The difficvlty of sions deliverance and reformation: together with the activitie which her friends should manifest during the time that her cause is in agitation. Delivered in a sermon at Margarets Westminster, before the honourable House of Commons on Wednesday morning, the twenty-sixt day of Iune. 1644. / By Humphrey Hardwick, Minister of the Word at Hadam Magna in the County of Hertfard, and one of the Assembly of Divines. Hardwick, Humphrey, b. 1601 or 2. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A87086 of text R2445 in the English Short Title Catalog (Thomason E2_9). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 70 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 24 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A87086 Wing H704 Thomason E2_9 ESTC R2445 99872064 99872064 124486 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A87086) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 124486) Images scanned from microfilm: (Thomason Tracts ; 1:E2[9]) The difficvlty of sions deliverance and reformation: together with the activitie which her friends should manifest during the time that her cause is in agitation. Delivered in a sermon at Margarets Westminster, before the honourable House of Commons on Wednesday morning, the twenty-sixt day of Iune. 1644. / By Humphrey Hardwick, Minister of the Word at Hadam Magna in the County of Hertfard, and one of the Assembly of Divines. Hardwick, Humphrey, b. 1601 or 2. [4], 36 p. Printed by I. L. for Christopher Meredith, at the sign of the Crane in Pauls church-yard, London : 1644. reproduction of the original in the British Library. eng Bible. -- O.T. -- Psalms CXXVI, 5-6 -- Sermons -- Early works to 1800. Fast-day sermons -- 17th century. A87086 R2445 (Thomason E2_9). civilwar no The difficvlty of sions deliverance and reformation:: together with the activitie which her friends should manifest during the time that he Hardwick, Humphrey 1644 12778 75 0 0 0 0 0 59 D The rate of 59 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 2008-05 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2008-09 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-11 John Pas Sampled and proofread 2008-11 John Pas Text and markup reviewed and edited 2009-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE DIFFICVLTY OF SIONS DELIVERANCE AND REFORMATION . Toge●●er With the Activitie which her friends 〈…〉 during the time that 〈…〉 . Delivered in a Sermon at Margarets Westminster before the Honourable House of COMMONS 〈◊〉 Wednesday morning , the twenty sixt day of Iune . 1644. BY Humphrey Hardwick , Minister of the Word at 〈◊〉 in the County of He●●ford , and one of the Assembly of Divines . LONDON , Printed by I. L. for Christopher Meredith , at the sign of the Crane in Pauls Church-yard . 1644. Die Mercurii 26 Iunii . 1644. IT is this day Ordered by the Commons assembled in Parliament , That Master Rout , Master 〈…〉 Master Nicols , do from this House give thanks unto Master Hardwick , and Master Hicks , for the great pains they took 〈◊〉 the Serm●●● the 〈…〉 ched this day at the 〈…〉 this 〈…〉 at St. Margarets Westminster , ( it being the day of public 〈…〉 . ) and 〈◊〉 ●●sire them to print 〈◊〉 Sermons . And it is Ordered that none shall presume to Print their Sermons , but whom they shall licence under their hand writing . H. Elsyng , Cler. Parl. ● . C●● I Appoint CHRISTOPHER MERIDITH to print my Sermon . HUMPHRHY HARDVVICK . TO THE HONOVRABLE House of Commons assembled in the Parliament of England . I Could not have such high thoughts of my shallow ●●cogitations , as to deem them worthy to be produced before such an Auditory , or presented to the publike view : Had not therefore consciousnesse of dutie constrained , I had become an earnest suiter to have been excused : but of actuall obedience I had many , of excuse-pleading I found no president . Your Injunction then made me to aspire to the work which now humble craves your Patronage ; and whither should the labours of this kinde runne , but to that honourable Society , which ( under Heaven ) is the fountain of these gracious opportunities ? If willing , no man , I suppose , hath more cause to be large in Apologie then I , having long since had my poore Library totally plundered , and my self not able , usque hunc diem , to buy one book of considerable value . Besides , from the beginning of this warre , untill the last moneth , inter armaubi silent literae versatus . But these things I account part of my chief happinesse on earth , to have suffered much , and done a little good in the cause of Christ , and service of the State : onely I desire , that ●●nce it may not be thought strange , that I tender a plaine unpolished Sermon , quite naked in it's Margent , and in which nothing is cited but the holy Text ; nor any author Ecclesiasticall or Morall heard speak . Seldome , if ever , hath there been offered to your hands such a rude piece of all home-spunne thoughts ; neverthelesse , they breathing the force of the Divine Spirit , I trust shall finde acceptance with your 〈…〉 and being stampt on with your approbation , they 〈◊〉 abroad in the world currant with all , not malignant or censorious . To encourage the progresse of your abundant vertue , I need say nothing in my Epistle , since I speak much 〈◊〉 that purpose in the Pulpit : the smallest hint is sufficient to provoke such zeal and willingnesse as ever resideth in your breasts . Goe on therefore in pious and honorable undertakings : the hearts , the tongues , the Pe●●● of all good me● blesse you ; how can it then be , but the God of heaven , who hath set you apart , as chosen instruments also 〈◊〉 , so universall good to his Churches , should in due time crown our endeavour : with successe ; and infinitely recompente your labours in a better world ? so prayeth Yours to be commanded in all true observance and duty HUM : HARDVVICK . A SERMON PREACHED at the late Fast , before the Honorable House of Commons . Iune 26. 1644. PSAL. 126.5 , 6. They that sow in teares , shall reap in ioy . He that goeth forth and weepeth , bearing precious seed , shall come again with reioycing : bringing his sheaves with him . IF we consult the beginning of this Psalm , we may deem these words a strange conclusion . Ioy and sorrow , seldome make one tune . How is it then that such high expressions of joyfulnesse , loftie straines of exultation should end with item of teares and weeping . Is Sions captivitie turned ? Was their mouth filled with laughter and their tongue with singing ? Did the heathensay among themselves , The Lord hath done great things for them , and they reply , saying , The Lord hath done great things for us , whereof we are glad ? Can the same matter be the object of former praise and future supplication ▪ Might they blesse God for turning their captivitie , and seek again the same mercy ? Could their hearts break into joy , and burst into teares , whilst they meditate the same things ? This ambiguitie is quickly cleared ; for we know that ever since Adams unhappy fall , all humane occurrences are subject to mixture and composition : there is no pure joy to be found under heaven . The greatest rejoycings have sorrows blended with them . It is no marvell then to meet with a vicissitude of these things in one Psalm . And true it was , that Sions joyes were inter-woven with fears and grief . Their captivitie was indeed turned , in the grant of libertie or licence to depart by Cyrus ; there were also some faire beginnings in the departure of many , and the forwardlinesse and activitie of some already gone to Jerusalem : Yea , they beheld a full deliverance by faith in the promises ; now all this happening suddenly and unexpectedly whilst the Hebrews were by the waters of Babylon , caused them in an holy ravishment to break forth and say , When the Lord turned again the captivitie of Sion , we were like unto them that dream . But alas , the case was not so with all . Many sonnes and daughters of Sion were willing to continue in bondage , quite senselesse of their own evill condition . Now to see this stupidnesse of their fathers children , and behold them frozen in an uncharitable carelesnes of their own or Sions welfare , was no small sorrow to the departed Israelites . Those also that were loosed from Babylon were not free from troubles ; their way was hedged with thornes , beset with difficulties : few friends they had , but many enemies , very malicious very mad against them , and they not able in any measure to equall their number , match their power , or vie their policie . Besides all this , the work they were to undertake seemed insuperable , beyond their strength , above their hopes : the very journey considered with the probable incumbrances and oppositions , might sufficiently dishearten : but the businesse to be performed appeared infinite ; to build again the citie , to reedifie the temple , to repaire the wals , to settle the nation , to distinguish the tribes , to establish the throne , to reform the priesthood , to restore discipline , and laws , to constitute rightly the whole kingdome , with a multitude of other things which I cannot mention , was imployment of unspeakable hardship . The poor remnant daughter of Sion , but newly freed from the yoke of the proud insulting Chaldees , being to undertake this task , contra gentes , had need to repaire to their God , saying , Turn our captivitie oh Lord ! nor is it marvell , that the holy Prophet seeing all these and much more then I can possibly conceive , doth in this Psalm , point them as well to grief as to mirth : shew them joyfull things whereof they might be glad , as intimate heavie pressures and oppositions , which they must strive and struggle with , even do teares , teares I say , not like those of the Thessalonians for their dead , without hope ; but such as should be put into Gods bottle , and wiped away in the end with comfort and rejoycing , So saith my Text : They that sow in teares , &c. The words you see are metaphoricall , alluding to the businesse of the field : we must a little dive into the metaphor to finde out their meaning . Now this presents the husbandmans case , in times of great scarcitie and dearth , when he hath not enough to satisfie his want and sow his land . His hungry family craves for bread to the full , which if he give , his land will be unsowed , to their further prejudice , and therefore he hath thoughts of deniall , but then the present want speaks much ; sad countenances , leane cheeks , lanke bellies , become powerfull oratours to the relenting heart of the father of the family . Full faine would he supply their present need , but the apprehension of probable approching famine doth deterre ; it would be but small comfort to eat now to the full and the very next yeare , to sacrifice their lives to hunger . After the revolutions of many thoughts on both sides , the wary seedsman resolves to deny himself and family for the present , to commit his precious seed to the breeding wombe of the thankfull earth . But being now on his way to the field , the eccho of childrens necessitie sounds in his eare , the sense of their great want afflicts his soul : Besides , it is a long time to harvest , and many casualties : these thoughts renew sorrow in his breast ; which breaks forth into weeping by the way , and whilst he soweth his seed , he drops his teares . But observe what follows , he reaps in joy ; he comes again rejoycing , bringing his sheaves with him . In my little reading and small experience , I have found that corn sowen in dear years and times of scarcitie , hath yeelded much more encrease then at other times so that presently after much want , there hath fallowed great plentie of grain even beyond expectation . Now since I have considered this Psalm , me thinks , I apprehend one speciall reason more then formerly . Besides the improvement of mens pains and circumspection usuall in such times , I note that they then sow in prayers and teares , and this doth surely increase their store : thus for certaine was the case in my Text . Now the spirit of God applyes this to the encouragement of those that labour in the work of turning Sions captivitie : they that sweat in this businesse must take notice that their condition is like the case of such an husbandman , first in the act , then in the issue . And of these there is intimated a fourefold counter-change in my Text . First , sowing and reaping . Secondly , teares and joy . Thirdly , mourning on and returning backe . Fourthly , bearing precious seed , weeping , and bringing sheaves with gladnesse . See here , my Brethren , manifold labour indeed : yet none in vain , each hath an answerable recompence of reward attending it : sowing with reaping ; tears with joy ; sad travelling with sweet returning ; bearing away precious seed , with bringing of sheaves is seconded and rewarded . Who can choose to note a much ravishing elegancy in this language of the Spirit , in comparison whereof the highest straines of profane rhetoricians are pure barbarisme . I have read a learned Writer admiring why the world for the most part is so much taken with the fabulous Histories and allusions of heathen Poets , whilst their minds are no whit affected with these sacred songs : but the reason is apparent , mens minds mostly are ca●nall , and these Psalmes are spirituall : no wonder then that they cannot see the worth , nor set the true value on the sense and phrase of the Scripture . Truly , Christians might grieve and shame at this ; but no more of such observation , I onely hint it by the way and proceed . The Spirit in penning down this part of the Psalm , doth call the Israelites to a serious consideration of their state in the time of turning their captivitie . It would not for the present be better then before ; yea it might seem to be much worse . Iacobs seed in Egypt under-went more heavie endurances after the Deliverer was come then before . In the act and time of restauration , it should be like to the man that ploughs ; sowes , sweats , trudges , travels , parts with his deare grain , and patiently waits for what will follow : Gods people in their return from Babylon , shall not presently or easily be restored and reformed ; but with much difficultie and hazard , many hard enterprises must be attempted : through much trouble , danger , and opposition must they run ; part they must with their ease and safetie , with their comforts and worldly contentments . These all as precious seed must be laid in the dust and die , in hope of future spring . In the issue also Sions deliverance and restauration is sutable with the metaphor , for when the weeks of harvest , the due and appointed time is come , the labourers in Sions husbandry shall reap according as they have sowed , or sparingly , or plentifully : yea they shall all reap with joy , and their joy shall be as the joy of harvest . When others shall perish and come to a fearfull end : when their name shall vanish and go out in nastinesse , when their place shall know them no more : then shall the just return , with credit and comfort shall they return to their own land , for the meek shall inherit the earth , saith Christ : yet more , their cup shall overflow , for they shall come again with joy , and bring their sheaves with them . The meaning of the Text thus manifested , we may observe a treble vertue in the words ; 1. The force of instruction , giving the Israelites and all Gods people to understand how painfull and sorrowfull the worke and times will be , when the Church is in travaile of deliverance . 2. The words have the force of exhortation , calling the sonnes and daughters , all the friends of Sion to be up and doing , to be active to their uttermost in her behalfe . 