A sermon preached before His Grace George Earl of Melvil Their Majesties high commissioner, and the nobility, barons, and burrows, members of the high court of Parliament. In the Parliament-House, upon Sunday, May 11, 1690. By John Spalding, minister at Kirkcudbright.
         Spalding, John, 1633?-1699.
      
       
         
           1690
        
      
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             A sermon preached before His Grace George Earl of Melvil Their Majesties high commissioner, and the nobility, barons, and burrows, members of the high court of Parliament. In the Parliament-House, upon Sunday, May 11, 1690. By John Spalding, minister at Kirkcudbright.
             Spalding, John, 1633?-1699.
          
           [2], 22 p.
           
             printed by the heir of Andrew Anderson, by order,
             Edinburgh :
             anno Dom. 1690.
          
           
             Reproduction of the original in the Bodleian Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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         eng
      
       
         
           Melville, George Melville, -- Earl of, 1634?-1707 -- Early works to 1800.
           Bible. -- O.T. -- Chronicles, 1st, XII, 32 -- Sermons -- Early works to 1800.
           Sermons, English -- 17th century.
        
      
    
     
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           A
           SERMON
           Preached
           before
           His
           Grace
           ,
           GEORGE
           EARL
           of
           MELVIL
           ,
           
             Their
             Majesties
             High
             Commissioner
          
           ,
           AND
           The
           Nobility
           ,
           Barons
           ,
           and
           Burrows
           ,
           Members
           of
           the
           High
           Court
           of
           Parliament
           .
           In
           the
           Parliament-House
           ,
           upon
           
             Sunday
             ,
             May
             11.
             1690.
          
           
        
         
           By
           
             Iohn
             Spalding
          
           ,
           Minister
           at
           Kirkcudbright
           .
        
         
           EDINBURGH
           ,
           Printed
           by
           the
           Heir
           of
           
             Andrew
             Anderson
          
           ,
           by
           Order
           ,
           
             Anno
             DOM.
          
           1690.
           
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
         
           
             1
             CHRON.
             12.
             32.
             
          
           
             And
             the
             Children
             of
             Issachar
             ,
             which
             were
             men
             that
             had
             understanding
             of
             the
             times
             ,
             to
             know
             what
             Israel
             ought
             to
             do
             —
          
        
         
           THis
           Text
           bears
           an
           excellent
           Character
           of
           a
           Party
           ,
           who
           came
           with
           others
           in
           a
           very
           Critical
           Juncture
           to
           Hebron
           ,
           to
           assist
           in
           making
           David
           King
           ,
           Saul
           now
           being
           out
           of
           the
           way
           ,
           and
           the
           time
           of
           fulfilling
           the
           promise
           to
           David
           being
           now
           at
           hand
           ;
           wherein
           you
           have
           (
           1.
           )
           a
           description
           of
           the
           Party
           thus
           Characterized
           ,
           1.
           
           From
           their
           Tribe
           ,
           they
           were
           
             Children
             of
          
           Issachar
           ,
           a
           Tribe
           whose
           Motto
           was
           ,
           
             a
             strong
             Ass
             couching
             down
             between
             two
             burdens
             ,
          
           as
           Gen.
           49.
           14.
           discovering
           their
           Disposition
           ,
           Strength
           ,
           and
           Employment
           about
           worldly
           concerns
           .
           
             The
             Lord
             will
             bring
             off
             people
             from
             their
             vvorldly
             affairs
             ,
             vvhen
             he
             hath
             service
             for
             them
             .
          
           2.
           
           From
           their
           Number
           ,
           they
           were
           200
           that
           came
           to
           assist
           in
           the
           work
           .
           
             Tho
             people
             be
             at
             some
             disadvantages
             ,
             yet
             ought
             they
             not
             to
             vvithdravv
             their
             hand
             from
             the
             Lord's
             vvork
             .
          
           And
           3.
           
           From
           their
           Station
           ,
           all
           of
           them
           had
           command
           over
           their
           Brethren
           ,
           either
           in
           a
           Civil
           or
           Military
           capacity
           .
           
             Strong
             obligations
             lyes
             upon
             those
             in
             places
             of
             Trust
             and
             Command
             ,
             to
             put
             their
             hand
             to
             the
             Lord's
             work
             .
          
           (
           2.
           )
           You
           have
           the
           Character
           it self
           ,
           which
           beyond
           many
           others
           they
           did
           bear
           ;
           they
           had
           understanding
           of
           the
           times
           :
           Where
           we
           are
           1.
           to
           consider
           what
           is
           meant
           by
           times
           ?
           By
           times
           here
           is
           not
           meant
           properly
           that
           which
           Philosophers
           call
           the
           measure
           of
           Motion
           by
           first
           and
           last
           ;
           But
           Figuratively
           ,
           the
           state
           and
           condition
           of
           times
           ,
           or
           these
           Providences
           ,
           Affairs
           ,
           Changes
           and
           Vicissitudes
           that
           fall
           out
           in
           time
           ,
           Esth.
           1.
           13.
           
           And
           2.
           
           What
           this
           understanding
           of
           the
           times
           is
           ?
           It
           were
           too
           narrow
           a
           sense
           to
           astrict
           it
           either
           to
           that
           Physical
           and
           Astrological
           knowledge
           ,
           which
           they
           had
           of
           the
           Stars
           and
           motions
           of
           the
           Heavens
           ,
           teaching
           them
           the
           fit
           Seasons
           ,
           (
           they
           being
           for
           most
           part
           Husband-men
           )
           of
           Sowing
           and
           Reaping
           ,
           &c.
           
           Or
           
           to
           that
           Historical
           and
           Chronological
           understanding
           which
           they
           had
           of
           the
           times
           that
           were
           past
           ,
           or
           of
           right
           computing
           and
           ordering
           the
           times
           of
           celebrating
           their
           solemn
           Feasts
           ;
           or
           to
           that
           Military
           knowledge
           which
           they
           were
           endowed
           with
           of
           the
           fit
           seasons
           of
           going
           forth
           to
           ,
           and
           right
           management
           of
           their
           Wars
           and
           Battels
           :
           But
           it
           hath
           reference
           1.
           
           To
           that
           Moral
           Prudence
           ▪
           and
           Policy
           ,
           whereby
           they
           knew
           the
           nature
           ,
           tendency
           ,
           and
           duties
           ,
           with
           their
           fittest
           seasons
           of
           the
           present
           posture
           of
           affairs
           .
           And
           2.
           
           To
           that
           spiritual
           wisdom
           and
           understanding
           ,
           whereby
           they
           were
           directed
           to
           the
           discovery
           and
           right
           improvement
           of
           the
           intricat
           providences
           of
           their
           time
           ,
           which
           seemed
           to
           be
           greatly
           perplexed
           with
           singular
           intricacies
           and
           rotations
           ,
           and
           particularly
           of
           the
           present
           dispensation
           of
           making
           David
           King.
           And
           3.
           
           In
           the
           Text
           you
           have
           the
           effect
           and
           result
           of
           this
           gift
           of
           their
           understanding
           of
           the
           times
           .
           It
           was
           contributive
           to
           the
           discovery
           and
           practice
           of
           their
           own
           and
           all
           Israels
           present
           duty
           ,
           
             to
             know
             what
          
           Israel
           
             ought
             to
             do
          
           ,
           whether
           as
           a
           Body
           Politick
           ,
           or
           Ecclesiastick
           .
        
         
           The
           words
           that
           I
           have
           chosen
           for
           the
           Subject
           of
           this
           Sermon
           are
           these
           ,
           
             which
             were
             men
             that
             had
             understanding
             of
             the
             times
             ,
             to
             know
             what
             Israel
             ought
             to
             do
             :
          
           Wherein
           you
           have
           1.
           a
           supposition
           of
           two
           truths
           ,
           the
           handling
           of
           which
           is
           not
           my
           present
           intendment
           .
           1.
           
           That
           there
           are
           some
           special
           times
           and
           providences
           ,
           which
           may
           pass
           over
           a
           Church
           or
           Kingdom
           ,
           Eccl.
           3.
           17.
           2.
           
           That
           these
           signal
           times
           and
           providences
           are
           oft-times
           very
           intricat
           &
           difficult
           to
           understand
           ,
           
             Ez●●
             ▪
          
           1.
           16.
           2.
           
           A
           position
           of
           other
           two
           Doctrines
           .
           As
           1.
           
           That
           it
           is
           a
           necessary
           duty
           ,
           and
           commendable
           qualification
           ,
           to
           understand
           the
           times
           that
           a
           Church
           or
           Kingdom
           may
           pass
           under
           .
           2.
           
           That
           the
           right
           discerning
           of
           these
           times
           contribute
           much
           to
           discover
           unto
           ,
           and
           direct
           people
           in
           the
           right
           timing
           and
           management
           of
           their
           present
           duty
           .
           The
           prosecution
           of
           these
           two
           truths
           is
           my
           present
           work
           .
        
         
           Doct
           1.
           
           That
           it
           is
           a
           necessary
           duty
           ,
           and
           commendable
           qualification
           ,
           to
           understand
           the
           singular
           times
           or
           providences
           that
           may
           pass
           over
           a
           Church
           or
           Kingdom
           ,
           Eccl.
           8.
           5.
           
           
             A
             wise
             mans
             heart
             discerneth
             both
             time
             and
             judgment
             .
          
           Method
           requires
           ,
           that
           in
           the
           prosecution
           of
           this
           truth
           I
           should
           first
           give
           you
           the
           grounds
           of
           it
           .
           2.
           
           What
           are
           these
           things
           
           which
           in
           times
           we
           are
           to
           study
           mainly
           to
           understand
           .
           And
           3.
           
           What
           way
           we
           may
           best
           come
           to
           the
           understanding
           of
           times
           .
        
         
           I.
           The
           grounds
           of
           this
           Doctrine
           are
           1.
           
           God
           hath
           expresly
           commanded
           ,
           that
           ye
           make
           serious
           reflections
           upon
           his
           singular
           providences
           ,
           whether
           of
           mercy
           or
           of
           judgment
           ,
           Psal.
           66.
           5.
           
           
             Come
             and
             see
             the
             works
             of
             God
             ,
             he
             is
             terrible
             in
             his
             doings
             to
             the
             children
             of
             men
             .
          
           And
           when
           the
           seven
           Seals
           are
           opened
           ,
           Rev.
           6.
           1.
           
           A
           thundering
           voice
           is
           heard
           ,
           crying
           ,
           
             come
             and
             see
          
           ;
           and
           how
           many
           Beholds
           are
           prefixed
           in
           the
           Scripture
           to
           his
           signal
           steps
           and
           goings
           amongst
           a
           people
           ?
           Exod.
           3.
           2.
           
           
             Behold
             ,
             the
             bush
             burned
             with
             fire
             ,
             and
             the
             bush
             was
             not
             consumed
             .
          
           And
           Iob
           is
           in
           a
           special
           way
           called
           to
           this
           duty
           ,
           Iob
           37.
           14.
           
           
             Hearken
             unto
             this
          
           ,
           O
           Job
           ,
           
             stand
             still
             and
             consider
             the
             wondrous
             works
             of
             God.
          
           2.
           
           The
           Lord
           is
           sore
           displeased
           with
           ,
           and
           uttereth
           severe
           threatnings
           against
           a
           people
           that
           are
           not
           in
           this
           duty
           ,
           Psal.
           28.
           5.
           
           
             Because
             they
             regard
             not
             the
             works
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             not
             the
             operations
             of
             his
             hands
             ,
             he
             shall
             destroy
             them
             ,
             and
             not
             build
             them
             up
             .
          
           It
           is
           an
           high
           contempt
           of
           God
           when
           he
           travelleth
           amongst
           a
           people
           in
           signal
           and
           singular
           steps
           of
           providence
           ,
           not
           to
           observe
           or
           take
           notice
           of
           his
           goings
           ,
           and
           lays
           them
           open
           to
           that
           sad
           challenge
           ,
           whereby
           the
           Lord
           ranks
           them
           below
           Bruits
           ,
           Isai.
           1.
           3.
           
           
             The
             ox
             knoweth
             his
             owner
             ,
             and
             the
             ass
             his
             masters
             crib
             ,
             but
             my
             people
             do
             not
             know
             ,
             and
             Israel
             doth
             not
             consider
             ▪
          
           3.
           
