Ambition after great Renown , and tho' , my Brethren , I hope the fading honour of this World is contemptible in your Eye , as Sounding Brass , ●r a Tinkling Cymbal ; yet honour from God is a great thing , all ambition is just , but none too great , nor any contention too warm where this is the Prize . How suitable an Application to the present occasion , my Text will admit of , may better be seen , after a little enquiry into the Context . 'T is part of a sad Message from God , and for the greater solemnity sent by a Man of God to Eli , who was over the Tribes of Israel a Judge ; and over the House of God the High-Priest ; how he came by the latter Dignity is not evident ; both from Scripture and Iosephus it appears , that he was not of the Elder Line of Aaron's Family by Eleazer , but of the younger , from Ithamar , and consequently not the legal Heir to that Honour ; but sometime , during the Rule of the Iudges over Israel , the High-Priesthood was translated to the younger Line , for what cause is not known : A very Learned Author , in the Jewish History , supposes it might be , because of the miscarriage of the High-Priest , in permitting Iephthah to Sacrifice his Daughter , when he should have counselled him better , out of the Law of God ; and this supposition of his , may find some countenance from that Relation of some of the Jewish Doctors which I meet with elsewhere they say , That Iephthah disdained to go to the High-Priest for a Commutation , or release from his Vow ; and he wou'd not go to Iephthah , because he did not ask his help ; therefore say they , Iephthah was smitten with the Palsey , and the High-Priest was deprived of the Spirit of God ; And if so much b● true , the other is no unlikely Supposition . By this it seems , Eli● in his possession of that Office , carried a memorial of God'● displeasure against the Neglecters of his Honour , and yet himself incurs it the same way : Not by any positive presumptio●● crime of his own , but by remissness in checking the Profaness of others . The Iniquity of his Sons was come to an unsufferable and daring heighth , they prostituted their Sacred Function t● their Sensuallity and Lust , as it is set down from Verse 12 , 〈◊〉 verse 18 , such was their contempt of God , that thô the T●bernacle was his House , and they were only his Guard an● Attendance , and the Sacrifices , his Provisions , yet they wou●● be served first , and would carve for their own bellys , befo●● it went to God's Table , I mean before the fat was burn'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A●t●● . And being thus highly fed , like Horses they neigh 〈◊〉 their Neighbours Wife , Ier. 5.8 . They lay with the ●om●n at the door of the Tabernacle , ver . 22. as if they would ●ffront God to his face , putting their filth under his very Nose ; thus his House was now made a Den of Harlots and Adulterers , that afterwards was so of Thieves and Robbers ; insomuch that men abhorred the Offering of the Lord , v. 17. It cannot but grieve Conscientious Worshippers , to see the Sacred Solemnities of Religion , pass through Unhallowed hands , that reap indeed the benefit of others Reverence for God , while themselves shew none . But , what is this to Eli ? that he must suffer for other mens ●ins ; It was , because he restrained them not , Chap. 3. v. 13. He did indeed reprove them , Chap. 2. v. 24. He dealt gently with the Young-men ; but Impudent Sinners require sharper Corrections , than Friendly Rebukes ; like the unruly Leviathan , they laugh at the shaking of that Spear , and those Arrows will not make them flee , Iob , 41.28 , 29. So that when better Remedies are in our power , a bare Reproof of bold Sinners , is no sufficient discharge of our Duty ; God counts this for nothing in Eli ; He as a Magistrate should have made 'em Publick Examples , for a warning to others : For neglecting this , God sends him a severe Message , upbraiding him with Ingratitude for past Favours , so ill requited ; charging him with honouring his Sons above his God , to fave their Reputation , he let God's sink and fall ; and then recanting all his former thoughts of Kindness , all his Conditional Promises , he threatens him and his Family with Utter Ruine to the Generations to come . The reason and equity of which procedure in this and like Cases , he expresses in the words of the Text , Be it far from me , for them that honour me , I will honour . As if he had said , after the manner of men , I had once a great Kindness for thee and thy House , and hadst thou but concerned thy self to vindicate my Name , by suppressing and punishing the wick●●dness of those Vile Wretches , thou hadst lost no honour by ●t , I would have advanc'd thee to great Dignity ; but now 〈◊〉 be it from me , to honour such a scornful despiser of his God , no ; 't is farthest from my thoughts , thy name shall pe●ish , thy memory rot , thy Family sink , and thy posterity shall continue , only to be , by their poverty , 〈…〉 the Monuments of thy Sin , and my Indignation ; 〈…〉 my Favours for them that shall do me the Service which th● refusedst : And that you may not think this proceeding to 〈◊〉 any singular Instance with Eli only , God lays it down as ● general Rule , Them that honour me , &c. Having led you thus , to a right view of the words , I suppose I shall do no violence to them , by deducing from the● this Proposition , viz. Doct. That they who honour God , by endeavouring to suppress an● punish the scandalous Crimes of Profane Sinners , shall have their Zeal repayed with eminent returns of Honour from God ; while they that are unconcerned for his Glory in that matter , shall be the objects of contempt and disdain . The latter Branch may serve to enforce the former , which I will prosecute under these General Heads . First , I will endeavour to shew that such as are sincerely engaged in this Design , do honour God in it . Secondly , That God will repay their Zeal , by honouring them . Thirdly , I shall apply the whole to excite , and encourage you that are , or may be engag'd in this happy affair . I. They who endeavour to suppress the Scandalous Crimes of the Age , do greatly honour God : He who is the best Judge of his own honour , plainly owns it here , in that he charges Eli with failing