3 They have the force of motive or inducement to 〈◊〉 still active and waiting untill Sions deliverance be effected . The first sentence then of holy doctrine which I propound , is from the words as they declare the condition of Gods people in the times of restauration and deliverance , and so they clearly intimate this ; Very hard and extremely difficult is the work , and sad will the times be , when the Church is in travaile of deliverance . Husbandry is the hardest restlesse kinde of labour , and that I speak of is like ploughing and sowing in tears . Doth not Scripture in expresse termes call the restoring of Israel Gods great , Gods strange worke ? now that proves it to be difficult in an high degree . In the time of the Iudges , when the sinne of corrupt and luxurious priests was grown to the height , and made the services of the Lord a reproach ; anger kindled in the breast of the Almighty , and he will avenge himself on them , and on the Nation the rather for their fakes : this you know he did in so sharpe , so terrible a manner , as might cause the eares of him that heard to tingle . Israel was discomfired before the Philistines , the Ark of God was taken ; the news strikes old Eli dead , brings his poor daughter in law ( good woman ) to untimely travail , and her apprehension of the glories departing from Israel , breaks her heart . Lo now were those people fallen into the depths of misery , as they were sunk into degrees of sinne : and what a work was it to restore and reform their lapsed condition ? Albeit the Lord had vouchsafed pious in stead of prophane Priests , sacrifices to be rightly ordered , and justice to be executed in the land : yet for a ●●ng while both superstition and Idolatry continued in the land , troubles and calamities in the State : it was well stept into Davids reigne before the Ark was , or could be setled in its owne place . Another instance we have in the second of Chronicles ; after Solomon , in , and before Asa's time , the people were fallen to many superstitions , and much corruption did abound in Church and State : they were for a long time without a teaching Priest , and without the Law , and in those dayes there was no peace to him that went out , or to him that came in , but the Lord did vexe them with all adversities , 2 Chron. 15.3 . Now when we read and ponder the story , we finde what a work it was to reform that State ; a Prophet is extraordinarily raised , and wonderfully endowed to call the people to Reformation . Further , they make a Covenant , and oblige all upon paine of death , man , woman and childe to take the Covenant ; yet after all this the work sticks , and goes not on , till Maacah the Kings mother be put down from being Queen , because she had made an Idol in a grove , vers. 16. I might shew you likewise how much adoe Iehoshaphat had to amend the errours which crept into Iudah by his neglect and connivence , whilest he associated himself with Ahab , but you may read it at leisure , 2 Chron. 19. The book of Ezra and Nehemiah do also hold forth lively clear examples setting out more fully the hardship of this work . And as testimonies and examples , so metaphors in holy Writ may illustrate this truth ; the Lord in Esay calls the restoring of the peoples captivitie , the reformation of their lapsed State , The making of new heavens and a new earth ; then which nothing can possibly , or conceivably be thought more difficult and impossible , Esa. 62. Ezekiel is pointed to this in a metaphor of drie bones , and demanded whether those bones can live ; hereby did the Spirit signifie it as difficult a thing to restore Israel and Iudah , as to make those drie bones to live , Ezek. 37.3 . In the Apocalyps we finde the deliverance of the Christian Churches from the cursed power and pollutions of Antichrist , to be set out by the rescuing of a woman , newly delivered of a man-childe , from the cruell red Dragon ; by which it 's easie to read an extremitie of difficultie and apparent danger in such an undertaking . More evident yet will this appeare by argument : First , from the nature of this work : the way to restore and reform a lapsed nation , is all ●p-hil : vertue , purity , pietie lodge in the height of the crags of the Rock ; it 's hard to climbe , when it 's easie to descend : besides , a Nation is a vaste bodie , and it is most difficult to move such things that way : the maine bent and stream of nations runnes downward to vice and profanenesse : the generall desires and endeavours of men are tending to loosnesse : nor unstained worship in the Church , nor impartial justice in commōwealth , would they have ; those therefore that attempt reformation , do work against the grain , row against the stream , and shall finde the work tedious and difficult . Such intend●●nes and endeavours finde many enemies , and great opposition . If Israel talk of going out of Egypt to serve God better , Pharaoh will be stirre , himself and his instruments , to sink them into a deeper degree of bondage . That Pharaoh lives still in the Prince of darknesse , and when ever there 's any speech of weakning his Kingdom , by reducing a people from superstitions vanities , corrupt and polluted courses , he playes the Devill indeed , summons all the Furies musters his black Forces , sets on his Instruments quickens their activitie , sharpens their wi● , whets their inventions , ●edgeth their malice , heighthens their anger , blows up their rage , browes the impudency makes infinite their cruelty . Hence all the bloudy Cains , the scoffing stomachs , the profane Esau's , the politick Achitophels , the railing Rabshakebs , the world of ungodly persons become enemies and opposers The kings of the earth standing and up , and the Rulers take 〈…〉 together . 〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉 , and Amalek , &c. conplot and conspire to root out Israel . Adde to these , all false religions , all Idolatrous and superstitious Worships , ancient Ceremonies , beloved Customes and Traditions of our Fathers stand up and make much adoe● Yea more , many false friends are alwayes inter-woven with the true seekers of Sions good , which crie , We will build with you ; and these oft-times unbuild and destroy more then the open adversarie : yet more opposition and hinderance , the Prince of darknesse makes advantage of the infirmities , and inconsideration of well-intending men : hereby raiseth he jealousies , makes divisions , put strange remora's in the progresse of the Churches cause : now from all these we may note a second reason of difficultie and sadnesse . A third is the great reign of unbelief in the hearts of men in times of this natur . How few of the Israelites which dwelt in Egypt did truly beleeve that ever they should be brought to Canaan , a land flowing with milk and honey ? Witnesse their continuall expressions of mistrust ; This Moses hath brought us out to slay us in the wildernesse , they should die for want of bread , perish for thi●st , and the like : After all , how fear'd were they to be eaten up of the Giants ? You remember also a man that when deliverance and promise of plenty was made , would not beleeve though windows should be opened in heaven ; doubtlesse many were then as unfaithfull in heart , although they spake not so plaine in words . There is alwayes a prejudice in the hearts of men against any great matter to be done for the Church and people of God : the world sees them to 〈◊〉 but few cordiall active friends , especially amongst the great ones , and therefore disbelief doth use●●ly possesse their hearts ; Now this doth dragge the businesse , trash down proceedings more than one would imagine . Christ himself could not doe●●● at woks because of mens unbelief , much more 〈…〉 men do their endeavour , yet bring on the work but slowly , if at all , because of unbelief . A generall unwillingnesse of change and 〈◊〉 tion doth usually abound in such touch . When the Israelites had license granted by Cyr●● to return 〈◊〉 Babylon , there were many of them so 〈…〉 gone , and change their station , as the Church after praises for deliverance , was forced to sollicite the Lord of mercy afresh , to turne their captivitie . Men are naturally wedded to what they have had ; and albeit they know things were not so well as they ought and might be , yet Issachar-like , they had rather stoop to the burthen , then to be at pains to put it off ; slavishly they think it was well enough , it may serve turn , and what will come of change is uncertain — . So in Egypt at the Bricke Kilnes they had flesh pots and garden commodities , they eat to the full , they slept well , and had straw enough , till Moses came ; and if therefore they could make any accommodation with Pharaoh , they would trouble themselves no further : This unwillingnesse made them sticke so long in Egypt , and most certainly this retarded their journey in the wildernesse forty yeares ; yea more , made the Lord to sweare in his wrath that they should not enter into his rest . The Lord is justly slow to help an unwilling people : and hence see another reason why the work is so extremely difficult . A nation or people are with much ado brought to a capacitie , or rendered fit to be delivered and estabilished : thorowout Reformation is like a new piece not fit to be