Good counsell for evil times. Or, A plain sermon preached at Pauls in London, April 16. 1648. / By Edw: Bowles M.A. of Katherin-Hall Cambridge. Printed by the desire and order of the Lord Maior and aldermen of that famous city.
         Bowles, Edward, 1613-1662.
      
       
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             Good counsell for evil times. Or, A plain sermon preached at Pauls in London, April 16. 1648. / By Edw: Bowles M.A. of Katherin-Hall Cambridge. Printed by the desire and order of the Lord Maior and aldermen of that famous city.
             Bowles, Edward, 1613-1662.
          
           [6], 29, [1] p.
           
             Printed by F: Neile for Samuel Gellibrand, and are to be sold at his Shop at the Brasen Serpent in Pauls Church-yard,
             London :
             1648.
          
           
             Reproduction of the original in the British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Bible. -- N.T. -- Ephesians V, 15-16 -- Sermons -- Early works to 1800.
           Christian life -- Sermons -- Early works to 1800.
           Sermons, English -- 17th century.
        
      
    
       A77148  R204201  (Thomason E435_35).  civilwar no Good counsell for evil times.:  Or, A plain sermon preached at Pauls in London, April 16. 1648. / By Edw: Bowles M.A. of Katherin-Hall Cambr Bowles, Edward 1648    14640 29 40 0 0 0 0 47 D  The  rate of 47 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           GOOD
           COUNSELL
           FOR
           EVIL
           TIMES
           .
        
         
           
             OR
             ,
          
           A
           PLAIN
           SERMON
           Preached
           at
           
             Pauls
          
           in
           
             London
             ,
             April
          
           16.
           1648.
           
        
         
           
             By
          
           EDW
           :
           BOWLES
           M.
           A.
           of
           
             Katherin-Hall
             Cambridge
             .
          
        
         
           Printed
           by
           the
           desire
           and
           Order
           of
           the
           Lord
           
             Maior
          
           and
           
             Aldermen
          
           of
           that
           famous
           City
           .
        
         
           
             Psal.
             34.
             12
             ,
             13
             ,
             14.
             
          
           
             12.
             
             What
             man
             is
             he
             that
             desireth
             life
             ;
             and
             loveth
             many
             dayes
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             see
             good
             ?
          
           
             13.
             
             Keep
             thy
             tongue
             from
             evil
             ,
             and
             thy
             lips
             from
             speaking
             guile
             .
          
           
             14.
             
             Depart
             from
             evil
             ,
             and
             do
             good
             :
             seek
             peace
             and
             pursue
             it
             .
          
        
         
           
             LONDON
             :
          
           Printed
           by
           
             F
             :
             Neile
          
           for
           
             Samuel
             Gellibrand
             ,
          
           and
           are
           to
           be
           sold
           at
           his
           Shop
           at
           the
           Brasen
           Serpent
           in
           
             Pauls
          
           Church-yard
           .
        
         
           1648.
           
        
      
       
       
       
         
           TO
           THE
           RIGHT
           HONORABLE
           THE
           LORD
           MAIOR
           ,
           To
           the
           Aldermen
           and
           Common-Councell
           of
           the
           City
           of
           LONDON
           .
        
         
           GIve
           me
           leave
           to
           joyne
           You
           together
           in
           an
           Epistle
           ,
           and
           may
           it
           be
           a
           pledge
           of
           Union
           in
           all
           things
           that
           tend
           to
           an
           happie
           and
           speedie
           establishment
           of
           Truth
           and
           Peace
           .
           The
           Kingdome
           is
           very
           sensible
           how
           considerable
           You
           are
           in
           the
           welfare
           of
           it
           ,
           especially
           as
           it
           now
           stands
           .
           And
           according
           to
           the
           influence
           you
           have
           upon
           the
           publick
           good
           or
           evill
           are
           the
           endeavours
           of
           the
           Enemies
           of
           our
           reformed
           Settling
           to
           distract
           and
           divide
           you
           ,
           for
           they
           see
           no
           other
           means
           to
           destroy
           you
           ,
           and
           those
           with
           you
           ,
           whose
           welfare
           is
           bound
           up
           in
           yours
           .
           And
           in
           this
           you
           are
           a
           resemblance
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           whom
           a
           great
           Politician
           saith
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           
             Magnum
             Animal
             neque
             interit
             nisi
             a
             seipso
             :
          
           and
           according
           to
           this
           Axiom
           have
           the
           Enemies
           of
           our
           Religion
           and
           State
           framed
           their
           designes
           .
           The
           zeal
           of
           
             Spaine
          
           and
           
             Rome
          
           carried
           them
           on
           indeed
           at
           first
           to
           furious
           attempts
           ,
           as
           in
           88.
           and
           Powder
           Treason
           ;
           but
           when
           they
           saw
           they
           were
           not
           able
           to
           prevail
           that
           way
           ,
           they
           put
           on
           the
           Foxes
           skin
           ,
           and
           have
           most
           studiously
           raised
           and
           fomented
           jealousies
           and
           differences
           betwixt
           the
           King
           and
           Parliament
           ,
           betwixt
           the
           Parliament
           
           and
           Kingdom
           :
           not
           to
           mention
           those
           subdivisions
           lately
           stirred
           ,
           which
           I
           would
           not
           be
           so
           far
           guiltie
           of
           keeping
           alive
           as
           to
           name
           them
           .
           So
           hath
           it
           fated
           with
           your
           renowned
           City
           ,
           you
           have
           been
           to
           the
           Reformation
           and
           Liberty
           of
           this
           Kingdom
           ,
           what
           this
           Kingdom
           hath
           been
           to
           the
           Protestant
           Religion
           in
           other
           parts
           ,
           a
           great
           support
           .
           The
           opposing
           party
           as
           impatient
           of
           such
           an
           adversary
           (
           you
           know
           )
           directed
           the
           first
           fruits
           of
           their
           strength
           and
           malice
           against
           you
           they
           were
           indeed
           interrupted
           in
           their
           way
           by
           the
           battell
           at
           Edge-hill
           ,
           but
           as
           soon
           as
           they
           were
           recruted
           and
           recovered
           ,
           how
           eagerly
           they
           pursued
           their
           former
           purpose
           ,
           
             Brainford
          
           can
           witnesse
           :
           but
           the
           next
           day
           when
           the
           City
           appeared
           so
           unanimously
           ,
           and
           heartily
           ,
           for
           their
           own
           and
           the
           Parliaments
           defence
           ,
           they
           saw
           it
           was
           necessary
           to
           take
           another
           course
           ,
           and
           try
           if
           they
           could
           become
           your
           masters
           by
           designe
           and
           fraud
           ,
           and
           bring
           you
           to
           a
           cheaper
           ruine
           by
           making
           you
           destroy
           one
           another
           .
           To
           this
           purpose
           severall
           courses
           have
           been
           taken
           ,
           and
           not
           altogether
           without
           effect
           .
           But
           so
           long
           as
           there
           was
           a
           Common
           Enemy
           appeared
           ,
           there
           was
           a
           diversion
           of
           the
           humors
           ,
           which
           since
           our
           late
           semblance
           of
           Peace
           have
           broken
           out
           into
           violent
           and
           strange
           diseases
           ,
           which
           have
           alreadie
           distempered
           the
           health
           ,
           and
           go
           on
           to
           endanger
           the
           life
           of
           that
           famous
           City
           .
           The
           best
           expedient
           to
           remedie
           this
           great
           evill
           ,
           were
           doubtlesse
           a
           reconciliation
           of
           those
           persons
           and
           parties
           who
           are
           now
           distant
           ,
           but
           were
           in
           the
           best
           estate
           of
           the
           City
           affectionate
           and
           unanimous
           .
           This
           is
           not
           onely
           policy
           but
           piety
           ,
           as
           by
           a
           serious
           perusall
           of
           
             Jam.
          
           3.
           from
           the
           13.
           ver.
           to
           the
           end
           may
           appear
           .
           Experience
           witnesses
           the
           hard
           task
           and
           fate
           of
           reconcilers
           ,
           who
           lye
           betwixt
           the
           extremes
           as
           corn
           betwixt
           the
           Milstones
           :
           But
           yet
           I
           must
           professe
           my self
           one
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           I
           had
           rather
           they
           grinde
           me
           then
           one
           another
           .
        
         
         
           To
           the
           accomplishing
           this
           great
           work
           ,
           a
           speciall
           portion
           of
           the
           wisdom
           that
           is
           from
           above
           ,
           which
           is
           mentioned
           ,
           
             Jam.
             3.
             ult.
          
           is
           very
           necessary
           ,
           which
           let
           us
           beg
           on
           the
           behalf
           of
           all
           Christians
           ,
           especially
           those
           whose
           influence
           into
           publick
           affairs
           requires
           a
           greater
           measure
           .
           A
           probable
           expedient
           hereunto
           may
           be
           this
           ,
           that
           extremities
           on
           both
           hands
           be
           layd
           aside
           ,
           and
           persons
           that
           drive
           them
           on
           .
           For
           of
           each
           party
           there
           are
           some
           parts
           so
           heterogeneous
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           little
           hope
           they
           should
           ever
           mingle
           together
           ,
           neither
           is
           it
           beneficiall
           that
           they
           should
           while
           they
           so
           remain
           ,
           for
           they
           tend
           to
           distraction
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           to
           destruction
           .
           And
           give
           leave
           to
           him
           that
           hath
           many
           faults
           to
           complain
           of
           one
           :
           That
           is
           ,
           that
           those
           who
           have
           and
           might
           have
           agreed
           ,
           have
           put
           so
           little
           trust
           in
           God
           ,
           and
           so
           little
           mutuall
           confidence
           in
           each
           other
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           chosen
           rather
           to
           support
           and
           strengthen
           their
           factions
           (
           for
           that
           it
           's
           come
           to
           )
           with
           persons
           lesse
           desiring
           their
           welfare
           then
           themselves
           of
           one
           another
           .
           And
           therefore
           whatsoever
           persons
           ▪
           principles
           ,
           or
           practises
           tend
           to
           bring
           us
           under
           old
           revenges
           ,
           or
           new
           confusions
           ,
           should
           carefully
           be
           avoided
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           hardly
           any
           man
           who
           is
           not
           in
           reason
           convinced
           ,
           that
           the
           continuance
           of
           this
           distance
           and
           opposition
           betwixt
           good
           men
           will
           certainly
           expose
           them
           to
           the
           power
           and
           revenge
           of
           them
           who
           equally
           hate
           both
           ,
           and
           yet
           how
           few
           are
           there
           whom
           passion
           or
           faction
           will
           suffer
           to
           act
           accordingly
           .
           You
           will
           pardon
           the
           mention
           of
           this
           odious
           word
           
             Faction
             ,
          
           it
           is
           of
           mischievous
           consequence
           ,
           and
           deserves
           to
           be
           branded
           ,
           for
           it
           will
           undoubtedly
           ruine
           both
           sides
           ,
           especially
           when
           there
           is
           a
           third
           to
           wait
           the
           advantage
           ,
           and
           the
           issue
           .
           And
           he
           that
           would
           be
           free
           from
           this
           evill
           ,
           must
           not
           inordinately
           affect
           his
           own
           opinion
           or
           interest
           ,
           which
           
           will
           expose
           him
           to
           that
           inordinate
           course
           of
           making
           parties
           to
           maintain
           it
           ,
           but
           be
           content
           to
           have
           all
           his
           Propositions
           fairly
           examined
           ;
           neither
           must
           he
           look
           at
           persons
           more
           then
           things
           ,
           as
           weak
           and
           angry
           men
           are
           wont
           to
           do
           ,
           having
           some
           mens
           persons
           so
           in
           admiration
           ,
           as
           they
           most
           cry
           up
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           justifie
           or
           excuse
           all
           their
           wayes
           ;
           and
           others
           in
           such
           detestation
           ,
           as
           to
           undervalue
           ,
           blast
           and
           blemish
           all
           they
           say
           or
           do
           .
           It
           's
           hard
           to
           finde
           ei●her
           a
           man
           so
           good
           ,
           as
           in
           some
           things
           he
           should
           not
           be
           declined
           :
           or
           so
           evill
           ,
           that
           there
           may
           not
           be
           some
           use
           of
           him
           :
           and
           if
           we
           could
           abstract
           from
           persons
           ,
           and
           let
           things
           and
           actions
           take
           their
           own
           demerits
           ,
           much
           injury
           and
           misery
           might
           be
           prevented
           .
           There
           have
           been
           many
           vicissitudes
           of
           late
           ,
           and
           those
           that
           have
           been
           highest
           have
           still
           lost
           themselves
           ,
           and
           endangered
           others
           by
           extremities
           .
           