to honour him , by neglecting this work . And here I must consider first what it is to honour God , And then how we may apply it to such persons . As for honouring God in general , 't is not like his honouring us , which is by conferring some Excellency or Dignity upon us , to make us greater than we were before : 'T is God's honour that he is not capable of such as this ; he cannot be a more Glorious , Exalted Being , than he is . We can therefore honour God only such ways as these , either Internally , by high and lofty conceptions of his Being and Perfections , by being fill'd with adoring , admiring Apprehensions of his Infinite Majesty , Wisdom , Power and Goodness ; making him the Object of our Chief Esteem , and Superlative Love. Or Externally , by some sensible Manifestation of this ; of vvhich open , visible honour , I am principally to speak ; and it is to be given one of these tvvo Ways in general . I. Wh●● we wip● off any dishonour or reproach cast upon God ● preventing or removing what may tend to disparage his perfections , to weaken his Authority with men , to abate of his due reverence , or to render him cheap and mean in the Eyes of any ; this is to preserve his Honour . II. When we do any thing that represents him great and glorious to others , when we express our own high thoughts of God , so as to give occasion to them to raise their esteem of him , whether it be by Words or Actions , and these either of Worship or other obedience , so praise glorifies God , Ps. 50. ●lt . it declares his Excellency , and raises admiration ; any thing that greatens God in the sence of men , is honour done to him . Now I come to apply it , by shewing that they do thus honour God , who labour to suppress open profaness : And this will fully appear if we consider . 1. That open profaness is a great dishonour to God , from the reproach of which , these persons seek to rescue his Name . Tho' the Eyes of God are so very pure , that the least Mote of Sin offends them , as truly as the greatest Beam , yet not in the same measure : God is dishonoured , and his Law affronted by every indulged Sin , be it never so well covered under the Vail of Secrecy , or disguised by the Arts of Hypocrisie ; but then 't is but like a private affront , which puts not half that disgrace upon a man , as some open abuse . Some reverence for God is yet preserved among men , when the Sons of Belial do in outward behaviour imitate the Sons of God , when the Devil dares not appear in his own colours , but as of old , in Saul's time , shrouds himself under the Prophets Mantle . But when men declare their Sin as Sodom , when their Crimes are of the first Magnitude , and in open view ; when they Swear in the Market place , Reel in the Streets , and Assemble themselves by Troops in Harlots Houses ; then the Honour of God receives a deep Wound , and the highest contempt is poured on that Being of infinite Majesty , as tho' he were a Being of no Authority , whose will they dare at any time contradict , whose Indignation they Challenge , and his Threatnings they treat with Mockery and Scorn . Such things as these , sink the esteem of God in the World , and make him contemptibly sp●●en of , 〈◊〉 2.23 , 〈…〉 are tempted hereby to say , that he hath 〈…〉 , and minds not what is done there , E●●k . 9.9 . Others , that God is like themselves , not so much an Enemy to their Crimes , as some pretend , Psal. 50.21 . And if such men go on without check in this manner ; What will become of the Honour of God at present ? How will his Authority and Worship be upheld , or his Memorial be preserved among men ? Now from this grievous contempt , the friends of God wou'd gladly see his name Vindicated ; which must be either by Reclaiming such vile Offenders , of which there is almost no hope , for can the Ethiopian change his Skin , or the Leopard his Spots ? then may such long accustomed over-grown Sinners learn to do well : Or by Punishing them with marks of publick Disgrace , this may prove a means of Reforming them , who having no feeling in their feared Consciences , are in vain attacked with serious Counsel and Arguments , but it may be will learn , when taught , as the men of Succoth were by Gideon , with Briars and Thorns ; or as Manasseh by Fetters and Bonds : However , such publick punishments will deter others from an imitation , and will be an open Testimony , that the Community disowns such persons with Shame and Indignation , and cannot with Patience bear their insolent affronts of the great God ; these methods will very much prevent the common contempt of God , they teach the people to look upon such Sins with horror , as base and criminal Acts ; and thus in a good measure the Honour of God is maintained and salved , by suppressing and punishing open Immorality in the general . And among all the Works of Darkness that are common , I think there are none , against which the wounded Honour of God more requires your zealous help , than against those enormities , which you of these Societies have taken special cognizance of , viz. Profane Swearing and Cursing , breaking the Sabbath , and abominable Uncleanness ; Crimes so hainous , that one can hardly say , as God to the Prophet , Son of man , I will shew thee yet greater abominations than these . As for profane Oaths and Curses , the monstrous Sins of our Age , in which for a long time , Oaths have vyed with words for number , & the Studyed Eloquence of the times hath seen how to Swear , in the most thundring & terrifying dialect ; can any thing express more scorn of the Sacred and Tremendous name of God , than to make it the wanton by-word of our common talk , and the mention of it the usual fruit of our Madness and Fury ? that men , when angry at their fellow Creatures shou'd take their revenge upon God , by tearing and rending his dreadful name ! That God and the Devil shou'd both be regarded alike by them ! For either word serves the turn , that which first comes in their way , and usually where God's name is at the beginning of a Sentence , in an horrid Oath , the Devil 's is at the end of it , in an hellish Curse , and they seem to have an equal respect for both . As for the breach of the Holy Sabbath , since nothing hath a more direct aspect upon the Honour of