sowed in an old garment : and there needs be a new frame of spirit in the land before Gods great work can be settled and placed in it . Further to illustrate this , give me leave to point out foure things which by consulting the sacred Volume , I find requisite to be in a people before they are capable of deliverance and reformation . First , they must be truly and throughoutly sensible of their bondage and misery , and clearly brought off confidence in the arme of flesh . When the deliverer came at first to visite his brethren , they put him away , saying , Who made thee a Judge ? and why was this ? because they were not yet sensible of their own want , found not themselves to need a deliverer ; by which it was evident they were not sit , nor as yet capable of such a mercy ; but after some more years , when another King arose which knew not Ioseph , and began to make heavier their bondage , then the Hebrews grow fully sensible , and God saith , The crie of the Children of Israel is come up to me ; come now therefore and I will send thee , that thou maist bring them out , Exod. 3.9 , 10. and we may see by this when a people is fit for deliverance . The Prophet Hosea likewise acquiants us , that when Ephraim first saw his wound , he went to the Assyrians , and sent to King Iareb , Hos. 5.13 . and whilest thus it was with them , they were unsit , uncapable of Gods cure , and so continue untill they see their errour , return to the Lord , and take with them words , saying , We will not ride upon horses , Ashur shall not save us , Hos. 14.1 , 2 , 3 , 4. Another propertie is , for a people to be willing to do what they can to help themselves , to carry on the work to the uttermost . If the Children of Israel begin to be afraid of the Giants ; and declare themselves unwilling , and loath to fight with the supposed terrible mastie inhabitants of the land of Canaan , they do thereby clearly discover themselves to be unsit or uncapable of such a mercy as seemed in probabilitie to be near unto them : God hereupon continued their Pilgrimage in the wildernesse forty years , untill all were dead that were thus loath to do what they could to help themselves . After this the people grow to a fit temper , and become capable of entring the Land of promise , and see what their disposition was , Iosh. 1.16 . All that thou commandest us we will doe , and whithersoever thou sendest us we will 〈◊〉 The people being thus ready to do what they could , are now capable of mercy . A third propertie requisite is , a willingnesse to remove and part with all things which may hinder perfect reformation . In the tenth of la●●ges we finde that the philistines and the Amorites did grievously oppresse Israel , who in their misery repaire unto God for succour , acknowledging their sinnes , imploring his helpe ; but the Lord returns answer , I will deliver you no more : A strange repulse by a mercifull Father given ! And if you skan the businesse , you shall finde , it was for that Israel kept still amongst them the things which did and might hinder Gods helping and delivering of them ; to wit , their strange gods . But when they had considered and found out that to be the cause , they put them away , and presently they were holpen ; yea more , the Text faith , Gods 〈◊〉 was grieved for the miseries of Israel : lo how removing the things which may hinder did alter the case , vers. 13 , and 16. Lastly , a people are not sit for help and deliverance till they be freely content to be at the charge of in When Ephraim is an emptie vine to God , sparing , niggardly in his service , ruine , not reformation is like to succeed , Hosea 10. And consult the Story of the Kings of ludah , you shall finde but one thorowout Reformation , and this was in the dayes of l●siah ; and how liberall were the hands of the people in those dayes ? they brought in money to the work , sans weight and measure . The value of the gold and silver of the molten Images was not regarded , nor saved out of an husbandly thriftinesse , but they stamped it and all other costly utensils , which were superstitiously imployed , into pieces , and made dust of them . And gave in of their own more then sufficient : this bountie and freenesse of spirit , argued them to be truly fit and capable of greater Reformation then any was wrought before them . Now consider my Brethren by these notes , how hard a thing , how much ado it will be before a nation or people will be brought to such qualifications , there must be ploughing , sowing , planting and supplanting in a nation or kingdome , ere a worke of full Reformation will be brough about . My fixt Reason of this point , is from the providence of God , who will have the businesse I speak of to be thus , for the discovery of unfound and unsincere instruments , and to take away the glory of his Churches deliverance from them . It is the most noble and greatest honour that ever can come to mortall men on earth , to be instruments of publique good to a nation : especially to Gods Church and people , mostly in the cause of restauration and Reformation . Now this being so specious and desireable a thing , all forts , good and bad , pious and profane , are ambitions of the happinesse of it . If therefore the businesse should go on with a faire gale and a flowing tide , accompanied still with likelihood of successe , and evidence of credibilitie ; how many Iehu-like would say , Come see my zeal ? How many of the old Israelites , which came out of Egypt , approved the golden calfe , and hankered after superstitions vanities , had carried away the honour of bringing the children of Israel into Canaan , had not the news of the Spies rendered the worke difficult and dangerous , improbable and impossible ? The Lord in his secret wisdome saw onely Caleb and Ioshua fit to carry away that same : and therefore suffered the businesse to appear so unlikely and hazardous , for the discovery of unsincere Israelites , and preventing them of undue honour . Now the same reason of providence continueth still , the Lord therefore doth usually observe the same way of proceedings ; the turning of Sions captivitie must then be very hard and unlikely to come to passe , that unsound men may be discovered to their shame . The reflex of this truth upon our selves , doth blame the harbouring of evill surmises , the entertainment of hard thoughts , the despising of the proceedings and despairing of successe in the businesse of Reformation and establishment of our Church , now ( by the blessing of God ) in agitation : the enormities of this kind are secret , but sore evils under the Sun . The Lord our God is doing us good , he hath raised instruments , and is acting his great work : why should men thinke evil in their hearts , or entertain hard thoughts of God and his instruments ; give out evil omens or vent despairing speeches ? Suppose the proceedings go not on smoothly , or so prosperously as men expect , out meet with many rubs , be often at a losse . Admit there be crookednesse and stumbling in the progresse of affairs , shall we presently surmise that neither God nor man intend us peace and deliverance ? shall we say with the grumbling Israelites , It had been better for us to serve the Egyptians , and would we had died in Egypt when we did eat to the full ? Think my Brethren , what an hainous sin that was in them , how extremely did it provoke the Lord to anger Search the Scripture thorow , if ever you can finde the holy One of Israel speak with more indignation against any offence that ever was committed by his people : yet this sinne I suppose is committed abundantly by many in these times , and that without feare , and without feeling . Because men want that peace and securitie , that ease and plentie : because they meet with charges and troubles more then formerly , they give themselves to thinke evill in their hearts ; and oh the hard thoughts which they surmise of the work and instruments of Reformation ! Many whet their tongues , make ready their bows , and shoot out their arrows , even bitter words ; seeing the warre continues , the work is slowed little done , ( as they say ) mens expectations frustrated , things fall out crosse , no likelihood of a speedy end , nor any certainty what will come of it : people for the most part take libertie to despise all that bither to hath been acted as