Reformation sure and stedfast, or, A seasonable sermon for the present times shevving the life and death of reformation : preached June 15, 1641.
         Ford, Thomas, 1598-1674.
      
       
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             Reformation sure and stedfast, or, A seasonable sermon for the present times shevving the life and death of reformation : preached June 15, 1641.
             Ford, Thomas, 1598-1674.
          
           [4], 23 p.
           
             Printed by J. D. for Henry Overton ...,
             London :
             1641.
          
           
             "To the reader" signed: T. F.
             Attributed to Thomas Ford. Cf. NUC-pre 1956.
             Reproduction of original in Thomason Collection, British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Bible. -- O.T. -- Zephaniah I, 1 -- Sermons.
           Reformation -- Sermons.
        
      
    
       A39935  R8197  (Wing F1515).  civilwar no Reformation sure and stedfast; or, A seasonable sermon for the present times. Shevving the life and death of reformation. Preached June 15. Ford, Thomas 1641    7058 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 B  The  rate of 3 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           REFORMATION
           SURE
           AND
           STEDFAST
           ;
           OR
           ,
           A
           SEASONABLE
           Sermon
           for
           the
           present
           times
           .
           SHEVVING
           THE
           LIFE
           AND
           DEATH
           OF
           
             REFORMATION
             .
          
        
         
           
             
               PROV.
            
             15.
             23.
             
          
           
             A
             word
             spoken
             in
             due
             season
             how
             good
             it
             is
             .
          
        
         
           Preached
           June
           15.
           1641.
           
        
         
           Published
           by
           order
           from
           a
           Committee
           of
           the
           Honourable
           House
           of
           Commons
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           by
           
             J.
             D.
          
           for
           
             Henry
             Overton
             ,
          
           and
           are
           to
           be
           sold
           at
           his
           shop
           at
           the
           entrance
           into
           Popes-head
           Alley
           out
           of
           Lumbard
           street
           .
           1641.
           
        
      
       
       
       
         
           To
           the
           Reader
           .
        
         
           GOd
           hath
           layd
           the
           foundation
           among
           us
           long
           agoe
           ,
           and
           God
           be
           thanked
           we
           have
           held
           it
           hitherto
           ,
           though
           with
           much
           adoe
           ,
           and
           some
           hazard
           ,
           for
           Pioners
           both
           within
           us
           and
           without
           us
           have
           beene
           digging
           at
           it
           ,
           but
           could
           never
           undermine
           it
           ,
           to
           blow
           it
           up
           (
           for
           thereby
           wee
           have
           beene
           comely
           though
           blacke
           )
           and
           therefore
           they
           have
           gone
           another
           way
           to
           worke
           ,
           and
           built
           upon
           it
           :
           to
           wit
           ;
           wood
           ,
           hay
           ,
           stubble
           ,
           so
           that
           though
           the
           power
           of
           godlinesse
           hath
           preserved
           us
           ,
           yet
           this
           combustible
           matter
           hath
           kindled
           such
           fires
           amongst
           us
           ,
           as
           have
           almost
           ruined
           ,
           us
           .
           For
           it
           's
           dangerous
           to
           separate
           what
           God
           hath
           joyned
           together
           ,
           though
           Power
           may
           give
           as
           a
           subsistence
           ,
           yet
           never
           a
           
             bene
             esse
          
           without
           Purity
           ,
           to
           which
           wee
           now
           hope
           wee
           draw
           neere
           by
           the
           marriage
           of
           these
           two
           together
           amongst
           us
           ,
           but
           then
           they
           must
           have
           these
           properties
           of
           marriage
           ,
           they
           must
           not
           only
           joyne
           hands
           but
           hearts
           ,
           and
           that
           for
           ever
           for
           Cordiall
           unanimity
           ,
           and
           constant
           perpetuity
           ,
           make
           up
           such
           a
           Reformation
           ,
           as
           only
           will
           make
           us
           .
        
         
         
           But
           I
           will
           not
           prevent
           the
           Sermon
           by
           preaching
           it
           in
           the
           Epistle
           ,
           only
           borrow
           so
           much
           ,
           as
           may
           shew
           how
           needfull
           it
           is
           for
           Ministers
           ,
           to
           ioyne
           with
           Magistrates
           ,
           and
           to
           imploy
           the
           Word
           ,
           as
           they
           the
           Sword
           this
           way
           ,
           that
           so
           it
           may
           not
           bee
           done
           by
           halves
           ,
           but
           throughly
           ,
           and
           that
           not
           only
           in
           Action
           ,
           but
           affection
           ,
           For
           God
           sayes
           ,
           give
           me
           thy
           heart
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           summe
           ,
           and
           substance
           of
           this
           Sermon
           ,
           and
           that
           it
           may
           bee
           the
           practice
           of
           us
           all
           ,
           so
           prayes
           .
        
         
           
             Thine
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             
               T.
               F.
               
            
          
        
      
    
     
       
       
         
           REFORMATION
           Sure
           and
           stedfast
           ,
           or
           a
           seasonable
           Sermon
           for
           the
           present
           times
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           
             ZEPHANIAH
             1.
             1.
             
          
           
             The
             word
             of
             the
             Lord
             which
             came
             unto
             Zephaniah
             the
             sonne
             of
             Cushi
             ,
             the
             sonne
             of
             Gedaliah
             ,
             the
             sonne
             of
             Amariah
             ,
             the
             sonne
             of
             Hizkiah
             ,
             in
             the
             dayes
             of
             Iosiah
             the
             sonne
             of
             Amon
             King
             of
             Judah
             .
          
        
         
           THree
           things
           there
           are
           exprest
           in
           the
           Text
           ;
           and
           a
           fourth
           implyed
           .
           First
           ,
           The
           authority
           of
           the
           Prophet
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           The
           Prophets
           qualitie
           .
           Thirdly
           ,
           The
           time
           of
           his
           Prophecy
           ;
           and
           fourthly
           ,
           The
           Argument
           ,
           or
           substance
           of
           it
           ;
           which
           is
           the
           thing
           implyed
           in
           the
           Prophets
           text
           ,
           and
           fully
           opened
           in
           his
           Sermons
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           authority
           :
           
             The
             word
             of
             the
             Lord
             :
          
           And
           therefore
           you
           are
           to
           take
           notice
           ,
           I
           am
           not
           now
           opening
           to
           you
           mens
           opinions
           ,
           or
           reading
           a
           Lecture
           to
           you
           out
           of
           a
           Philosopher
           ,
           or
           an
           Historian
           ,
           which
           you
           may
           like
           where
           you
           will
           ,
           
           and
           leave
           where
           you
           list
           ,
           heare
           ,
           or
           beleeve
           
             ab
             libitum
             ;
          
           But
           the
           word
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           who
           must
           be
           beleeved
           ,
           when
           he
           speakes
           most
           above
           our
           apprehensions
           ,
           or
           crossest
           to
           our
           present
           wills
           ,
           and
           affections
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           Quality
           of
           the
           Prophet
           ;
           
             Which
             came
             unto
             Zephaniah
             the
             sonne
             of
             Cushie
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           His
           Father
           and
           Grandfather
           ,
           and
           great
           Grandfather
           and
           great
           great
           Grandfather
           are
           named
           :
           Whence
           it
           appeares
           ,
           that
           
             Zephaniah
          
           was
           a
           man
           of
           an
           honourable
           House
           ,
           because
           his
           Ancestors
           are
           mentioned
           to
           the
           fourth
           generation
           
             *
          
           And
           hence
           wee
           see
           ,
           that
           Almighty
           God
           hath
           made
           use
           of
           men
           of
           all
           degrees
           ,
           to
           bee
           Ministers
           of
           his
           Word
           .
           
             Isaiah
          
           came
           of
           the
           bloud
           Royall
           ;
           
             Jeremiah
             ,
          
           of
           the
           stocke
           of
           
             Aaron
             ;
             Daniel
          
           and
           
             Zephaniah
             ,
          
           of
           honourable
           Families
           .
           