           Without
           this
           knowledge
           of
           the
           times
           ,
           the
           Lord
           loses
           his
           due
           praises
           at
           our
           hands
           ,
           for
           how
           can
           we
           praise
           him
           when
           we
           cannot
           discern
           his
           loving
           kindness
           ,
           why
           will
           ye
           be
           so
           foolish
           and
           unjust
           as
           to
           rob
           God
           of
           the
           Glory
           due
           to
           him
           of
           all
           his
           Works
           ,
           by
           not
           studying
           to
           understand
           them
           .
           Psal.
           107.
           contains
           a
           record
           of
           his
           wondrous
           Works
           ,
           and
           at
           the
           close
           of
           every
           Section
           ,
           there
           is
           an
           Exclamation
           ,
           O
           
             that
             men
             would
             praise
             the
             Lord
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           And
           the
           last
           verse
           concludes
           ,
           
             Whoso
             is
             wise
             ,
             and
             will
             observe
             these
             things
             ,
             even
             they
             shall
             understand
             the
             loving
             kindness
             of
             the
             Lord.
          
           4.
           
           As
           the
           Lord
           by
           neglect
           of
           this
           Duty
           ,
           loses
           his
           Praises
           ,
           so
           we
           lose
           the
           benefit
           of
           Times
           and
           Providences
           ,
           if
           we
           do
           not
           understand
           them
           ;
           for
           by
           his
           Works
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           by
           his
           Word
           ,
           he
           causes
           his
           people
           to
           profit
           .
           And
           without
           this
           discerning
           of
           the
           Times
           ,
           we
           want
           a
           great
           part
           of
           the
           Food
           of
           our
           Faith
           ,
           the
           exercise
           of
           Patience
           ,
           and
           occasion
           of
           serious
           Comtemplation
           and
           wonderment
           .
           Psal.
           74.
           14.
           
           
             Thou
             brakest
             the
             heads
             of
             Leviathan
          
           
           
             in
             pieces
             ,
             and
             gavest
             him
             to
             be
             meat
             to
             the
             people
             inhabiting
             the
             wilderness
             .
          
           5.
           
           Without
           this
           knowledge
           of
           the
           Times
           and
           Providences
           ,
           ye
           cannot
           well
           know
           how
           to
           order
           your
           Addresses
           to
           God
           in
           Prayer
           and
           Supplication
           anent
           them
           ,
           and
           your
           own
           circumstances
           under
           them
           .
           Psal.
           109.
           4.
           
           For
           the
           right
           understanding
           of
           times
           will
           afford
           you
           many
           Articles
           for
           your
           Prayers
           ,
           prompt
           you
           to
           plead
           them
           ,
           and
           fit
           you
           for
           discerning
           the
           Lord's
           returns
           .
           For
           when
           the
           flouds
           of
           great
           Waters
           are
           like
           to
           go
           over
           David
           ,
           he
           says
           ,
           Psal.
           32.
           6.
           
           
             For
             this
             shall
             every
             one
             that
             is
             godly
             call
             upon
             thee
             in
             a
             time
             when
             thou
             mayest
             be
             found
             .
          
           And
           6.
           
           It
           is
           a
           most
           pleasant
           and
           ravishing
           exercise
           ,
           to
           be
           studying
           to
           understand
           the
           Times
           ,
           and
           the
           attainments
           of
           the
           Saints
           this
           way
           fill
           their
           Souls
           with
           unspeakable
           delight
           :
           It
           's
           one
           of
           the
           Fruits
           of
           Christ
           that
           are
           sweet
           to
           their
           Taste
           ,
           Psal.
           111
           :
           2.
           
           
             The
             works
             of
             the
             Lord
             are
             sought
             out
             of
             all
             these
             that
             take
             pleasure
             in
             them
             .
          
           What
           a
           Heaven
           upon
           Earth
           will
           this
           advance
           thee
           unto
           ?
           O!
           what
           pleasure
           to
           perceive
           the
           Wise
           Counseller
           ,
           and
           excellent
           Worker
           against
           contrary
           Winds
           and
           Tides
           from
           men
           ,
           steering
           all
           to
           the
           Harbour
           of
           his
           own
           praise
           ,
           the
           exalting
           of
           his
           Son
           ,
           and
           the
           happiness
           of
           his
           Church
           ,
           and
           secretly
           carrying
           on
           these
           ends
           ,
           while
           men
           are
           driving
           quite
           contrary
           designs
           ,
           how
           he
           promotes
           his
           designs
           ,
           by
           wicked
           mens
           opposing
           them
           ;
           and
           enlarges
           and
           gathers
           his
           Church
           ,
           by
           their
           scattering
           of
           it
           .
           And
           O!
           what
           satisfaction
           as
           to
           thy
           own
           particular
           case
           ,
           to
           behold
           and
           discern
           the
           Lord
           ,
           sometimes
           lifting
           thee
           up
           ,
           (
           Psal.
           102.
           10.
           
           )
           and
           sometimes
           casting
           thee
           down
           again
           ,
           sometimes
           laying
           you
           low
           ,
           as
           free
           among
           the
           dead
           ,
           and
           again
           setting
           your
           feet
           upon
           a
           Rock
           ,
           and
           making
           them
           like
           hinds
           feet
           ,
           so
           that
           ye
           walk
           on
           high
           places
           ;
           sometimes
           enlarging
           you
           and
           your
           steps
           under
           you
           ,
           and
           again
           straitning
           you
           ,
           that
           ye
           walk
           as
           with
           fetters
           ,
           now
           afflicted
           ,
           and
           again
           delivered
           ;
           wounded
           and
           cast
           down
           ,
           and
           in
           three
           dayes
           healed
           and
           lifted
           up
           ;
           these
           are
           part
           of
           his
           wayes
           ,
           which
           cannot
           but
           be
           pleasure
           to
           us
           to
           search
           into
           and
           contemplat
           .
           Yea
           ,
           how
           delighting
           must
           it
           be
           ,
           to
           begin
           that
           exercise
           here
           ,
           that
           shall
           continue
           in
           Heaven
           ;
           to
           view
           and
           remember
           with
           delight
           ,
           the
           various
           and
           wonderful
           methods
           that
           the
           wise
           Lord
           took
           in
           bringing
           you
           there
           ;
           and
           while
           you
           are
           on
           Earth
           ,
           to
           be
           transported
           to
           have
           your
           Conversation
           
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           or
           to
           have
           a
           Wafe
           of
           Heaven
           brought
           unto
           your
           Soul.
           This
           cannot
           be
           but
           an
           unspeakable
           delight
           .
        
         
           II.
           What
           are
           these
           things
           in
           times
           that
           we
           are
           to
           search
           into
           ,
           and
           study
           to
           understand
           ,
           (
           1.
           )
           We
           are
           to
           search
           into
           and
           to
           understand
           the
           hid
           and
           secret
           Spring
           of
           the
           Lord
           's
           wise
           and
           powerful
           hand
           in
           directing
           ,
           permitting
           and
           ordering
           all
           these
           things
           that
           fall
           out
           in
           time
           .
           
             The
             wheel
          
           (
           Ezek
           :
           1.
           16.
           
           )
           
             that
             is
             within
             the
             wheel
             ,
             and
             the
             hand
             that
             is
             under
             the
             wings
             of
             the
             living
             creatures
             ,
          
           as
           in
           a
           Clock
           ,
           or
           Watch
           ,
           we
           see
           the
           Hand
           ,
           but
           we
           see
           not
           the
           secret
           Spring
           within
           ▪
           that
           moves
           all
           ,
           and
           turns
           about
           the
           direct
           ,
           Retrograd
           ,
           and
           transverse
           motions
           of
           the
           Wheels
           to
           the
           discovery
           of
           the
           hour
           ,
           for
           Times
           and
           Providences
           may
           be
           obvious
           in
           their
           actions
           ,
           second
           Causes
           ,
           and
           the
           effects
           they
           produce
           ;
           but
           we
           are
           in
           the
           dark
           many
           times
           :
           1.
           
           As
           to
           the
           power
           that
           acts
           .
           2.
           
           As
           to
           the
           reasons
           and
           ends
           he
           hath
           before
           him
           .
           And
           3.
           
           As
           to
           the
           mind
           and
           disposition
           wherewith
           he
           moves
           in
           them
           ;
           these
           ly
           hid
           under
           ground
           ,
           as
           matter
           of
           inquiry
           to
           the
           serious
           and
           most
           discerning
           ,
           whose
           eyes
           are
           in
           their
           head
           .
           (
           2.
           )
           We
           are
           to
           search
           into
           ,
           and
           understand
           the
           Sins
           of
           the
           times
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           confess
           and
           mourn
           over
           them
           ,
           escape
           from
           them
           ,
           and
           get
           them
           removed
           .
           Ier.
           9.
           12.
           
           
             Who
             is
             the
             wise
             man
             that
             may
             understand
             this
             ,
             for
             what
             the
             land
             perisheth
             ,
             and
             is
             burnt
             up
             like
             a
             wilderness
             so
             that
             none
             passeth
             through
             ?
          
           As
           to
           which
           ye
           are
           to
           understand
           ;
           1.
           
           That
           as
           there
           hath
           been
           many
           Prophets
           that
           
             have
             seen
             vain
             and
             foolish
             things
             for
             us
             ,
          
           (
           Lam.
           2.
           14.
           
           )
           
             and
             have
             not
             discovered
             our
             iniquity
             ,
             to
             turn
             away
             our
             captivity
             but
             have
             seen
             for
             us
             false
             causes
             of
             banishment
             .
          
           So
           the
           Lords
           people
           are
           often
           in
           the
           dark
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           grounds
           of
           the
           Lord's
           controversie
           with
           them
           ▪
           and
           frequently
           put
           to
           that
           question
           ,
           (
           Iob
           9.
           10.
           )
           
             Shew
             me
             wherefore
             thou
             contendest
             with
             me
             ?
          
           2.
           
           That
           there
           are
           no
           sins
           which
           have
           brought
           down
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           upon
           any
           Nation
           ,
           but
           it
           hath
           been
           found
           in
           our
           skirts
           ,
           and
           so
           cannot
           rationally
           expect
           that
           he
           will
           bear
           with
           that
           in
           one
           people
           ,
           which
           he
           hath
           punished
           so
           severely
           in
           another
           ;
           but
           that
           as
           in
           Isa.
           10.
           11.
           
           
             As
             he
             hath
             done
             unto
             Samaria
             and
             her
             idols
             ,
             so
             will
             he
             do
             unto
             Ierusalem
             ,
          
           (
           Scotland
           )
           
             and
             her
             idols
          
           .
           We
           may
           see
           the
           dead
           carcasses
           of
           other
           sinners
           ,
           and
           finful
           Nations
           lying
           in
           our
           way
           for
           the
           same
           sins
           we
           are
           guilty
           of
           ,
           which
           may
           make
           us
           halt
           in
           the
           course
           of
           our
           backsliding
           and
           defection
           .
           And
           3.
           
           If
           I
           should
           condescend
           upon
           
           the
           particular
           sins
           of
           our
           times
           ,
           as
           the
           contempt
           of
           the
           glorious
           Gospel
           ,
           Zech.
           7.
           11
           ,
           12.
           
           Our
           Idolatry
           ,
           Ezek.
           14.
           5.
           and
           chap.
           20
           ▪
           16
           ▪
           Perfidie
           ,
           Deut.
           29.
           24
           ,
           25.
           
           Lukewarmness
           and
           indifferency
           in
           Religion
           .
           Rev.
           3.
           15.
           
           Oppression
           ,
           Ezek.
           8.
           17.
           
           &c.
           It
           would
           be
           fitter
           for
           a
           Volum
           than
           a
           Sermon
           ,
           to
           enumerat
           them
           ,
           and
           therefore
           I
           shall
           satisfie
           my self
           with
           saying
           ,
           as
           in
           Amos
           1.
           9.
           
           
             For
             three
             transgressions
             of
             Tyrus
          
           (
           Scotland
           )
           
             and
             for
             four
             I
             will
             not
             turn
             away
             the
             punishment
             thereof
             ,
             because
             ,
          
           &c.
           and
           that
           in
           Ier.
           30.
           14.
           
           
             For
             the
             multitude
             of
             thine
             iniquities
             ,
             and
             because
             thy
             sins
             were
             increased
             ,
             I
             have
             done
             these
             things
             unto
             thee
             .
          
           (
           3.
           )
           Ye
           are
           to
           study
           to
           understand
           the
           Signs
           and
           tokens
           of
           the
           times
           ,
           Matth.
           16.
           3.
           