           It
           's
           now
           come
           to
           your
           turn
           again
           ,
           and
           unlesse
           God
           grant
           so
           much
           wisdom
           ,
           self-deniall
           ,
           and
           forgetfulnesse
           ,
           as
           may
           dispose
           toward
           moderation
           ,
           it
           will
           not
           ,
           it
           cannot
           last
           .
           I
           adde
           no
           more
           but
           an
           excuse
           ,
           first
           ,
           for
           this
           Epistle
           ,
           if
           plain
           dealing
           need
           one
           :
           and
           2ly
           ,
           for
           the
           Sermon
           ,
           which
           when
           I
           composed
           ,
           I
           was
           so
           far
           from
           thoughts
           of
           the
           Presse
           ,
           that
           I
           never
           thought
           of
           a
           
             London
          
           Pulpit
           :
           it
           hath
           been
           a
           moneth
           delayed
           in
           hopes
           of
           an
           excuse
           .
           But
           since
           you
           will
           have
           it
           ,
           I
           submit
           with
           a
           homely
           but
           hearty
           complement
           ,
           Much
           good
           may
           it
           do
           you
           .
           And
           the
           God
           of
           peace
           give
           you
           peace
           alwayes
           by
           all
           means
           :
           The
           Lord
           be
           with
           you
           all
           .
           So
           prayeth
        
         
           
             York
             ,
             
               May
               15.
               1648.
               
            
          
           
             Your
             welfares
             faithfull
             Servant
             ,
             EDW
             :
             BOVVLES
             .
          
        
      
    
     
       
       
         
           The
           Sermon
           .
        
         
           
             EPHES.
             5.
             15
             ,
             16.
             
          
           
             See
             then
             that
             ye
             walk
             circumspectly
             ,
             not
             as
             fools
             ,
             but
             as
             wise
             ,
             Redeeming
             the
             time
             ,
             because
             the
             dayes
             are
             evill
             .
          
        
         
           THe
           Apostle
           
             Paul
             ,
          
           a
           most
           eminent
           pattern
           to
           all
           Christians
           ,
           
           especially
           Ministers
           ,
           as
           he
           professes
           ,
           that
           the
           care
           of
           all
           the
           Churches
           lay
           upon
           him
           :
           so
           he
           peculiarly
           makes
           it
           good
           to
           the
           Church
           at
           Ephesus
           ,
           to
           whom
           this
           Epistle
           was
           directed
           .
           For
           besides
           that
           pains
           he
           took
           among
           them
           ,
           and
           hazard
           that
           he
           run
           for
           them
           ,
           of
           which
           we
           read
           ,
           
             Act.
          
           19.
           foreseeing
           the
           dangers
           that
           were
           toward
           them
           ,
           he
           gives
           them
           a
           fair
           and
           faithfull
           warning
           by
           the
           Elders
           ,
           
             Act.
          
           20.
           17.
           &c.
           and
           not
           content
           with
           that
           ,
           when
           he
           was
           now
           prisoner
           at
           
             Rome
             ,
          
           he
           writes
           unto
           them
           this
           excellent
           Epistle
           not
           drawn
           from
           him
           by
           speciall
           necessities
           and
           emergencies
           of
           error
           ,
           as
           most
           of
           his
           other
           Epistles
           particularly
           to
           the
           
             Corinthians
          
           and
           
             Galatians
             ,
          
           but
           flowing
           from
           those
           naturall
           affections
           that
           he
           had
           to
           the
           Name
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           good
           of
           the
           
             Ephesians
             :
          
           containing
           a
           most
           full
           and
           usefull
           summary
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           which
           is
           digested
           into
           two
           main
           parts
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           a
           blessed
           discovery
           of
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           free
           grace
           and
           salvation
           by
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           handled
           principally
           in
           the
           first
           Chapter
           ,
           additionally
           in
           the
           2d
           .
           and
           3d.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           an
           earnest
           and
           pressing
           exhortation
           ,
           to
           walk
           as
           becomes
           that
           grace
           which
           is
           revealed
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           with
           particular
           directions
           thereunto
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           scope
           and
           substance
           of
           the
           latter
           part
           of
           the
           Epistle
           .
           And
           herein
           hath
           he
           left
           an
           imitable
           pattern
           to
           all
           those
           who
           would
           approve
           
           themselves
           able
           Ministers
           of
           the
           New
           Testament
           ,
           who
           must
           be
           equally
           carefull
           to
           preach
           salvation
           by
           Christ
           ,
           and
           sanctification
           through
           him
           .
        
         
           To
           preach
           grace
           without
           duty
           tends
           to
           Libertinisme
           ,
           to
           presse
           duty
           without
           discovering
           the
           mystery
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           which
           is
           justification
           and
           salvation
           ,
           the
           righteousnesse
           of
           another
           ,
           
             scil.
          
           Jesus
           Christ
           our
           suretie
           in
           the
           Covenant
           of
           grace
           ,
           leads
           to
           formality
           ,
           and
           the
           righteousnesse
           of
           the
           Scribes
           and
           Pharisees
           which
           is
           short
           of
           the
           kingdom
           of
           heaven
           .
           We
           must
           declare
           the
           whole
           counsell
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           live
           in
           Christ
           by
           faith
           ,
           and
           to
           Christ
           by
           obedience
           ;
           and
           it
           is
           wisdom
           to
           unite
           them
           in
           the
           same
           discourse
           as
           much
           as
           may
           be
           ,
           in
           regard
           that
           men
           are
           so
           subject
           to
           disjoyne
           them
           .
           And
           we
           may
           learn
           from
           this
           blessed
           Apostle
           ,
           as
           our
           matter
           ,
           so
           our
           method
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           lay
           the
           foundation
           of
           all
           holy
           obedience
           in
           the
           doctrines
           of
           faith
           and
           justification
           ,
           
           which
           tend
           to
           make
           the
           tree
           good
           by
           transplanting
           it
           from
           the
           degenerate
           into
           the
           true
           Vine
           ,
           and
           that
           must
           be
           done
           before
           the
           fruit
           can
           be
           indeed
           good
           :
           the
           moulding
           of
           men
           by
           the
           force
           of
           outward
           rules
           and
           precepts
           ,
           into
           a
           kinde
           of
           Gospel
           conversation
           ,
           is
           not
           acceptable
           or
           lasting
           ,
           unlesse
           the
           heart
           be
           inwardly
           changed
           ,
           and
           renewed
           by
           spirituall
           ingrafture
           ,
           to
           which
           Evangelicall
           dispensations
           are
           most
           serviceable
           ,
           alwayes
           supposed
           the
           necessity
           of
           convictions
           of
           sin
           and
           misery
           .
           The
           doctrines
           of
           free
           grace
           without
           superstructures
           of
           holinesse
           ,
           are
           but
           a
           foundation
           without
           a
           building
           ,
           which
           is
           ridiculous
           :
           the
           accumulations
           of
           duty
           and
           service
           without
           the
           foundation
           of
           faith
           and
           regeneration
           ,
           
           are
           a
           building
           without
           a
           foundation
           ,
           which
           is
           but
           ruinous
           .
           The
           Lord
           make
           us
           wise
           builders
           to
           lay
           the
           right
           foundation
           ,
           and
           build
           proportionably
           thereupon
           .
           
             Non
             prosunt
             singula
             juncta
             juvant
             .
          
        
         
           Thus
           much
           I
           thought
           fit
           to
           premise
           ,
           that
           I
           might
           not
           break
           in
           upon
           my
           Text
           ,
           which
           fals
           to
           be
           in
           the
           latter
           part
           of
           the
           Epistle
           among
           the
           exhortations
           and
           directions
           unto
           holinesse
           .
           In
           which
           ,
           because
           the
           brevity
           of
           an
           Epistle
           would
           not
           suffer
           an
           exact
           enumeration
           of
           particulars
           ,
           the
           Apostle
           layes
           down
           some
           generall
           and
           comprehensive
           rules
           ,
           and
           gives
           many
           precepts
           in
           few
           words
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           text
           ,
           
             Walk
             circumspectly
             ,
          
           and
           
             redeem
             
             the
             time
             ,
          
           are
           not
           single
           ,
           but
           comprehensive
           instructions
           ;
           which
           the
           Apostle
           urges
           from
           a
           double
           argument
           .
        
         
           The
           first
           precept
           concerning
           circumspect
           or
           exact
           walking
           ,
           is
           enforced
           from
           the
           consideration
           of
           the
           condition
           of
           the
           persons
           ,
           as
           we
           find
           by
           retyring
           to
           
             ver.
             8.
             
             Ye
             were
             sometimes
             darknesse
             ,
             but
             now
             are
             ye
             light
             in
             the
             Lord
             ▪
             walk
             as
             children
             of
             the
             light
             .
          
           Time
           was
           when
           you
           were
           not
           onely
           in
           the
           da●k
           ,
           but
           abstractly
           darknesse
           ;
           and
           then
           your
           stumblings
           and
           uneven
           goings
           ,
           though
           they
           were
           not
           to
           be
           warranted
           ,
           yet
           they
           were
           not
           to
           be
           woundred
           at
           ;
           but
           now
           you
           are
           in
           the
           light
           ,
           and
           the
           light
           is
           in
           you
           :
           therefore
           make
           use
           of
           your
           eyes
           ,
           and
           walk
           circumspectly
           .
        
         
           The
           second
           concerning
           redemption
           of
           time
           ,
           is
           perswaded
           by
           consideration
           of
           the
           conditions
           of
           the
           times
           ,
           
             the
             dayes
             are
             evill
             :
          
           opportunities
           of
           doing
           or
           receiving
           good
           are
           rare
           ,
           and
           transvolant
           ,
           therefore
           watch
           them
           ,
           and
           improve
           them
           .
           The
           explication
           of
           the
           words
           shall
           be
           interlined
           in
           handling
           the
           Propositions
           ,
           to
           which
           I
           now
           proceed
           .
        
         
           And
           the
           first
           I
           shall
           mention
           is
           rather
           a
           supposition
           then
           a
           proposition
           ,
           which
           yet
           will
           take
           up
           most
           of
           the
           time
           :
           and
           it
           's
           this
           .
        
         
           
             There
             are
             some
             dayes
             fitly
             termed
             evill
             dayes
             .
          