             Amos
             ,
          
           a
           heardman
           ;
           
             Elisha
             ,
          
           a
           husbandman
           ;
           and
           other
           Prophets
           ,
           as
           
             Malachi
             ,
             Obadiah
             ,
             Haggai
             ,
          
           and
           
             Habakkuk
             ,
          
           whose
           naked
           names
           wee
           have
           without
           their
           Pedegrees
           .
           And
           thus
           we
           see
           ,
           that
           as
           the
           Lord
           doth
           send
           his
           Word
           to
           all
           sorts
           of
           men
           ,
           so
           he
           sends
           it
           by
           all
           sorts
           of
           men
           .
           And
           hereby
           the
           most
           true
           God
           does
           the
           more
           cleare
           his
           Word
           from
           jelousie
           ,
           and
           suspition
           .
           Here
           also
           wee
           see
           ,
           it
           is
           calling
           honourable
           enough
           ,
           for
           men
           that
           are
           most
           honourable
           by
           birth
           ,
           to
           bee
           Ministers
           of
           Gods
           Word
           .
           As
           
             Zephaniah
          
           a
           Noble
           man
           by
           birth
           ,
           was
           not
           undervalued
           ,
           but
           advanced
           by
           his
           calling
           to
           be
           the
           Lords
           Minister
           .
           A
           Ministers
           Calling
           is
           honour
           enough
           to
           him
           without
           other
           accumulations
           .
        
         
         
           3.
           
           The
           time
           of
           his
           prophesying
           :
           
             In
             the
             dayes
             of
             Josiah
             King
             of
             Judah
             :
          
           and
           therefore
           one
           of
           the
           last
           Prophets
           before
           the
           Captivity
           ,
           and
           a
           Contemporarie
           with
           
             Jeremiah
             .
          
        
         
           4.
           
           For
           the
           substance
           ,
           and
           subject
           of
           his
           prophecy
           ,
           we
           shall
           find
           ;
           It
           is
           composed
           of
           very
           reproving
           ,
           and
           very
           threatning
           Sermons
           :
           partly
           indeed
           against
           some
           others
           ,
           but
           principally
           against
           
             Judah
             .
          
        
         
           I
           ,
           but
           what
           should
           such
           a
           Prophet
           ,
           
           a
           reproving
           Prophet
           ,
           a
           threatning
           Prophet
           doe
           in
           
             Josiah's
          
           time
           ,
           a
           time
           of
           great
           reformation
           ,
           and
           a
           very
           reforming
           Prince
           ?
        
         
           I
           answer
           ,
           
           that
           though
           
             Josiah
          
           himselfe
           had
           a
           right
           spirit
           in
           way
           of
           Reformation
           ,
           yet
           the
           spirits
           of
           the
           greatest
           part
           of
           the
           Nobles
           of
           
             Judah
             ,
          
           and
           also
           of
           the
           Commons
           ,
           inclined
           to
           their
           old
           superstitions
           in
           worship
           ,
           and
           corruptions
           in
           government
           .
           The
           Idolatrous
           wayes
           of
           their
           former
           corrupt
           Princes
           ,
           were
           still
           in
           their
           hearts
           ;
           And
           however
           the
           King
           was
           sound
           ,
           yet
           the
           greatest
           part
           of
           the
           Subjects
           ,
           both
           Rulers
           ,
           and
           People
           ,
           were
           rotten-hearted
           towards
           
             Josiah's
          
           Reformation
           .
           Which
           appeares
           both
           by
           some
           expresse
           places
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           by
           good
           consequence
           from
           other
           .
        
         
           In
           the
           2
           
             King.
          
           22.
           17.
           and
           
             Chro.
          
           34.
           25.
           
           It
           was
           absolutely
           charged
           ,
           upon
           the
           Inhabitants
           of
           
             Judah
             ,
          
           that
           they
           burnt
           Incense
           to
           other
           Gods
           ;
           which
           charge
           was
           in
           
             Josiah's
          
           time
           :
           So
           that
           notwithstanding
           the
           religious
           reformation
           ,
           hee
           had
           endeavoured
           amongst
           them
           ,
           yet
           they
           
           had
           their
           old
           haunts
           of
           superstion
           ,
           and
           therefore
           then
           censured
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           charged
           .
        
         
           If
           it
           be
           put
           to
           Case
           ,
           and
           objected
           ,
           that
           this
           charge
           might
           have
           relation
           to
           
             Iudah's
          
           Idolatrie
           ,
           in
           
             Manasse's
          
           time
           ,
           as
           might
           seeme
           from
           that
           passage
           in
           2
           
             King.
          
           23.
           26.
           
           Let
           this
           Question
           be
           put
           upon
           this
           Objection
           :
           Why
           should
           such
           a
           difference
           be
           made
           ,
           in
           that
           charge
           ,
           and
           censure
           ,
           betwixt
           
             Josiah
             ,
          
           and
           his
           people
           ,
           saving
           that
           he
           was
           sound
           ,
           and
           they
           still
           corrupt
           ?
           I
           confesse
           it
           hath
           reference
           to
           
             Manasse's
          
           time
           ;
           yet
           not
           only
           thither
           :
           for
           its
           plaine
           to
           
             Josiah's
          
           also
           .
           And
           this
           will
           be
           without
           scruple
           ,
           upon
           the
           view
           of
           some
           passages
           in
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           
             Jer.
          
           3.
           6.
           and
           10.
           
           The
           Lord
           also
           said
           unto
           me
           ,
           saith
           
             Jeremiah
             ,
          
           in
           the
           dayes
           of
           
             Josiah
          
           the
           King
           .
           
             Judah
          
           hath
           not
           turned
           unto
           me
           with
           her
           whole
           heart
           ,
           but
           feignedly
           ,
           or
           in
           falshood
           ,
           saith
           the
           Lord
           .
           Though
           the
           King
           ,
           and
           happily
           some
           few
           of
           his
           Nobles
           ,
           and
           People
           were
           very
           Cordiall
           in
           reformation
           ,
           yet
           the
           major
           part
           both
           of
           Nobles
           and
           Commons
           ,
           had
           reformed
           faces
           ,
           but
           not
           reformed
           hearts
           .
        
         
           Again
           ,
           by
           consequence
           it
           is
           cleare
           .
           For
           wheras
           
             Josiah
             ,
          
           though
           young
           ,
           was
           upright-hearted
           himselfe
           ,
           and
           likewise
           towards
           the
           reformation
           of
           his
           Kingdome
           ;
           Why
           yet
           it
           seemes
           ,
           it
           was
           the
           twelfth
           yeare
           of
           his
           Raigne
           ,
           before
           he
           could
           get
           the
           Kingdome
           in
           any
           readinesse
           to
           a
           Reformation
           .
           So
           it
           is
           recorded
           in
           2
           
             Chro.
          
           34.
           3.
           
           That
           in
           the
           twelfth
           yeare
           of
           his
           Raigne
           ,
           he
           began
           to
           purge
           
             Iudah
          
           and
           
             Ierusalem
          
           from
           the
           high
           places
           ,
           and
           the
           Groves
           ,
           
             &c.
             
          
        
         
         
           Againe
           ,
           after
           he
           set
           upon
           Reformation
           ,
           wee
           find
           it
           was
           six
           yeares
           ,
           before
           he
           had
           purged
           the
           Land
           ,
           and
           the
           Temple
           ,
           which
           was
           but
           a
           part
           of
           his
           Reformation
           intended
           :
           for
           the
           repaires
           of
           the
           Temple
           were
           still
           behind
           ,
           
             vers.
          
           8.
           
           And
           what
           should
           be
           the
           Reason
           ,
           that
           he
           should
           be
           twelve
           yeares
           before
           hee
           began
           to
           reforme
           ,
           being
           so
           pure
           a
           Prince
           ,
           and
           six
           yeares
           in
           one
           part
           of
           Reformation
           ,
           the
           casting
           out
           of
           Corruptions
           ?
           But
           because
           he
           found
           it
           a
           mighty
           difficult
           matter
           ,
           to
           new
           mold
           the
           People
           from
           old
           wayes
           ,
           and
           to
           take
           the
           generality
           of
           them
           off
           from
           their
           wonted
           superstitious
           customes
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           observable
           againe
           ,
           that
           when
           the
           People
           were
           brought
           to
           an
           outward
           Conformity
           ,
           to
           the
           Reformation
           ,
           yet
           their
           hearts
           still
           hankered
           another
           way
           ,
           and
           so
           much
           as
           they
           durst
           ,
           for
           the
           Lawes
           ,
           the
           Reformation
           had
           established
           ,
           they
           declared
           their
           idolatrous
           spirits
           :
           as
           in
           that
           3.
           
             Jer.
             10.
             
             Judah
             hath
             not
             turned
             to
             mee
             with
             her
             whole
             heart
             ,
             but
             feignedly
             .
          
        
         
           And
           we
           are
           moreover
           to
           marke
           ,
           that
           after
           their
           outward
           Conformitie
           to
           Reformation
           ,
           came
           the
           threatning
           of
           their
           Captivity
           .
           Compare
           the
           8.
           and
           25.
           