           
             O
             ye
             hypocrites
             ye
             can
             discern
             the
             face
             of
             the
             sky
             ▪
             but
             can
             ye
             not
             discern
             the
             signs
             of
             the
             times
          
           ;
           and
           that
           both
           the
           good
           and
           bad
           signs
           of
           the
           times
           ,
           I
           will
           not
           mention
           the
           bad
           signs
           further
           than
           (
           by
           way
           of
           the
           contrary
           )
           they
           may
           be
           comprehended
           in
           the
           good
           ;
           but
           shall
           mention
           only
           these
           good
           and
           promising
           Signs
           of
           our
           times
           ,
           to
           be
           studied
           and
           understood
           ,
           Matth.
           24.
           22.
           
           
             When
             the
             fig-tree
             casteth
             her
             blossoms
             we
             know
             that
             summer
             is
             near
             .
          
           As
           1.
           
           It
           is
           a
           good
           and
           promising
           Token
           of
           a
           time
           ,
           when
           there
           is
           a
           melting
           and
           mourning
           frame
           amongst
           the
           Lord's
           people
           for
           abounding
           Iniquity
           ,
           Ier.
           31.
           9.
           
           When
           the
           people
           come
           with
           weeping
           and
           supplications
           ,
           asking
           the
           way
           to
           Zion
           ;
           which
           Sign
           is
           so
           to
           be
           understood
           ,
           1.
           
           As
           that
           
             though
             our
             iniquities
             testifie
             against
             us
             ,
          
           (
           Isai.
           48.
           11.
           
           )
           
             yet
             he
             will
             do
             for
             his
             Names
             sake
             .
          
           2.
           
           That
           what
           is
           wanting
           in
           our
           mourning
           frame
           before
           our
           Deliverance
           may
           come
           alongst
           with
           it
           ,
           or
           follow
           after
           it
           .
           And
           3.
           
           That
           his
           Soveraign
           grace
           may
           prove
           as
           the
           dew
           that
           waiteth
           not
           for
           man
           ,
           or
           his
           frame
           ,
           but
           magnifieth
           it self
           in
           delivering
           of
           a
           sinful
           and
           indisposed
           ,
           yea
           ill-disposed
           people
           .
           2.
           
           When
           there
           is
           any
           measure
           of
           desirable
           harmony
           and
           Union
           in
           a
           State
           or
           Church
           ,
           and
           every
           one
           as
           one
           stick
           of
           Bands
           in
           the
           hand
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           
             with
             one
             consent
             ,
             (
             Zeph.
          
           3.
           9.
           )
           
             And
             with
             one
             shoulder
             .
             (
             Amos
          
           9.
           11.
           )
           
             Help
             up
             with
             the
             fallen
             tabernacle
             .
          
           And
           ye
           are
           to
           understand
           this
           sign
           so
           ,
           as
           1
           Though
           people
           may
           be
           of
           different
           and
           imperfect
           Light
           and
           Sentiments
           in
           some
           things
           (
           1
           Cor.
           ●3
           .
           9.
           )
           Yet
           in
           the
           main
           Truths
           and
           Concerns
           of
           the
           Church
           and
           Nation
           ,
           they
           may
           ,
           and
           ought
           to
           be
           as
           one
           man
           ,
           (
           1
           Thes.
           5.
           13.
           )
           Not
           striving
           who
           shall
           hold
           the
           Candle
           ,
           least
           by
           their
           strugling
           they
           put
           it
           out
           .
           2.
           
           That
           the
           wisdom
           of
           God
           may
           out-wit
           the
           
           Devil
           and
           his
           Instruments
           ,
           in
           making
           the
           differences
           among
           his
           people
           ,
           not
           only
           prove
           the
           mean
           of
           Discovery
           of
           the
           hearts
           and
           principles
           of
           many
           ,
           (
           Luke
           2.
           35.
           )
           But
           to
           be
           the
           occasion
           of
           their
           more
           closs
           uniting
           among
           themselves
           ,
           and
           this
           fire
           of
           Division
           to
           separat
           Heterogenials
           ,
           and
           congregat
           Homogenials
           .
           And
           3.
           
           That
           this
           Union
           and
           Concord
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           the
           Ornament
           and
           Beauty
           of
           a
           Society
           ,
           set
           in
           Majesty
           ,
           (
           Ezek.
           7.
           20.
           
           )
           and
           makes
           them
           comely
           as
           Ierusalem
           ;
           and
           as
           it
           is
           the
           strength
           and
           safety
           of
           a
           Corporation
           ,
           a
           shaft
           of
           Arrows
           not
           being
           broken
           so
           easily
           as
           single
           ones
           :
           so
           is
           it
           a
           Terror
           unto
           Enemies
           ,
           and
           makes
           them
           terrible
           as
           any
           Army
           with
           banners
           ,
           and
           occasions
           Enemies
           to
           saint
           in
           their
           opposition
           ,
           saying
           ,
           (
           as
           in
           the
           primitive
           times
           )
           
             Behold
             ,
             how
             they
             love
             one
             another
             .
          
           And
           3.
           
           It
           's
           a
           good
           sign
           of
           a
           time
           when
           there
           are
           some
           hopeful
           beginnings
           of
           Good
           breaking
           up
           ,
           resembling
           the
           voice
           upon
           the
           top
           of
           the
           Mulberry-trees
           ,
           2
           Sam.
           5.
           24.
           
           
             And
             the
             little
             cloud
             like
             a
             mans
             hand
             seen
             upon
             the
             top
             of
             mount
             Carmel
             ,
          
           1
           King.
           18
           44.
           which
           sign
           is
           so
           to
           be
           understood
           ,
           as
           1.
           
           We
           are
           not
           to
           despise
           the
           day
           of
           small
           things
           ,
           Zech.
           4
           10.
           
           But
           2.
           
           To
           look
           upon
           them
           as
           arles
           of
           ,
           and
           so
           many
           steps
           towards
           his
           Work
           ,
           his
           strange
           Work
           ,
           his
           Act
           ,
           his
           strange
           Act
           ,
           which
           shall
           make
           us
           all
           cry
           with
           shouting
           ,
           
             grace
             ,
             grace
          
           unto
           it
           .
           And
           3.
           
           As
           God
           mercifully
           engaging
           some
           in
           a
           good
           Cause
           and
           Course
           ,
           to
           the
           saving
           of
           their
           Souls
           ,
           building
           of
           their
           Houses
           ,
           and
           comfort
           at
           Death
           ,
           he
           hath
           by
           these
           beginnings
           ,
           wherein
           ye
           have
           been
           instrumental
           ,
           happily
           brought
           you
           over
           to
           his
           side
           ,
           and
           I
           desire
           to
           be
           perswaded
           ,
           that
           he
           will
           never
           suffer
           you
           to
           retreat
           ;
           which
           if
           ye
           do
           ,
           he
           hath
           a
           witness
           against
           you
           in
           these
           things
           ,
           in
           your
           own
           Consciences
           ,
           that
           ye
           condemn
           your selves
           in
           these
           things
           that
           now
           ye
           allow
           .
           (
           4.
           )
           Ye
           are
           to
           observe
           and
           understand
           the
           dark
           Providences
           of
           the
           times
           ,
           with
           reference
           both
           to
           Mercy
           and
           Judgment
           .
           Eccl.
           8.
           5.
           
           
             A
             wise
             mans
             heart
             discerneth
             both
             time
             and
             judgment
             .
          
           And
           1.
           
           With
           respect
           unto
           mercy
           ,
           observe
           and
           understand
           ,
           1.
           
           How
           the
           Lord
           doth
           great
           works
           by
           small
           means
           ,
           
             Deborah
             ,
             Iudges
          
           5.
           
           A
           weak
           woman
           ,
           the
           worm
           
             Iacob
             ,
             (
             Isai.
          
           41.
           14.
           )
           Threshing
           mountains
           ,
           Rams
           Horns
           ,
           (
           Iosh.
           6.
           4.
           
           )
           bringing
           down
           high
           walls
           ;
           a
           Straw
           in
           the
           hand
           of
           Omnipotency
           ,
           will
           do
           great
           things
           .
           By
           unexpected
           means
           ,
           bringing
           Instruments
           from
           afar
           ,
           not
           thought
           upon
           ,
           to
           do
           service
           to
           his
           Church
           ,
           Exod.
           3.
           10.
           
           From
           their
           common
           and
           ordinary
           
           Employments
           ,
           as
           
             Gideon
             ,
             (
             Iudges
          
           6.
           11.
           
           )
           from
           the
           Threshing-floor
           ,
           and
           from
           his
           enemies
           ,
           as
           Cyrus
           ,
           (
           Isai.
           45.
           1.
           )
           
             To
             loose
             the
             loins
             of
             kings
             ,
             and
             break
             the
             gates
             of
             brass
             ,
          
           and
           elevating
           them
           above
           their
           ordinary
           sphere
           and
           ability
           ,
           to
           do
           exploits
           ,
           making
           the
           feeble
           among
           them
           as
           
             David
             ,
             (
             Zech.
          
           12.
           8
           
           ▪
           )
           And
           the
           weak
           as
           an
           Angel
           of
           God.
           By
           no
           visible
           means
           ,
           Zech.
           4.
           6.
           
           
             Not
             by
             power
             ,
             or
             by
             might
             ,
             but
             by
             my
             Spirit
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             :
          
           Yea
           from
           the
           furnace
           of
           Affliction
           ,
           
             Ioseph
             ▪
          
           brought
           out
           of
           Prison
           to
           Rule
           ,
           and
           as
           many
           of
           you
           are
           lately
           come
           from
           your
           Bonds
           to
           the
           Bensh
           .
           By
           contrary
           means
           ,
           that
           would
           seem
           to
           destroy
           ,
           Clay
           and
           Spittle
           ,
           that
           of
           themselves
           tend
           to
           mar
           the
           sight
           ,
           yet
           applyed
           by
           Christ
           (
           Ioh.
           9.
           6.
           
           )
           heal
           blind
           eyes
           ;
           by
           affliction
           ,
           to
           bring
           about
           the
           Deliverance
           of
           his
           Church
           ;
           by
           darkness
           to
           bring
           light
           ,
           and
           by
           scattering
           to
           gather
           .
           Yea
           by
           means
           that
           have
           no
           rational
           or
           probable
           connexion
           with
           the
           effect
           ,
           what
           rational
           connexion
           can
           be
           imagined
           betwixt
           the
           King
           's
           not
           getting
           sleep
           ,
           calling
           for
           a
           Book
           to
           divert
           him
           ,
           
             &c.
             Esther
          
           6.
           1
           ,
           2.
           and
           the
           Deliverance
           of
           the
           Church
           ;
           yet
           the
           Lord
           brings
           forth
           their
           Deliverance
           that
           way
           :
           a
           Drummer
           in
           his
           Drunkenness
           Ringing
           the
           Town
           Bell
           in
           Beziers
           in
           France
           ,
           giving
           the
           Besieged
           Protestants
           the
           alarm
           ,
           just
           when
           their
           enemies
           were
           assaulting
           them
           ,
           was
           an
           observable
           Providence
           .
           2.
           
           How
           the
           Lord
           by
           very
           impressions
           ,
           and
           apprehensions
           upon
           the
           Spirits
           of
           enemies
           ,
           makes
           them
           fly
           when
           none
           pursueth
           ,
           and
           one
           to
           chase
           a
           thousand
           ,
           and
           two
           to
           put
           ten
           thousand
           to
           flight
           ,
           a
           famous
           instance
           whereof
           ye
           have
           in
           Iudges
           7.
           13.
           
           A
           Dream
           of
           a
           fellow
           ,
           that
           a
           barley
           cake
           was
           tumbled
           into
           the
           Host
           of
           the
           Midianites
           ,
           makes
           them
           all
           run
           crying
           ,
           this
           is
           no
           other
           
             but
             the
             sword
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             of
             Gideon
          
           ;
           the
           Sun
           shining
           upon
           the
           Waters
           ,
           put
           an
           impression
           upon
           the
           Moabites
           to
           their
           ruin
           ,
           2
           Kin.
           3.
           22.
           
           &c.
           which
           makes
           the
           overthrow
           of
           enemies
           so
           easie
           ,
           (
           whereof
           we
           in
           our
           time
           have
           had
           pregnant
           proof
           )
           that
           as
           Nahum
           3.
           12.
           
           
             Their
             strong
             Cities
             fall
             as
             ripe
             figgs
             into
             the
             mouth
             of
             the
             eater
             ,
             and
             their
             valiant
             captains
             melt
             as
             ▪
             grashoppers
             in
             a
             Sunny
             day
             .
          