God , than the Reverence and Solemnities of his publick Worship , in United Assemblies ; and since he hath intimated his will , that this be on one day in Seven , it must needs be a bold stroke at his Honour , in them that needlessly refuse to contribute openly to it . It was a Sacrilegious thieving from God's Alter , that was part of the heavy charge against Eli's Sons , they would have God's Portion , and force him to change without his consent , Ch. 2. v 15 , 16. And is not the Sacriledge as great in defrauding him of his time , and the homage belonging to it ? We find an universal ●lame of Zeal in our Saviours Breast , upon an irreverent profanation of that holy Temple where God visibly dwelt ; and will not his day deserve as zealous a vindication as his house ? Since they are two circumstances of one rank , can any one tell me , why Hallowed time shou'd not be as sacred as an Hallowed place ? Oh how dishonorable then to God is their Crime , who prostitute his sacred time to Secular Uses ! One is Journying , another Physicking , and a third taking his Pleasure ; and thus the Lord's-day is made the very Dunghill-day , on which ungodly men , throw all the refuse-business of an idle or mispent Week ; and many of these are under Self-condemnation , while at other times they can stand up in the solemn Assemblies , to profess an Obligation on their Consciences , to observe the Fourth Commandment ; but alass their hearts are not yet inclined to keep that Law ! As for the shameless violations of the Laws of Chastity they have been both by God , and many Pagan Nations , numbred among the blackest Crimes , insomuch , that God hath peculiar reserves of vengeance for those that commit them ; Whoremongers and Adulterers God will judge . 'T is such an awful and terrefying word , which dropt from the Wiseman , that it may astonish us to think how any man's Conscience can get over it , without agonies of dread ; The mouth of a strange Woman is a deep pit , he that is abhorred of the Lord , falls therein . And this was another of the so scandalous and punishable faults of Eli's Sons . Now these things shew , what mighty Service you will do for the Glory of God , if you can cover his Name from these affronts of scornful men ; either by suppressing their Vices , or making them shameful and costly to such as will give them harbour . Oh how honourable would the name of God be , if we could but see the day , when none should dare to use it but with solemnity and reverence ! When none shall take an Oath , but as a part of the serious , awful Worship he owes to the omniscient Ruler of the World ; when an universal silence on the Sabbath-day , from the noise of Secular business , shall help to Proclaim our prosound veneration for God , while he is in his holy Habitation . 2. Such persons do directly honour God , in their sincere attempts of this kind , as they plainly manifest their own great esteem of God , and reverence for his Laws : What greater representation can men give of God , than that he is a Being whose reproach they cannot bear , one so great , so good , so loved by his Servants , that they are content to vindicate his Honour with the most expensive zeal ? Sure 't is to the Glory of God when the World shall see , he hath some friends who dare espouse his Quarrel , some who are open Advocates for his despised Authority ; that in a degenerate age , there are some to protest against the Usurpation of Satan ; so that if he be not honoured in the Resormation of the Publick , yet in as much as you have vigorously contended for it , I may say as the Apostle ; On your part he is glorify'd , though on theirs he is evil spoken of . II. The next General Head , is , to shew how God will 〈◊〉 them that shew such tenderness of his Honour . First , He will honour them by his own esteem and approbation of them they may be the World's dross , but they shall be God's Iewels ; the men of Sodom scoffed at Lot for reproving them , but God honour'd him as a Righteous Soul. The Profane Crew may cry out upon you , as they against Paul , Away with such fellows , they are not fit to live . But God will say rather , Of you the world was not worthy . And I hope God's good word is more to you , than the applauses of all the world . Secondly , He may probably place visible marks of Honour upon them in this Life . Our good Name is in God's keeping , who hath many ways to advance our esteem , and when he pleases our rankest enemies shall contribute to it , as Mordecai found ; all promotion hath its rise in the Court of Heaven , so that he permits or hinders it as he pleases ; he can bless your Substance unto abundance , and put you into the common road of Honour . Or he may honour you another way , viz. by giving you great success in your worthy attempts ; and verily that will be no small Renown , to be such Blessings in your places ; to be Conquerors over the Vices of the Age ; to hide a multitude of Sins , and to save a Nation from ruine , such a good Name will be a precious Ointment of Everlasting Savor . And verily Sirs , God hath in part thus honoured you ; 't is to your Glory , that not only at home , but abroad in the neighbouring Kingdom , some of us have heard the same of your Zeal . I may say to you , as Paul to the Thessalonians ( only putting your Zeal instead of their Faith ) That 't is every where spoken of , they needed not that we shou'd tell them , for themselves shew us concerning you : They can tell that Dubli● is no safe Harbour for the Profane and Lewd to come to ; that in it are Magistrates and People , that profess themselves a Terror to Evil-doers . Thirdly , God will not fail to Honour them eminently in another World , and there great things shall be done to the man whom the King of Heaven shall delight to Honour : There doubtless , they who have laboured to turn many from Unrighteousness , as well as they that have turn'd many to Righteousnes shall shine , not with the common and faint glimmering of the F●rmament , but with the more bright ●ustre of the Start ; yea they shall differ from other Stars in Glory . The APPLICATION . I. Use. Is God so highly Honoured by such Endeavours ? Then let us all be concerned for his Honour , in this way : The Text suggests to you the Weightiest Argument