           Verse
           ,
           of
           the
           34.
           Chap.
           2
           
             Chro.
             
          
        
         
           There
           is
           still
           another
           thing
           more
           notable
           for
           the
           case
           in
           hand
           ,
           which
           is
           this
           ;
           When
           upon
           the
           Lords
           threatning
           
             Judah
             ,
          
           for
           the
           superstitious
           bent
           ,
           and
           byas
           of
           their
           spirits
           still
           ;
           
             Josiah
          
           to
           the
           end
           he
           might
           make
           them
           as
           sure
           as
           he
           could
           for
           God
           gathers
           them
           together
           ,
           to
           enter
           into
           a
           sure
           
           Covenant
           with
           the
           Lord
           ,
           to
           serve
           him
           only
           ,
           and
           to
           worship
           him
           truly
           ;
           It
           is
           observable
           that
           the
           king
           was
           forced
           ,
           to
           force
           them
           to
           stand
           to
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           that
           he
           himselfe
           had
           entred
           into
           .
           
             Verses
          
           32.
           33.
           
           They
           did
           not
           willingly
           ,
           and
           freely
           enter
           into
           the
           Covenant
           with
           the
           King
           ,
           but
           it
           's
           said
           ,
           
             Josiah
          
           caused
           ,
           and
           made
           all
           that
           were
           present
           ,
           or
           that
           were
           found
           in
           
             Jerusalem
             ,
          
           and
           
             Benjamin
          
           to
           stand
           to
           it
           .
           Againe
           ,
           neither
           did
           they
           keepe
           this
           Covenant
           any
           longer
           then
           
             Josiah's
          
           life
           ,
           as
           the
           last
           words
           of
           the
           Chapter
           ,
           and
           the
           Peoples
           practice
           in
           the
           beginning
           of
           the
           next
           King
           doe
           manifest
           .
        
         
           Now
           if
           the
           commendations
           of
           the
           Passeover
           in
           
             Josiah's
          
           life
           ,
           and
           the
           great
           lamentation
           of
           the
           People
           at
           
             Josiah's
          
           death
           ,
           should
           bee
           an
           Argument
           to
           any
           for
           the
           integritie
           of
           
             Iudah
          
           in
           
             Iosiah's
          
           time
           ;
           They
           must
           needs
           in
           serious
           ,
           and
           seconded
           thoughts
           ,
           apprehend
           the
           carriage
           of
           the
           people
           in
           the
           generality
           ,
           but
           a
           Ceremony
           ,
           and
           no
           substantiall
           point
           of
           their
           soundnesse
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           upon
           all
           this
           that
           hath
           beene
           said
           ,
           I
           say
           in
           Answer
           to
           the
           Question
           ;
           That
           there
           was
           a
           necessitie
           of
           this
           sharpe
           ,
           and
           threatning
           Prophecy
           ,
           even
           in
           
             Iosiah's
          
           time
           ,
           though
           a
           time
           of
           Reformation
           :
           howbeit
           ,
           not
           in
           respect
           of
           Prince
           ,
           yet
           of
           People
           for
           the
           major
           part
           .
           And
           then
           this
           is
           the
           first
           Doctrine
           .
        
         
           That
           though
           the
           Prince
           ,
           
           and
           some
           Rulers
           of
           a
           Nation
           ,
           be
           strict
           Reformers
           in
           Religion
           ,
           yet
           if
           the
           People
           generally
           continue
           corrupt
           ,
           the
           Nation
           is
           still
           in
           much
           danger
           .
           As
           we
           may
           take
           
           notice
           of
           it
           in
           Gods
           angry
           words
           against
           
             Iudah
             ,
          
           in
           
             Iosiah's
          
           time
           ,
           the
           purest
           of
           Reformers
           before
           the
           Captivity
           ;
           So
           also
           ,
           as
           clearly
           in
           the
           pure
           reformations
           after
           the
           Captivity
           ,
           by
           the
           confessions
           ,
           of
           the
           Reformers
           themselves
           :
           Witnesse
           
             Ezra
             ,
          
           and
           
             Nehemiah
          
           their
           solemne
           Fasts
           ,
           to
           prevent
           sad
           things
           ,
           which
           they
           feared
           might
           befall
           their
           Nation
           ,
           through
           the
           peoples
           corruption
           ,
           
             Ezra
          
           9.
           and
           
             Nehem.
          
           9.
           
        
         
           Now
           when
           I
           say
           ,
           when
           the
           people
           are
           corrupt
           in
           Religion
           ,
           I
           meane
           not
           their
           open
           profession
           ,
           or
           confessed
           practice
           of
           superstitions
           ,
           and
           crosse-wayes
           ,
           to
           the
           purity
           of
           Religion
           :
           But
           even
           then
           ,
           when
           the
           people
           have
           out-sides
           to
           Reformation
           ,
           yet
           still
           hearts
           and
           insides
           to
           corruption
           .
           For
           this
           was
           the
           case
           of
           the
           
             Iewes
          
           in
           
             Iosiah's
          
           time
           .
           As
           the
           purest
           Elements
           now
           are
           so
           impure
           as
           subject
           to
           change
           in
           part
           into
           contrary
           Elements
           ;
           such
           was
           the
           temper
           of
           these
           Jewes
           ,
           that
           as
           they
           went
           to
           
             Zoar
             ,
          
           their
           faces
           were
           towards
           
             Sodom
             .
          
        
         
           And
           the
           danger
           of
           such
           a
           Nation
           ,
           
           that
           hath
           such
           a
           people
           appeares
           in
           this
           ;
           Because
           such
           a
           People
           ,
           though
           they
           may
           bee
           conformers
           ,
           to
           godly
           reformation
           for
           the
           present
           ,
           yet
           for
           present
           it
           's
           against
           their
           wills
           to
           be
           for
           God
           ,
           and
           so
           soone
           as
           ever
           they
           have
           opportunity
           ,
           they
           will
           be
           for
           
             Baal
             .
          
           Just
           as
           your
           men
           that
           stay
           at
           shore
           till
           wind
           serve
           ,
           they
           keepe
           upon
           the
           Land
           ,
           because
           they
           cannot
           get
           upon
           the
           Sea
           ;
           but
           so
           soone
           as
           the
           winds
           turne
           to
           their
           opportunity
           ,
           fare
           well
           Land
           .
        
         
         
           Thus
           we
           may
           conceive
           it
           was
           in
           that
           happy
           Reformation
           of
           King
           
             Edw.
          
           6.
           though
           unhappy
           in
           respect
           of
           his
           surviving
           Subjects
           .
           Who
           in
           reason
           would
           have
           thought
           ,
           that
           ,
           that
           Reformation
           should
           have
           had
           such
           a
           Metamorphosis
           ,
           and
           that
           so
           suddenly
           ;
           yet
           the
           issue
           gave
           in
           evidence
           that
           the
           generality
           were
           but
           meere
           Formalists
           in
           that
           reformation
           ,
           and
           did
           but
           waite
           for
           a
           wind
           ,
           to
           carry
           them
           to
           
             Rome
          
           againe
           .
        
         
           And
           as
           this
           hath
           beene
           the
           issue
           of
           the
           People
           ,
           so
           
             Vice
             versa
             ;
          
           Sometimes
           with
           the
           Prince
           :
           as
           in
           
             Joash
          
           King
           of
           
             Judah
             ,
          
           a
           good
           King
           not
           from
           inward
           principles
           ,
           but
           from
           outward
           motives
           ;
           Hee
           made
           true
           Religion
           the
           fashion
           whilst
           
             Jehojada
          
           lived
           :
           For
           all
           the
           dayes
           of
           
             Jehojada
          
           it
           's
           said
           ,
           he
           walked
           in
           the
           godly
           paths
           of
           his
           godly
           Predecessors
           ,
           and
           maintained
           the
           reformation
           ,
           made
           after
           
             Athalia
          
           deposed
           ,
           and
           hee
           crowned
           ,
           2
           
             King.
          
           11.
           
        
         
           But
           so
           soone
           as
           
             Jehojada
          
           was
           in
           his
           grave
           ,
           the
           Princes
           of
           
             Judah
          
           came
           ,
           and
           made
           obeisance
           to
           the
           King
           ,
           and
           with
           flattering
           speeches
           motioned
           to
           the
           King
           ,
           the
           renewing
           of
           Baalitish
           worship
           ,
           and
           he
           hearkened
           unto
           them
           ,
           2
           
             Chro.
          
           24.
           17.
           