           3.
           
           How
           the
           Lord
           makes
           things
           fall
           out
           contrary
           to
           what
           his
           enemies
           design
           ,
           and
           in
           all
           humane
           appearance
           may
           expect
           .
           The
           Lord
           as
           Isa.
           24.
           25.
           turning
           wise
           men
           backward
           ,
           and
           evidencing
           that
           the
           deceived
           (
           Ioh
           12.
           16.
           
           )
           and
           deceiver
           are
           his
           ,
           and
           turning
           the
           Counsels
           of
           Achitophels
           to
           foolishness
           .
           As
           for
           instance
           
           the
           People
           of
           Israel
           would
           have
           a
           King
           ,
           to
           put
           them
           in
           a
           happy
           condition
           ,
           like
           other
           Nations
           (
           1
           Sam
           ,
           8.
           5.
           )
           But
           that
           King
           destroyed
           their
           Nation
           ,
           and
           David
           behoved
           to
           bear
           up
           the
           Pillars
           thereof
           ,
           The
           Church
           banished
           from
           Ierusalem
           ,
           on
           purpose
           to
           destroy
           it
           ,
           Acts
           11.
           19
           ,
           20.
           
           And
           was
           a
           very
           probable
           mean
           to
           effectuat
           the
           design
           ,
           but
           that
           banishment
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           proved
           the
           preservation
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           when
           Ierusalem
           was
           destroyed
           .
           And
           Paul
           bound
           that
           he
           might
           not
           Preach
           ,
           Phil.
           1.
           12.
           
           But
           his
           Bonds
           do
           Preach
           ,
           and
           tend
           to
           the
           furtherance
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
           4.
           
           How
           the
           Lord
           brings
           down
           his
           Enemies
           ,
           when
           their
           strength
           is
           greatest
           ,
           their
           Combinations
           strongest
           ,
           and
           their
           Confidences
           highest
           ,
           Nah.
           1.
           10.
           
           
             When
             they
             were
             drunken
             as
             the
             drunkard
          
           (
           with
           success
           )
           
             and
             folded
             together
             as
             thorns
          
           ,
           (
           by
           combinations
           ,
           confederacies
           and
           strength
           )
           
             then
             shall
             they
             be
             devoured
             as
             stubble
             fully
             dry
             .
          
           Yea
           5.
           
           How
           the
           Lord
           brings
           the
           darkest
           hour
           upon
           a
           Church
           ,
           immediately
           before
           her
           delivery
           ,
           and
           makes
           her
           Furnace
           hotter
           in
           the
           very
           carrying
           on
           of
           her
           deliverance
           .
           As
           faired
           with
           the
           Church
           in
           Esthers
           time
           ,
           and
           in
           Babylon
           .
           And
           that
           is
           a
           strange
           word
           in
           Mic.
           4.
           10.
           
           
             Be
             in
             pain
             and
             labour
             to
             bring
             forth
             ,
             for
             ye
             shall
             go
             to
             Babylon
             ,
             and
             there
             be
             delivered
             ,
          
           making
           their
           light
           to
           shine
           out
           of
           obscurity
           .
           And
           I
           may
           allude
           to
           that
           Word
           ,
           Isa.
           21.
           11.
           watch-man
           ,
           what
           of
           the
           night
           ?
           watch-man
           ,
           what
           of
           the
           night
           ?
           The
           watch-man
           said
           ,
           
             The
             morning
             cometh
             ,
             and
             also
             the
             night
             .
          
           There
           may
           be
           a
           dark
           Night
           before
           the
           Morning
           ,
           and
           even
           darkest
           immediately
           before
           the
           break
           of
           day
           .
           And
           2.
           
           Ye
           are
           to
           understand
           these
           dark
           Providences
           ,
           with
           reference
           to
           Judgments
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           mercies
           .
           Ier.
           8.
           7.
           
           
             The
             stork
             in
             the
             heavens
             knoweth
             her
             appointed
             times
             ,
             and
             the
             turtle
             ,
             and
             the
             cran
             ,
             and
             the
             swallow
             observe
             the
             time
             of
             their
             coming
             ,
             but
             my
             people
             know
             not
             the
             judgment
             of
             the
             Lord.
          
           And
           as
           to
           this
           ,
           ye
           are
           to
           understand
           ,
           1.
           
           That
           the
           Lord
           with
           variety
           of
           outward
           Judgments
           ,
           oftimes
           smites
           a
           sinful
           People
           ,
           he
           hath
           many
           sickles
           to
           cut
           down
           a
           Nation
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           rype
           ,
           by
           abounding
           ,
           and
           being
           impudent
           ,
           and
           obstinat
           in
           sin
           ,
           Ioel
           3.
           13.
           
           Zach.
           5.
           1.
           
           And
           in
           his
           Soveraignity
           ,
           he
           changes
           them
           at
           his
           pleasure
           .
           And
           in
           order
           to
           this
           ,
           he
           fitteth
           Instruments
           to
           execut
           his
           wrath
           ,
           and
           prepares
           them
           for
           doing
           his
           pleasure
           .
           Isa.
           13.
           3.
           
           
             I
             have
             called
             my
             sanctified
             ones
             ,
          
           I
           
             have
             commanded
             my
             mighty
             ones
             for
             mine
             anger
          
           ;
           and
           proportions
           the
           Judgments
           some
           way
           
           to
           the
           sin
           of
           a
           People
           ,
           that
           they
           who
           run
           may
           read
           ,
           for
           what
           the
           Lord
           smitteth
           them
           ,
           when
           they
           that
           spoil
           are
           spoiled
           ,
           &c.
           2.
           
           That
           the
           Lord
           doth
           sometimes
           insensibly
           consume
           a
           People
           ,
           by
           spiritual
           and
           invisible
           Judgements
           ,
           sending
           a
           moth
           among
           them
           ,
           Hos.
           5.
           12.
           
           
             I
             will
             be
             as
             a
             moth
             to
             the
             house
             of
             Iudah
             ,
             and
             as
             rottenness
             to
             the
             house
             of
             Israel
             .
          
           And
           making
           gray
           hairs
           to
           be
           here
           and
           there
           upon
           them
           ,
           (
           Hos.
           7.
           9.
           
           )
           tho
           they
           knew
           it
           not
           .
           This
           is
           worthy
           of
           your
           search
           ,
           and
           studying
           to
           understand
           ,
           how
           the
           Lord
           secretly
           and
           insensibly
           ,
           by
           Spiritual
           Judgments
           wastes
           a
           Nation
           ;
           Judgments
           come
           ,
           and
           the
           noise
           of
           their
           feet
           is
           not
           heard
           ,
           they
           are
           effectually
           ,
           tho
           insensibly
           destroyed
           .
           O
           strange
           !
           A
           People
           slain
           ,
           and
           the
           sword
           not
           seen
           ,
           and
           the
           shot
           not
           heard
           ,
           but
           in
           his
           wrath
           they
           pine
           away
           ,
           by
           his
           deserting
           of
           them
           ,
           Mic.
           3.
           4.
           
           By
           hardning
           their
           hearts
           ,
           blinding
           their
           eyes
           ,
           and
           fatning
           their
           hearts
           ,
           Isa.
           6.
           9.
           
           By
           giving
           them
           up
           to
           spiritual
           barrenness
           ,
           Ezek.
           47.
           11.
           
           And
           to
           strong
           delusions
           ,
           2
           Thes.
           2.
           12.
           
           And
           by
           letting
           them
           run
           on
           in
           sin
           ,
           without
           reproof
           or
           correction
           ,
           Isa.
           1.
           5.
           
           Hos.
           4.
           14.
           
           And
           by
           many
           other
           spiritual
           plagues
           ,
           which
           makes
           the
           case
           the
           sadder
           ,
           that
           not
           only
           ,
           as
           I
           have
           said
           ,
           they
           consume
           insensibly
           ,
           but
           they
           are
           both
           sins
           and
           judgments
           ,
           Amos.
           4.
           4.
           
           Yea
           (
           if
           not
           timously
           prevented
           by
           turning
           to
           the
           Lord
           )
           they
           may
           prove
           the
           sad
           earnest
           of
           hell
           and
           damnation
           ,
           as
           in
           that
           forecited
           place
           ,
           2
           Thes.
           2.
           12.
           
           
             That
             they
             all
             might
             be
             damned
             who
             believe
             not
             the
             truth
             .
          
           And
           3.
           
           It
           's
           worthy
           of
           your
           study
           to
           understand
           ,
           how
           that
           Moth.
           at
           last
           (
           if
           a
           People
           prove
           incorrigible
           )
           turns
           into
           a
           Lyon
           ,
           and
           a
           
             Leopard
             ,
             Hos.
          
           13.
           7.
           
           
             Therefore
             I
             will
             be
             unto
             them
             as
             a
             lyon
             ,
             and
             as
             a
             leopard
             by
             the
             way
             will
             I
             observe
             them
             .
          
           And
           how
           the
           Lord
           by
           out
           ward
           and
           visible
           strokes
           destroyes
           a
           Nation
           ,
           Ier.
           ●4
           .
           12.
           
           
             I
             will
             consume
             them
             by
             the
             sword
             ,
             and
             by
             famine
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             pestilence
             .
          
           (
           5.
           )
           You
           are
           to
           labour
           to
           understand
           the
           great
           ends
           and
           designs
           ,
           that
           the
           Lord
           is
           driving
           on
           ,
           by
           these
           times
           and
           providences
           that
           pass
           over
           a
           People
           ;
           And
           if
           ye
           observe
           narrowly
           ,
           ye
           will
           find
           ,
           1.
           
           That
           by
           all
           these
           Providences
           ,
           in
           the
           latter
           days
           he
           is
           removing
           
             these
             things
             that
             are
          
           (
           or
           as
           some
           read
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           )
           
             shaken
             ,
             as
             of
             things
             that
             are
             made
             ,
             that
             the
             things
             which
             cannot
             be
             shaken
             ,
             may
             remain
             ,
          
           2.
           
           That
           he
           is
           making
           way
           for
           the
           utter
           ruin
           and
           fall
           of
           Antichrist
           and
           Popery
           ,
           in
           all
           the
           forms
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           not
           so
           much
           as
           a
           rag
           of
           that
           whore
           may
           remain
           ,
           Rev.
           18.
           2.
           
           And
           his
           Church
           sing
           a
           triumph
           ,
           
             Babylon
             the
          
           
           
             great
             is
             fallen
             ,
             is
             fallen
             .
          
           And
           3.
           
           That
           he
           is
           carrying
           on
           the
           establishment
           of
           Zion
           ,
           upon
           her
           right
           Basis
           and
           Foundation
           ,
           Isa.
           14.
           last
           v.
           
             What
             shall
             one
             answer
             the
             messenger
             of
             the
             nations
             .
             That
             the
             Lord
             hath
             founded
             Zion
             ,
             and
             the
             poor
             of
             the
             people
             shall
             trust
             in
          
           (
           or
           as
           in
           the
           Heb.
           betake
           themselves
           unto
           )
           it
           .
           And
           if
           these
           great
           Ends
           be
           carried
           on
           by
           Providences
           ,
           It
           matters
           not
           much
           ,
           tho
           you
           ,
           and
           I
           ,
           and
           others
           ,
           miss
           our
           own
           particular
           ,
           and
           self
           Ends.
           And
           6.
           
           I
           would
           propose
           to
           you
           the
           understanding
           of
           the
           Times
           ,
           which
           the
           Text
           relates
           unto
           .
           And
           if
           there
           be
           any
           paralell
           betwixt
           it
           and
           our
           Times
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           I
           ,
           but
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           Providence
           ,
           the
           great
           Commentary
           on
           Scripture
           ,
           that
           hath
           made
           it
           .
           And
           if
           ye
           will
           search
           into
           the
           case
           of
           the
           Text
           ,
           you
           will
           find
           ,
           1.
           
           That
           
             Saul
             ,
             David's
          
           Father
           in
           Law
           was
           now
           dead
           ,
           and
           the
           Throne
           vacand
           ,
           2.
           
           Abner
           ,
           and
           his
           Command
           that
           he
           had
           over
           the
           Tribes
           ,
           was
           now
           removed
           out
           of
           the
           way
           ,
           by
           the
           Lord
           's
           remarkable
           hand
           ,
           2.
           
           Sam.
           3.
           30.
           33.
           3.
           