the day of small things , and are ready to cry out with the wicked in the Psalm , Who will shew us any good ? What hath the Parliament ? What have the Armies ? What have the Assembly done ? Vilde and ungratefull queres are these : I may say of such persons , as once Moses in like case , they have corrupted themselves , their spot is not the spot of Gods children , they are a perverse and crooked generation : Do ye thus requite the Lord , oh ye foolish people and unwise ? Hath the God of heaven more visibly appeared for his little flock , then ever here to fore fore in this land ? Hath he stopped the overflowings and breakings in of Popery and tyranny ? Hath he with his own blessed hand laid the foundation of a glorious Reformation ? Hath he found out fit instruments , when we the poor silenced Ministers , as Elijah of old , thought there were none left which had not bowed the knee ? have these instruments with singular freenesse of minde set upon the service of God and the Kingdome ? have they now for divers years spent their own means , their time more precious then their means ? Their health , their strength , their life they have wasted : tyed themselves to tedious attendance day & night . They have laboured and strove continually with almost insuperable difficulties , and heavie loads of insupportable inconveniences . Deprived they have been of the comforts of their proper habitations and cloystred as it were in hired chambers or borrowed roomes . Wife , children , friends , and gainfull imployments have many of them left , and surrendred themselves wholly to the service of the Publique . By Gods blessing also they have wrought happy beginnings , and made an hopefull progresse , much conducing to the common benefit and publique good . Who can tell the gleanings , or number the fourth part of the glory which hath redounded to God in his Churches , and the good which hath and is like to accrue to this kingdome by their endeavours ? It were too long but to recapitulate the happy freedoms , and the positive advantages which they have wrought for Church and Commonwealth . As for the Armies , I may justly say they have been generally faithfull , and have done and suffered so much as that few Stories yeeld like precedents in so short a time , in so plentifull a countrey . For the Assembly , their labours , travellings , watchings ; their zeal to the cause of God and work of Reformation , is not unknown to considering men . But alas , nothing is more easie , then to detract from publike performances . No doctrin is sooner beleeved then that which acquaints the people , publique affaires are not so well ordered , as they should and might be . Who is ignorant how much a few faire speeches of oyl-mouthed Absolon to that effect prevailed against David and his Worthies ? But should the people of England thus requite the Lord and his instruments of Reformation ? Or is it a small matter thus to cast soule of unthankfulnesse as it were into the face of God , whilst he is turning to us in love ? Consider my Brethren , hath the faire morning of our hopes been clouded ? Have our enemies prevailed , to put a long day to our troubles ? Doth the businesse yet go on slowly and untowardly ? Sure we may thank our own grumbling , our thinking evil in our hearts , our rash ungratefull censuring , our despising the day of small things , our despairing thoughts , words , actions , all justly met with , and much to be blamed from the consideration of the truth in hand . From hence is ministred shame and rebuke to all such as obstruct the work , hinder and make more difficult the progresse of Sions delivery . It is a grievous thing to adde to the heavie burthen or an hard task ; in such case how bitterly and justly will the oppressed coplain ? Much more hainous is it to adde to the afflictions of whole Kingdoms and Churches . To make Sion sow in teares one yeare , one moneth , one day longer for us , is a sinne that no Christian would have his soul guiltie of , who rightly ponders the true nature and heavie consequence of this sinne ; yet I fear there are many Sanballats and Tobiahs amongst us , very guiltie of this horrible crime . As first , that sort of men which byas their endeavours with self-design , and prosecute God and the Kingdoms Cause earnestly , so sarre as it conduceth to their own ends ; but where it runnes not parallel with them , they slack with Iehu , and strive to bend the publike Cause to their bow . What strange allegations , glosses and pretences do they frame to make shew of serving the State , when indeed they serve themselves ? Think what a nefarious crime it is in men , that are trusted with the administration of publike affairs , to carry private spirits in their bosomes , seeking to serve themselves , not the State ? How ill doth it beseem a Christian to follow Nationall imployments , with ambitious longing after their own honour and advancement ; or with an unconscionable , unquencheable thirst after gain ? These men make heavie the common yoke , adde to the pressures of the times , and should suffer a word of rebuke ; for not with standing what themselves and others may thinke , God knowes they deserve ill . The same also may I judge of those men amongst us , who are ever mitigating the evill of our adversaries proceedings ; willing to speak well , or at least not ill of what they do ; when as they are ever ready to construe in the worst sense all that is said , or done with zeal against them . These men prescribe bounds and limits of supposed moderation to their proceedings against the common enemy ; and what soever exceeds those , they censure as indiscreet for wardlinesse write down as errors on our side in great letters : this my brethren , is a kinde of unhappy moderation , a strange kinde of charitie , which doth detract from the good to favour the bad . Shouldst thou help the ungodly , and love them that hate the Lord ? was once the speech of an holy Prophet to an eminent person , 2 Chron. 19.2 . and he prest his repro of home , saying , Therefore is wrath upon thee from the Lord . A third sort of men which I shall rebuke hence , persons willing to thwart and crosse proceedings ; so when any businesse generally adjudged hopefull , is propounded , they have still doubts to 〈◊〉 delayes to make , inconveniences to alleadge ; and deem it a great commendation to their wit , if they can by arguing puzzle the matter , and divert the businesse . Saint Paul told the Corinth that he did hear there were divisions among them , and did partly beleeve it ; shall praise you in this ? ( saith he ) I praise you not . And give me leave to presse you with the words of our Saviours Necessory 〈◊〉 that assences should come , but woe bee to him by whom the offence cometh . THe third inference with which I will conclude this point is , matter of admonition . Since it doth so clearly appear , that throughout Reformation , and the well establishment of Sion is a work so extremely hard , and brought about with so much difficultie , we should be all perswaded to wait for the accomplishment of it with patience and chearfulnesse Put we all our trust in the Lord , and be doing good , and he will bring it to passe . Our extreme longings to have an end this moneth , this year , that Summer , I beleeve , hath neither pleased God , nor done us goeth . The Disciples out of such a mood did ask the Lord Christ , Will thou at this time restore the Kingdome to Israel ? but note our Saviours answer , It is not for you to know the times and seasons , which the Father hath shut up in his own 〈◊〉 : Such inquisitive desires , and forecasting 〈◊〉 of Gods times , do much trench on the priviledges of heaven : The Prophet tels us , That he which beleeves will not make haste : and truely it is a symptome of much weaknesse in our faith , to be thus incessant in desires of a forthwith dispatch of Gods work . Nothing becomes Christians better then a patient waiting on Christ their King , whose Office it is to bring down the proud enemies of his Church , and in due time to trample them under his feet . We will allow a servant much time to effect a tedious businesse , we will give a friend more time to work our preferment , and shall we not allow our God time to work the deliverance and advancemēt of his Church ? Oh! my brethren , let our souls say with Iob , All the dayes of my