        
         
           To
           make
           Application
           of
           the
           point
           for
           our
           owne
           particular
           use
           .
           
           And
           hence
           wee
           gather
           that
           there
           is
           as
           great
           necessitie
           to
           pray
           ,
           and
           endevour
           ,
           that
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           People
           of
           the
           Land
           ,
           may
           bee
           prepared
           for
           Reformation
           ,
           as
           that
           the
           Lord
           would
           prepare
           Reformers
           :
           That
           
           Prince
           ,
           and
           Peoples
           spirits
           ,
           may
           move
           in
           the
           same
           orbe
           in
           this
           point
           ,
           and
           that
           the
           people
           may
           not
           be
           carryed
           on
           in
           Reformation
           ,
           as
           the
           Sunne
           ,
           and
           starres
           are
           by
           the
           
             Primum
             mobile
             ,
          
           have
           a
           violent
           motion
           from
           it
           ,
           and
           another
           naturall
           motion
           of
           their
           owne
           ,
           quite
           contrary
           .
           For
           certainly
           though
           the
           people
           of
           the
           Land
           move
           after
           the
           motion
           of
           superiour
           Orbes
           ,
           King
           ,
           and
           Rulers
           that
           doe
           reforme
           ,
           yet
           keepe
           another
           crosse
           inclination
           ,
           and
           motion
           of
           their
           owne
           ,
           surely
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           our
           hopes
           at
           most
           ,
           can
           be
           but
           for
           an
           Age
           ,
           even
           the
           lives
           of
           Reformers
           ;
           and
           so
           soone
           as
           a
           
             Josiah
          
           is
           gone
           ,
           so
           will
           his
           Reformation
           too
           .
        
         
           It
           's
           true
           ,
           for
           the
           age
           of
           Reformers
           ,
           the
           Scriptures
           warrant
           us
           ,
           Truth
           and
           Peace
           in
           their
           dayes
           ;
           Nay
           ,
           and
           according
           to
           Scripture
           evidence
           ,
           an
           externall
           complying
           of
           the
           people
           with
           Reformation
           ,
           is
           a
           
             Supersedeas
          
           to
           the
           Land
           from
           Nationall
           iudgements
           .
           We
           find
           in
           
             Josiah
          
           a
           Reformer
           ,
           he
           must
           goe
           to
           his
           grave
           in
           peace
           ,
           and
           his
           people
           must
           bee
           secure
           till
           then
           too
           .
           And
           so
           there
           must
           be
           peace
           and
           truth
           ,
           all
           
             Hezekiah's
          
           raigne
           ,
           being
           a
           reformer
           of
           Religion
           ,
           though
           we
           find
           many
           heavy
           prophesies
           against
           
             Judah
             ,
          
           even
           in
           
             Hezekiah's
          
           time
           ,
           as
           wee
           see
           in
           the
           Prophets
           ,
           
             Isaiah
             ,
             Hosea
             ,
          
           and
           
             Micah
             .
          
           And
           so
           
             Jehoshaphat
             ,
          
           a
           maintainer
           of
           his
           fathers
           Reformation
           ,
           and
           something
           a
           mender
           of
           it
           ,
           though
           indeed
           once
           he
           was
           affrighted
           with
           a
           great
           Armie
           ,
           yet
           saith
           the
           Scripture
           ;
           The
           Realme
           of
           
             Iehoshaphat
          
           was
           quiet
           ,
           and
           God
           gave
           him
           ,
           and
           
           his
           People
           rest
           in
           his
           Raigne
           ,
           2
           
             Chro.
          
           20.
           
        
         
           But
           then
           here
           is
           usually
           the
           
             non
             ultra
          
           of
           hopes
           ,
           of
           happinesse
           ,
           when
           the
           peoples
           hearts
           move
           not
           in
           the
           same
           Orbe
           after
           the
           Princes
           in
           reforming
           .
           The
           Scripture
           is
           cleare
           in
           president
           for
           it
           :
           That
           when
           in
           time
           of
           Reformation
           ,
           the
           peoples
           spirits
           are
           not
           prepared
           for
           puritie
           in
           Divine
           worship
           ,
           as
           the
           Governours
           are
           (
           thus
           the
           case
           was
           with
           
             Iehoshaphats
          
           people
           ,
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           people
           were
           not
           prepared
           ,
           to
           the
           taking
           away
           of
           the
           High-places
           ,
           2
           
             Chro.
          
           20.
           33.
           
           )
           then
           the
           Land
           hath
           beene
           secured
           ,
           and
           happie
           but
           that
           Age
           .
           For
           wee
           find
           that
           when
           
             Iehoshaphat
          
           slept
           with
           his
           Fathers
           ,
           even
           that
           good
           Prince
           ,
           whose
           peoples
           hearts
           were
           not
           prepared
           ,
           as
           his
           ,
           for
           perfect
           Reformation
           ,
           the
           next
           King
           ,
           was
           a
           King
           after
           the
           corrupt
           peoples
           owne
           hearts
           :
           A
           man
           that
           walked
           in
           the
           wayes
           of
           the
           Kings
           of
           
             Israel
             ,
          
           and
           house
           of
           
             Ahab
             ,
             2
             Chro.
          
           21.
           6.
           
        
         
           And
           what
           became
           of
           the
           Kingdome
           then
           ,
           that
           was
           so
           secure
           and
           quiet
           ,
           whilst
           
             Iehoshaphat
          
           lived
           ?
           Why
           ,
           we
           find
           there
           ,
           that
           first
           the
           Edomites
           ,
           they
           revolt
           from
           the
           Dominion
           of
           
             Iudah
             ,
          
           and
           set
           up
           a
           King
           of
           their
           owne
           ;
           and
           
             Libna
          
           also
           revolted
           from
           the
           government
           of
           
             Iudah
             .
          
           And
           the
           reason
           of
           this
           change
           in
           the
           State
           ,
           is
           given
           in
           the
           tenth
           verse
           of
           the
           Chapter
           :
           Because
           
             Iehoram
          
           had
           forsaken
           the
           Lord
           God
           of
           his
           Fathers
           ,
           
             Iehoshaphat
          
           and
           
             Asa
             ,
          
           both
           Reformers
           of
           Church
           and
           State
           .
        
         
           It
           's
           true
           ,
           we
           find
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           that
           
             Asa's
          
           Reformation
           continued
           not
           only
           his
           ,
           but
           his
           successours
           
           time
           ;
           But
           then
           wee
           find
           with
           all
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           no
           such
           thing
           laid
           to
           the
           peoples
           charge
           ,
           as
           not
           being
           prepared
           for
           his
           Reformation
           .
           And
           this
           I
           conceive
           to
           bee
           a
           Reason
           of
           the
           succession
           of
           Queene
           
             Elizabeths
          
           reformation
           through
           King
           
             Iames
          
           his
           Raigne
           ,
           and
           our
           gracious
           King
           
             Charles
             ;
          
           namely
           ,
           besides
           the
           Integritie
           of
           their
           Royall
           spirits
           ,
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           people
           were
           prepared
           for
           that
           Reformation
           of
           Religion
           .
           Which
           appeares
           to
           be
           so
           ,
           in
           this
           ,
           That
           no
           
             Baalam's
             ;
          
           though
           there
           have
           beene
           many
           ,
           could
           yet
           curse
           
             England
          
           so
           farre
           ,
           as
           to
           Adulterate
           a
           considerable
           part
           ,
           either
           of
           Nobles
           ,
           or
           Commons
           ,
           from
           the
           former
           Reformation
           ;
           though
           from
           perfection
           in
           Reformation
           ,
           we
           have
           beene
           often
           stopped
           .
        
         
           Moreover
           ,
           it
           's
           beyond
           all
           this
           observable
           concerning
           
             Hezekiahs
          
           Reformation
           ;
           That
           though
           he
           was
           very
           pure
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           his
           peoples
           hearts
           prepared
           for
           it
           ,
           2
           
             Chro.
          
           29.
           36.
           
           The
           people
           were
           much
           taken
           with
           
             Hezekiah's
          
           reformation
           at
           first
           ,
           and
           forwarded
           it
           with
           all
           expedition
           ;
           For
           the
           worke
           was
           done
           suddenly
           ,
           saith
           the
           Scripture
           .
           Why
           yet
           this
           lasted
           but
           
             Hezekiah's
          
           life
           ;
           Truth
           ,
           and
           Peace
           only
           in
           his
           dayes
           :
           for
           after
           he
           was
           gathered
           to
           his
           Fathers
           ,
           Religion
           was
           more
           corrupted
           then
           ever
           by
           
             Manasses
          
           his
           sonne
           ,
           and
           the
           Kingdome
           never
           in
           greater
           straits
           ,
           and
           exigents
           .
           Now
           what
           should
           be
           the
           reason
           of
           this
           ?
           That
           he
           so
           pure
           a
           Reformer
           ,
           and
           his
           peoples
           hearts
           so
           prepared
           for
           Reformation
           ,
           yet
           the
           Kingdome
           happy
           herein
           ,
           but
           for
           his
           time
           .
        