           David
           was
           now
           magnified
           among
           the
           People
           by
           his
           victories
           over
           the
           Philistines
           ,
           his
           pious
           carriage
           ,
           and
           his
           zeal
           for
           the
           ark
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           against
           Idolatry
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           publick
           good
           of
           the
           Land
           ,
           v.
           18.
           of
           this
           chap.
           4.
           
           The
           time
           of
           the
           Promise
           ,
           for
           making
           David
           King
           ,
           was
           now
           at
           hand
           to
           be
           fulfilled
           .
           2
           Sam.
           3.
           9
           ,
           10.
           5.
           
           There
           was
           a
           Spirit
           of
           Zeal
           for
           this
           work
           ,
           moving
           all
           the
           Tribes
           ,
           they
           flock
           one
           after
           another
           ,
           to
           the
           work
           ,
           as
           here
           in
           this
           
             chap.
             v.
          
           2●
           ,
           38.
           
           It
           's
           said
           ,
           
             They
             came
             all
             with
             a
             perfect
             heart
             ,
             to
             make
             David
             King
             over
             Israel
             ,
          
           and
           all
           the
           rest
           also
           of
           Israel
           were
           of
           one
           heart
           to
           make
           David
           King
           ,
           untill
           as
           v.
           22.
           
             they
             were
             a
             great
             host
             ,
             as
             the
             host
             of
             God
             ,
          
           6.
           
           There
           were
           both
           open
           and
           secret
           Enemies
           to
           this
           great
           work
           ,
           of
           making
           David
           King
           ,
           if
           ye
           will
           consider
           what
           is
           said
           ,
           in
           1
           King.
           12.
           16.
           and
           in
           v.
           17.
           of
           this
           chap.
           And
           7.
           
           When
           ever
           David
           came
           to
           the
           Crown
           ,
           he
           gave
           orders
           to
           bring
           back
           the
           Ark
           to
           its
           right
           place
           .
           And
           in
           the
           following
           chap.
           to
           this
           Text
           ▪
           ye
           see
           what
           orders
           ,
           after
           consultation
           with
           the
           Leaders
           and
           Captains
           ,
           he
           issues
           forth
           ,
           
             to
             bring
             again
             the
             Ark
             of
             God
             ,
             for
          
           (
           says
           he
           )
           
             we
             inquired
             not
             at
             it
             in
             the
             days
             of
             Saul
             .
          
           Yea
           8.
           
           In
           this
           Juncture
           ,
           there
           were
           that
           gave
           the
           Ark
           a
           wrong
           touch
           ,
           which
           kindled
           the
           Anger
           of
           the
           Lord
           against
           him
           ,
           see
           v.
           9.
           of
           the
           chap.
           next
           to
           this
           Text.
           And
           I
           must
           in
           the
           9.
           and
           last
           place
           add
           ,
           That
           when
           the
           Ark
           was
           brought
           home
           ,
           several
           remarkable
           things
           followed
           ,
           As
           David
           the
           King
           his
           
           carnal
           fear
           ,
           to
           bring
           it
           to
           his
           own
           City
           ,
           v.
           12
           ,
           13.
           of
           the
           following
           Chapter
           .
           The
           great
           confirmation
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           upon
           him
           ,
           by
           the
           Lords
           signal
           appearances
           in
           his
           behalf
           ,
           according
           to
           his
           Promise
           ,
           by
           forreign
           Confederacies
           and
           kindness
           ,
           by
           a
           numerous
           Family
           ,
           and
           by
           victories
           over
           his
           Enemies
           ,
           As
           in
           1
           Chron.
           14.
           1
           ▪
           2
           ,
           10
           ,
           14
           ,
           &c.
           
           And
           at
           last
           ,
           after
           several
           stops
           and
           lets
           ,
           the
           Ark
           is
           brought
           with
           shouting
           ,
           unto
           it's
           own
           place
           the
           City
           of
           David
           ,
           1
           Chron.
           15.
           28
           
           ▪
           And
           the
           called
           and
           appointed
           Officers
           of
           the
           Lord
           are
           set
           to
           wait
           on
           it
           ,
           and
           no
           foul
           fingers
           to
           touch
           it
           ,
           1
           Chron.
           16.
           37
           ,
           &c.
           
           And
           then
           ,
           and
           not
           till
           then
           cometh
           peace
           ,
           
             and
             all
             the
             people
             return
             to
             their
             houses
             ,
             and
             David
             returned
             to
             bless
             his
             house
             ,
             v.
          
           43.
           
           There
           are
           many
           other
           things
           in
           times
           ,
           that
           ye
           ought
           to
           understand
           ,
           but
           least
           I
           exceed
           the
           bounds
           of
           a
           Sermon
           ,
           I
           forbear
           to
           mention
           them
           ,
           and
           comes
           to
           the
           last
           thing
           I
           proposed
           in
           the
           method
           of
           this
           Doctrine
           .
        
         
           III.
           What
           way
           may
           People
           best
           come
           to
           understand
           the
           
             Times
             ?
             Answ.
          
           1.
           
           By
           Consulting
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           best
           Key
           to
           unlock
           Providences
           and
           Times
           ,
           
             to
             the
             law
             and
             to
             the
             testimony
             ,
          
           Isa.
           8.
           20.
           and
           as
           Asaph
           ,
           when
           he
           was
           puzled
           with
           a
           singular
           Providence
           ,
           Psal.
           73.
           16
           ,
           17.
           he
           went
           into
           the
           Sanctuary
           to
           be
           resolved
           ,
           and
           there
           was
           cleared
           as
           to
           the
           Times
           and
           Providences
           he
           was
           trysted
           with
           .
           
             The
             Lords
             voice
             cryeth
             unto
             the
             city
             ,
          
           (
           Mic.
           6.
           9.
           
           )
           
             and
             the
             man
             of
             wisdom
             shall
             know
             thy
             name
             .
          
           2.
           
           Labour
           to
           have
           the
           work
           of
           Grace
           and
           Renovation
           thorow
           and
           clear
           without
           Clouds
           ,
           for
           the
           Image
           of
           God
           in
           a
           man
           is
           of
           such
           a
           nature
           ,
           that
           it
           hath
           something
           in
           it
           answering
           (
           as
           Face
           to
           Face
           in
           a
           Glass
           )
           to
           all
           the
           revealed
           Will
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           its
           great
           and
           best
           Interpreter
           Times
           and
           Providences
           ;
           and
           the
           more
           powerful
           and
           lively
           Grace
           be
           in
           its
           Actings
           ,
           the
           more
           infight
           you
           will
           have
           both
           in
           his
           Word
           and
           Works
           ,
           Psal.
           25.
           14.
           
             the
             secret
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             with
             them
             that
             fear
             him
             ,
          
           &c.
           3.
           
           Compare
           former
           Times
           and
           Providences
           in
           their
           Nature
           and
           Circumstances
           with
           present
           Times
           and
           Dispensations
           ,
           and
           that
           will
           give
           more
           Light
           in
           what
           seems
           hid
           and
           obscure
           to
           you
           ,
           Psal.
           77.
           5.
           
           
             Consider
             the
             days
             of
             old
             and
             the
             years
             of
             antient
             times
             ,
          
           and
           bring
           them
           home
           to
           the
           present
           Case
           ,
           and
           it
           may
           help
           you
           to
           know
           the
           Vision
           ,
           Mic.
           6.
           5.
           
           
             Remember
             from
             Shittim
             to
             Gilgal
             ,
             that
             ye
             may
             know
             the
             righteousness
             of
             the
             Lord.
          
           4.
           
           Imploy
           by
           Prayer
           Christ
           Jesus
           to
           open
           the
           Book
           of
           Times
           
           and
           Providences
           to
           you
           ,
           for
           he
           is
           worthy
           to
           do
           it
           ,
           Rev.
           5.
           2.
           
           When
           ye
           go
           forward
           and
           he
           is
           not
           there
           ,
           and
           backward
           but
           cannot
           perceive
           him
           ,
           on
           the
           left
           hand
           where
           he
           doth
           work
           ,
           but
           cannot
           behold
           him
           ,
           and
           on
           the
           right
           hand
           ,
           but
           ye
           cannot
           see
           him
           ;
           then
           ply
           the
           Duty
           of
           Prayer
           ,
           for
           the
           right
           management
           of
           that
           Duty
           hath
           given
           great
           Light
           to
           the
           Saints
           in
           dark
           and
           difficult
           times
           ,
           Psal.
           77.
           19.
           when
           
             the
             Lords
             way
             is
             in
             the
             sea
             ,
             and
             his
             paths
             in
             the
             deep
             waters
             ,
          
           yet
           Prayer
           will
           be
           a
           mean
           to
           discover
           his
           Goings
           ,
           and
           lay
           open
           his
           Mind
           in
           them
           .
           5.
           
           If
           ye
           would
           rightly
           understand
           Times
           ,
           beware
           of
           Prejudices
           at
           ,
           and
           rash
           Censuring
           of
           Times
           and
           Providences
           ,
           as
           if
           ye
           were
           wiser
           than
           God
           ,
           or
           could
           amend
           what
           he
           hath
           done
           ;
           who
           art
           thou
           O
           man
           that
           chargeth
           God
           foolishly
           ,
           and
           findeth
           fault
           with
           the
           Almighty
           ,
           the
           wise
           Counseller
           and
           excellent
           Worker
           .
           Ye
           ought
           to
           submit
           your
           Will
           to
           His
           ,
           and
           neither
           to
           censure
           nor
           quarrel
           His
           Ways
           ,
           but
           say
           as
           Psalm
           18.
           23.
           
           This
           is
           the
           doing
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           marvellous
           in
           our
           Eyes
           .
           I
           remember
           what
           is
           recorded
           that
           Luther
           said
           to
           Melanchton
           ,
           when
           he
           was
           ready
           to
           censure
           the
           Times
           ,
           as
           seeming
           to
           threaten
           the
           ruine
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           
             Monendus
             est
             iste
             Philippus
             ut
             desinat
             esse
             mundi
             gubernator
             .
          
           Let
           Melanchton
           cease
           (
           says
           he
           )
           to
           govern
           the
           World.
           Men
           when
           they
           overlook
           a
           supreme
           over
           ruling
           Hand
           at
           the
           Helm
           of
           Providences
           ,
           are
           ready
           to
           censure
           them
           .
           It
           was
           a
           severe
           Construction
           that
           Porphyry
           put
           upon
           the
           Israelites
           passing
           through
           the
           Red-Sea
           ,
           and
           the
           Egyptians
           being
           drowned
           ,
           
             That
             they
             took
             the
             advantage
             of
             a
             low
             Water
             ,
          
           as
           if
           the
           Ebb
           there
           had
           ever
           been
           so
           great
           or
           better
           known
           to
           Strangers
           than
           Natives
           .
           And
           Neh.
           4.
           2.
           
           
             What
             do
             these
             feeble
             Iews
          
           ?
           And
           6.
           
           If
           ye
           would
           understand
           the
           Times
           ,
           ye
           must
           not
           take
           a
           light
           overly
           view
           of
           them
           ,
           but
           ye
           must
           look
           attentively
           upon
           them
           ,
           and
           pry
           into
           them
           ,
           Psal.
           107.
           23.
           ye
           must
           look
           and
           look
           again
           on
           them
           .
           His
           Works
           are
           
             sought
             out
          
           (
           Psal.
           111.
           2.
           
           )
           
             of
             them
             that
             take
             pleasure
             in
             them
             .
          
           Ye
           must
           look
           both
           sides
           (
           to
           speak
           so
           )
           of
           this
           Book
           ,
           and
           ye
           will
           find
           what
           is
           dark
           on
           the
           one
           side
           of
           the
           Leaf
           is
           clear
           on
           the
           other
           ;
           on
           the
           one
           side
           ye
           may
           perceive
           nothing
           but
           Wrath
           ,
           Trouble
           ,
           Confusion
           ,
           Hell
           ,
           Death
           ,
           &c.
           but
           if
           ye
           will
           turn
           over
           ,
           ye
           may
           see
           ,
           Love
           ,
           Peace
           ,
           Order
           ,
           Heaven
           ,
           Glory
           ,
           yea
           ,
           ye
           must
           wait
           upon
           the
           time
           of
           bringing
           forth
           ,
           and
           patiently
           expect
           the
           result
           ;
           for
           what
           ye
           see
           not
           now
           ,
           ye
           
           shall
           see
           hereafter
           .
           Times
           are
           with
           Child
           of
           many
           Truths
           and
           Dispensations
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           a
           Month
           of
           bringing
           forth
           ,
           and
           
             here
             is
             the
             Faith
             and
             Patience
             of
             the
             Saints
             .
          