           
           There
           need
           be
           no
           doubt
           made
           of
           this
           expression
           ,
           or
           the
           sufficient
           ground
           of
           it
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           used
           by
           the
           Apostle
           
             Paul
             ,
          
           the
           great
           Master
           of
           Language
           ,
           or
           rather
           by
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           ,
           the
           wisdom
           of
           God
           speaking
           by
           him
           .
        
         
           The
           method
           I
           propound
           to
           my self
           in
           improving
           this
           position
           ,
           is
           this
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           To
           shew
           in
           what
           respect
           times
           
             are
          
           or
           are
           
             called
          
           evill
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           To
           make
           an
           inquisition
           whether
           these
           present
           times
           are
           not
           so
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           To
           adventure
           upon
           some
           essayes
           and
           overtures
           at
           least
           ,
           of
           bettering
           these
           evill
           times
           .
        
         
           To
           the
           first
           ,
           and
           that
           by
           way
           of
           remotion
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Times
           are
           not
           naturally
           evill
           ,
           nothing
           create
           ,
           or
           concreate
           as
           time
           is
           said
           to
           be
           ,
           is
           so
           ;
           God
           looked
           upon
           time
           for
           distinguishing
           and
           measuring
           whereof
           he
           appointed
           the
           Sun
           and
           Moon
           ,
           
             Gen.
          
           1.
           14.
           and
           saw
           it
           good
           .
        
         
         
           2.
           
           It
           is
           not
           morally
           evill
           :
           nothing
           is
           capable
           of
           morall
           or
           sinfull
           evill
           ,
           but
           the
           rationall
           creature
           indued
           with
           understanding
           ,
           and
           will
           ,
           and
           subjected
           to
           some
           morall
           rule
           .
           God
           hath
           made
           those
           creatures
           obnoxious
           to
           this
           greatest
           evill
           ,
           whom
           he
           made
           capable
           of
           the
           greatest
           good
           ,
           as
           men
           and
           Angels
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           It
           is
           not
           Astrologically
           evil
           ,
           as
           some
           men
           who
           would
           be
           wise
           beyond
           sobriety
           vainly
           pretend
           ;
           influences
           of
           heavenly
           bodies
           upon
           the
           earth
           ,
           and
           the
           fruits
           of
           it
           must
           be
           granted
           ,
           but
           that
           is
           rather
           good
           and
           ill
           weather
           (
           to
           which
           if
           our
           Almanack
           men
           would
           keep
           themselves
           ,
           they
           would
           have
           enough
           to
           do
           )
           then
           good
           or
           evill
           times
           ;
           but
           that
           such
           and
           such
           positions
           and
           conjunctions
           in
           Planets
           ,
           should
           infer
           what
           the
           dispositions
           ,
           actions
           ,
           events
           of
           rationall
           and
           free
           men
           should
           be
           ,
           is
           easily
           said
           and
           hardly
           proved
           by
           Scripture
           or
           reason
           ,
           I
           mean
           in
           words
           at
           length
           ,
           and
           not
           in
           figures
           .
           What
           a
           quick
           and
           crosse
           revolution
           of
           the
           heavens
           was
           there
           when
           
             Jacob
          
           and
           
             Esau
          
           were
           born
           ,
           that
           men
           so
           neer
           in
           birth
           should
           be
           so
           distant
           and
           different
           in
           manners
           and
           events
           ?
           What
           secret
           or
           unknown
           box
           is
           there
           ,
           wherein
           those
           strong
           impressions
           at
           nativity
           are
           conserved
           ,
           notwithstanding
           the
           mutations
           in
           heaven
           and
           earth
           ,
           the
           bodies
           and
           minds
           of
           men
           ?
           The
           holy
           Ghost
           indeed
           mentions
           signes
           in
           the
           Sun
           ,
           and
           Moon
           ,
           and
           Stars
           ,
           
             Luk.
          
           21.
           25.
           but
           those
           are
           extraordinary
           ,
           and
           such
           ,
           as
           these
           pretenders
           have
           little
           to
           do
           with
           .
           And
           indeed
           that
           trade
           had
           failed
           long
           since
           ,
           had
           it
           not
           been
           upheld
           by
           two
           rotten
           props
           ,
           superstitious
           credulity
           on
           the
           one
           hand
           ,
           and
           fallacious
           ambiguity
           on
           the
           other
           .
           But
           I
           dismisse
           them
           with
           this
           character
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           justly
           be
           accounted
           fools
           among
           wise
           men
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           accounted
           wise
           men
           among
           fools
           .
        
         
           To
           speak
           positively
           .
           Times
           are
           evill
           ,
           though
           not
           naturally
           or
           inherently
           ;
           yet
           adherently
           and
           concomitantly
           Times
           are
           those
           vessels
           which
           contain
           all
           actions
           and
           accidents
           ,
           and
           are
           denominated
           according
           to
           what
           they
           are
           filled
           with
           ;
           sometimes
           pleasant
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           such
           wherein
           there
           is
           no
           pleasure
           .
           They
           are
           
             good
          
           times
           in
           which
           good
           befals
           ,
           
             evill
          
           in
           which
           evil
           :
           &
           this
           appears
           by
           Scripture
           expressions
           ,
           where
           the
           
             day
             of
             evill
          
           and
           an
           
             evill
             day
          
           are
           used
           indifferently
           ;
           
           and
           
             good
             dayes
          
           
           is
           all
           one
           
             with
             dayes
             to
             see
             or
             enjoy
             good
             :
          
           as
           appears
           by
           comparing
           
             Psal.
          
           34.
           12.
           with
           1
           
             Pet.
          
           3.
           10.
           
           For
           the
           more
           full
           understanding
           of
           this
           expression
           ,
           it
           is
           best
           to
           consult
           with
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           see
           how
           it
           is
           there
           used
           ,
           and
           I
           shall
           mention
           three
           places
           to
           that
           purpose
           .
           
           First
           ,
           that
           of
           
             Jacob
             ,
          
           who
           in
           the
           account
           that
           he
           gives
           of
           himself
           to
           
             Pharaoh
          
           saith
           ,
           
             Few
             and
             evill
             have
             the
             dayes
             of
             the
             yeers
             of
             my
             life
             been
             :
          
           that
           is
           ,
           troublesome
           ,
           full
           of
           labour
           and
           sorrow
           ;
           for
           the
           word
           rendred
           evill
           ,
           though
           it
           signifie
           both
           evill
           of
           sin
           and
           punishment
           ,
           yet
           must
           be
           taken
           rather
           for
           penally
           evill
           .
           And
           who
           so
           reflects
           upon
           
             Jacobs
          
           pilgrimage
           ,
           and
           considers
           his
           banishment
           from
           his
           fathers
           house
           for
           fear
           of
           
             Esau
             ,
          
           before
           whose
           envy
           he
           could
           not
           stand
           ,
           his
           hard
           entertainment
           with
           his
           Uncle
           
             Laban
             ,
          
           the
           vexations
           of
           his
           wives
           ,
           the
           stupration
           of
           his
           daughter
           ,
           the
           slaughter
           of
           the
           Sichemites
           by
           
             Simeon
          
           and
           
             Levi
             ,
          
           the
           defiling
           his
           concubine
           by
           
             Reuben
             ,
          
           the
           selling
           of
           
             Joseph
             ,
          
           the
           parting
           with
           the
           staffe
           of
           his
           age
           
             Benjamin
             :
          
           I
           say
           ,
           he
           that
           considers
           these
           things
           ,
           may
           well
           bear
           with
           that
           expression
           of
           
             Jacob
             ,
             Evill
             dayes
             .
          
           And
           in
           this
           sense
           is
           it
           used
           also
           ,
           
             Eccl.
          
           12.
           1.
           where
           old
           age
           being
           a
           bundle
           of
           infirmities
           ,
           which
           are
           reckoned
           up
           in
           the
           beginning
           of
           that
           Chapter
           ,
           is
           called
           ,
           
             The
             evill
             day
             .
          
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           it
           is
           used
           ,
           
             Ephes.
          
           6.
           13.
           where
           we
           finde
           mention
           made
           of
           an
           evill
           day
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           day
           of
           tentation
           ,
           the
           time
           wherein
           Satan
           taking
           advantage
           (
           it
           may
           be
           )
           of
           some
           outward
           evils
           ,
           applyes
           himself
           with
           all
           his
           strength
           and
           subtilty
           to
           disturbe
           and
           destroy
           a
           poore
           soul
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           a
           worse
           day
           then
           the
           day
           of
           affliction
           :
           for
           afflictions
           many
           times
           drive
           from
           sin
           ,
           but
           tentations
           have
           a
           tendency
           to
           it
           ,
           and
           the
           neerer
           sin
           the
           greatest
           evill
           ,
           the
           worse
           may
           any
           thing
           be
           justly
           deemed
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           there
           is
           another
           expression
           concerning
           times
           ,
           2
           
             Tim.
          
           3.
           1.
           where
           the
           Apostle
           speaking
           of
           the
           last
           dayes
           ,
           saith
           ,
           there
           shall
           be
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           perillous
           ,
           difficult
           ,
           or
           dangerous
           times
           ;
           and
           declares
           wherein
           the
           perill
           of
           them
           should
           consist
           ,
           
             se
             :
          
           in
           many
           corruptions
           there
           enumerated
           ,
           which
           must
           necessarily
           bring
           many
           snares
           and
           punishments
           along
           with
           them
           .
           So
           that
           out
           of
           these
           places
           layd
           together
           ,
           we
           may
           more
           then
           guesse
           at
           the
           Apostles
           meaning
           in
           this
           mention
           of
           evill
           dayes
           ,
           
           which
           seems
           to
           be
           this
           :
           the
           dayes
           are
           evil
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           made
           up
           of
           a
           complication
           of
           sins
           ,
           snares
           ,
           and
           miseries
           ,
           which
           the
           word
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           imports
           ,
           which
           signifies
           not
           onely
           ungodly
           ,
           but
           unquiet
           ,
           and
           troublesome
           ;
           which
           by
           the
           way
           intimates
           the
           restlesnesse
           that
           attends
           wickednes
           so
           c●ose
           ,
           that
           one
           word
           holds
           them
           ,
           and
           one
           world
           must
           .
        
         
           Of
           that
           which
           hath
           been
           said
           ,
           I
           shall
           make
           no
           other
           application
           then
           to
           take
           notice
           of
           the
           difference
           betwixt
           the
           Theologicall
           and
           Astrologicall
           distinction
           and
           judgement
           of
           times
           .
           
             Diviners
          
           say
           ,
           that
           unhappie
           
             conjunctions
          
           in
           the
           Stars
           produce
           ill
           times
           ,
           crosse
           accidents
           and
           occurrents
           :
           but
           
             Divines
             ,
             Quanto
             ●●ctius
             ,
          
           that
           not
           conjunctions
           ,
           but
           corruptions
           in
           men
           are
           the
           causes
           of
           evill
           times
           :
           and
           he
           that
           can
           take
           heed
           of
           
             sins
             ,
          
           need
           not
           fear
           
             stars
             .
             Etsi
             fractus
             illabatur
             orbis
             .
          