in the World , viz. That you should do it for God's sake , and the most Sensible Argument , do it for your own sake ; 't is the Cause of God's Honour , and the Interest of your own : But methinks nothing should more move us , than the just , but terrible interpretation , God will put upon our neglect to promote this Work , even that we despise him ; as thô he were some Contemptible Being , whose Glory we think not worthy our Contending for . Dare we lye under so heavy a Charge ? Certainly , My Brethren , we serve a God , whose Honour well deserves our pains to uphold it ; nay , can we make him the great Object of our Solemn Adoration , and daily Homage ? Can we think him meet , at whose Feet to cast our selves down , in a Rever●nt Prostration , and yet at the same time , not judge his Honour worth maintaining ? This wou'd reproach our selves , with the grossest Stupidity , for Worshiping one with awful dread , whom we are content , should be made contemptible with others . Ah , baso Creature , that hast such a God ; of such Infinite Majesty , Wisdom and Goodness , and yet refusest to plead for him ! A dumb and useless Idol might servve thy turn , since thou carest not how mean and vile , the Object of thy Worship is . But I would rather hope of you , that hear me now , That you are rather inquisitive , how you may contribute to God's Honour in this Affair ; probably you 'l say , from such a man as Eli , God might expect it , he being an Eminent Magistrate , had power to do what private persons cannot , had we the 〈◊〉 of Justice , we would surely draw it in God's Quarrel and Defence ; but what can we do now ? Ans●● . First , 'T is indeed most true , that Magistrates have more Eminent Advantages for Honouring God this way , which they should by no means lose . They are the Life of every Honourable Enterprize , giving credit to it by their Example , and Security , by the shelter of their Authority , they are the Principal Wheel in all Regular Publick Motions , if they stop , or move heavily and unwillingly , the whole Affair halts ; thô inferior persons should be never so zealous , yet without them , they may sit down and lament , that the Children are come to the birth , but there is no strength to bring forth . For this reason it might be that Reforming Work , was not pursued in the two late Reigns , thô the same persons were then living , that with such Pious Resolution , began it since in the Metropolis of the neighbour Kingdom ; they were then , formed , thô more secretly , into a Religious Society ; but there was so much Wickedness , at that time , in High places , that such a Design could find no Countenance : But now that Publick Authority , as a Monument of Gratitude , for our late Deliverance , hath declared War against those Domestick Enemies , I mean , our Scandalous Impiety's . Now that our King hath Decreed this Iustice , and our Parliaments have Voted down Profaness , now that Wholsom Laws are Enacted ( may they be as Irreversible as the Laws of the Medes and Persians ) we see , there wants not a number who are ready to run to that Banner which is display'd for the Honour of God ; so great is the Magistrates Influence in this matter ; yea , and that of Subordinate ones too , that the cause of God's passing Sentence upon Ierusalem was this ; they could not find one that would Execute Iudgment , not a Magistrate would appear to Countenance what was good , so that such may be said to be entrusted with Ten Talents , when private persons have but One or T●● . What Conscience then should they make of such a great Prize in their hands ? since this is the very express end , which God , who gives them their Power ( and will shortly ask an account of the use of it ) hath assigned it to , viz. to be a Terme to Evil doers . Were I to be their Monitor , it should be in David's words , Be wise O ye Rulers , be instructed O ye Iudges of the Land , serve the Lord with fear : Kiss the Son least he be angry . I would humbly ask whose Superscription do you bear ▪ and since the Truth , as well as a regard to your own Honour , allows you to say , God's ; Oh then render to him , the things that are his ! You would not incur the suspicion of Disloyalty to your Prince , by conniving at publick Affronts to his Name or Person ; It wou'd be with you a strong Argument which they used to Pilate , If thou let this man go , thou art not Caesar's friend . It touch'd him so to the quick , that he durst shew no more favour to our Blessed Lord : Why should it not be a stronger Argument , to tell you that you are not God's friends if you let Profligate Offenders escape ? In a word , Magistrates shou'd be like the Heavenly Orbs , not barely to roll over the peoples heads in a Lordly Dominion , but also to afford a Benign Aspect upon the Commonweal . Secondly , Yet as every Common Soldier , without leaving his Rank , may do good Service in the Battel , as well as his Commander , so may all of you cast some Mites into this Treasury of God's Honour ; in such Instances as these . — 1. You may serve his Honour in this matter , by laying the Impieties of the Profane before the Magistrate , in order to punishment . Be not ashamed to come in as witness for the Great King of Heaven ; Eli found many Informers against his own Sons , this aggravated his Crime , in not Restraining them ; If Magistrates will not execute Justice , the Guilt lyes at their door , but if you do not carry it thither , I fear it will lye at your own : We oft speak of bearing a Testimony against National Sins ; The best Testimony that I know of , is that before a Magistrate in order to their being punished . I truly think no Customary , bold Sinner , that openly Offends , should be spared , thô he were our Companion . Remember Eli suffered for sparing the Offspring of his own Bowels ; when God upon the Scornful Language of a Degenerate Age , cries out Who is on my side ? Who dares but Offer himself ? And as all should do their part in general , so it were to be wish'd , That some who are most capable of prudent , active service , would joyn themselves to those Societies , which are well enough known in this City , to bear part of the Burden , in this both Necessary and legal design , as Sinners joyn hand in hand to escape punishment , so should you joyn to prevent them : Let me ●ell you , in this Case more than ordinary concern should be shown , that passage of Austin being applicable here ; Non ●●at , qui non zelat . He is hardly a Friend of God , that is not warm and earnest in this important Service . 