         
         
           I
           answer
           ,
           That
           we
           shall
           find
           in
           the
           search
           of
           Scripture
           in
           this
           case
           ;
           That
           for
           all
           this
           forwardnesse
           of
           the
           People
           in
           
             Hezekiah's
          
           reformation
           ,
           yet
           alas
           ,
           they
           were
           but
           for
           a
           spurt
           ,
           their
           best
           at
           first
           ,
           their
           courage
           soone
           cooled
           this
           way
           ,
           and
           they
           quickly
           weary
           of
           the
           life
           of
           Religion
           .
           For
           this
           complaint
           the
           Lord
           made
           of
           
             Judah
             ,
          
           in
           the
           Prophet
           
             Hosea
             :
          
           who
           prophesied
           in
           
             Hezekiah's
          
           time
           against
           
             Judah
             ,
             Hos.
             6.
             4.
             
             O
             Judah
             ,
             what
             shall
             I
             doe
             unto
             thee
             ?
             for
             your
             goodnesse
             is
             as
             the
             morning
             cloud
             ,
             and
             as
             the
             early
             dew
             it
             goeth
             away
             .
          
           And
           if
           haply
           this
           was
           spoken
           to
           
             Judah
          
           in
           another
           Kings
           time
           ,
           and
           not
           
             Hezekiah's
          
           ,
           (
           for
           
             Hosea
          
           prophesied
           in
           foure
           Kings
           raignes
           of
           
             Judah
             ,
             Uzziah
             ,
             Jothan
             ,
             Ahaz
             ,
          
           and
           
             Hezekiah
          
           )
           yet
           the
           very
           last
           thing
           in
           the
           Prophesie
           against
           
             Judah
             ,
          
           must
           in
           all
           reason
           bee
           in
           
             Hezekiah's
          
           time
           ,
           
             Chap.
             12.
             2.
             
             I
             have
             a
             controversie
             also
             with
             Iudah
             ,
             and
             will
             punish
             Jacob
             according
             to
             his
             wayes
             .
          
           Nay
           ,
           and
           that
           which
           God
           spake
           in
           
             Iudah's
          
           commendation
           compared
           with
           
             Ephraim
             ,
             Chap.
          
           11.
           12.
           intimates
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           that
           the
           Lord
           was
           jealous
           of
           
             Iudah's
          
           declining
           ,
           and
           returning
           to
           Idols
           ;
           
             Ephraim
             compasseth
             mee
             about
             with
             lyes
             ;
             but
             Iudah
             yet
             ruleth
             with
             God
             .
          
           Yet
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           did
           expect
           that
           they
           would
           fall
           off
           at
           last
           .
        
         
           It
           's
           manifest
           againe
           by
           the
           Prophet
           
             Micah
             ,
          
           who
           prophesied
           in
           
             Hezekiah's
          
           dayes
           ,
           that
           even
           then
           there
           was
           a
           defection
           in
           the
           People
           ,
           the
           Magistrates
           become
           corrupt
           ,
           and
           the
           Ministrie
           too
           ,
           
             Chap.
          
           3.
           9.
           and
           
             chap.
          
           last
           ,
           and
           beginning
           of
           it
           .
           Besides
           this
           ,
           it
           's
           more
           then
           probable
           that
           
           corruptions
           crept
           into
           
             Iudah
             ,
          
           even
           in
           
             Hezekiah's
          
           dayes
           ;
           because
           we
           find
           there
           was
           such
           a
           corrupt
           Minister
           of
           State
           nigh
           to
           the
           King
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Kings
           house
           ,
           
             Shebna
          
           by
           name
           ,
           both
           Treasurer
           ,
           and
           also
           over
           the
           Kings
           house
           ,
           
             Isa.
          
           22.
           15.
           
           A
           man
           of
           a
           mighty
           proud
           spirit
           for
           himselfe
           ,
           as
           is
           seene
           in
           the
           16.
           verse
           ,
           and
           a
           mighty
           dangerous
           man
           to
           the
           State
           of
           
             Iudah
             ,
          
           as
           appeares
           in
           his
           notable
           end
           ,
           in
           the
           17.
           18.
           verse
           ,
           
             &c.
             
          
        
         
           To
           put
           on
           the
           use
           againe
           in
           conclusion
           of
           these
           premisses
           .
           We
           see
           and
           cannot
           see
           ;
           That
           besides
           the
           stirring
           up
           of
           the
           spirit
           of
           
             Iehoshaphat
             ,
          
           or
           
             Hezekiah
             ,
          
           or
           
             Josiah
             ,
          
           or
           
             Zerubbabel
             ,
          
           or
           
             Nehemiah
             ,
          
           or
           
             Cirus
             ,
          
           I
           say
           ,
           besides
           the
           stirring
           up
           of
           the
           spirits
           of
           Rulers
           to
           reforme
           ,
           there
           are
           these
           two
           things
           to
           be
           looked
           unto
           ,
           if
           any
           continued
           comfort
           be
           expected
           in
           Reformation
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           that
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           people
           be
           prepared
           
           for
           Reformation
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           that
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           people
           be
           
           settled
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           prepared
           .
           First
           that
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           people
           be
           prepared
           for
           Reformation
           :
           that
           is
           ,
           that
           their
           opinions
           ,
           and
           affections
           may
           bee
           quite
           taken
           off
           ,
           of
           all
           wry
           wayes
           in
           Gods
           worship
           ,
           and
           byased
           with
           right
           Rules
           ,
           and
           principles
           in
           Religion
           .
           And
           hence
           wee
           see
           the
           necessitie
           of
           the
           Ministers
           industry
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           the
           Magistrates
           ,
           in
           reforming
           times
           .
           For
           though
           it
           bee
           the
           power
           of
           the
           Sword
           which
           must
           conforme
           the
           outside
           ,
           yet
           it
           is
           the
           power
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           which
           must
           reforme
           the
           inside
           of
           the
           people
           .
           Though
           the
           Magistrate
           must
           cast
           
           all
           externall
           performances
           ,
           yet
           the
           Ministery
           properly
           casts
           the
           heart
           ,
           and
           inclinations
           into
           a
           reforming
           temper
           .
        
         
           And
           therefore
           Brethren
           now
           King
           ,
           
           and
           Ministers
           of
           State
           are
           discharging
           their
           parts
           in
           commanding
           ,
           if
           Ministers
           of
           the
           Church
           doe
           not
           discharge
           theirs
           in
           informing
           ,
           and
           exhorting
           ;
           Surely
           ,
           as
           it
           was
           said
           of
           the
           Priests
           to
           their
           disparagement
           in
           
             Hezekiah's
          
           reformation
           ,
           2
           
             Chro.
          
           29.
           
           The
           Levites
           were
           more
           upright
           in
           heart
           to
           sanctifie
           themselves
           than
           the
           Priests
           ;
           So
           will
           it
           doubtlesse
           bee
           charged
           on
           the
           Ministery
           in
           ours
           ;
           That
           the
           Magistrates
           were
           more
           upright
           in
           heart
           to
           performe
           their
           parts
           in
           Reformation
           ,
           than
           the
           Ministers
           theirs
           .
        
         
           We
           see
           also
           what
           here
           is
           for
           private
           men
           to
           worke
           upon
           in
           their
           prayers
           ,
           
             viz.
          
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           people
           of
           the
           Land
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           the
           heart
           of
           the
           Prince
           of
           the
           Land
           in
           the
           day
           of
           refining
           .
           Though
           the
           head
           be
           never
           so
           well
           ,
           and
           in
           temper
           ,
           yet
           if
           there
           be
           an
           ill
           heart
           ,
           or
           a
           corrupt
           liver
           ,
           or
           ulcerated
           members
           in
           the
           body
           ,
           a
           mans
           life
           is
           still
           in
           hazard
           :
           So
           that
           if
           Christians
           do
           not
           levell
           as
           well
           in
           their
           prayers
           ,
           and
           humblings
           ,
           to
           the
           sincerity
           of
           the
           Subjects
           ,
           as
           the
           puritie
           of
           Prince
           ,
           as
           well
           to
           the
           preparation
           of
           the
           people
           ,
           as
           the
           reformation
           of
           Rulers
           ;
           the
           Kingdome
           is
           not
           yet
           out
           of
           danger
           .
           For
           however
           it
           be
           a
           happinesse
           to
           a
           Kingdome
           ,
           when
           Rulers
           are
           willing
           to
           reforme
           ,
           as
           to
           
             Iudah
          
           in
           
             Iehoshaphat
             .
          