        
         
           But
           I
           proceed
           to
           the
           second
           thing
           propounded
           in
           the
           prosecution
           of
           this
           point
           ▪
           and
           that
           is
           a
           disquisition
           whether
           the
           times
           we
           live
           in
           may
           not
           justly
           be
           called
           evill
           times
           .
           And
           this
           is
           a
           work
           not
           unnecessary
           ,
           because
           there
           are
           many
           duties
           that
           depend
           upon
           a
           right
           understanding
           of
           times
           ;
           men
           know
           not
           how
           to
           order
           their
           prayers
           ,
           praises
           ,
           services
           ,
           to
           the
           best
           advantage
           ,
           unlesse
           they
           have
           some
           inspection
           to
           the
           times
           .
           It
           is
           not
           expected
           that
           every
           man
           should
           have
           a
           politicall
           knowledge
           of
           the
           times
           ,
           but
           a
           prudentiall
           and
           practicall
           knowledge
           is
           very
           expedient
           :
           the
           former
           frequently
           produces
           but
           a
           serving
           of
           the
           time
           ;
           but
           the
           latter
           a
           saving
           and
           improving
           time
           .
           
           It
           was
           the
           commendation
           of
           the
           men
           of
           
             Issachar
             ,
          
           that
           they
           were
           understanding
           in
           the
           times
           ,
           and
           knew
           what
           Israel
           ought
           to
           do
           .
        
         
           If
           therefore
           inquirie
           be
           made
           ,
           whether
           these
           times
           are
           evil
           ,
           or
           not
           ,
           the
           verdict
           may
           be
           returned
           without
           going
           from
           the
           barre
           ,
           the
           case
           is
           so
           evident
           that
           they
           are
           evill
           ,
           whether
           evill
           be
           taken
           with
           respect
           to
           sin
           or
           punishment
           .
           But
           the
           question
           is
           of
           that
           moment
           ,
           that
           a
           generall
           answer
           is
           not
           sufficient
           ;
           let
           it
           therefore
           be
           considered
           wherein
           the
           evill
           of
           these
           times
           especially
           consists
           .
        
         
           And
           because
           the
           determination
           of
           this
           question
           is
           lyable
           to
           much
           exception
           ,
           in
           regard
           of
           the
           different
           thoughts
           of
           men
           ,
           who
           make
           the
           evil
           of
           the
           times
           to
           stand
           in
           things
           that
           crosse
           
           their
           own
           opinions
           and
           interests
           :
           I
           shall
           take
           a
           safe
           and
           impartiall
           course
           ,
           and
           steer
           by
           the
           infallible
           compasse
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           have
           a
           more
           especiall
           eye
           upon
           the
           24.
           Chap.
           of
           
             Mat
             :
          
           wherein
           our
           Saviour
           makes
           a
           description
           of
           evill
           and
           dangerous
           times
           that
           were
           to
           fore-run
           the
           destruction
           of
           
             Jerusalem
             ,
          
           and
           the
           dissolution
           of
           the
           world
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Times
           abounding
           with
           errors
           and
           corruptions
           in
           doctrine
           may
           justly
           be
           called
           evill
           times
           ;
           goodnesse
           and
           truth
           are
           neerly
           allyed
           ,
           so
           also
           are
           evill
           and
           error
           ,
           which
           renders
           this
           position
           true
           ,
           that
           erroneous
           times
           are
           evil
           times
           .
           And
           I
           chuse
           to
           begin
           with
           the
           mention
           of
           this
           kind
           of
           evil
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           the
           foundation
           of
           divers
           other
           ,
           many
           distractions
           and
           corruptions
           arising
           hence
           .
           And
           this
           (
           how
           slightly
           soever
           some
           may
           think
           of
           it
           )
           is
           the
           most
           remarkable
           evil
           our
           Saviour
           takes
           notice
           of
           in
           that
           Chapter
           mentioned
           ,
           
           where
           we
           finde
           it
           three
           times
           taken
           notice
           of
           ,
           
             viz
             :
             v.
             5.
             
             Many
             shall
             come
             in
             my
             Name
             ,
             saying
             ,
             I
             am
             Christ
             :
             and
             shall
             deceive
             many
             .
          
           v.
           11.
           
           
             And
             many
             false
             Prophets
             shall
             rise
             ,
             and
             shall
             deceive
             many
             .
          
           v.
           24.
           
           
             There
             shall
             arise
             false
             Christ
             ,
             and
             false
             prophets
             ,
             and
             shall
             shew
             great
             signes
             and
             wonders
             :
             insomuch
             that
             if
             it
             were
             possible
             they
             shall
             deceive
             the
             very
             elect
             .
          
           And
           if
           this
           be
           an
           evil
           ,
           which
           no
           good
           man
           doubts
           ,
           these
           times
           must
           needs
           be
           evil
           ,
           in
           which
           we
           have
           not
           onely
           many
           ordinarie
           mistakes
           ,
           and
           differences
           of
           lesser
           consequence
           arising
           from
           diversity
           of
           light
           ,
           incident
           to
           the
           best
           Churches
           ,
           but
           there
           are
           also
           
             Cavendae
             tempestates
             ,
          
           
           
             &
             flenda
             naufragia
             :
          
           many
           dangerous
           departings
           from
           the
           faith
           ,
           and
           shipwracks
           concerning
           it
           ;
           we
           meet
           not
           onely
           with
           strong
           gales
           that
           scatter
           our
           ships
           ,
           and
           make
           them
           steer
           different
           courses
           ,
           though
           they
           meet
           in
           the
           Haven
           at
           last
           ,
           but
           black
           and
           violent
           stormes
           which
           bring
           some
           to
           wreck
           and
           ruine
           ,
           and
           this
           must
           needs
           be
           ill
           weather
           .
           For
           besides
           the
           Antichristian
           and
           superstitions
           dregs
           which
           we
           have
           derived
           from
           the
           Apostasie
           of
           the
           Western
           Church
           (
           from
           whence
           we
           are
           risen
           ,
           but
           as
           
             Lazarus
          
           with
           our
           grave-clothes
           about
           us
           )
           from
           which
           we
           are
           not
           yet
           throughly
           drained
           ,
           the
           bold
           and
           dangerous
           errors
           and
           heresies
           which
           long
           since
           infested
           the
           Eastern
           Churches
           concerning
           the
           Trinity
           ,
           the
           natures
           of
           Christ
           are
           raked
           up
           out
           of
           the
           ashes
           again
           ,
           and
           offer
           to
           outface
           the
           daylight
           of
           the
           Gospel
           :
           Vain
           Philosophy
           
           perks
           up
           again
           ,
           and
           affronts
           Divinity
           concerning
           the
           immortality
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           as
           an
           handmaid
           that
           is
           heir
           to
           her
           Mistresse
           .
           Not
           to
           mention
           the
           Socinian
           ,
           Arminian
           tenets
           ,
           things
           not
           long
           since
           zealously
           thrust
           out
           at
           the
           foredoore
           ,
           but
           now
           slipping
           in
           again
           at
           the
           back-doore
           ,
           and
           would
           be
           looked
           upon
           as
           quite
           other
           things
           ,
           because
           brought
           in
           by
           other
           persons
           .
           And
           as
           if
           it
           were
           a
           small
           thing
           for
           us
           to
           be
           the
           common
           sewre
           of
           other
           Countreys
           ,
           in
           which
           the
           confluence
           of
           strange
           opinions
           should
           meet
           ,
           unlesse
           we
           adde
           something
           of
           our
           own
           .
           I
           beleeve
           we
           have
           added
           some
           which
           other
           places
           and
           ages
           scarce
           ever
           dream'd
           of
           ,
           though
           it
           be
           a
           dream
           ,
           that
           all
           Churches
           are
           dissolved
           ,
           Ordinances
           lost
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           be
           expected
           or
           recovered
           till
           new
           Apostolical
           missions
           and
           commissions
           drop
           down
           from
           heaven
           among
           us
           .
           Which
           opens
           a
           doore
           for
           any
           man
           to
           be
           any
           thing
           ,
           till
           at
           last
           he
           come
           to
           be
           nothing
           .
           So
           that
           in
           this
           respect
           our
           times
           are
           undeniably
           evil
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Enormities
           and
           corruptions
           in
           manners
           render
           times
           very
           evil
           ;
           this
           is
           also
           mentioned
           by
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           
             Matth.
          
           24.
           12.
           where
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           
             that
             iniquity
             shall
             abound
             ,
             and
             the
             love
             of
             many
             wax
             cold
             .
          
           Sin
           is
           certainly
           the
           greatest
           evil
           ,
           it
           hath
           no
           epithite
           bad
           enough
           to
           be
           joyned
           with
           it
           ,
           but
           one
           of
           its
           own
           make
           ,
           which
           is
           sinfull
           :
           sin
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           foundation
           of
           all
           miseries
           and
           calamities
           which
           are
           but
           the
           spawn
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           hell
           it self
           the
           fruit
           .
           Where
           sin
           therefore
           with
           its
           retinue
           (
           which
           alwayes
           follows
           it
           ,
           sometimes
           at
           the
           heels
           ,
           sometimes
           at
           distance
           )
           abounds
           ,
           the
           dayes
           must
           needs
           be
           evil
           .
           And
           if
           so
           the
           dayes
           wherein
           our
           lot
           is
           fallen
           must
           submit
           to
           the
           censure
           of
           evil
           dayes
           ,
           was
           there
           ever
           any
           time
           that
           iniquity
           more
           abounded
           then
           now
           adayes
           ?
           was
           there
           ever
           more
           prodigious
           swearing
           ,
           more
           profane
           Sabbath-breaking
           ,
           more
           abominable
           uncleannesse
           ,
           more
           frequent
           murthers
           ,
           and
           thefts
           ,
           beside
           that
           filthinesse
           of
           spirit
           ,
           pride
           ,
           malice
           ,
           covetousnesse
           daily
           discovering
           it self
           ,
           as
           much
           as
           ever
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           more
           then
           ever
           ,
           because
           we
           have
           had
           more
           means
           to
           reclaim
           us
           ;
           the
           vanity
           of
           apparell
           deserves
           to
           be
           taken
           notice
           of
           among
           the
           rest
           ,
           the
           naked
           shoulders
           of
           women
           portend
           a
           scourge
           .
           We
           are
           fallen
           into
           the
           dregs
           of
           times
           ,
           &
           the
           dregs
           of
           wars
           are
           fallen
           among
           us
           .
           And
           all
           these
           evils
           are
           aggravated
           by
           this
           among
           other
           
           circumstances
           ,
           that
           as
           wicked
           
             Ahaz
          
           (
           whom
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           points
           out
           as
           a
           man
           remarkably
           evil
           ,
           and
           saies
           ,
           this
           is
           that
           King
           
             Ahaz
          
           )
           in
           the
           time
           of
           our
           distresse
           we
           sin
           yet
           more
           against
           the
           Lord
           ,
           our
           old
           wounds
           are
           yet
           unhealed
           ,
           deep
           scars
           remain
           upon
           us
           ,
           new
           dangers
           threaten
           us
           ,
           and
           yet
           how
           few
           are
           there
           who
           answer
           the
           Lords
           expectation
           ,
           who
           hearkens
           after
           the
           fruit
           of
           all
           this
           ,
           but
           hears
           not
           us
           reflecting
           upon
           our
           waies
           ,
           and
           the
           issues
           of
           them
           ,
           saying
           ,
           what
           have
           I
           done
           ?
           Many
           Orders
           and
           Ordinances
           there
           are
           tending
           to
           Reformation
           ,
           which
           meet
           with
           so
           much
           corruption
           ,
           and
           so
           inveterate
           malice
           ,
           that
           they
           produce
           little
           effect
           ,
           but
           the
           irritation
           and
           drawing
           forth
           the
           rage
           and
           mischief
           that
           is
           bound
           up
           in
           the
           hearts
           of
           men
           .
           And
           these
           kinde
           of
           evils
           are
           very
           hardly
           restrained
           ,
           and
           therefore
           like
           to
           go
           on
           till
           the
           measure
           of
           iniquitie
           be
           full
           ,
           and
           that
           can
           produce
           nothing
           but
           desolation
           .
           In
           some
           cases
           we
           want
           Laws
           ,
           and
           Courts
           of
           tryall
           ,
           as
           matters
           of
           uncleannesse
           ,
           and
           the
           shelter
           thereof
           .
           Clandestine
           Marriages
           ,
           which
           are
           also
           divers
           other
           wayes
           pernicious
           :
           and
           ,
           by
           the
           way
           ,
           it
           were
           worth
           the
           taking
           notice
           of
           by
           those
           in
           Authority
           ,
           that
           
             no
             things
             in
             the
             roome
             of
             old
             and
             abused
             things
             ,
             is
             not
             Reformation
             ,
             nor
             any
             friend
             to
             it
             ,
             but
             makes
             the
             people
             ,
             not
             altogether
             unjustly
             ,
             cry
             out
             for
             their
             rags
             again
             rather
             then
             go
             naked
             .
          