2. Many of you may honour God in this work with your Substance : You know the precept is general , but when you come to put it in practice , it must be in some particular instance , and I know no occasion to which I may more properly apply it , than this in hand , being an affair that necessarily involves in it , considerable expences , of which the occasions are Iust and Honourable ; much may be said to commend such liberality ; let it be considered that it excels ordinary Charity to the poor , which yet Christ will take eminent notice of , in the day of Judgment , and to which so many remarkable promises are made by him . The great advantage of which is , that God will allow it to have an ultimate reference to himself , in as much as ye have done it to these , you did it to me . But in this Case , what we give , is more directly and immediately done to God , without the benefit of such a favourable construction as that . Besides , that such occasions do not offer themselves so frequently as those for common Charity , you are always encompassed with Objects of that Nature , but you have not always such noble designs on Foot for the honour of God , to require your aid ; so that I may very properly here , apply Christ's words on something a like occasion ; The poor you always have with you , but me ye have not always . Take therefore the present opportunity . 3. You shou'd all further this blessed Work , by giving it countenance and approbation . There is no doubt , but while immorality hath so many Patrons , this way will be every where spoken against , and they that attempt the restraint of lewd men , tho' in the most regular way , will incur the ill Word and ill Will of such , as either feel , or fear the just punishment of their Crimes ; and especially if they be necessitated to use what may seem less generous methods , tho' very lawful , for the more effectual promotion of their designed end , as well as for their own safety , ●● if there 〈◊〉 be the least imprudent step taken ; but do you rather 〈◊〉 their defects than agravate them ; 't is no wonder if when 〈◊〉 filthy a house is sweeping , some offensive dust should fly ● bout , which is to be born in order to cleansing . There 〈◊〉 enough , to animadvert and censure , take not their part ; 〈◊〉 Baal plead for himself , let Profaness be its own Advocate , 〈◊〉 not you so much the Friends of Publicans and Sinners . 4. Let all favour , and further it with their earnest prayers to God for success . 'T is an important conflict between God Kingdom and the Devils : Oh , hold up your hands in ferven● request while the dispute lasts . Favour O Lord their righteous Cause ; prosper thou the work of their hands . Arise● and let thy Enemies be scatter'd ; and turn away transgression from our Iacob , that iniquity may fall , and never rise more shou'd be every one's Supplication , that wishes Gods honour● II. Use , Since God will honour them that honour him , let this greatly encourage those that are engaged already in this honourable design ; God will honour you . This consideration should make you renew your courage , and it will especially serve to counter-ballance any scornful reproaches , that may be cast upon you for your forwardness in this matter : 'T is perhaps not the least of Satan's artifices , to make an odious representation of a good Work , and by the fear of oblique , to affrighten us from pursuing it , it will be but his usual way if he say I will go forth , and be a slandring , lying Spirit in the mouths of many , against them that are active against his Kingdom of Darkness . It will therefore be no wonder , if such invidious suggestions as these should be heard , viz. That you are the ●●●blers of Israel , as Elijah was slandered by Ahab , for the like reason , that you are base Hypocrites , who would be counted Saints . but will cheat and lye , and do any secret evil ; and that you make a gain of this work , and the like ▪ you know what sort of men they be , from whom such venome may come , 〈◊〉 that are in the Service of the Father of L●ts , must be allow'd to make use of a little of his Art. But under all these Calumnies , I say to you in God's own words : Fear not the reproaches of men , neither be afraid of their 〈◊〉 , for the 〈◊〉 〈…〉 like a garment ; they 'l come to nought so ●●g as they are without a Foundation : However in the 〈◊〉 time , you have this to oppose , God will honour you , 〈◊〉 therefore in contempt of all their reproaches go on with ●●●●ution , saying with David , in the like case ; Let them ●●●se , but Bless them . Yea , whatever other difficulties may occur , let them only ●●ve to make the Triumph of our Zeal , more conspicuous ; remember that you are Soldiers of Jesus Christ , and therefore for shame , must not flee for a little danger , you are bound to ●●dure some hardship , else you in effect say , that you will be Soldiers for any thing , but Fighting ; you 'l give him any proof of your valour , except by exposing your selves to ha●●rd : How ridiculous a profession would this be in a Christian , in these express terms ? 