        
         
           Doct.
           2.
           
           That
           the
           right
           understanding
           of
           Times
           is
           very
           contributive
           to
           the
           clear
           discovery
           ,
           and
           seasonable
           performance
           of
           the
           proper
           duties
           which
           are
           called
           for
           in
           these
           times
           .
        
         
           That
           I
           may
           render
           this
           Truth
           useful
           to
           you
           ,
           I
           shall
           1.
           
           Give
           you
           some
           things
           in
           the
           general
           for
           Explication
           .
           2.
           
           Show
           you
           what
           are
           the
           proper
           Duties
           of
           this
           time
           and
           juncture
           we
           are
           fallen
           under
           .
           3.
           
           What
           Motives
           may
           perswade
           to
           the
           diligent
           and
           serious
           performance
           of
           these
           Duties
           .
           And
           4.
           
           How
           the
           right
           discerning
           of
           our
           times
           do
           contribute
           to
           the
           discovery
           and
           practice
           of
           these
           Duties
           :
           And
           if
           your
           time
           will
           allow
           ,
           I
           shall
           make
           some
           Application
           of
           all
           .
        
         
           I.
           In
           the
           general
           for
           Explication
           ,
           let
           these
           things
           be
           considered
           .
           1.
           
           Every
           time
           casteth
           up
           its
           proper
           and
           seasonable
           Duties
           ,
           and
           not
           only
           the
           lustre
           and
           beauty
           of
           Duty
           ,
           by
           imbracing
           the
           right
           season
           of
           it
           ,
           is
           made
           to
           shine
           as
           an
           Apple
           of
           Gold
           in
           a
           Picture
           of
           Silver
           ,
           but
           much
           of
           the
           success
           or
           disappointment
           of
           it
           depends
           upon
           the
           right
           timeing
           of
           it
           ;
           
             Every
             thing
          
           ,
           saith
           
             Solomon
             (
             Eccl.
          
           3.
           11.
           
           )
           
             is
             beautiful
             in
             its
             season
          
           ;
           mis-timed
           Duties
           as
           they
           are
           uneasie
           to
           others
           ,
           and
           unacceptable
           to
           God
           ,
           so
           are
           they
           of
           dangerous
           consequence
           both
           to
           the
           Church
           and
           the
           Persons
           themselves
           .
           2.
           
           As
           every
           time
           ,
           so
           every
           Person
           in
           the
           Church
           and
           State
           have
           proper
           Duties
           incumbent
           to
           them
           ,
           according
           to
           their
           several
           Capacities
           ,
           Stations
           and
           Talents
           ,
           for
           advancing
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           securing
           their
           own
           Happiness
           ,
           and
           in
           order
           thereto
           ,
           particularly
           for
           preservation
           and
           transmitting
           of
           the
           Gospel
           and
           its
           Ordinances
           to
           Posterity
           ,
           that
           through
           your
           care
           ,
           the
           Children
           that
           are
           yet
           unborn
           may
           praise
           his
           Name
           .
           3.
           
           The
           Lord
           doth
           ordinarily
           Spirit
           some
           men
           for
           the
           Duties
           of
           their
           time
           ,
           and
           in
           a
           more
           than
           ordinary
           way
           furnish
           them
           with
           Gifts
           and
           Endowments
           for
           their
           Generation
           work
           ,
           elevating
           them
           above
           what
           they
           are
           in
           ordinary
           ,
           and
           raising
           their
           Spirits
           (
           Dan.
           11.
           32.
           
           )
           
             to
             do
             exploits
             ,
             making
             the
             feeble
             as
             David
             ,
             and
             the
             weak
             as
             an
             angel
             of
             God.
          
           ●
           .
           It
           s
           rare
           to
           find
           Acting
           and
           Duties
           of
           Times
           single
           and
           pure
           without
           the
           woful
           mixture
           of
           Self-Interest
           ,
           a
           sour
           Leaven
           that
           hath
           spoiled
           many
           glorious
           Actings
           and
           heavy
           Sufferings
           :
           But
           of
           this
           more
           hereafter
           ,
           
           and
           therefore
           ye
           will
           find
           the
           duty
           of
           Self-denyal
           put
           in
           the
           midst
           (
           Luk
           9.
           23.
           
           )
           betwixt
           Doing
           and
           Suffering
           ,
           to
           shew
           that
           none
           of
           them
           can
           be
           cleanly
           without
           it
           .
           5.
           
           In
           the
           point
           of
           Duty
           and
           Acting
           ,
           Times
           and
           Providences
           are
           not
           to
           be
           our
           Rule
           ,
           Sin
           is
           still
           Sin
           ,
           and
           Duty
           is
           still
           Duty
           ,
           tho
           Providence
           seem
           sometimes
           to
           favour
           the
           one
           and
           discountenance
           the
           other
           .
           for
           as
           Eccles.
           9.
           2
           ▪
           there
           is
           one
           event
           to
           the
           Righteous
           and
           to
           the
           Wicked
           ,
           &c.
           and
           therefore
           make
           the
           Word
           ,
           and
           not
           single
           Providence
           ,
           the
           Square
           of
           your
           Duty
           ,
           Providences
           alone
           without
           the
           Word
           are
           dangerous
           Guides
           .
           And
           6.
           
           Tho
           there
           be
           ordinarly
           a
           strong
           inclination
           and
           bensil
           in
           Zions
           Friends
           towards
           Acting
           ,
           yet
           the
           Church
           hath
           ever
           thriven
           better
           under
           Suffering
           than
           Acting
           .
           Act.
           11.
           21.
           
           And
           as
           their
           Prayers
           and
           Tears
           have
           been
           their
           best
           Armour
           ,
           so
           their
           Testimony
           and
           Blood
           hath
           been
           their
           greatest
           Trophies
           and
           Victory
           ,
           Rev.
           12.
           11.
           
             they
             overcame
             by
             the
             blood
             of
             the
             Lamb
             ,
             and
             the
             word
             of
             their
             testimony
             ,
             for
             they
             loved
             not
             their
             lives
             unto
             death
             .
          
        
         
           II.
           I
           presume
           by
           vertue
           of
           my
           Commission
           from
           the
           King
           of
           kings
           ,
           to
           lay
           before
           your
           Grace
           their
           Majesties
           High
           Commissioner
           ,
           and
           this
           Honourable
           House
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           these
           particular
           Duties
           ,
           which
           our
           times
           ,
           being
           well
           understood
           ,
           obviously
           call
           for
           ,
           and
           shall
           make
           no
           other
           Apology
           for
           my
           freedom
           in
           pressing
           them
           ,
           than
           the
           obligation
           that
           lyes
           on
           me
           to
           be
           zealous
           for
           the
           Lord
           of
           Hosts
           ;
           and
           as
           I
           was
           never
           before
           (
           being
           but
           as
           one
           born
           out
           of
           time
           )
           in
           such
           a
           Capacity
           ,
           so
           it
           may
           be
           I
           never
           again
           have
           the
           opportunity
           of
           preaching
           before
           such
           an
           Honourable
           Auditory
           .
           (
           1
           )
           Our
           times
           upon
           a
           narrow
           and
           spiritual
           search
           call
           aloud
           to
           this
           Duty
           ,
           that
           in
           a
           ●●eling
           and
           uncertain
           time
           every
           one
           should
           secure
           their
           Souls
           ,
           and
           put
           that
           in
           sure
           keeping
           ,
           1
           Pet.
           4.
           19.
           
             wherefore
             let
             them
             that
          
           ,
           &c.
           
             commit
             the
             keeping
             of
             their
             souls
             to
             him
             in
             well
             doing
             as
             unto
             a
             faithful
             Creator
             .
          
           The
           excellency
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           the
           price
           Christ
           payed
           for
           Souls
           ,
           the
           pains
           that
           Satan
           takes
           to
           destroy
           these
           ,
           and
           the
           irreparableness
           of
           the
           loss
           not
           being
           to
           be
           made
           up
           by
           gaining
           the
           whole
           World
           ,
           plead
           strongly
           for
           this
           ;
           and
           the
           Souls
           of
           great
           ones
           being
           within
           the
           reach
           of
           that
           word
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           1.
           26.
           
             not
             many
             wise
             ,
             not
             many
             noble
             ,
          
           &c.
           and
           obvious
           to
           greater
           and
           mo
           temptations
           are
           in
           greater
           hazard
           than
           others
           .
           And
           therefore
           in
           this
           uncertain
           time
           ,
           I
           obtest
           you
           ,
           that
           
           ye
           secure
           your
           Souls
           ,
           by
           getting
           an
           Interest
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           that
           lose
           what
           ye
           will
           ye
           may
           not
           lose
           that
           ,
           which
           cannot
           be
           recovered
           at
           the
           rate
           of
           all
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           that
           if
           times
           of
           trouble
           come
           upon
           you
           ,
           ye
           may
           not
           be
           both
           afflicted
           here
           ,
           and
           damned
           hereafter
           .
           (
           2
           )
           That
           ye
           guard
           against
           Apostacy
           and
           Defection
           from
           the
           Truth
           and
           Way
           of
           God
           ,
           (
           wherein
           he
           hath
           mercifully
           engaged
           you
           )
           by
           falling
           into
           Idolatry
           ,
           Profanity
           and
           Opposition
           ,
           to
           the
           righteous
           ways
           of
           God
           ,
           1
           Ioh.
           5.
           21.
           
           
             Little
             children
             ,
             keep
             your selves
             from
             idols
          
           ;
           and
           be
           not
           of
           them
           that
           draw
           back
           ,
           (
           Heb.
           10.
           39.
           
           )
           lest
           his
           Soul
           take
           no
           pleasure
           in
           you
           ;
           for
           few
           Apostats
           recover
           ,
           or
           if
           they
           do
           ,
           many
           of
           them
           have
           bitter
           Agonies
           of
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           are
           a
           very
           Hell
           to
           themselves
           before
           they
           be
           put
           among
           the
           Children
           again
           .
           And
           if
           Popery
           and
           other
           Corruptions
           now
           cast
           out
           by
           you
           be
           imbraced
           again
           ,
           they
           will
           bring
           with
           them
           seven
           worse
           Spirits
           than
           before
           ;
           O
           do
           not
           sweep
           the
           House
           (
           Mat.
           12.
           44.
           
           )
           for
           the
           Devil's
           return
           again
           ,
           and
           it
           will
           be
           a
           strange
           thing
           to
           see
           rational
           men
           ,
           (
           let
           be
           professed
           Christians
           )
           so
           prodigal
           of
           their
           Souls
           ,
           Consciences
           ,
           Relations
           ,
           Estates
           and
           Bodies
           ,
           as
           to
           thirst
           and
           long
           to
           be
           back
           again
           to
           Fgypt
           ,
           have
           ye
           forget
           the
           Burdens
           and
           Bondage
           ye
           were
           formerly
           under
           ?
           will
           ye
           again
           return
           to
           Babylon
           ?
           O!
           for
           the
           Lord's
           sake
           ,
           hate
           the
           Whore
           and
           all
           her
           Rags
           spotted
           with
           the
           Flesh.
           I
           tremble
           to
           think
           what
           may
           be
           the
           sad
           Consequence
           of
           returning
           again
           with
           the
           Dog
           to
           the
           Vomit
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           Sow
           to
           the
           Puddle
           ;
           that
           's
           a
           severe
           word
           in
           Iosh.
           24.
           20.
           
           
             If
             ye
             forsake
             the
             Lord
             and
             serve
             other
             gods
             ,
             then
             he
             will
             turn
             and
             do
             you
             hurt
             ,
             and
             consume
             you
             after
             that
             he
             hath
             done
             you
             good
             .
          
           (
           3
           )
           Labour
           to
           perfect
           the
           Reformation
           ye
           have
           happily
           begun
           ,
           and
           is
           greedily
           expected
           .
           And
           that
           speedily
           ,
           &
           in
           the
           first
           place
           ,
           Command
           (
           as
           in
           Ez.
           7
           ▪
           23.
           )
           that
           whatsoever
           is
           commanded
           by
           the
           God
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           be
           diligently
           done
           for
           the
           House
           of
           the
           God
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           Reformation
           ought
           to
           be
           thorow
           ,
           and
           not
           by
           Halves
           or
           sinful
           Mixtures
           ,
           Hos.
           7.
           8.
           
           It
           's
           a
           sad
           mark
           put
           upon
           
             Samaria
             ▪
          
           King.
           17.
           33.
           