           And
           further
           ,
           which
           is
           
             fundi
             nostri
             calamitas
             ,
          
           where
           we
           have
           Laws
           ,
           we
           want
           Magistrates
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           Magistrates
           want
           wisdom
           ,
           will
           ,
           courage
           ,
           fidelitie
           ,
           or
           something
           necessary
           to
           put
           them
           in
           execution
           .
           We
           have
           many
           who
           in
           respect
           of
           calling
           are
           Gods
           ,
           
           but
           in
           their
           carriage
           are
           Idols
           ;
           they
           have
           eyes
           and
           see
           not
           ,
           eares
           have
           they
           ,
           and
           hear
           not
           ;
           neither
           speak
           they
           right
           things
           ,
           but
           rather
           hate
           him
           that
           reproveth
           in
           the
           gate
           ,
           and
           abhor
           him
           that
           speaketh
           uprightly
           ▪
           which
           is
           an
           evil
           time
           ,
           as
           you
           may
           find
           ,
           
             Amos
          
           5.
           10.
           13.
           
           Never
           had
           any
           poore
           Kingdom
           greater
           occasion
           to
           complain
           in
           the
           language
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           
             Micah
          
           7.
           1
           ,
           2.
           
           
             Wo
             is
             me
             ,
             for
             I
             am
             as
             when
             they
             have
             gathered
             the
             summer
             fruits
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             cluster
             to
             eat
             :
             the
             good
             man
             is
             perished
             out
             of
             the
             earth
             :
             The
             best
             of
             them
             is
             as
             a
             brier
             .
          
           v.
           4.
           and
           this
           is
           our
           perplexity
           .
           And
           lastly
           ,
           that
           which
           makes
           the
           times
           evil
           in
           this
           respect
           ,
           is
           ,
           that
           in
           some
           places
           where
           there
           are
           Laws
           and
           Magistrates
           ,
           the
           spirit
           that
           works
           in
           the
           children
           of
           disobedience
           is
           broken
           
           so
           loose
           among
           us
           ,
           that
           open
           contempts
           and
           aff●onts
           are
           offered
           to
           them
           ,
           of
           which
           you
           have
           had
           too
           late
           a
           testimony
           in
           this
           famous
           City
           ,
           which
           I
           am
           loath
           to
           keep
           in
           memory
           by
           mentioning
           of
           it
           .
           And
           these
           things
           render
           the
           times
           exceeding
           evill
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Dayes
           may
           be
           called
           evil
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           wrath
           and
           punishment
           measured
           out
           in
           them
           ,
           as
           in
           explaining
           the
           point
           appeared
           .
           And
           our
           Saviour
           also
           takes
           in
           this
           ,
           
             Matth.
             24.
             7.
             
             And
             ye
             shall
             hear
             of
             wars
             ,
             and
             rumors
             of
             wars
             ,
             Nation
             shall
             rise
             against
             Nation
             :
             there
             shall
             be
             famines
             ,
             and
             pestilences
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           Or
           as
           
             Luke
          
           expresses
           it
           :
           
             Mens
             hearts
             failing
             them
             for
             fear
             ,
             and
             for
             looking
             after
             those
             things
             that
             are
             coming
             on
             the
             earth
             :
          
           these
           are
           ill
           times
           ,
           these
           are
           our
           times
           .
           True
           ,
           it
           is
           something
           better
           with
           us
           ,
           then
           when
           our
           high
           wayes
           were
           unoccupied
           ,
           our
           Cities
           besieged
           ,
           our
           houses
           layd
           waste
           ,
           and
           when
           God
           suffered
           evill
           and
           unreasonable
           men
           to
           ride
           over
           our
           heads
           ;
           but
           yet
           besides
           the
           deep
           impressions
           of
           former
           blows
           which
           will
           be
           long
           wearing
           out
           ,
           even
           in
           times
           of
           tranquillity
           ,
           besides
           the
           extraordinary
           burthens
           which
           present
           exigents
           bind
           upon
           our
           shoulders
           ,
           intrenching
           upon
           our
           plenty
           and
           liberty
           ,
           we
           lye
           under
           fears
           and
           rumors
           of
           wars
           ,
           and
           of
           such
           as
           are
           like
           to
           be
           worse
           then
           the
           former
           ,
           if
           it
           may
           be
           ;
           for
           now
           are
           mens
           spirits
           more
           exasperated
           ,
           and
           their
           rage
           and
           discontents
           boyled
           up
           to
           a
           greater
           height
           then
           formerly
           ;
           and
           also
           it
           is
           Gods
           wonted
           method
           to
           proceed
           from
           lesser
           punishments
           to
           greater
           ,
           from
           whips
           to
           scorpions
           ;
           
           and
           if
           men
           will
           not
           be
           amended
           ,
           to
           punish
           them
           seven
           times
           more
           for
           their
           fins
           .
           We
           have
           reason
           to
           suspect
           that
           our
           preservations
           not
           being
           seconded
           with
           Reformation
           ,
           may
           prove
           but
           reservations
           to
           greater
           evils
           .
           So
           that
           in
           respect
           of
           evils
           felt
           and
           feared
           ,
           our
           times
           may
           be
           called
           evil
           ,
           
           as
           the
           Lord
           speaks
           by
           
             Micah
             ,
             Behold
             ,
             against
             this
             family
             do
             I
             devise
             an
             evil
             ,
             from
             which
             ye
             shall
             not
             remove
             your
             necks
             ,
             neither
             shall
             ye
             go
             haughtily
             :
             for
             this
             time
             is
             evill
             .
          
        
         
           4.
           
           I
           may
           adde
           one
           thing
           more
           which
           (
           as
           I
           may
           so
           speak
           )
           renders
           these
           times
           compleatly
           evil
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           the
           distractions
           and
           divisions
           of
           them
           .
           Dissention
           is
           a
           mixture
           of
           sin
           and
           punishment
           ,
           and
           in
           every
           respect
           renders
           times
           evill
           :
           This
           also
           (
           that
           I
           may
           be
           true
           to
           my
           intention
           )
           we
           finde
           mentioned
           
           by
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           
             Matth.
             24.
             10.
             
             Many
             shall
             be
             offended
             ,
             and
             shall
             betray
             one
             another
             ,
             and
             hate
             one
             another
             .
          
           Times
           full
           of
           offences
           and
           scandals
           are
           wofull
           times
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           speech
           of
           Christ
           ,
           
             Matth.
             18.
             7.
             
             Wo
             unto
             the
             world
             because
             of
             offences
             :
          
           these
           are
           daies
           wherein
           many
           offences
           are
           given
           ,
           but
           more
           taken
           ;
           many
           cast
           stumbling
           blocks
           before
           others
           ,
           few
           take
           care
           to
           remove
           them
           ,
           but
           rather
           aggravate
           them
           .
           We
           have
           alreadie
           had
           one
           great
           division
           betwixt
           the
           friends
           and
           enemies
           of
           Reformation
           ,
           betwixt
           men
           that
           loved
           their
           own
           liberty
           ,
           and
           those
           loved
           the
           publick
           liberty
           ;
           and
           we
           thought
           the
           times
           bad
           enough
           in
           regard
           of
           that
           difference
           ,
           and
           the
           fruits
           of
           it
           ,
           warre
           ,
           and
           the
           miseries
           attending
           on
           it
           .
           But
           that
           fire
           though
           it
           was
           hot
           ,
           yet
           it
           was
           naturall
           ,
           it
           tended
           to
           separate
           things
           heterogeneous
           ,
           and
           congregate
           things
           and
           persons
           of
           the
           same
           nature
           and
           interest
           .
           But
           the
           divisions
           under
           which
           we
           now
           labour
           ,
           are
           a
           more
           unnaturall
           fire
           ,
           that
           separates
           things
           of
           the
           same
           kind
           ,
           a
           fire
           from
           hell
           ,
           that
           hath
           much
           heat
           ,
           but
           little
           light
           with
           it
           ,
           to
           direct
           what
           to
           do
           .
           
           Men
           that
           fasted
           ,
           prayed
           ,
           that
           have
           took
           sweet
           counsell
           together
           ,
           and
           walked
           to
           the
           House
           of
           God
           in
           company
           ,
           that
           have
           lived
           ,
           loved
           together
           ,
           and
           been
           willing
           to
           dye
           together
           ,
           are
           become
           strangers
           ,
           nay
           enemies
           to
           each
           other
           .
           And
           this
           addes
           much
           to
           the
           heap
           of
           our
           sins
           and
           punishments
           ;
           for
           envying
           and
           strife
           are
           not
           onely
           evils
           ,
           but
           fruitfull
           evils
           ;
           
           where
           ever
           they
           take
           place
           ,
           they
           bring
           in
           
             confusion
             ,
             and
             every
             evill
             work
             .
          
           If
           love
           be
           the
           fulfilling
           the
           Law
           ,
           and
           all
           obedience
           be
           comprised
           in
           it
           ,
           certainly
           the
           want
           of
           it
           is
           the
           summe
           of
           all
           disobedience
           :
           if
           Charity
           be
           the
           bond
           ,
           uncharitablenesse
           must
           needs
           be
           the
           bane
           of
           perfectnesse
           .
           And
           as
           it
           is
           a
           punishment
           in
           it self
           ,
           so
           it
           opens
           a
           gap
           to
           further
           ,
           it
           exposes
           both
           parties
           to
           the
           derisions
           and
           designes
           of
           a
           common
           Enemie
           ▪
           it
           makes
           the
           
             Philistines
          
           rejoyce
           ,
           and
           the
           daughters
           of
           the
           uncircumcis'd
           triumph
           in
           expectation
           that
           they
           shall
           have
           a
           cheap
           way
           made
           to
           the
           satisfying
           their
           lusts
           upon
           us
           ,
           by
           getting
           in
           at
           our
           own
           breaches
           .
           Let
           us
           therefore
           bewail
           the
           burning
           which
           the
           Lord
           hath
           kindled
           among
           us
           ,
           and
           take
           heed
           of
           p●uring
           into
           these
           flames
           the
           oyl
           of
           false
           report
           ,
           credulity
           ,
           suspition
           ,
           mis-interpretation
           ;
           but
           tears
           rather
           ,
           for
           the
           quenching
           of
           them
           .
        