'T is more becoming you to mount the Breach , and to stand in the Gap. My Brethren , you have hitherto run well ; Oh that nothing may now hinder you , it would be very uncomfortable to Thousands of them that love God , if your Zeal should now decline , or if out of a regard to your own ease , you should seek a discharge from this warfare , when at most , ●is but the height of the conflict . To prevent which , I shall offer you some serious Motives , shewing you the evil consequences of such an unseasonable declension . Motive I. You will loose the happiest opportunity imaginable for publick Reformation . There are some great Engines which to put in motion , is the greatest difficulty ; and to begin well , is the hardest part of some enterprizes ; such a business is publick Reformation , which is very happily begun among us . The Enemy , viz. All manner of iniquity , did come in as a Flood , but the Spirit of the Lord hath lift up a Standard against 〈◊〉 , unto which you and many others have repaired , who have march'd up to the face of that bold Enemy , so that he hath already made an halt ; In and about this City , you have had the cordial assistance of Magistrates , to whom we may truly bear this Testimony ; that they have not done the work of the Lord negligently , in witholding the Sword from just punishment , as fearing the Carfe of God denounced against them , who do . Your Names have in great part been cover'd from reproach , by their Secrecy , or by their Checks of such as 〈…〉 and reproach you for your Duty ; many of different 〈◊〉 sions , have United in the Bands of Love for this work , 〈◊〉 some of Rank and Eminency both in Church and State , so 〈◊〉 now the work is become both Easie and Honourable , yea 〈◊〉 safe too in comparison of what it hath been ; you have gai● with some labour and pains , so much ground , that 't is pity ● should be lost again ; after several thousand Convictions ● Swearers and Cursers , we can observe a sensible alteration ● mens dialect ; those Throats that lately were as open Sep● chres , sending forth a loathsome stench , are now , tho' ● painted Sepulchres ( by assuming any great appearance of Piety yet , closed and shut ; and so do not give that publick offenc● nor are such a common nusance as formerly . How great ● Encouragement is this to proceed ? If we compare these things with the circumstances , which as to these matters we were , not many years since , may tempt us to use Balaam's Expression of Astonishment What hath God wrought ? What a strange turn is here in 〈◊〉 affairs of our Israel ? And doubtless if you go on with you● wonted Zeal , and especially if the Bulk of serious Christian● who wish you success , will promote it by their concurrent ●deavours , we may hope for a more general Triumph over th● Kingdom of darkness : And can you think of loosing such ● opportunity as this , with any peace of mind ? Verily , Sir I tell you , many have desired to see these things which yo● see , and could not see them ; many Mourners are gone off th● Stage , that would with all their Hearts and Souls , have p● their Hands to this blessed Work ; had there been but suc● Laws , such Magistrates , and such other encouragements ● you meet with ; but God did not honour them with su● advantages , you are they whom he hath chosen to trust the● choice Talents with ; should you now after all , lose this Se● son , as great would be the guilt of neglecting such a price ● your hands , so , there would remain no hope of ever seei● such another ; for when once Laws of this nature , are l●● asleep by disuse , they are seldome awakned to purpose . Besides that your Zeal in this City , hath this singular a● vantage attending it , that it is likely to be influential up●● 〈◊〉 whole Kingdom , for as all the Blood in man's body cir 〈◊〉 th●● the heart , and is there envigorated , so most of ●● Kingdom by turns have recourse to their Metropolis , where they who are slack in this work , may by your Zeal be provoked to an imitation , and they who are , I fear , too secure from punishment in the Country , may meet with it here ; it may be to their good , and Amendment : So that upon all accounts , you especially are bound at this time , to bestir your ●●lves . And I may bespeak you as Hezekiah did the Levites ( in a work of Reformation too ) My Sons be not you now negligent , for you hath the Lord chosen to serve him . Secondly , We may justly fear that Profaness wou'd be more ●●pant than ever , after this little Check given to it ; I doubt we should find that the short contradiction it hath found from the late Laws , will have had but the same effect , as Paul says , God's Law once had upon him , that is only to irritrate their lusts , Rom. 7. So that they will not only be as the dog in returning to their Vomit , but also as the dog let loose , who is much the fiercer , for having been chained : If once Evil men burst these bonds , and defeat these present attempts , who can but tremble to think , with what improved insolence , recovered Wickedness will Triumph and Insult , when once it knows the smallness of your strength to oppose it . I may therefore allude to that of St. Peter , 2 Epist. 2 Ch. 21 v. and adventure to say , It had been better for you never to have begun than now to decline , better not to have fought , than to give Iniquity the advantage of a Victory , by an untimely retreat . Thirdly , Such a declension of your Zeal , will betray an unfoundness in the Principles by which you have already been acted ; You know that some are apt to say your Zeal is not Fire kindled from Heaven , but either from some Personal Quarrel , or an hypocritical affectation of Esteem , or at best , but a Childish fondness for a Novel business , which lasts while it looks like a Wonder , and then it becomes a weariness ; Now should you indeed desist in your present circumstances , it would encrease the presumption . I hope that you are acted by the most No●●e Springs , from an awful tenderness for the Honour of God , grieved because Men keep not his Law , and from a compassio●●●● concern both for Sinners personal , and the Nations common good , which you have the sagacit● to appreh●● approaching ruine of , if Iniquity go uncontroll'd ; But 〈◊〉 have been your reasons , they will yet be of force with 〈◊〉 Is not the name of God , and the Publick Good , as pr●● now as a few Years since , or have not such flagicious 〈◊〉 the same hurtful influence and aspect upon both still ? 