           Yet
           if
           the
           people
           be
           not
           prepared
           for
           Reformation
           ,
           marke
           ,
           and
           it
           goes
           on
           with
           
           much
           difficulty
           ,
           and
           every
           motion
           of
           it
           pinches
           much
           .
           As
           ,
           this
           being
           the
           case
           of
           
             Iosiah
          
           six
           years
           could
           scarcely
           get
           out
           rubbish
           from
           Church
           and
           State
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           come
           to
           repaires
           .
           For
           it
           was
           the
           twelfth
           yeare
           before
           hee
           could
           pull
           downe
           
             Baal
             ,
          
           and
           the
           eighteenth
           before
           he
           could
           build
           for
           God
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           there
           must
           be
           care
           had
           by
           the
           Magistrate
           in
           their
           sphere
           ,
           and
           the
           Ministery
           in
           theirs
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           people
           of
           God
           in
           theirs
           too
           ,
           to
           get
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           people
           setled
           ,
           in
           the
           rules
           of
           Reformation
           :
           that
           they
           bee
           not
           wavering
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           changeable
           spirit
           ,
           except
           Governours
           change
           any
           forgot
           ,
           or
           unseene
           errors
           :
           that
           their
           goodnesse
           may
           not
           bee
           as
           
             Iudah's
          
           ,
           as
           the
           morning
           cloud
           ,
           and
           early
           dew
           which
           passeth
           away
           ;
           that
           they
           may
           not
           bee
           for
           Antichrist
           againe
           ,
           when
           an
           opportunity
           tempts
           them
           ;
           but
           religious
           when
           
             Iehojada
          
           is
           dead
           ,
           and
           righteous
           when
           
             Iosiah
          
           is
           fallen
           asleepe
           .
           In
           a
           word
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           be
           implanted
           into
           a
           Reformation
           ,
           as
           the
           Medes
           and
           Persians
           were
           into
           their
           Law
           ,
           which
           altered
           not
           .
           And
           if
           this
           bee
           not
           ,
           then
           this
           may
           be
           ;
           nay
           ,
           this
           will
           be
           the
           mischiefe
           ,
           and
           inconvenience
           ,
           
             viz.
             
          
        
         
           Though
           the
           worke
           of
           Reformation
           goe
           on
           apace
           for
           a
           time
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           said
           of
           
             Hezekiah
             ,
          
           he
           blessed
           God
           ,
           that
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           people
           were
           so
           prepared
           ,
           that
           the
           worke
           was
           done
           with
           speed
           .
           I
           say
           ,
           though
           the
           worke
           may
           goe
           on
           with
           speed
           for
           a
           time
           ,
           yet
           in
           time
           there
           may
           come
           a
           pause
           ,
           and
           long
           demurre
           :
           and
           this
           was
           their
           case
           in
           the
           
           building
           of
           the
           Temple
           ,
           upon
           the
           weakning
           of
           the
           hands
           of
           the
           people
           of
           
             Iudah
          
           and
           
             Benjamin
             ,
             Ezr
          
           4.
           
           The
           People
           were
           extraordinary
           busie
           ,
           and
           zealous
           at
           the
           foundation
           of
           the
           Temple
           ,
           but
           shortly
           after
           ,
           by
           some
           wiles
           ,
           and
           plots
           of
           Ante-reformers
           ,
           their
           hands
           were
           weakned
           ,
           their
           zeale
           abated
           ,
           and
           the
           worke
           of
           building
           the
           Temple
           ,
           received
           intermission
           many
           yeares
           ,
           
             Ezr.
          
           4
           Compare
           the
           fourth
           verse
           with
           the
           twenty
           fourth
           .
        
         
           Thus
           you
           have
           seene
           cleared
           ,
           that
           when
           the
           Magistrates
           of
           a
           Land
           are
           serious
           in
           separating
           betwixt
           the
           pretious
           ,
           and
           the
           vile
           ,
           if
           the
           people
           of
           the
           Land
           ,
           I
           meane
           the
           considerable
           part
           of
           them
           be
           peccant
           ;
           the
           Land
           is
           still
           in
           danger
           ,
           especially
           for
           future
           .
           For
           if
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           people
           be
           not
           prepared
           for
           reformation
           ,
           then
           it
           comes
           on
           with
           much
           difficulty
           :
           If
           prepared
           ,
           and
           not
           settled
           ,
           there
           may
           come
           in
           dangerous
           delayes
           ,
           and
           besides
           little
           hopes
           to
           last
           long
           .
           As
           the
           Israelites
           at
           first
           comming
           out
           of
           
             Egypt
             ,
          
           in
           one
           quarter
           of
           a
           yeare
           they
           got
           as
           farre
           as
           to
           the
           wildernesse
           of
           
             Zinai
             ,
          
           the
           third
           part
           of
           their
           way
           from
           
             Egypt
          
           to
           
             Canaan
             ,
          
           and
           count
           all
           their
           Compasses
           in
           their
           journey
           :
           they
           staied
           not
           there
           much
           above
           the
           yeare
           compleat
           ,
           to
           take
           their
           Lawes
           along
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           yet
           after
           they
           removed
           from
           Mount
           
             Sinai
             ,
          
           they
           were
           nine
           and
           thirtie
           yeares
           before
           any
           of
           them
           got
           to
           
             Canaan
             .
          
           Whereas
           had
           their
           progresse
           beene
           like
           their
           beginning
           ,
           they
           might
           have
           beene
           at
           the
           Land
           of
           promise
           within
           fix
           moneths
           more
           .
        
         
         
           You
           conceive
           our
           owne
           case
           without
           particular
           application
           ;
           and
           you
           cannot
           but
           conceive
           how
           much
           it
           concernes
           us
           all
           to
           see
           to
           it
           ,
           to
           our
           power
           ,
           that
           the
           hearts
           of
           all
           be
           not
           only
           prepared
           to
           reforme
           ,
           but
           settled
           in
           their
           preparations
           .
           And
           sure
           it
           lyes
           hard
           upon
           Gods
           people
           (
           O
           that
           they
           would
           heartily
           take
           notice
           of
           it
           )
           not
           to
           ebbe
           a
           jot
           in
           the
           course
           of
           Prayer
           ,
           and
           humiliation
           ,
           or
           in
           the
           way
           of
           personall
           reformation
           ,
           or
           exercise
           of
           faith
           ,
           and
           activenesse
           of
           spirit
           every
           way
           ,
           which
           is
           proper
           for
           the
           times
           ,
           and
           their
           conditions
           in
           them
           .
           So
           much
           for
           this
           first
           Doctrine
           from
           the
           Argument
           of
           the
           Prophesie
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           the
           Prophesie
           is
           also
           to
           threaten
           them
           ,
           that
           keepe
           corrupt
           ,
           and
           rotten
           hearts
           ,
           in
           times
           of
           reformation
           .
           And
           hence
           this
           second
           Doctrine
           .
        
         
           That
           Anti-reformers
           are
           sure
           of
           ruine
           .
           
           There
           are
           sure
           judgements
           kept
           for
           them
           ,
           that
           keepe
           corrupt
           minds
           under
           times
           of
           reformation
           .
           For
           why
           
             Iosiah's
          
           people
           should
           be
           punished
           for
           this
           temper
           ,
           and
           any
           now
           escape
           ,
           I
           can
           find
           no
           reason
           ;
           So
           that
           to
           such
           ,
           ruine
           will
           come
           ,
           though
           haply
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           a
           whole
           ,
           or
           a
           peece
           of
           an
           Age
           before
           :
           as
           it
           was
           with
           the
           multitude
           of
           the
           Jewes
           in
           
             Iosiah's
          
           dayes
           ,
           his
           dayes
           they
           were
           respited
           ,
           but
           after
           ruined
           .
           And
           if
           in
           this
           case
           the
           generality
           of
           the
           people
           bee
           thus
           tainted
           ,
           the
           whole
           Nation
           is
           at
           stake
           ,
           if
           but
           an
           inconsiderable
           part
           Almighty
           God
           can
           fift
           out
           the
           accursed
           thing
           ,
           and
           I
           beleeve
           will
           cull
           out
           
           
             Achans
             ,
          
           and
           save
           Israel
           .
        