         
         
           Thus
           have
           I
           dispatch'd
           the
           former
           part
           of
           my
           work
           which
           is
           far
           the
           easier
           ,
           
           and
           demonstrated
           the
           evil
           of
           these
           dayes
           :
           the
           latter
           and
           more
           difficult
           yet
           remains
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           hold
           forth
           some
           expedients
           or
           remedies
           for
           these
           great
           evils
           :
           and
           let
           me
           endeavour
           to
           shew
           you
           what
           is
           most
           likely
           to
           better
           these
           evill
           dayes
           .
           And
           before
           I
           speak
           positively
           ,
           let
           me
           in
           a
           word
           declare
           what
           is
           not
           like
           to
           do
           it
           ,
           or
           any
           thing
           toward
           it
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           
           Murmuring
           ,
           complaining
           ,
           evil
           speaking
           ,
           especially
           of
           those
           that
           are
           in
           Authority
           ,
           is
           not
           like
           to
           mend
           the
           times
           :
           Ill
           words
           corrupt
           good
           manners
           ,
           and
           ill
           manners
           hinder
           good
           times
           .
           
           The
           Scripture
           is
           clear
           in
           this
           case
           .
           
             He
             that
             will
             love
             life
             ,
             and
             see
             good
             dayes
             ,
             let
             him
             refrain
             his
             tongue
             from
             evill
             ,
             and
             his
             lips
             that
             they
             speak
             no
             guile
             .
          
           And
           this
           is
           seconded
           by
           the
           Apostle
           
             James
             ,
          
           Chap.
           3.
           who
           seems
           to
           refer
           to
           dayes
           like
           ours
           ,
           and
           begins
           ,
           
             My
             brethren
             ,
             be
             not
             many
             masters
             ,
          
           &c.
           and
           proceeds
           to
           shew
           the
           licentiousnesse
           and
           exorbitancy
           of
           language
           to
           be
           the
           cause
           of
           manifold
           mischiefs
           ;
           he
           cals
           it
           a
           
             fire
             ,
             a
             world
             of
             iniquity
             :
             that
             sets
             on
             fire
             the
             course
             of
             nature
             ,
             and
             is
             set
             on
             fire
             of
             hell
             .
          
           These
           times
           are
           a
           sufficient
           comment
           on
           this
           text
           ,
           especially
           if
           pens
           be
           taken
           in
           as
           well
           as
           tongues
           ,
           which
           are
           the
           worse
           of
           the
           two
           ,
           because
           more
           permanent
           ,
           
             Litera
             scripta
             manebit
             .
          
           And
           if
           it
           were
           to
           any
           purpose
           ,
           I
           could
           vehemently
           inveigh
           not
           so
           much
           against
           the
           authors
           of
           our
           daily
           merry
           mischiefs
           ,
           to
           whom
           that
           of
           
             Solomon
          
           is
           appliable
           :
           
             As
             a
             mad-man
             who
             casteth
             firebrands
             ,
             arrows
             ,
             and
             death
             ,
             so
             is
             the
             man
             that
             deceiveth
             his
             neighbour
             ,
             and
             saith
             ,
             Am
             I
             not
             in
             sport
             ?
          
           as
           against
           those
           whose
           duty
           it
           is
           ,
           and
           care
           it
           should
           be
           ,
           to
           suppresse
           them
           ;
           if
           they
           regard
           the
           honour
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Kingdom
           ,
           whose
           shame
           ,
           besides
           their
           own
           ,
           these
           raging
           waves
           continually
           fome
           out
           ,
           
             Hae
             nugae
             seria
             ducunt
             .
          
           But
           to
           return
           to
           my
           intendment
           .
           What
           gained
           the
           Israelites
           by
           murmuring
           in
           the
           wildernesse
           upon
           every
           jealousie
           and
           discontent
           ?
           surely
           nothing
           but
           displeasure
           from
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           losse
           of
           a
           good
           Land
           ,
           which
           we
           are
           hastening
           to
           .
           And
           more
           particularly
           the
           evill
           speakings
           ,
           swellings
           ,
           tumults
           against
           the
           Parliament
           and
           their
           proceedings
           ,
           is
           the
           most
           unlikely
           thing
           in
           the
           world
           to
           better
           the
           times
           :
           for
           howsoever
           it
           must
           not
           be
           denyed
           there
           are
           with
           them
           ,
           even
           with
           them
           also
           iniquities
           by
           us
           to
           be
           bewailed
           ,
           by
           them
           amended
           ;
           yet
           to
           
           traduce
           ,
           calumniate
           ,
           and
           asperse
           them
           with
           evill
           language
           ,
           now
           grown
           as
           common
           as
           brown
           paper
           and
           packthreed
           in
           every
           shop
           ,
           is
           in
           a
           great
           measure
           unjust
           ;
           and
           where
           it
           is
           not
           unjust
           ,
           it
           is
           unwise
           .
           It
           is
           unjust
           ,
           for
           howsoever
           they
           have
           not
           improved
           all
           opportunities
           (
           which
           who
           is
           there
           that
           slips
           not
           )
           of
           establishing
           truth
           and
           peace
           among
           us
           ,
           howsoever
           there
           are
           many
           things
           wanting
           which
           should
           ,
           and
           it
           may
           be
           might
           have
           been
           done
           ;
           yet
           many
           good
           works
           have
           they
           done
           ,
           and
           for
           which
           of
           these
           shall
           we
           stone
           them
           ?
           I
           know
           it
           will
           be
           answered
           ,
           For
           a
           good
           work
           we
           stone
           thee
           not
           ,
           &c.
           
           But
           consider
           their
           distractions
           ,
           their
           tossings
           to
           and
           fro
           ,
           the
           manifold
           designes
           upon
           them
           to
           divide
           and
           destroy
           them
           ,
           beside
           the
           personall
           infirmities
           and
           allowances
           of
           every
           man
           ,
           it
           may
           allay
           the
           spirits
           of
           them
           who
           ever
           had
           any
           good
           opinion
           of
           them
           ,
           or
           affection
           toward
           them
           ;
           
           (
           as
           for
           others
           ,
           I
           say
           nothing
           but
           what
           saith
           the
           Proverbe
           of
           the
           ancients
           ,
           
             Wickednesse
             proceedeth
             from
             the
             wicked
          
           )
           .
           It
           is
           the
           fault
           and
           folly
           of
           men
           to
           think
           that
           Magistrates
           ,
           because
           they
           are
           called
           Gods
           ,
           should
           be
           without
           infirmity
           ,
           though
           themselves
           lye
           in
           iniquity
           .
           They
           are
           indeed
           called
           gods
           ,
           but
           must
           dye
           like
           men
           ,
           and
           they
           do
           live
           and
           walk
           like
           men
           too
           .
           The
           best
           of
           them
           that
           we
           read
           of
           ,
           
             Nehemiah
          
           himself
           desires
           to
           come
           off
           with
           a
           pardon
           ,
           
             Lord
             remember
             me
             for
             good
             ,
          
           
           
             and
             spare
             me
             according
             to
             the
             multitude
             of
             thy
             mercies
             .
          
           Let
           us
           deal
           with
           our
           titular
           gods
           ,
           as
           our
           onely
           true
           God
           deals
           with
           us
           ,
           who
           rejects
           not
           any
           good
           for
           the
           evil
           ,
           and
           infirmities
           that
           cleave
           thereunto
           ;
           
           but
           picks
           out
           integritie
           out
           of
           the
           midst
           of
           our
           infirmity
           ,
           and
           remembers
           the
           kindnesse
           of
           our
           youth
           when
           we
           grow
           worse
           ,
           
           or
           at
           least
           weaker
           by
           age
           ,
           who
           spares
           us
           as
           a
           father
           spares
           the
           son
           that
           serves
           him
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           And
           where
           this
           evil
           speaking
           is
           not
           untrue
           ,
           yet
           it
           is
           very
           unpolitick
           (
           if
           it
           be
           fit
           to
           use
           such
           a
           word
           here
           )
           and
           unwise
           ;
           there
           may
           be
           
             ground
          
           for
           evil
           reports
           ,
           yet
           there
           can
           be
           no
           good
           
             fruit
          
           of
           them
           ,
           especially
           as
           things
           now
           stand
           .
           He
           is
           a
           very
           great
           stranger
           to
           this
           Nation
           ,
           and
           the
           good
           of
           it
           ,
           who
           knows
           not
           how
           much
           it
           is
           concerned
           in
           the
           power
           and
           reputation
           of
           Parliaments
           ,
           what
           an
           high
           way
           were
           made
           to
           our
           ruine
           in
           their
           dishonour
           and
           destruction
           ▪
           to
           make
           them
           vile
           ,
           is
           but
           to
           pave
           a
           way
           to
           our
           own
           villanage
           ,
           it
           were
           just
           such
           a
           peice
           of
           
           policy
           ,
           as
           for
           a
           company
           of
           men
           who
           live
           upon
           the
           Sea
           coast
           ,
           and
           pull
           down
           those
           banks
           which
           are
           their
           defence
           from
           the
           waves
           of
           the
           Sea
           ,
           
           and
           tumult
           of
           the
           people
           .
           It
           beasts
           were
           not
           beasts
           ,
           they
           would
           never
           bark
           or
           root
           up
           the
           tree
           that
           shelters
           them
           ;
           let
           not
           men
           be
           beasts
           and
           do
           so
           :
           It
           is
           the
           temper
           of
           people
           to
           love
           things
           past
           ,
           to
           hate
           things
           present
           ,
           and
           earnestly
           to
           expect
           changes
           ,
           accordingly
           we
           are
           very
           unsatisfied
           with
           our
           present
           condition
           .
           But
           suppose
           a
           man
           stand
           upon
           a
           ragged
           rock
           where
           his
           feet
           are
           pained
           ,
           will
           he
           not
           consider
           where
           he
           is
           like
           to
           light
           before
           he
           leaps
           down
           ?
           Let
           us
           be
           so
           wise
           and
           know
           ,
           that
           upon
           our
           demolishing
           this
           present
           structure
           ,
           howsoever
           ruinous
           enough
           ,
           we
           can
           expect
           little
           better
           then
           what
           the
           Lord
           threatens
           to
           a
           people
           ,
           of
           whom
           he
           declares
           he
           would
           have
           no
           pitie
           .
           
             Zach.
          
           11.
           6.
           the
           place
           may
           be
           perused
           ,
           and
           considered
           at
           leisure
           .
           But
           oh
           that
           while
           I
           plead
           for
           Magistracie
           ,
           Magistrates
           would
           plead
           for
           themselves
           ,
           not
           by
           words
           and
           writings
           ,
           but
           reall
           amendments
           ,
           for
           nothing
           else
           will
           do
           it
           ;
           and
           leave
           off
           faction
           ,
           partiality
           ,
           private
           interests
           ,
           and
           those
           things
           that
           tend
           to
           nothing
           but
           mischief
           and
           miserie
           ,
           that
           would
           much
           better
           the
           times
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           New
           commotions
           and
           warres
           are
           no
           way
           like
           to
           better
           the
           times
           ,
           this
           also
           is
           evident
           ,
           
             Psal.
          