appointed time will I wait till my change come . And in such our patient waiting of the Lords leisure , take we heed of prescribing to God time , or meanes , or what instruments he shall use ; it was the sinne of Israel , to limit the holy One of Israel . For Christs sake , let not us be guiltie of it , say we not so much as in our hearts , that the work shall be done by such a● time , or by such men , or such meanes , for this would be presumptuous prescribing to God . Let me also in our waiting intreat you to take heed of ascribing to men . Note well what the Apostle writeth , 1 Cor. 3.20 , 21. The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise , that they are but vaine ; therefore let no man glory in men . We should not expect our deliverance from such instruments , and nought from others ; but we should trust God with all the instruments which his good providence hath imployed in his work , and wait on him alone for successe in due time . This is our duty , and can we want inducements to such a well-pleasing , sweet , Christian-like waiting upon God ? Onely two considerations will I propound ; the former ; is that of the Psalmist , The patient abiding of the meek shall not alwayes be forgotten ; our fathers hoped and trusted in God , and were not ashamed . You cannot produce a man in all the Scripture Story , who was not answered in what he faithfully depended on God for . We may therefore well be incouraged in our present dependance . The other consideration is , that of all the blessings which ever God bestowed on men , those were the best blessings which have beene longest prayed and waited for . Abraham had divers sonnes , but none so good as that he waited so long for : and what an happy Childe did Hannah obtain by prayer , and long waiting ? How fruitfull was the promised Land , which came after so many ages expectance ? T is most certain , that the more we pray , and the longer we wait for our deliverance and establishment , the more joyous and excellent will it be when it comes ; so it ever hath , so it ever will be with Gods people ; for they that sow in tears , shall reap in joy , &c. A second vertue which this portion of Scripture holds out , is a giving us to understand what the people of God ought to doe in times of Reformation , when the Church travelleth with deliverance . In this case they must not be idle spectatours , sit still and onely wish well to the businesse in hand , but as the husbandman in times of dearth and scarcitie is much more diligent and plentifull in manuring his land , carefull to provide precious seed , and incessant for the repelling of famine , and procuring of plentie ; so must Gods people , they must be up and doing , put their shoulder to the work , their hand to the plough , think nothing too much that they are able to doe ; they must labour plough , sow part with all as precious feed , lay it down in the dust . Let then hence the sentence of holy doctrine be : All the friends of Sion should be much and active in pious and precious endevours , when her cause is in agitation . The Scripture doth learn us this truth , by a memorable passage , Exod. 17. when the brood of profane Esau strove with Iacobs Seed , Ioshua being a man of warre , must chuse out fit men for battell ; Moses , Aaron and H●● , being no sword-men , they must to the Mount , where Moses hands must be held up all the while , and when they were let downe , Amalek prevailed , but when they were held up , Israel prevailed . This my brethren , signified , that every man should act even to intention , to the highest degree of his activity , when Sions businesse is in hand , or otherwise the Cause may be at a losse . How are Zebulun and Napthali commended for jeoparding their lives in such a case ? Iudg. 5.18 . Mordecai could tell Est 〈◊〉 , If thou holdest thy peace at this time , thou and thy fathers house shall be destroyed , Est . 4.14 . I might now produce the vow of David , Psal , 132. the zeal of Vriah , 2 Sam. 11.11 Daniels devotions , Dan. 9.18 . speak of Ezra and Nehemiahs , incessant , endeavours , and the peoples building the wall with swords in their hand , all witnessing this truth , and leading us to the dutie . But see we two speciall injunctions require this ; when the worship of God , and the justice of the Kingdom was carried well on towards the point of establishment in the dayes of David , then are all the friends of the Church called upon to be active , Psal. 122.6 . The prophet Esay likewise foreseeing by faith the deliverande of the Church , and flourishing condition of Christs Kingdom ready to ensue , doth not onely testifie for himself , that he will not hold his peace for Sions sake , but also calls upon others ; yea , all that be mindefull of the Lord , let him have no rest untill he hath made Jerusalem a praise in the earth , Esa. 62.6 , 7. The first Argument to illustrate this Doctrine , is from the high and precious nature of Sions cause . It will be easily granted , that as all intelligent agents act for some end , so they act according to the nature of the thing they are imployed about . This cals for more or lesse carefulnesse and regard , more or lesse activity and intention , as the matter under hand is more or lesse of value . Will not the Refiner be ten times so circumspect and industrious , when his gold is in the furnace , as when lead is on the fire ? How curious and wary is he , that is to cut rich jewels and pearls ? Now can there be any , thing in the world more precious , or of such importance , as the cause of the Church standing for pure Religion , and unstained worship of God , and justice ? Me thinks in these is the very quintessence of all excellencies and substantials . The whole world is subordinate to the Church her good , that men might know and serve God aright was the very end of Creation . Yea more , did not the Lord Christ die in the cause of his Church ? Note then how transcendent and incomparable , excellent and precious is that , to which in some respect the Creation and Redemption of the world is subordinate : great reason then is it , that all who would be thought the friends of Sion , should be very active when her cause is in agitation . Thus it ought to be in regard of the multitude , which are concerned in the businesse . When there was but one Peter in prison , how incessant was the Church on his behalfe ? If a number of Gods dear ones had their cause transacting , it behoved all well willers which knew it , to be helping in it , if they could . How desireable is it to do good to a Citie , or a Nation ? What have not meere morall men done and undertaken for their countrey upon this onely ground , that the businesse concerned the whole nation ? Now the Churches cause concerns not a nation onely , but nations : Her cause is like her self , Catholike . Hath not the whole body benefit by the free dome and happinesse which comes to any part ? Yea posteritie and ages to come are sharers in Sions deliverance . Have not we been much the better for Deliverance and Reformation vouchsafed in the dayes of King Edward , and Queen Elizabeth ? Thus many , and many are parties concerned ; yea more , God himself , his blessed Sonne , and holy Spirit are interessed in it ; or much honoured or dishonoured by it . If any will object , that if it be Gods businesse , he will look to it himself , and we need not then be so carefull , not active . I answer , that the Lord hath committed his cause in part to his people to manage ; For he is that Lord that put forth his vineyard to husband men , and so he puts his cause into the hands of Sions friends to solicite and prosecute it . And therefore in should not take off , but quicken their activitie ; since God and men , nations and people , present and after ages , are concerned in it . In such a time , there is much work to be done ; Many grievous sins to be rased out of the Register against us , there are many personall iniquities , many nationall offences , the sinnes of our fathers to be put out of remembrance . Nor is it an easie thing to blow our transgressions , & cancell the hand-writing which is against ourselves and the land . Love indeed is said to cover a multitude of sins , and there must be much expression of great zeal and love which will doe this work . Second to this , the justly provoked ire of the Almightie is