         
           My
           Brethren
           ,
           when
           in
           times
           of
           reformation
           and
           puritie
           ,
           men
           will
           not
           leave
           their
           vanitie
           and
           superstitions
           ,
           what
           the
           Word
           cannot
           take
           away
           ,
           the
           Sword
           of
           the
           Magistrate
           must
           ,
           or
           Gods
           will
           .
           Men
           of
           spirits
           crossing
           reformation
           ,
           are
           our
           Moabites
           ,
           and
           Ammonites
           :
           We
           shall
           observe
           that
           the
           Moabites
           ,
           and
           Ammonites
           in
           
             Israels
          
           time
           ,
           were
           by
           Gods
           law
           ,
           the
           most
           accursedst
           men
           ,
           of
           all
           men
           ;
           the
           very
           Edomites
           and
           Egyptians
           ,
           were
           not
           so
           hatefull
           a
           people
           as
           they
           ,
           for
           the
           children
           of
           an
           Edomite
           ,
           or
           an
           Egyptian
           ,
           might
           enter
           into
           the
           Congregation
           of
           the
           Lord
           in
           the
           third
           generation
           ,
           but
           the
           Moabite
           ,
           and
           the
           Ammonite
           might
           not
           come
           into
           the
           Congregation
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           to
           the
           tenth
           generation
           ,
           no
           not
           for
           ever
           .
           See
           
             Deut.
          
           23.
           3.
           and
           8.
           
        
         
           Now
           what
           was
           the
           nature
           and
           disposition
           of
           the
           Ammonite
           and
           Moabite
           ,
           that
           they
           above
           others
           must
           bee
           thus
           accursed
           ?
           Why
           ,
           because
           they
           hindered
           
             Israels
          
           passage
           to
           
             Canaan
             ;
          
           thus
           will
           it
           be
           with
           the
           men
           who
           hinder
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           from
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           her
           promises
           of
           Puritie
           and
           Peace
           ,
           they
           are
           ,
           or
           God
           will
           make
           them
           the
           hatefull'st
           of
           men
           .
        
         
           And
           O
           that
           some
           in
           these
           times
           ,
           would
           take
           this
           into
           thought
           ,
           who
           had
           rather
           in
           their
           practice
           in
           Religion
           bee
           conformable
           to
           
             Rome
          
           in
           the
           Popes
           time
           ,
           then
           reduced
           to
           
             Rome
          
           in
           Saint
           
             Pauls
          
           time
           ,
           and
           choose
           to
           imitate
           her
           in
           her
           corruptions
           ,
           rather
           then
           in
           her
           puritie
           .
           
             Rome
          
           is
           sure
           to
           be
           ruinated
           ,
           if
           the
           generalitie
           o●
           
           pure
           Divines
           in
           all
           ages
           since
           Antichrist
           knowne
           to
           be
           there
           ,
           doe
           not
           faile
           us
           ;
           nay
           ,
           and
           the
           Scriptures
           themselves
           ,
           which
           wee
           are
           sure
           will
           not
           .
           And
           if
           shee
           be
           sure
           ,
           as
           sure
           are
           all
           they
           that
           come
           not
           out
           from
           her
           ,
           else
           what
           meanes
           that
           place
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           
             Rev.
             18.
             4.
             
             Come
             out
             of
             her
             my
             people
             ,
             that
             yee
             bee
             not
             partakers
             of
             her
             sinnes
             ,
             and
             that
             yee
             receive
             not
             of
             her
             plagues
             .
          
        
         
           Againe
           ,
           thirdly
           the
           Argument
           of
           the
           Prophesie
           is
           to
           shew
           to
           all
           Ages
           ,
           what
           necessitie
           there
           is
           ,
           of
           fidelity
           ,
           and
           throughnesse
           in
           undertaking
           the
           reformation
           of
           States
           ,
           and
           Churches
           ,
           for
           otherwise
           they
           are
           still
           indanger
           .
           Though
           it
           be
           no
           error
           to
           take
           away
           some
           corruptions
           ,
           yet
           it
           is
           an
           error
           not
           to
           take
           away
           all
           .
        
         
           What
           hath
           beene
           the
           spring
           of
           the
           miseries
           of
           some
           of
           Christs
           Churches
           (
           as
           in
           
             Germany
          
           )
           since
           they
           were
           reformed
           ,
           but
           their
           partiall
           reformations
           .
           
             Gualther
             ,
          
           and
           other
           judicious
           Germane
           Divines
           were
           in
           this
           note
           whilst
           they
           lived
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           no
           perfect
           peace
           in
           a
           State
           ,
           without
           full
           Puritie
           of
           the
           Church
           .
           The
           times
           of
           laying
           downe
           weapons
           ,
           of
           beating
           Swords
           into
           plow-shares
           ,
           and
           Speares
           into
           pruning
           hookes
           ,
           and
           of
           learning
           warre
           no
           more
           ,
           and
           of
           every
           mans
           sitting
           under
           his
           Vine
           ,
           and
           under
           his
           Figge-tree
           without
           feare
           ,
           
             Micah
          
           4.
           3.
           4.
           are
           the
           purest
           times
           of
           the
           Gospell
           .
           The
           times
           when
           the
           Gentiles
           shall
           be
           earnestly
           calling
           upon
           the
           Jewes
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           walke
           together
           in
           the
           glorious
           light
           of
           the
           Gospell
           compare
           that
           of
           
             Micah
          
           with
           2
           
             Isa.
          
           4.
           
        
         
         
           And
           againe
           ,
           Churches
           are
           very
           subject
           to
           relapses
           ,
           when
           not
           throughly
           healed
           ,
           and
           relapses
           are
           dangerous
           ;
           the
           last
           error
           is
           worse
           then
           the
           first
           .
           New
           Idolaters
           after
           a
           reformation
           ,
           are
           more
           dangerous
           then
           former
           ;
           Consider
           the
           Idolatrous
           times
           of
           
             Judah
          
           after
           reformations
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           plaine
           ,
           Idolaters
           were
           more
           dangerous
           after
           
             Hezekiah's
          
           reformation
           then
           before
           ,
           witnesse
           
             Manasses
          
           time
           ,
           and
           still
           more
           dangerous
           after
           
             Josiah's
          
           reformation
           then
           before
           ,
           witnesse
           the
           Captivity
           .
           And
           it
           is
           not
           in
           vaine
           to
           looke
           upon
           the
           next
           Idolaters
           after
           King
           
             Edw.
          
           reformation
           .
           And
           if
           wee
           be
           not
           blind
           ,
           we
           may
           see
           in
           our
           owne
           dayes
           ,
           that
           popish
           spirits
           are
           more
           deepe
           ,
           and
           desperate
           then
           ever
           yet
           .
           But
           I
           am
           not
           preaching
           to
           reformers
           ,
           therefore
           to
           you
           my
           Auditors
           I
           commend
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           name
           of
           God
           may
           command
           ,
           these
           three
           things
           carefully
           to
           bee
           looked
           unto
           by
           you
           ,
           even
           in
           these
           times
           wherein
           the
           Lord
           doth
           dispose
           the
           spirits
           of
           Prince
           and
           Governours
           to
           a
           Reformation
           .
        
         
           
           First
           ,
           to
           your
           utmost
           abilitie
           ,
           the
           preparation
           of
           the
           peoples
           hearts
           .
           For
           
             Jehoshaphat
          
           tooke
           not
           away
           the
           High
           places
           ,
           because
           the
           people
           as
           yet
           had
           not
           prepared
           their
           hearts
           to
           seeke
           the
           Lord
           God
           of
           their
           fathers
           ,
           2
           
             Chro.
          
           20.
           33.
           
           And
           your
           primest
           way
           for
           this
           is
           powerfull
           prayer
           .
        
         
           
           Secondly
           ,
           the
           strengthening
           of
           your
           owne
           ,
           and
           their
           hands
           ,
           whose
           hearts
           are
           prepared
           ;
           the
           holding
           up
           ,
           and
           out
           of
           your
           ,
           and
           their
           courage
           ,
           and
           zeale
           for
           reformation
           .
           For
           the
           weakening
           of
           the
           hands
           of
           the
           people
           of
           
             Judah
             ,
          
           was
           a
           lon●
           
           stop
           to
           the
           perfecting
           of
           the
           Temple
           ,
           
             Ezr.
          
           4.
           4.
           