           34.
           he
           that
           would
           live
           many
           dayes
           to
           see
           good
           ,
           
             let
             him
             seek
             peace
             and
             insue
             it
             ;
          
           if
           ever
           it
           need
           insuing
           it
           is
           now
           when
           it
           is
           flying
           so
           fast
           from
           us
           .
           We
           have
           seen
           and
           felt
           what
           a
           big-bellyed
           evill
           War
           is
           ,
           how
           fruitfull
           in
           the
           twins
           of
           sin
           and
           misery
           .
           What
           through
           the
           dissolution
           of
           Courts
           ,
           and
           dissolutenesse
           of
           camps
           ,
           it
           makes
           iniquitie
           overflow
           like
           a
           common
           deluge
           .
           We
           see
           how
           dearly
           that
           little
           good
           that
           is
           gotten
           by
           warre
           cost
           us
           ;
           we
           cannot
           have
           Religion
           settled
           but
           there
           must
           first
           be
           no
           Religion
           ,
           or
           twenty
           religions
           as
           they
           are
           called
           :
           We
           cannot
           have
           Law
           ,
           but
           by
           breaking
           Laws
           ;
           nor
           Liberty
           ,
           but
           we
           must
           first
           be
           (
           as
           it
           were
           )
           slaves
           .
           Who
           so
           thinks
           by
           new
           stirres
           to
           prevent
           errors
           and
           oppressions
           ,
           exceedingly
           mistakes
           ;
           for
           error
           is
           kept
           up
           by
           confusion
           ,
           as
           mud
           by
           stirring
           the
           water
           which
           would
           settle
           to
           the
           bottom
           after
           a
           little
           quiet
           .
           Who
           gains
           any
           thing
           by
           war
           ,
           but
           he
           that
           hath
           nothing
           to
           lose
           .
           Beleeve
           it
           before
           you
           feel
           it
           ,
           the
           little
           finger
           of
           the
           next
           war
           is
           like
           to
           be
           heavyer
           then
           
           the
           loins
           of
           this
           (
           though
           broken
           )
           Peace
           .
           Those
           that
           now
           so
           studiously
           foment
           new
           broils
           ,
           suppose
           they
           should
           prevail
           ,
           yet
           doubtlesse
           our
           fate
           abides
           them
           ,
           which
           is
           mutuall
           animosi
           ies
           and
           divisions
           :
           for
           if
           they
           have
           not
           as
           many
           ends
           to
           bring
           together
           as
           other
           men
           .
           I
           am
           much
           mistaken
           ;
           but
           taking
           in
           the
           certain
           hazard
           with
           the
           uncertain
           event
           ,
           the
           people
           had
           better
           learn
           to
           pray
           without
           book
           to
           be
           prepared
           for
           the
           Sacrament
           before
           they
           receive
           it
           ,
           to
           submit
           to
           Church
           Discipline
           ,
           and
           Taxes
           also
           for
           a
           time
           ,
           then
           further
           new
           commotions
           ,
           which
           will
           be
           bitternesse
           in
           the
           end
           ,
           beside
           the
           ruggednesse
           of
           the
           way
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           opening
           of
           a
           back
           doore
           for
           the
           receiving
           in
           again
           of
           old
           Offices
           ,
           Orders
           and
           Ceremonies
           in
           the
           Church
           is
           not
           so
           hopefull
           a
           way
           to
           better
           times
           as
           many
           imagine
           :
           It
           is
           indeed
           a
           question
           whether
           the
           abolition
           of
           them
           might
           not
           have
           been
           more
           graduall
           ,
           that
           the
           hearts
           of
           people
           might
           have
           been
           prepared
           to
           the
           Lord
           ;
           but
           the
           dispensations
           of
           providence
           ,
           and
           the
           Authority
           of
           Reformers
           having
           so
           ordered
           things
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           abrogated
           ;
           to
           resume
           them
           stands
           neither
           with
           prudence
           nor
           piety
           :
           as
           for
           the
           matter
           of
           piety
           ,
           sure
           there
           was
           little
           in
           them
           ,
           neither
           is
           there
           so
           much
           in
           any
           externall
           thing
           as
           may
           be
           supposed
           before
           it
           's
           tryed
           .
           Their
           nature
           must
           be
           very
           much
           abstracted
           from
           their
           practise
           ,
           
           or
           they
           must
           necessarily
           go
           in
           the
           number
           of
           plants
           which
           our
           heavenly
           Father
           never
           planted
           .
           Neither
           in
           prudence
           is
           it
           hopefull
           ,
           for
           if
           not
           more
           ,
           yet
           more
           considerable
           persons
           to
           the
           true
           welfare
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           will
           be
           disengaged
           by
           the
           retaining
           those
           forms
           and
           formalities
           ,
           then
           by
           rejecting
           them
           :
           and
           my
           reason
           is
           this
           ;
           Those
           that
           assert
           them
           do
           it
           ordinarily
           more
           out
           of
           faction
           then
           conscience
           ,
           for
           I
           perceive
           many
           ready
           to
           fight
           for
           a
           Common
           Prayer
           book
           ,
           who
           never
           made
           any
           conscience
           of
           hearing
           it
           ,
           but
           would
           leave
           the
           Priest
           and
           Clerk
           almost
           desolate
           ,
           and
           faction
           or
           humor
           ,
           though
           very
           busie
           and
           earnest
           for
           a
           time
           ,
           yet
           is
           easilier
           satisfied
           then
           conscience
           ;
           and
           the
           fruit
           of
           readmitting
           such
           things
           would
           be
           in
           probability
           this
           ,
           a
           fire
           would
           break
           out
           of
           those
           brambles
           to
           consume
           the
           Cedars
           of
           Lebanon
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           As
           not
           the
           opening
           a
           back
           doore
           to
           
             old
             Superstitions
             ,
          
           so
           
           neither
           the
           setting
           wide
           a
           paire
           of
           broad
           gates
           to
           a
           
             new
             Toleration
          
           would
           contribute
           hereunto
           ;
           if
           it
           should
           produce
           some
           present
           peace
           ,
           yet
           that
           peace
           would
           be
           both
           miserable
           and
           short
           ;
           it
           would
           be
           miserable
           ,
           because
           of
           the
           losse
           of
           Truth
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           foundation
           and
           beauty
           of
           peace
           in
           all
           Christian
           Kingdomes
           ;
           at
           the
           best
           it
           would
           but
           render
           our
           Kingdome
           ,
           as
           the
           French
           speaks
           of
           a
           beautifull
           harlot
           ,
           
             a
             Paradice
             for
             the
             eye
             ,
             but
             a
             Purgatory
             for
             the
             soule
             .
          
           And
           were
           it
           sweet
           ,
           yet
           it
           could
           be
           but
           short
           ,
           for
           where
           Religion
           is
           so
           much
           taken
           to
           heart
           as
           it
           is
           in
           this
           Kingdom
           ,
           and
           not
           so
           much
           swallowed
           up
           in
           worldly
           interests
           as
           in
           some
           other
           ,
           it
           would
           be
           very
           hard
           to
           conserve
           peace
           in
           the
           middst
           of
           so
           many
           differences
           .
           I
           speak
           not
           ,
           as
           if
           there
           might
           not
           ,
           or
           ought
           not
           to
           be
           a
           mutuall
           forbearance
           among
           Christians
           who
           hold
           the
           head
           ,
           and
           walk
           as
           becomes
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           disturb
           not
           the
           publick
           peace
           and
           welfare
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           seconded
           with
           an
           endeavour
           of
           restoring
           one
           another
           to
           unity
           ,
           in
           a
           spirit
           of
           meeknesse
           ;
           for
           that
           men
           should
           in
           all
           points
           agree
           ,
           is
           rather
           to
           be
           wished
           then
           hoped
           ,
           it
           is
           reserved
           for
           the
           happinesse
           of
           heaven
           ,
           and
           not
           allowed
           for
           the
           lot
           of
           this
           pilgrimage
           ;
           and
           if
           differences
           were
           wisely
           distinguished
           ,
           we
           should
           have
           more
           peace
           ,
           and
           never
           the
           lesse
           Truth
           among
           us
           .
           But
           that
           way
           should
           be
           given
           to
           a
           licencious
           ,
           lawlesse
           ,
           boundlesse
           ,
           
             Vorstian
             ,
             libertas
             Prophetandi
             ,
          
           as
           it
           s
           called
           ,
           that
           every
           one
           whose
           brain
           is
           big
           of
           some
           new
           conceit
           ,
           or
           the
           transmigration
           of
           an
           old
           error
           ,
           should
           have
           the
           Midwifery
           of
           a
           Toleration
           to
           produce
           and
           propagate
           it
           ,
           how
           soone
           would
           it
           turn
           both
           Church
           and
           Kingdome
           into
           a
           Babel
           of
           confusion
           .
           The
           fruits
           of
           this
           practise
           have
           been
           found
           in
           
             Poland
             ,
          
           and
           
             Transilvania
             .
          
           And
           whereas
           it
           is
           usually
           objected
           ,
           that
           some
           place
           neerer
           hand
           flourishes
           ,
           notwithstanding
           this
           :
           I
           answer
           ,
           or
           rather
           aske
           in
           what
           they
           flourish
           ,
           is
           it
           in
           the
           life
           and
           power
           of
           Religion
           ,
           or
           in
           other
           things
           onely
           ?
           And
           let
           it
           also
           be
           considered
           ,
           whether
           this
           indifferency
           &
           connivence
           there
           ,
           hath
           not
           given
           advantage
           to
           a
           secret
           and
           subtill
           enemy
           ,
           to
           undermine
           the
           very
           foundations
           of
           their
           liberty
           ;
           the
           issues
           whereof
           may
           too
           soon
           appear
           .
           Where
           all
           Religions
           ,
           or
           all
           things
           called
           religion
           are
           exercised
           ,
           the
           product
           is
           commonly
           no
           religion
           ,
           or
           a
           prevalency
           of
           the
           worst
           .
           Therfore
           never
           let
           
           us
           think
           to
           establish
           our selves
           with
           those
           things
           ,
           for
           which
           other
           Churches
           have
           been
           threatned
           ,
           and
           probably
           wasted
           ,
           as
           of
           
             Thyatira
          
           and
           
             Pergamus
             ,
          
           Rev.
           2.
           14.
           20.
           
        
         
           5.
           
           To
           these
           I
           may
           adde
           a
           fifth
           consideration
           ,
           and
           its
           this
           .
           No
           violent
           or
           sudden
           change
           of
           Civill
           Government
           according
           to
           the
           Idea's
           and
           chimeraes
           in
           the
           minds
           of
           more
           witty
           then
           wise
           men
           is
           likely
           to
           better
           these
           times
           .
           If
           things
           could
           be
           acted
           as
           easily
           as
           imagined
           ,
           and
           compassed
           as
           soon
           as
           contrived
           ,
           it
           were
           another
           matter
           .
           But
           revolutions
           of
           times
           and
           States
           are
           the
           fancies
           of
           men
           ,
           but
           the
           works
           of
           God
           .
           It
           is
           said
           indeed
           of
           some
           ,
           that
           they
           shall
           think
           to
           change
           times
           and
           Laws
           ,
           
             Dan.
          
           7.
           27.
           but
           it
           's
           the
           power
           and
           priviledge
           of
           the
           most
           high
           to
           change
           times
           and
           seasons
           ,
           to
           remove
           Kings
           ,
           and
           set
           up
           Kings
           ,
           
             Dan.
          
           2.
           21.
           