           
             That
             they
             feared
             the
             Lord
             and
             served
             their
             own
             gods
             ,
             and
             swearing
             by
             God
             and
             by
             Ma●cham
             (
             Zeph
             ,
          
           1.
           5
           )
           streaches
           out
           his
           arm
           still
           with
           fury
           against
           a
           Nation
           ;
           it
           's
           a
           reproach
           upon
           a
           People
           to
           halt
           between
           God
           and
           Baal
           ,
           1
           King.
           18.
           21.
           
           
             If
             the
             Lord
             be
             God
             ,
             follow
             him
             ;
             but
             if
             Baal
             ,
             then
             follow
             him
             .
          
           And
           it
           's
           a
           perpetual
           stain
           upon
           Iehu's
           Reformation
           :
           That
           tho
           he
           destroyed
           Baal
           
           and
           his
           Priests
           ,
           &c.
           yet
           he
           departed
           not
           from
           the
           sins
           of
           Ieroboam
           ,
           to
           wit
           ,
           the
           Golden
           Calves
           at
           Dan
           and
           Bethel
           ,
           2
           King.
           10.
           28
           29.
           
           Let
           Reformation
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           be
           perfect
           ,
           and
           throw
           to
           the
           Door
           all
           that
           belongs
           to
           the
           Whore
           ,
           even
           the
           raggs
           she
           hath
           left
           behind
           her
           ,
           for
           an
           errand
           to
           return
           again
           :
           And
           let
           none
           of
           Babels
           cursed
           Timber
           or
           Stones
           be
           taken
           to
           build
           the
           Lord's
           House
           with
           .
           And
           let
           it
           be
           done
           speedily
           ,
           Ezra
           6.
           13.
           
           They
           went
           about
           the
           building
           of
           the
           Wall
           speedily
           .
           Let
           it
           not
           be
           put
           off
           by
           carnal
           Policy
           ,
           or
           Worldly
           Respects
           ,
           saying
           ,
           as
           
             H●g
             ▪
          
           1.
           2
           ,
           4.
           
           
             It
             is
             not
             time
             to
             build
             the
             Lords
             House
             ,
             the
             time
             is
             not
             come
             .
          
           Tho
           I
           confess
           there
           is
           a
           vast
           difference
           betwixt
           pious
           Prudence
           ,
           which
           should
           order
           all
           your
           Affairs
           ,
           and
           carnal
           Policy
           ,
           which
           will
           but
           defile
           and
           marr
           your
           Work.
           For
           men
           may
           apprehend
           ,
           that
           if
           they
           should
           go
           on
           to
           the
           settling
           of
           the
           Government
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           or
           any
           piece
           of
           Reformation
           presently
           ,
           many
           would
           fall
           off
           ,
           and
           affairs
           would
           not
           succeed
           so
           prosperously
           .
           But
           let
           me
           perswade
           you
           ,
           that
           ye
           will
           find
           the
           contrary
           to
           be
           true
           ,
           if
           ye
           will
           consider
           1.
           
           That
           the
           Policy
           of
           this
           kind
           which
           Ieroboam
           used
           ,
           1
           Kings
           12.
           26.
           and
           which
           the
           Iews
           followed
           ,
           Ioh.
           11.
           28.
           brought
           the
           same
           very
           evils
           upon
           them
           which
           they
           feared
           ,
           and
           thought
           by
           their
           carnal
           Policy
           to
           avoid
           ▪
           For
           Ieroboam
           had
           laid
           down
           this
           Principle
           ,
           
             that
             no
             Idol
             no
             King
          
           ,
           even
           as
           some
           conclude
           with
           as
           little
           reason
           ,
           
             no
             Bishop
             ,
             no
             King
          
           :
           And
           the
           Iews
           were
           by
           their
           carnal
           wisdom
           fixed
           in
           this
           ,
           That
           Christ
           and
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           their
           peace
           and
           safety
           could
           not
           consist
           together
           :
           But
           both
           their
           measures
           failed
           them
           ,
           and
           that
           which
           they
           feared
           ,
           and
           thought
           by
           their
           carnal
           Policy
           to
           evite
           ,
           came
           upon
           them
           .
           2.
           
           If
           ye
           will
           consider
           that
           good
           King
           Hezekiah
           was
           not
           guided
           by
           this
           carnal
           Policy
           in
           his
           reformation
           ,
           2
           King.
           18.
           4.
           
           But
           
             in
             the
             first
             year
             of
             his
             reign
          
           (
           which
           I
           pray
           and
           hope
           our
           King
           shall
           make
           the
           parallel
           of
           )
           
             removed
             the
             high
             places
             ,
             brake
             down
             the
             images
             ,
             cut
             down
             the
             groves
             ,
             and
             brake
             in
             pieces
             the
             brazen
             serpent
             ,
          
           (
           tho
           Moses
           made
           it
           )
           and
           called
           it
           Nehushtan
           .
           And
           that
           which
           in
           this
           affair
           was
           his
           best
           policy
           ,
           ye
           have
           in
           the
           5
           
             vers
             .
             He
             trusted
             in
             the
             Lord
             God
             of
             Israel
             .
          
           And
           3.
           
           If
           ye
           will
           consider
           what
           Luther
           that
           famous
           Reformer
           saith
           ,
           That
           there
           are
           three
           great
           hinderances
           of
           Reformation
           ,
           
             Security
             among
             the
             people
             of
             God
             ,
             secret
             treachery
             of
             enemies
             ,
             and
             carnal
             policy
             in
             managers
             of
             the
             work
             .
          
           For
           to
           offer
           to
           cure
           the
           disorders
           of
           the
           Church
           by
           
           carnal
           wisdom
           ,
           and
           to
           determine
           the
           great
           controversies
           of
           Religion
           by
           humane
           Reason
           ,
           is
           
             cum
             ratione
             &
             sapientia
             insanire
          
           ,
           to
           go
           mad
           with
           Wisdom
           and
           Reason
           .
           And
           I
           have
           read
           what
           Livy
           saith
           ,
           That
           carnal
           policies
           are
           in
           their
           contrivement
           pleasant
           ,
           in
           their
           management
           difficult
           ,
           and
           in
           their
           issue
           sad
           to
           them
           that
           use
           them
           ,
           and
           will
           leave
           them
           with
           that
           sad
           lamentation
           of
           that
           great
           Polititian
           Tully
           ,
           whose
           Policy
           had
           kept
           him
           in
           Place
           &
           Honour
           ,
           (
           if
           I
           remember
           )
           in
           the
           time
           of
           four
           Emperors
           ,
           yet
           at
           his
           end
           cryed
           out
           ,
           
             O
             me
             miserum
             ,
             &
             nunquam
             beatum
             .
          
           It
           must
           needs
           then
           be
           a
           wicked
           Maxim
           which
           some
           Father
           upon
           
             Matchiavell
             ,
             That
             all
             the
             Laws
             and
             things
             of
             God
             are
             to
             be
             subjected
             and
             stoop
             to
          
           (
           that
           which
           they
           call
           )
           
             Reason
             of
             State.
          
           (
           4.
           )
           It
           's
           a
           duty
           of
           our
           times
           ,
           if
           we
           understand
           them
           right
           ,
           to
           crucifie
           that
           grand
           Idol
           Self
           ;
           And
           all
           self-ends
           and
           interests
           ,
           when
           they
           come
           in
           competition
           with
           Christ
           and
           his
           Truth
           ,
           and
           when
           the
           case
           is
           ,
           
             Christ
             or
             Barabbas
          
           .
           O!
           How
           many
           worship
           this
           Idol
           
             Self
             .
             Phil.
          
           2.
           21.
           
           
             All
             seek
             their
             own
             ,
             not
             the
             things
             of
             Iesus
             Christ.
          
           But
           the
           voice
           of
           our
           times
           to
           you
           ,
           
             Most
             Noble
             Patriots
          
           ,
           is
           
             not
             to
             seek
             great
             things
             for
             your self
             with
          
           Baruch
           ,
           Ier.
           45.
           5.
           
           But
           with
           
             Mordecai
             ,
             Esth.
          
           10.
           3.
           to
           
             seek
             always
             the
             wealth
             of
             your
             people
             ,
          
           and
           labour
           for
           a
           more
           Publick
           Spirit
           :
           Moses
           and
           Paul
           seem
           to
           lay
           their
           Soul
           and
           part
           of
           Heaven
           in
           Pawn
           for
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           delivering
           of
           the
           Church
           .
           Will
           ye
           prefer
           your
           little
           Stock
           to
           the
           safety
           of
           the
           whole
           Cargo
           and
           Vessel
           ?
           O
           cursed
           Self
           ,
           away
           with
           it
           ,
           away
           with
           it
           ,
           
             crucifie
             it
             ,
             crucifie
             it
          
           .
           You
           were
           lately
           by
           a
           great
           Light
           of
           this
           Church
           ,
           exhorted
           to
           prefer
           Ierusalem
           to
           your
           chief
           joy
           ;
           and
           I
           hope
           the
           impression
           of
           it
           abideth
           with
           you
           .
           For
           1.
           
           It
           is
           a
           Spring
           and
           Source
           of
           many
           evils
           ,
           from
           whence
           flows
           our
           Pride
           ,
           Ambition
           ,
           Covetousness
           ,
           Vanity
           ,
           &c.
           but
           from
           this
           ?
           they
           are
           all
           the
           Children
           of
           this
           cursed
           Mother
           ,
           and
           if
           ye
           do
           not
           slay
           this
           Idol
           ,
           ye
           will
           not
           have
           a
           heart
           to
           life
           at
           the
           fallen
           Tabernacle
           ,
           or
           to
           help
           to
           set
           on
           the
           Crown
           on
           Christ's
           Head.
           2.
           
           It
           is
           the
           fostering
           and
           feeding
           of
           this
           Idol
           Self
           ,
           that
           is
           the
           sad
           occasion
           of
           all
           those
           breaches
           ,
           divisions
           and
           animosities
           that
           are
           amongst
           a
           people
           ;
           for
           according
           to
           the
           frame
           of
           their
           Idols
           ,
           so
           are
           all
           their
           Methods
           taken
           ,
           and
           some
           have
           an
           Idol
           of
           one
           shape
           ,
           and
           some
           of
           another
           ,
           and
           according
           to
           that
           Mould
           ,
           so
           are
           all
           their
           actings
           to
           support
           it
           .
           And
           3.
           
           This
           selfish
           disposition
           and
           temper
           ,
           as
           it
           doth
           cause
           the
           enemy
           to
           blaspherne
           ,
           and
           opens
           
           the
           mouths
           of
           the
           wicked
           to
           say
           ,
           lo
           this
           is
           the
           man
           that
           pretended
           so
           highly
           for
           Christ
           ,
           now
           he
           hath
           left
           him
           ,
           when
           he
           hath
           drawn
           his
           Stake
           ,
           or
           he
           hath
           left
           him
           because
           he
           cannot
           mount
           up
           to
           preforment
           that
           way
           ,
           and
           gain
           nothing
           from
           that
           quarter
           ;
           so
           hath
           it
           provoked
           the
           Lord
           to
           cut
           down
           these
           self-interests
           ,
           that
           men
           have
           preferred
           to
           Christ
           ,
           and
           his
           Interest
           ,
           how
           many
           Crowns
           hath
           this
           made
           to
           totter
           ,
           and
           fall
           to
           the
           Ground
           ,
           because
           they
           sought
           a
           Crown
           to
           themselves
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           Christ.
           And
           how
           many
           great
           and
           fair
           Houses
           have
           been
           laid
           waste
           ,
           because
           they
           built
           their
           own
           Houses
           ,
           and
           let
           the
           House
           of
           the
           Lord
           ly
           desolat
           .
           Iehu
           his
           self-ends
           (
           Hos.
           1.
           4.
           brought
           ruin
           upon
           him
           and
           his
           House
           ,
           and
           all
           his
           policy
           could
           not
           prevent
           it
           ,
           he
           that
           saves
           himself
           this
           way
           ,
           shall
           lose
           himself
           .
           5.
           
           They
           that
           rightly
           understand
           our
           times
           ,
           will
           find
           that
           moderation
           ,
           and
           sobriety
           is
           one
           of
           the
           great
           duties
           of
           it
           ,
           Phil.
           4.
           5.
           