           And
           lastly
           ,
           And
           the
           surest
           way
           for
           this
           is
           to
           enter
           into
           a
           sure
           Covenant
           ,
           the
           way
           is
           lead
           for
           us
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           your
           speciall
           care
           ,
           that
           
           you
           neither
           Idolize
           the
           Instruments
           of
           reformation
           ,
           nor
           under-value
           them
           ,
           or
           bring
           up
           an
           ill
           report
           of
           them
           .
           For
           the
           first
           branch
           ;
           Wee
           our selves
           know
           ,
           the
           Churches
           of
           
             Germany
          
           have
           had
           a
           sore
           checke
           from
           God
           ,
           for
           too
           much
           confidence
           in
           man
           
             *
          
           .
           When
           ,
           whilst
           wee
           lay
           our
           pipes
           directly
           upon
           the
           Fountaine
           for
           derivation
           ,
           we
           are
           sure
           to
           have
           our
           pipes
           full
           ,
           if
           once
           we
           set
           the
           Cisterne
           in
           the
           Springs
           place
           ,
           we
           are
           sure
           to
           find
           emptie
           vessels
           .
           This
           may
           bee
           an
           error
           ;
           But
           that
           which
           certainly
           is
           the
           error
           ,
           is
           an
           undervaluing
           of
           the
           Instruments
           of
           Reformation
           .
           It
           is
           likely
           there
           are
           many
           
             Belials
          
           that
           mutter
           against
           Reformers
           now
           ,
           as
           
             Sheba
          
           did
           of
           
             David
             ,
          
           a
           Reformer
           of
           
             Israel
             ,
             2
             Sam.
             20.
             
             Wee
             have
             no
             part
             in
             David
             ,
             neither
             have
             wee
             inheritance
             in
             the
             sonne
             of
             Jesse
             ,
             every
             man
             to
             his
             Tents
             ,
             O
             Israel
             .
          
           Some
           such
           base
           spirits
           no
           question
           wee
           have
           amongst
           us
           ,
           whose
           hearts
           rise
           against
           Reformers
           of
           Church
           and
           State
           ,
           and
           had
           rather
           every
           man
           ,
           should
           walke
           by
           will
           in
           both
           ,
           then
           by
           rule
           in
           either
           .
        
         
           We
           shall
           observe
           it
           usually
           in
           Reformations
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           the
           Devill
           hath
           stirred
           up
           Anti-reformers
           ,
           whose
           designes
           have
           bin
           to
           contrive
           the
           disgrace
           ,
           and
           basest
           esteeme
           of
           the
           Instruments
           of
           Reformation
           .
           Thus
           
             Korah
          
           and
           his
           
           company
           plotted
           amongst
           the
           people
           ,
           to
           cast
           an
           aspersion
           upon
           
             Moses
          
           and
           
             Aaron
             ,
          
           that
           they
           tooke
           too
           much
           upon
           them
           ,
           
             Num.
          
           16.
           
        
         
           In
           
             Zerubbabels
          
           reformation
           
             Rehum
          
           the
           Chancellour
           ,
           and
           
             Shimshai
          
           the
           Scribe
           ,
           insinuated
           to
           the
           people
           ;
           That
           
             Zerubbabel
          
           and
           
             Jeshua
          
           in
           their
           reformation
           ,
           and
           restoring
           the
           Temple
           ,
           wronged
           the
           King
           ,
           and
           Countrey
           ,
           and
           signified
           as
           much
           to
           the
           King
           also
           by
           politique
           ,
           but
           lying
           Letters
           ,
           
             Ezra
          
           4.
           
           And
           in
           
             Nehemiah's
          
           reformation
           
             Sanballet
             ,
          
           and
           
             Tobia
             ,
          
           enemies
           of
           the
           same
           spirit
           .
           When
           our
           Saviour
           was
           in
           reforming
           the
           state
           of
           the
           Church
           in
           his
           time
           ,
           and
           preached
           against
           the
           errors
           ,
           and
           superstitions
           of
           the
           Jewes
           ,
           and
           their
           Church
           ,
           then
           the
           high
           Priests
           and
           Scribes
           
             Et
             cetera
             ,
          
           insinuated
           to
           the
           people
           ,
           that
           Christ
           was
           but
           a
           Wine-bibbet
           ,
           a
           companion
           of
           Publicans
           ,
           and
           though
           he
           did
           strange
           things
           ,
           yet
           the
           cast
           out
           Divels
           ,
           by
           
             Beelzebub
          
           prince
           of
           Divels
           .
        
         
           Beloved
           ,
           as
           the
           case
           is
           with
           us
           ,
           your
           cure
           must
           be
           great
           against
           carnall
           reason
           .
           For
           carnall
           reason
           might
           have
           disputed
           against
           
             Josiah's
          
           reformation
           ,
           he
           was
           but
           a
           Child
           ,
           and
           medled
           also
           with
           the
           very
           rooting
           out
           of
           things
           ,
           that
           his
           godly
           Ancestours
           left
           standing
           ,
           both
           in
           state
           and
           Church
           .
           So
           carnall
           reason
           might
           have
           objected
           more
           in
           
             Hezekiah's
          
           reformation
           ;
           That
           he
           did
           not
           only
           pull
           downe
           the
           High
           places
           ,
           set
           up
           by
           men
           ,
           but
           the
           Brazen
           Serpent
           ,
           formerly
           apponted
           by
           God
           .
           And
           thus
           it
           may
           bee
           some
           men
           ,
           if
           they
           conferre
           with
           carnall
           reason
           ,
           may
           cavill
           at
           our
           present
           Reformers
           ,
           As
           that
           they
           
           make
           themselves
           wiser
           then
           their
           Fathers
           ,
           and
           remove
           things
           out
           of
           Church
           ,
           and
           State
           ,
           which
           their
           Predecessors
           found
           no
           fault
           with
           .
           And
           had
           they
           beene
           men
           of
           such
           spirits
           as
           these
           ,
           so
           might
           the
           people
           have
           stumbled
           at
           
             Asa's
          
           taking
           away
           some
           things
           in
           his
           latter
           reformation
           ,
           which
           he
           left
           in
           being
           in
           his
           former
           fifteene
           yeares
           before
           ,
           2
           
             Chro.
          
           15.
           
        
         
           My
           Brethren
           ,
           I
           conclude
           with
           this
           Paralell
           ,
           in
           this
           point
           ,
           and
           I
           beseech
           you
           take
           it
           to
           heart
           .
           As
           those
           Israelites
           ,
           that
           brought
           up
           an
           ill
           report
           of
           the
           Land
           of
           
             Canaan
             ,
          
           whither
           
             Israel
          
           was
           going
           ,
           were
           not
           only
           barr'd
           from
           comming
           thither
           ,
           but
           dyed
           of
           the
           Plague
           in
           the
           Wildernesse
           ,
           
             Numb.
          
           14.
           
           So
           let
           those
           Cavellors
           against
           the
           
             Canaan
             ,
          
           whither
           this
           Church
           of
           Christ
           is
           going
           ,
           expect
           assuredly
           ,
           that
           they
           shall
           never
           enjoy
           the
           sweetnesse
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           And
           for
           a
           farewell
           word
           ;
           If
           any
           feare
           ,
           lest
           the
           enemy
           should
           hope
           ,
           to
           strengthen
           themselves
           ,
           by
           seeing
           here
           ,
           where
           our
           strength
           lyes
           .
           I
           must
           tell
           them
           ,
           they
           feare
           where
           no
           feare
           is
           .
           For
           the
           mysteries
           of
           the
           Kingdome
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           made
           knowne
           to
           us
           ,
           are
           made
           Parables
           to
           them
           .
           And
           be
           confident
           in
           it
           ;
           That
           God
           does
           never
           discover
           duty
           to
           us
           ,
           to
           ensnare
           us
           ,
           but
           to
           keepe
           us
           out
           of
           snares
           that
           are
           laid
           for
           us
           .
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A39935e-240
           
             *
             Besides
             ,
             the
             names
             of
             his
             Ancestours
             tell
             him
             to
             be
             honourable
             .
          
           
             Quest
             .
          
           
             Answ.
             
          
           
             Doct.
             1.
             
          
           
             Reas.
             
          
           
             Vse
             .
          
           
             Note
             .
          
           
             Doct.
             2.
             
          
           
             *
             I
             have
             heard
             and
             read
             ,
             that
             the
             Renowned
             King
             of
             
               Sweden
            
             Item'd
             so
             much
             unto
             them
             before
             his
             death
             .