to be pacified , that is full displeasure fall not upon us ; his countenance , his joyfull countenance is to be sought . Many mercies , many kinds of great mercies are to be obtained ; Men are in such times to make the Lord amends ( as I may so speake with holy reverence ) for former failings and neglects . And to all this consider that Sions friends expect that God in such times should do great things for them ; make bare his Arme , appear in the Mount , avenge his Elect , make Jerusalem a praise in the earth ; should not they then be active , when so much is to be done and expected ? The last Reason of this , because Sions adversaries are much and active in pestilent attempts , to hinder her good , and work her ruine . Remember how stirring Balaam was to curse Israel , when they were ready to enter the land of Canaan . Consider likewise ; how Gebal , Ammon , and Amalek . with the rest did conspire , combine , complot , and consult to cut off Gods people from being any more a nation , and to put the name of Israel out of remembrance . As thus it ever was , so it ever will be , with the profane of the world , the serpent seed . Is it not reason then , that the womans seed should be active in their zeal ? otherwise it might be just with God , to permit the instruments of his cause to faile , in regard they suffer themselves to be out-done , and out acted by the devils instruments . This doctine thus cleared , doth in the reflex of it , first justifie all those good Zerubbabels of our time , who have put themselves forth in our cause , beene much and active in faithfull endeavours for the preservation and reformation of this Church and Kingdome . It likewise also justifieth all our humiliations , publike and private , all our dayes of thankfull memoriall , Laws , Ordinances , and Injunctions , truly intended to procure the full deliverance and establishment of our religion and just liberties . If all the friends of Sion ought in such cases to do as you have heard , then our Worthies have done no more then did become them , no more then was their dutie to doe . Search through the holy Book , and tell me whether any men are so precious in the eyes of heaven , and the account of God himself , as those that have beene zealous for the reformation of his Church , the carrying on of his Cause , the helpe of his people against the wicked and profane opposers of them : How highly were Caleb and Ioshua esteemed of God for being couragious , when others flagg'd in the businesse , and shrunk at evill tydings ? Had not Phinih●m the sonne of Eleazar a Covenant of peace made to him and his posteritie for being zealous in Gods Cause among the people ? Why should I tell you of Gideon , and Barak , and Samson , and the rest ? In a word , men of this spirit are the onely men in Gods Books . But one thing which is recorded of a zealous woman I cannot omit ; Blessed above women shall Jael the wise of Heber the Kenitebe ; blessed shall she be above women in her tent ; she put her hand to the nail , and her right hand to the work mans hammer : she smote Si●era she smote off his head , Judg. 5.24 , 26. Lo , my brethren , what an high transcendent applause is given to this woman by the mouth of the Spirit of God . The like phrase is but in one place more ro be found in Holy Writ , and there it 's given to the blessed Virgine , here it is iterated of this woman ; by which with the former instances we may clearly see how much true zeale in such kinde of actions doth please the God of glory . And all this I mention , not to flatter or proud up any heart , but by way of just vindication and approbation of all that have beene forward for God in our just cause , for their future encouragement ; and have not I good reason so to do in these times , when men of zeal meet with so many disheartenings and discouragements ? Truly it 's some unhappinesse to be good amongst us , especially to be zealous in it : for besides the trouble , and many inconveniences which accompanie such undertakings the persons of men truly zealous for Gods Cause among the people , are obvious to soule censure , oft doe they gaine reproach , and finde unthankfull dealing from many of our owne side . How apt are we to bedew our best friends , and to requite ill to those who strive most for the publike good ? Did not consciousnesse of dutie to God , and the true worth and excellency of the imployment bear up Christian hearts and publike spirits , many good instruments in this Cause had long ago been sutors to God and man , to have quit them of their imployments . I have cause therefore lighting on this subject , to speak thus much in season , for their justification and incouragement . Hereby also our pious actions fore mentioned , are to be approved ; for why , there are a generation who mussicate against them , whisper and say , By what authoritie doe wee these things ? some are ready to say , as Indas of the Alabaster Box of Oyntment , Whereto is this waste ? Now I could quickly say enough to these men , but blessed be God , experience hath sufficiently taught us , that these pious endeavours have not been in wast : for in no age I think were fastings , prayers , and the duties of this kinde , so often , so visibly answered . And this will , or may stop such mouthes with shame . Moreover , the doctrin which I have proved sheweth divine authoritie , the Lord requiring , expecting , and in effect calling for the frequent exercise of these duties , in such times , being a chiefe part of the precious seed which should be sown . Yea more by this we may conclude , that it were much sinne and wickednesse to refuse or neglect : see how irreconcileably angry the Lord is with his people for neglecting such duties in such times , Esa. 22. consult that place , and I shall need say no more to justifie our sowing in teares . A second Vse of this point doth minister matter of just and sharp reprofe ; First , to neuters , a sort of men wise in their own conceit , secretly condemning all others , and justly to be condemned of all . I may truly say , that neither God nor man loves them , it is onely the devill and themselves that they please : And were not these a kinde of unteachable creatures , I should speak much to their reproof , but I referre them to two places of Scripture ; one in the old Testament ; Indg. 5.23 . the other , Rev. 3.15 , 16. This truth may discover to us , how little those men deserve of the Church and kingdome , who stand in their places like ciphers to supply a room and multiply the number , but neither act , nor in good earnest desire to act any thing to purpose . I confesse if men were to make themselves their own end , they took a course seemingly wise . For publique grievances , though easily seen and complained on ; yet are very hard to be dealt with . To search into the true causes of them , to finde out the right method of euring them , is a work so full of toyle , and so beset with difficulties , as that selfish and wary men may well judge it better to sit quiet , and enjoy their own case , then to entangle and trouble themselves to seek the common good . Now of this temper , I fear me , there are many , too many , who do blesse and applaud themselves in not acting and judging others for their forwardnes . But I beseech you to consider earnestly ; that our Parliament , our Kingdome , our Cause hath no need of men of Gallio's temper , which care for none of these things : and what anignoble propertie it is for men called of God , and entrusted with so weightie imployment , to spend their time in doing nothing , or nothing to the purpose , and leave Gods Businesse to God himself and others to care for . I am not ignorant , that men of this make , have many excuses to plead : but , alas , they are fig-leaves which will not cover their nakednesse ; and though the World and themselves were so deluded , as not to see their guiltines , yet such men will dearely answer it before God , for doing nothing , or as good as nothing , in the Cause of God and the kingdome . It remains now onely , that I call upon every one that would not be counted an enemy , but a friend of Sion , to be up and doing , to be much and active in pious and precious endeavour for the perfecting our Sions deliverance , and the establishing of our Jerusalem in peace and truth . Now is time for Nobles , and Senatours , and every one in his place and station , to few precious seed . What considering man then would suffer sloth or negligence , ease or self respects , to hinder him from being an instrument of so great good , as may come to the Church and State . Many of you are , all of you may be , under God , the cause of much good to many generations : Be therefore of S. Pauls minde , suffer nothing to deprive you of the glory of such rejoycing , and the testimony of a good conscience . And now in speciall manner , I desire to commend foure things , as part of the pious endeavours , which should chiefly be laid down as precious seed , to bring on the happie work in hand . The first of these , is an holy , conscionable , sincere observance of these dayes of humiliation . By Moses law , the man who did not humble and afflict his soul in such a day , was to be cut off from Israel , Levit. 