           
             Let
             your
             moderation
             be
             known
             to
             all
             men
             ,
          
           &c.
           winding
           up
           of
           Instruments
           to
           the
           highest
           Peg
           ,
           doth
           not
           only
           marr
           the
           Harmony
           ,
           but
           breaketh
           the
           Strings
           .
           Let
           not
           the
           Stretches
           of
           former
           times
           ,
           edge
           you
           to
           the
           same
           methods
           .
           You
           know
           who
           it
           was
           ,
           who
           being
           inquired
           ,
           what
           was
           the
           best
           way
           of
           governing
           Kingdoms
           ?
           wrot
           only
           in
           return
           ,
           upon
           a
           large
           Paper
           ,
           at
           a
           great
           distance
           from
           other
           ,
           three
           times
           ,
           
             Modus
             ,
             Modus
             ,
             Modus
          
           ,
           moderation
           ,
           moderation
           ,
           moderation
           .
           The
           Records
           of
           experience
           show
           us
           ,
           that
           violent
           Administrations
           ,
           and
           running
           things
           to
           the
           height
           ,
           have
           not
           been
           long-lived
           ,
           
             Omnis
             felicitas
             ad
             culmen
             producta
             Retrogreditur
             ,
             &
             nihil
             violentum
             durat
             .
          
           And
           6.
           
           The
           Duty
           of
           our
           Times
           seems
           to
           be
           ,
           that
           ye
           should
           lay
           such
           sure
           and
           lasting
           Foundations
           ,
           as
           not
           only
           these
           two
           strangers
           in
           our
           Land
           ,
           Righteousness
           and
           
             Peace
             ,
             (
             Psal.
          
           85.
           10.
           
           )
           may
           meet
           and
           kiss
           one
           another
           ;
           but
           that
           they
           may
           live
           together
           ,
           and
           be
           perpetuated
           to
           the
           generations
           to
           come
           ,
           that
           the
           Children
           yet
           unborn
           may
           bless
           you
           ;
           As
           we
           in
           this
           time
           do
           bless
           you
           in
           the
           Name
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           from
           the
           House
           of
           our
           God
           ,
           for
           what
           ye
           have
           done
           already
           .
           Go
           on
           then
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           against
           whatsoever
           opposition
           ,
           either
           from
           Enemies
           ,
           or
           false
           Builders
           ,
           and
           lay
           such
           a
           sure
           Basis
           ,
           that
           after-Generations
           may
           build
           upon
           it
           ;
           hear
           that
           word
           in
           Zech.
           8.
           9.
           
           
             Let
             your
             hands
             be
             strong
             ,
             ye
             that
             hear
             in
             these
             dayes
             ,
             these
             words
             by
             the
             month
             of
             the
             Prophets
             ,
             which
             were
             in
             the
             day
             that
             the
             foundation
             of
             the
             house
             of
             the
             Lord
             was
             laid
             ,
             that
             the
             Temple
             might
             be
             built
             .
          
        
         
         
           III.
           Let
           me
           press
           these
           Duties
           of
           our
           times
           upon
           you
           by
           some
           Motives
           .
           1.
           
           The
           Concerns
           ye
           have
           among
           your
           hands
           in
           this
           time
           are
           great
           ,
           your
           Grace
           ,
           and
           this
           Honourable
           Court
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           have
           not
           only
           the
           Matters
           of
           an
           Earthly
           King
           ,
           whom
           God
           hath
           singled
           out
           to
           do
           Exploits
           for
           him
           among
           your
           hands
           ,
           for
           which
           ye
           are
           obliged
           ,
           (
           as
           ye
           have
           already
           done
           )
           to
           evidence
           a
           great
           deal
           of
           care
           and
           zeal
           :
           but
           ye
           have
           under
           your
           care
           and
           tutory
           
             Christ's
             own
             Bride
          
           ,
           she
           is
           a
           tender
           Virgin
           ,
           and
           hath
           yet
           but
           little
           Breasts
           ,
           she
           hath
           been
           wounded
           in
           the
           house
           of
           her
           Friends
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           by
           Enemies
           ,
           and
           she
           is
           not
           yet
           heal
           ,
           her
           Wounds
           are
           yet
           bleeding
           ,
           for
           the
           Lord's
           sake
           prove
           to
           her
           as
           the
           compassionat
           
             Samaritan
             ,
             Luke
          
           10.
           34.
           
           Bind
           up
           her
           Wounds
           ,
           pour
           Oyl
           into
           them
           ,
           and
           take
           care
           of
           her
           ;
           she
           is
           Nobly-Born
           ,
           she
           is
           a
           King's
           Daughter
           ,
           (
           Psal.
           45.
           13.
           )
           New
           come
           from
           her
           Banishment
           ;
           and
           for
           her
           Father's
           Blessing
           ,
           for
           her
           Bridegroom's
           Blessing
           ,
           and
           for
           her
           own
           Blessing
           ,
           who
           is
           ready
           to
           perish
           ,
           deal
           kindly
           with
           her
           ,
           and
           be
           faithful
           Tutors
           to
           her
           .
           Yea
           ,
           ye
           have
           Christ's
           Crown
           ,
           his
           Glory
           among
           your
           hands
           ,
           and
           if
           you
           take
           away
           ,
           or
           suffer
           one
           Jewel
           of
           it
           to
           be
           los'd
           or
           rob'd
           ,
           not
           only
           your
           Estates
           and
           Lives
           ,
           but
           your
           Souls
           may
           go
           for
           it
           ;
           for
           he
           will
           not
           give
           his
           Glory
           to
           another
           ,
           nor
           suffer
           any
           to
           wear
           a
           Pearl
           of
           his
           Diadem
           ,
           without
           evidences
           of
           his
           Anger
           and
           Displeasure
           against
           them
           .
           2.
           
           Remember
           ,
           that
           though
           ye
           be
           as
           Gods
           ,
           (
           Psal.
           82.
           6.
           
           )
           yet
           ye
           must
           dy
           as
           men
           ,
           your
           Breath
           is
           in
           your
           Nosthrils
           ,
           as
           other
           mens
           ,
           and
           therefore
           carry
           so
           in
           the
           Trust
           ye
           have
           among
           your
           hands
           ,
           as
           that
           ye
           may
           be
           desired
           when
           ye
           live
           ,
           and
           lamented
           when
           ye
           die
           .
           A
           Heathen
           could
           say
           ,
           
             Si
             bonam
             famam
             servavero
             sat
             ero
             Felix
          
           ;
           and
           there
           was
           not
           any
           thing
           more
           reckoned
           a
           plague
           among
           the
           Heathens
           ,
           than
           to
           die
           unlamented
           ,
           and
           their
           memorial
           to
           be
           buried
           in
           obscurity
           ,
           or
           remain
           in
           Infamy
           :
           And
           I
           believe
           there
           is
           not
           a
           man
           in
           this
           House
           ,
           who
           would
           not
           think
           himself
           extreamly
           miserable
           to
           be
           with
           
             Iehoiakim
             (
             Ier.
          
           22.
           19.
           
           )
           buried
           with
           the
           burial
           of
           an
           Ass
           :
           Think
           but
           seriously
           what
           Epitaph
           may
           be
           Written
           on
           your
           Tomb
           ,
           and
           what
           Discourses
           may
           be
           of
           you
           when
           ye
           are
           gone
           ,
           
             Here
             lies
             a
             man
             that
             was
             never
             a
             Friend
             to
             Christ
             or
             his
             Interest
          
           ;
           now
           he
           is
           dead
           ,
           but
           he
           was
           an
           opposer
           and
           persecuter
           of
           Christ
           ,
           his
           Truth
           and
           People
           .
           I
           have
           read
           of
           Lewis
           the
           
           II.
           King
           of
           France
           ,
           that
           he
           counterfeited
           himself
           to
           die
           ,
           to
           see
           if
           his
           Court
           would
           lament
           him
           ,
           and
           honour
           his
           Death
           with
           their
           Tears
           ,
           or
           if
           they
           would
           rejoyce
           that
           they
           were
           freed
           of
           such
           a
           Governour
           .
           It
           certainly
           concerns
           you
           to
           acquit
           your selves
           faithfully
           in
           your
           Trust
           ,
           that
           ye
           may
           live
           desired
           ,
           and
           die
           lamented
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           the
           Generation
           following
           you
           to
           the
           Grave
           with
           such
           a
           Lamentation
           ,
           2
           King.
           2.
           12.
           
           Ah
           ▪
           
             my
             father
             ,
             the
             Chariots
             of
             Israel
             ,
             and
             the
             Horse-men
             thereof
          
           ;
           and
           to
           remember
           what
           that
           great
           Cardinal
           Wolsey
           said
           ,
           when
           dying
           ,
           
             That
             if
             he
             had
             served
             God
             as
             faithfully
             as
             he
             had
             done
             the
             King
             ,
             he
             had
             not
             been
             in
             that
             misery
             .
          
           And
           dying
           is
           not
           all
           ,
           but
           ye
           must
           give
           an
           account
           of
           your
           Stewardship
           ,
           and
           Talent
           ,
           and
           Duties
           belonging
           to
           this
           present
           station
           ,
           in
           which
           ye
           are
           placed
           ,
           and
           the
           opportunities
           of
           doing
           service
           to
           God
           ,
           now
           put
           in
           your
           hands
           ,
           and
           what
           will
           ye
           say
           when
           ye
           shall
           be
           sisted
           at
           the
           general
           Assize
           before
           the
           Tribunal
           of
           Christ
           ,
           to
           that
           question
           ,
           what
           Justice
           and
           Vote
           gave
           ye
           to
           me
           and
           my
           afflicted
           Church
           in
           the
           first
           Parliament
           of
           King
           William
           and
           Queen
           Mary
           ,
           in
           Scotland
           ,
           was
           ye
           for
           me
           or
           against
           me
           ?
           3.
           
           Though
           ye
           should
           live
           the
           course
           of
           Nature
           ,
           yet
           ye
           may
           never
           have
           so
           fair
           an
           opportunity
           to
           do
           good
           in
           your
           time
           ,
           as
           ye
           have
           this
           day
           ,
           for
           it
           's
           rare
           for
           a
           Man
           to
           be
           twice
           
             high
             Commissioner
          
           ,
           and
           but
           few
           are
           twice
           chosen
           to
           be
           Members
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           of
           these
           who
           come
           in
           by
           choice
           ,
           and
           to
           whom
           it
           is
           not
           Hereditary
           ;
           and
           this
           calls
           you
           ,
           that
           while
           there
           is
           a
           price
           in
           your
           hand
           (
           Prov.
           17.
           16.
           
           )
           to
           do
           good
           ,
           labour
           to
           have
           a
           heart
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           seriousness
           ,
           diligence
           ,
           affection
           ,
           courage
           and
           resolution
           ,
           for
           the
           work
           that
           God
           hath
           put
           in
           your
           hands
           ,
           and
           carry
           so
           as
           ye
           may
           be
           free
           of
           sad
           Reflections
           ,
           and
           after-Challenges
           ,
           and
           late-Repentings
           ;
           for
           
             stultum
             est
             dicere
             ,
             non
             putabam
             .
          
           And
           4
           To
           perswade
           you
           to
           these
           Duties
           of
           the
           time
           ,
           consider
           that
           the
           Lord
           is
           aloft
           ,
           and
           mounted
           on
           his
           Conquering
           Horse
           ,
           (
           Rev.
           6.
           2.
           
           )
           to
           do
           for
           you
           ,
           do
           ye
           not
           perceive
           him
           discovering
           the
           Plots
           ,
           defeating
           the
           Councils
           of
           ,
           and
           giving
           you
           Victory
           over
           your
           enemies
           ,
           breaking
           them
           on
           their
           high
           places
           ,
           and
           making
           them
           fall
           in
           the
           pits
           they
           digged
           for
           you
           ,
           
             Higgaion
             ,
             Selah
          
           .
           And
           since
           he
           is
           so
           visibly
           ,
           and
           graciously
           doing
           for
           you
           ,
           will
           ye
           not
           do
           for
           him
           ?
           I
           shall
           only
           add
           in
           the
           5
           and
           last
           place
           ,
           That
           as
           the
           eyes
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           his
           holy
           Angels
           ,
           and
           all
           his
           people
           in
           this
           Land
           ,
           
           〈…〉
           fall
           the
           Protestant
           Churches
           are
           upon
           you
           .
           So
           ye
           are
           upon
           the
           〈…〉
           of
           the
           Prayers
           of
           the
           flower
           of
           the
           godly
           in
           Scotland
           ,
           and
           we
           for
           a
           return
           ,
           and
           in
           hopes
           of
           it
           ,
           we
           will
           sing
           Salvation
           to
           our
           〈…〉
           and
           to
           the
           Lamb.
           
        
         
           FINIS
           .