〈◊〉 ware that you cast not a reproach upon all that you have 〈◊〉 hitherto , by a voluntary desertion of that Cause , which 〈◊〉 you seem'd so warm for , remember that a right and just Z●● hath this Character , that 't is always , and not only for a time ▪ Fourthly , The unconquer'd obstinacy of Wicked men 〈◊〉 shame and reproach you ; 't was the Glory of Our Lord 〈◊〉 that when He and the Devil , had such a stated Conflict im●● Wilderness , the Devil after many vain assaults , retreated , 〈◊〉 Our Saviour kept the Field as Conqueror : But it will be 〈◊〉 great Reproach , if in the struggle of this day between 〈◊〉 Servants of these two Chieftans , you that are on Christ's 〈◊〉 should first faint and flee , especially when you have so m●● the advantage every way ; the Flagicious Sinner hath God 〈◊〉 his own Conscience to contend with , as well as with you , 〈◊〉 hath both future and present dangers to discourage him , 〈◊〉 that upon the whole , it will be strange indeed if he think 〈◊〉 Sins will bear his Charges , or quit costs , through disgra●● and penalties here , and through the Horrours of an en●● Night of darkness hereafter . But you have all things to 〈◊〉 courage you , God and Conscience , the Civil Authority , 〈◊〉 Joyful Prospects of Eternal Rewards , so that greater is y●● assistance , greater your encouragement , every way , greater 〈◊〉 he that is in you , than he that is in them , and shall they 〈◊〉 out , and you languish , You have that have every way the 〈◊〉 vantage of them , except you should want it in your 〈…〉 solution . Fifthly , Consider the great danger that will follow , if 〈◊〉 your neglect , the Work of Reformation should not be acc●● plish'd : What a Train of Calamities did Eli's remissness 〈◊〉 punishing his Vile Sons , bring upon the Publick and 〈◊〉 on himself and his posterity after him ? The 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 habitation , the Ark taken Captive , and Thirty thousand 〈◊〉 Israel slain , is the next news we hear concerning the Pub●● Ch. 4. Then Eli himself dies the death of an unredeemed Ass , breaks his neck with a fall , after that evil tidings had broken ●is heart , his Two wicked Sons are slain in the Battel , his Daughter in Law expires in her anguish and grief , and all his posterity is left under the Curse and Sentence of Rejection , which after the Reign of Saul and David , was executed by Solomon ▪ the Vengeance of God follows him after death it self , in the Generations to come ; and all this for the Iniquity he knows of , for that Emphatical , that heavy Sin , of not punishing Scandalous Offenders : Oh what an awful warning should this be to Magistrates and People that they incur not the Guilt of it ▪ That they do not through negligence , or sloth , or a foolish Tenderness , omit to vindicate the Honour of God , from the scorn of Profligate Sinners ; we wou'd hope to see shortly that Universal Restraint of such , as shall be both the Safety and Ornament of our Land , but if you , and others , if Magistrates or People , have no heart to do so much for God , who knows how soon the Glory may depart from us , and we be forced to write I-Chabod on all our Comforts , when the weight of some Additional Curse also may fall on them who had special advantages for doing their Duty , but did it not . Nay yours after you may feel it , and the Frowns of God be entail'd on your posterity , so provoking a Sin is it , not to rise up for God against Evil doers , when he sounds an Alarm to the Conflict . Nay , let me tell you this thing further , that your own personal Piety in other relations , may be no security to you , against Temporal Judgments ; Eli had , himself , a mighty Reverence for God , with what humble submission doth he adore the Justice of his Threatnings , 'T is the Lord , let him do what seems good in his sight . His heart was set upon the Ark of God ; That Word , the Ark of God is taken , knock'd him down dead ; yet for all this , God's Anger was not turned away , but his hand was stretched out still . — No , far be it from me to let thee or thine continue in Honour , on thee shall be all that contempt and shame , which thou should'st have poured upon those Lew'd Wretches , and because thou hast let them escape , thou shalt not . Sixthly , But then , if on the other hand , you are 〈◊〉 in these endeavours , how sweet and comfortable will the 〈◊〉 of it be , at death and for ever ! 'T is but a poor Inch of 〈◊〉 we have , in which to do our God such Service as this , in 〈◊〉 ven are no conflicts between Saints and Sinners ; there is 〈◊〉 Warfare , all is Triumph and Peace , no tryal of your Co●● and Patient Resolution ; 't is in this present Life if ever , we 〈◊〉 Honour God in this kind ; and sure when you are going 〈◊〉 the Stage , Conscience will enquire what hath been done 〈◊〉 God and his Interest ? And the more of Self-denyal , the m●● pains , hazards and discouragements you have gone throug●● to serve his Honour , the sweeter will your Reflections on 〈◊〉 be , and with greater confidence will you hope and pray fo●● his Salvation . Of this , you may see an Instance upon Reco●● in David , Ps. 26.24 . compared with v. 9. I have not sat wi●● vain persons , I have hated the Congr egation of Evil doers : O ga●● ther not , thou , my Soul with Sinners , &c. Qu. d. Thou Lord ▪ that art the Omniscient Witness , and shortly wilt be the Final . Judge of all my ways , knowest that I never loved either the● ways , or the company of profane Sinners ; I have always appeared against them ; I have checked , and discountenanced them , they have been a grief to me , and I have been an awe and restraint upon them ; now therefore I pray let not me when I dye , go with them , with whom I could not endure to live ; we were never delightful Associates in the world , O never let me be their sorrowful Companion in the next ; and how certain accomplishment must such requests , so reasonable and so suitable have ? You shall go , not to such as you grieved at and abhorr'd , but to such as you have loved , where none shall either offend God , or grieve you by their Sin and Folly , where shall be no more reforming wor● to do ; because no more Sin or Blemish , no more confl ict , because no Enemies of God ; no more danger or hazard in God's Service , because none to oppose : Where all your difficulties and discouragements shall be left behind , to poor mortals that shall follow after you , complaining and groaning , through these Black Tents of Kedar , when you are free from the woes and vexations thereof . And then my Brethren , then will come the Crowns and Thrones , the Robes and Palms of Victory , to adorn them who have with greatest zeal and labour , striven against Sin and Satan , for God and Holiness : Oh who would want these comfortable thoughts upon a dying Bed ! How much better is this , than have Conscience chase thee out of this world into Eternity , with such upbraiding clamours , as Go , thou slothful unprofitable Servant , thou unsavory Salt , thou Cumberer of the ground , thou despised Vessel , in which thy God had no pleasure , to make any use of ! But then that you may reflect thus comfortably upon your endeavours , you must be directed by such Rules as these . 