25.29 . to be onely customary and formall in these , which should be our most pure devotions , is a sinne of more grievous consequence then we are aware of ; to dissemble with our God in Fasting and Prayer , is a kinde of horrible impietie : for Gods sake therefore be you carefull and conscionable in preparing your souls to meet the Lord in the dayes of atonement ; be ye holy , heavenly , faithfull , sincere and entire with God in these extraordinary services . Let it be your worke on these dayes to strive to mortifies your sins and sanctifie your souls , to bewaile the iniquities of the land , & for the divisions of Reuben let there be great thoughts of heart . These , my Brethren , are the highest services that we can do , for God , our selves , or the kingdome , and you being our Worthies , should go before and exceed others in them ; if therefore you will not do so , but refuse and sleight , or be superficiall in the performance of them ; behold , ye have sinned against the Lord , and be ye sure your sinne shall finde you out . The next thing I commend is the speedy impartiall execution of justice . You know that by standing up quickly , and executing justice , Phin●ha● Presem by said the plague : when asas the slowing and neglecting of it continued the plague hereafter here in Davids time . It was doubtlesse neglect and corruption of justice , next to pollutions of Gods worship , irreligiousnesse and profanenesse , that hath brought our kingdome to its misery : the speedy therefore and impartiall ministration of it , is a proper medicine for our maladie . And it is somewhat a sad thing to note little justice , hath been done on bloudy traiterous , deliequent , enemies of God and man , more then what 's the Lord himself hath done by the hand of warre : it may be that feareful way of execution hath and will continue till the more desirable swords of justice be drawn to purpose , in the cutting off when 〈◊〉 of our combustions , the sonnes of Be ; lial ; who in God hath put into your hand to punish . The third thing I desire may be specially cared for , is the 〈◊〉 pre●●●grand prosecution of the national convenant a 〈◊〉 plensing to God , profitable to the kingdomes , by which 〈◊〉 is , and through God's blessing may be , the 〈…〉 blow given to the whore of Babylon and 〈…〉 , impes ; that ever yet was . Now to have this 〈…〉 , ●●ngst us , or laid aside , whilst malignants and 〈◊〉 live in our bosome , blessing , and in feered applauding themselves , that they have neither taken this , nor any of your for 〈◊〉 prove 〈◊〉 ; many moneths have passed over and no account made , nor any questionned or dealt with for refusing . This is our case , and I appeal to wiser judgements , whether this may not be the way to lessen the honour and authoritie of the High Court of Parliament , and their Ordinances . May not this likewise cause the common sort to deem themselves little bound in conscience to keepe the Covenant , when they see others not bound to take it ? Will not this render all zealous advocates for the Covenant as temporizers , and give the refusers occasion to triumph over us , as men of large consciences to do any thing that shall be required , like Bishops creatures , and the superstitious and conformists of late ? These are but a few of many , a glimpse , a hint of the inconveniences which may happen , pardon me then in being bold to point out the pressing and prosecution of the Covenant , as one kinde of precious seed to be sowen amongst others in Sions be●●f . The last thing which I shall commend to your s●●ous consideration , whom it doth concern , is special care to seek and preserve the mutuall love , honour , and esteem each of other . Oh! that Saint Pauls Lesson might be learned of our worthy . Nobles and Senatours , one to esteem of another ●●lter then himself . Oh! that were a delight in bre●●● and follow-instruments , and specially in those who excell in vertue , zeal , and faith 〈…〉 ●ring for the publique good . Sure it is 〈…〉 honourable for any to minde solely , 〈…〉 ●own same and esteem and not care how to the rep●●te of others lye . Frō hence I fear come things that arennseemly , and by which the publique proceeding may suffer obstruction . My earnest desire therefore and praye●● , that the God of peace and consolation would make you like minded one towards another , and each willing to deny himself ; to seek the esteem of others in love ; and above all to forward and advance the Nationall and common Cause . Lo these are the four things which out of dutie to God , true zeal to Sion , and due reverence to the Worthies , to whom I speak , I humbly desire may be thought upon and practised to the glory of our God , and emolument of his Church . And the better to prevail in this my suit ; I shall apply the third vertue or force , which lyeth in the words of my Text , as speciall arguments of inducement to perswade there unto . Consider then first I beseech you , that those endeavours with that activity I speak of , are by the Spirit of God in my Text , signified to be as fruitfull precious seed , which dies not in the earth , but lives to yeeld increase . And this , me thinks , is aboundantly sufficient to incite every man to act his uttermost ! If I could assure any husbandman that every graine of such kinde of seed should live , and not one corne perish ; I need say no more to move him to industry ; how plentifull would be the in sowing a how free in cost and pains-taking . But now , past all peradventure , I may assure the seeds-man of Sions Cause , that his endeavours are such pre●●ous seed , as that no one grain shall be lost , but 〈…〉 again to yeeld him encrease . It is like a ca 〈…〉 down for joy , which shall certainly be paid : You may ve act therefore hence much incouraged . Secondly I note , that hardnes and difficulty in sowing is no way comparable to the sweetnesse and comfort in reaping . There 's no compare , me thinks , between the tears , and the joy in the Text ; these farre surmount and exceed them , as the metaphor and words of expression seem to import . Rationall and considering men therefore should be justly provoked with this consideration . Did not Moses make the best choise upon this ground ? Doth not Saint 〈◊〉 encourage to sufferings upon like reason ? Ram . 〈◊〉 And certainly this well weighed , may prevail with us . Thirdly , mind we the undoubted certainty of our harvest verified by divers absolute positive ass●ver●●tion in the Text ; he shall reap , he shall come again he shall bring his sheaves with him ; here 's no Item of continge neylor possibilitie , but all absolute ●●●●tions ; anto 〈◊〉 know he 〈◊〉 to die arti● shall 〈◊〉 away , but a lot of Gods Word shall not fail 〈◊〉 shall prevent the harvest of a labourer in Sions 〈…〉 . ●●●●tly , Consider 〈◊〉 multiplicitie of the 〈…〉 shall be reaped by such endeavour 〈…〉 not be a reddition of grain for grains , or moni●●● 〈◊〉 not yet of care for grains : but of sheaven for 〈◊〉 . This shall be full measure 〈…〉 over , 〈…〉 blessings be on the head of eve●●● where is 〈◊〉 and faithfull in carrying 〈◊〉 of Sions cause . And may not 〈◊〉 take any fou● 〈…〉 with every sprit to set it selfe 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 it selfing all hopefull ende 〈◊〉 to the glory of 〈◊〉 the good of the Church and Kingdome , and the great Joy and blessing of the undertakers ? 〈…〉 God will , and let us now 〈…〉 all pray God it 〈◊〉 . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A87086e-470 Doct.