1. Beware that none of you be Guilty of wounding the Honour of God your selves , while you pretend to repair the Injuries it receives from others ; let no man think to compound for any Indulged Crimes of his own , by being severe upon those of others ; you have many Observers , let it be your care to disappoint them that watch for your halting ; the wicked Cham's of the Age will be glad to see the Noah's , the promoters of Righteousness , Drunk ; remember that they who reprove the Works of Darkness , must have no fellowship with them . You will much more freely throw the first stone at others , when you are without such Sins your selves . 2. See that God's Honour , be the end directly designed by you ; go not along with others , meerly for company , when you think not why , that it may not be said of you , as of him whom God Ordained to be the Rod of his Anger to a sinful Nation , that you indeed have done what greatly honours God , howbeit you mean it not so , an explicite vigorous intention to serve your Makers glory , is an essential part of such more immediate Service . 3. Shew your selves satisfy'd with God's honour , for your Reward , being ●ar from a proud affectation of human applause , or any nauseous discovery of Self-esteem ; would it not be a sad exchange , if God should say , they have their reward ? To lose the approbation and favour of Heaven , for the mistaken good opinion of poor Worms . Let then the most unaffected humility shew that you love not the praise of Men , so much as the praise of God. Let no man have occasion , 〈◊〉 to Interpret your carriage , as if the Language of it , were like that of vain-glorious Iehu , Come see my Zeal for the Lord. 'T is then an happy case indeed , when a man's Face shines as Moses's , with the lustre of eminent perfections , and himself knows it not , or ar least covers them with a Vail of Modesty ; while you endeavour to be as the lights of the World , be like the bright flaming Taper , which at once casts a splendid light before others , and yet an obscure shade about it self . 4. See that the methods you use in this work , be as suited to the honour of God as the matter of your Zeal is , I take this for granted , that you are acting in the safest Cause in the World , you are not prosecuting any for differences of Judgment in Religion , or matters of Conscience , in such a case , mens misguided Zeal , oft makes those woful mistakes ( spoken of by Christ , Iohn 16.2 . ) that I should fear to wish you God speed . But yours is the most unexceptionable cause , viz. To expose to punishment those profane practices , which no Conscience was ever so perverse , as seriously to espouse ; Who ever heard any cry out in bitter agonies , that they had not Sworn , or Whor'd , or contemned the Sabbath more ? Now take care that your means be as warrantable , for the discovery of such Offenders ; you know ●tis spoken to God's honour , that he Tempts no man to Evil , neither let any say that he was tempted of you , as I doubt not but you count it a wicked thing to provoke a man to passion , in hopes that he will Swear and Curse , so should you in other cases , be afraid to lead any into Temptation , 't is not honourable to kindle those impure flames , which you would quench , and which cannot burn the least while , without offence to God , nor is it safe to give poison , in hopes of an Antidote ; besides that it may prove a dangerous temptation to your selves , and you fall into the snare you hid for others , or at least may bring you under the reproach and suspition of an evil design , by such as shall refuse your bait , and so you get a blot not easily to be wiped out . Lastly , Be greatly concerned that you can honour him no more in this matter , especially if your endeavours should not i● the main prove successful : Oh grieve under it , for God's 〈◊〉 , that his great name must yet suffer contempt , his worship be despised , and his Laws trampled under feet , and you cannot help him ; for the Nations sake , that when God would purge them , they would not be purged ; Mourn over a people that hate to be reformed , for whom what will remain but utter destruction , of which Incorrigibleness in Sin , is a desperate Omen , 't is said of these Sons of Eli , that they would not harken to their Fathers reproof , because the Lord would destroy them ; and for your own sakes , that God will not honour you with success in so noble service . But to conclude , if on the other hand you do prevail ( as I would by no means despair of it ) then will it be God's Glory , to have his name held reverend , and his Law made honourable ; 't will be the Glory of our Land , to be called an Habitation of Holiness ; the Glory of our City , that 't is a Faithful City , full of Iudgment , in which Righteousness lodges ; yea , the Glory of our Prince , that in his days we were delivered , not only from Popery and Slavery , but from a terrible contagion of open Profaness , and that in His time , Righteousness and Peace kiss each other . And it will be the Glory of all you , who have been active Instruments of all this , for having honour'd God , you he will honour : And the Shame shall be to none , but them , who deserve no better , and for whom the most cha●itable Prayer we can put up , is that of David ; Fill thou their Faces with shame , that they may seek thy Name O Lord. FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A39386-e150 2 Sam. 23.6.7 . Dr. Ligb . 2 ● . Vol. p. 1218. D. Tayl. Duct dub . p. 579. Ier. 13.23 . Iohn 2.15 , 16. Heb. 13.4 . Pro. 22.14 . 1 Pet. 4.14 . 2 Pet. 28. Act. 22.22 . Heb. 11.38 . Ps. 75.6.7 . 1 Thess. ● . 9 . Dan. 12.3 . Ier. 5.1 . Rom. 13.4 . Ps. 2.10.11 . Iohn . 19.12.13 . Prov. 21 , 28. Pro. 39. M●● . 25.40 . M●● . 26.11 . 1 King. 18.16 . Isa. 51.7 , 8. Ps. 109.28 . 2 Tim. 2 : 3. Isa. 59.19 . Ier. 48.10 . In the Margine . Rom. 3.13,14 . Num. 23 . 2● . 2 Chron. 29.11 . Ps 119.136 . Gal. 4.18 Mat. 4.11 . Kin. 2.27 . Ch. 3 . 1● ▪ 1 Sam. ● . 18 . Ch. 4.18 . Eph. ● . 11 . Isa. 10.7 . ●im . 1.13 . Isa. 1.21 . Psal. 83.16 .