           The
           weight
           of
           Kingdoms
           is
           too
           great
           to
           be
           turned
           by
           the
           weak
           engine
           of
           humane
           invention
           ;
           God
           uses
           to
           suit
           providences
           and
           spirits
           of
           men
           to
           great
           works
           when
           he
           intends
           them
           ;
           and
           it
           's
           he
           that
           makes
           agreements
           of
           people
           ,
           and
           not
           a
           few
           of
           the
           many
           .
           And
           those
           dreams
           of
           parity
           in
           Civill
           affairs
           is
           unequall
           and
           impossible
           .
           Philosophers
           say
           of
           naturall
           bodies
           ,
           
             Non
             datur
             temperamentum
             ad
             pondus
             :
          
           because
           that
           body
           could
           consist
           no where
           were
           there
           not
           a
           predominant
           element
           to
           determine
           it
           .
           It
           's
           as
           true
           of
           civill
           and
           politick
           bodies
           .
           Those
           that
           now
           are
           for
           equality
           while
           they
           are
           inferiour
           ,
           would
           be
           for
           superiority
           when
           things
           were
           equall
           ;
           if
           the
           Vine
           and
           the
           Olive
           were
           taken
           away
           ,
           the
           Bramble
           would
           rule
           over
           the
           trees
           :
           for
           some
           body
           will
           .
           Thus
           we
           see
           what
           will
           not
           do
           the
           businesse
           so
           much
           desired
           :
           let
           us
           briefly
           consider
           what
           will
           .
           And
           to
           this
           purpose
           know
           in
           one
           word
           ,
           Reformation
           would
           do
           the
           work
           :
           and
           that
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           In
           Religion
           ,
           the
           settling
           the
           affairs
           of
           which
           would
           have
           a
           very
           great
           influence
           into
           an
           alteration
           of
           times
           for
           the
           better
           .
           For
           not
           onely
           men
           that
           have
           the
           power
           ,
           but
           even
           all
           that
           have
           the
           form
           of
           it
           will
           be
           ill
           at
           ease
           till
           it
           be
           established
           .
           And
           more
           especially
           it
           being
           acknowledged
           that
           the
           God
           of
           heaven
           hath
           the
           soveraignty
           of
           times
           and
           seasons
           in
           his
           hand
           ;
           this
           must
           necessarily
           be
           granted
           ,
           that
           to
           procure
           better
           times
           ,
           must
           be
           to
           comply
           with
           that
           which
           the
           Lord
           looks
           upon
           as
           his
           main
           interest
           (
           if
           I
           may
           call
           it
           so
           )
           which
           is
           the
           ordering
           
           the
           affairs
           of
           his
           Church
           ,
           and
           that
           in
           Doctrine
           and
           Worship
           .
           Truth
           is
           a
           glorious
           beam
           of
           the
           Sun
           of
           righteousnesse
           ,
           I
           mean
           Gospel
           truth
           ,
           the
           Word
           of
           truth
           ,
           the
           Gospel
           of
           salvation
           ,
           which
           God
           is
           very
           choice
           of
           ,
           
           how
           slightly
           soever
           men
           may
           esteeme
           it
           ,
           and
           tosse
           it
           at
           their
           pleasure
           ;
           the
           foundation
           of
           that
           stately
           structure
           was
           layd
           in
           the
           blood
           of
           his
           Son
           ,
           and
           hath
           been
           raised
           by
           the
           blood
           of
           his
           Saints
           :
           and
           who
           so
           would
           have
           the
           eye
           and
           heart
           of
           God
           to
           be
           toward
           them
           ,
           must
           have
           theirs
           to
           his
           truth
           .
           To
           the
           bettering
           therefore
           of
           these
           dayes
           ,
           how
           usefull
           and
           acceptable
           would
           it
           be
           ,
           how
           pleasing
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           profitable
           to
           men
           ,
           if
           the
           more
           grosse
           injuries
           and
           affronts
           offered
           to
           the
           truth
           of
           God
           were
           more
           discountenanced
           ,
           and
           punished
           ;
           especially
           if
           pertinacy
           and
           contumacy
           be
           added
           thereunto
           .
           And
           so
           to
           make
           a
           graduall
           progresse
           to
           a
           more
           full
           vindication
           of
           it
           by
           a
           mixture
           of
           power
           and
           means
           of
           information
           .
           There
           are
           some
           damnable
           heresies
           ,
           that
           bring
           swift
           destruction
           to
           persons
           and
           places
           ,
           and
           there
           must
           not
           be
           delay
           in
           them
           ,
           there
           are
           opinions
           and
           practises
           against
           the
           light
           of
           nature
           ,
           and
           evident
           light
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           that
           have
           been
           broached
           in
           these
           licentious
           times
           ,
           which
           can
           hardly
           pretend
           to
           conscience
           ,
           which
           should
           be
           carefully
           repressed
           .
           Let
           not
           men
           be
           afraid
           of
           endangering
           peace
           by
           asserting
           truth
           .
           If
           it
           were
           so
           ,
           
           yet
           it
           were
           no
           just
           plea
           ,
           because
           we
           are
           bid
           to
           buy
           the
           truth
           ,
           but
           not
           to
           sell
           it
           ,
           no
           not
           for
           peace
           ;
           though
           that
           be
           a
           pearl
           ,
           it
           's
           not
           the
           pearl
           of
           price
           :
           but
           it
           will
           not
           be
           so
           ,
           beside
           the
           meraphisicall
           relation
           of
           
             verum
          
           and
           
             bonum
             ,
          
           
           you
           will
           find
           a
           frequent
           connexion
           of
           them
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           
             Truth
             and
             peace
             .
          
        
         
           So
           for
           Worship
           ,
           much
           hath
           been
           done
           by
           Authority
           that
           way
           ,
           for
           the
           draining
           of
           it
           from
           the
           muddy
           mixtures
           of
           humane
           ceremony
           and
           invention
           .
           Onely
           the
           coldnesse
           of
           inferior
           offi●ers
           trusted
           with
           execution
           of
           Laws
           ,
           together
           with
           the
           corruption
           of
           men
           addicted
           to
           the
           easinesse
           of
           externals
           in
           Religion
           ,
           have
           rendred
           them
           in
           a
           great
           measure
           unprofitable
           ;
           so
           tha●
           men
           are
           left
           still
           halting
           betwixt
           God
           and
           
             Baal
             ,
          
           saying
           〈◊〉
           after
           a
           new
           fashion
           ,
           and
           holding
           the
           people
           in
           hand
           that
           there
           is
           yet
           hope
           of
           a
           re-establishment
           of
           former
           customes
           whereby
           an
           intolerable
           envy
           and
           mischievous
           prejudice
           is
           raised
           against
           them
           who
           practise
           Reformation
           .
           And
           
           that
           God
           may
           be
           pleased
           in
           worship
           ,
           you
           must
           look
           not
           onely
           to
           avoid
           superstition
           ,
           but
           formality
           also
           ,
           the
           usuall
           bane
           of
           Religion
           in
           places
           where
           it
           is
           much
           professed
           .
           Remember
           that
           God
           is
           a
           Spirit
           ,
           bare
           words
           and
           externals
           hold
           no
           communion
           with
           him
           ,
           he
           will
           be
           worshipped
           sutably
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           
             in
             spirit
             and
             in
             truth
             .
          
           I
           doubt
           the
           quarrell
           mentioned
           ,
           
             Isa.
          
           29.
           13.
           is
           executed
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           upon
           the
           same
           ground
           ;
           we
           have
           in
           our
           ordinary
           and
           extraordinary
           duties
           too
           frequently
           honoured
           God
           with
           our
           lips
           ,
           when
           our
           hearts
           have
           been
           far
           from
           him
           ;
           and
           therefore
           
             is
             the
             wisedome
             of
             the
             wise
             men
             perished
             ,
             and
             the
             understanding
             of
             the
             prudent
             hidden
             .
          
        
         
           And
           as
           a
           fence
           to
           both
           these
           ,
           how
           necessary
           also
           were
           it
           that
           Government
           were
           settled
           ,
           according
           as
           the
           most
           considerable
           part
           of
           Godly
           men
           have
           advised
           .
           Let
           it
           not
           be
           looked
           upon
           as
           too
           rigorous
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           found
           so
           in
           other
           places
           where
           it
           is
           exercised
           ,
           remember
           whose
           language
           it
           is
           ,
           
             Let
             us
             break
             their
             bands
             in
             sunder
             :
          
           but
           lest
           this
           Scripture
           should
           be
           misapplyed
           ,
           let
           men
           take
           heed
           of
           putting
           of
           their
           own
           rules
           under
           the
           notion
           of
           divine
           precepts
           ,
           and
           in
           some
           circumstantials
           rather
           be
           content
           with
           the
           undoubted
           title
           of
           Christian
           prudence
           ,
           then
           the
           questionable
           tenure
           of
           divine
           right
           .
           It
           may
           be
           said
           we
           want
           matter
           for
           this
           new
           building
           ;
           it
           's
           too
           true
           ,
           but
           better
           an
           hedge
           with
           some
           unsound
           stakes
           in
           it
           ,
           then
           none
           at
           all
           .
           But
           to
           prevent
           this
           great
           mischief
           ,
           how
           necessarie
           were
           it
           that
           more
           then
           ordinary
           care
           should
           be
           taken
           for
           removing
           scandalous
           and
           insufficient
           Ministers
           ,
           and
           enemies
           of
           Reformation
           :
           for
           as
           things
           now
           stand
           in
           many
           places
           ,
           some
           Presbyteries
           would
           be
           looked
           upon
           as
           knots
           of
           good
           fellows
           ,
           and
           others
           as
           conspiracies
           of
           disaffected
           persons
           .
           It
           was
           once
           a
           ground
           of
           commendation
           layd
           by
           the
           Jews
           on
           the
           behalf
           of
           the
           Centurion
           ,
           
             He
             loved
             our
             Nation
             ,
             and
             built
             us
             a
             Synagogue
             :
          
           but
           how
           much
           more
           commendable
           would
           it
           be
           in
           any
           that
           give
           us
           reason
           to
           say
           ,
           He
           loved
           our
           Countrey
           ,
           and
           sent
           us
           a
           faithfull
           Minister
           ?
           Let
           us
           walk
           by
           this
           principle
           ,
           which
           is
           certainly
           that
           the
           saving
           of
           Kingdoms
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           souls
           ,
           depend
           upon
           a
           good
           Ministery
           .
           And
           let
           me
           adde
           one
           thing
           more
           ,
           
           that
           is
           ,
           a
           tender
           regard
           to
           such
           as
           are
           indeed
           Saints
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           are
           very
           dear
           to
           him
           :
           If
           they
           be
           really
           so
           ,
           
           they
           will
           not
           put
           us
           to
           much
           expence
           of
           charity
           or
           patience
           ,
           
           let
           them
           have
           what
           is
           fit
           and
           necessary
           .
           The
           Lord
           will
           take
           it
           very
           kindly
           at
           our
           hands
           ,
           and
           he
           is
           able
           to
           requite
           us
           ,
           for
           the
           King
           of
           Saints
           is
           also
           King
           of
           Nations
           .
           Let
           no
           man
           think
           that
           ●lacking
           Reformation
           ,
           and
           gratifying
           the
           back-friends
           of
           it
           i●
           retarding
           it
           ,
           can
           be
           a
           safe
           way
           to
           settle
           us
           .
           That
           one
           instance
           of
           the
           Jews
           returning
           from
           Captivity
           ,
           may
           be
           a
           sufficient
           caveat
           for
           men
           to
           give
           up
           a
           begun
           Reformation
           ,
           notwithstanding
           all
           opposition
           .
           They
           took
           their
           interruptions
           for
           sufficient
           excuses
           for
           not
           going
           on
           with
           the
           Temple
           work
           ,
           but
           it
           would
           not
           be
           so
           taken
           ;
           for
           all
           their
           outward
           advantages
           ,
           to
           which
           they
           addicted
           themselves
           ,
           were
           blasted
           by
           that
           neglect
           as
           will
           clearly
           appear
           to
           him
           that
           reads
           
             Hagg.
          
           1.
           6
           ,
           7.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           Reformation
           in
           matters
           of
           justice
           is
           exceeding
           necessarie
           to
           better
           these
           evill
           dayes
           .
           Scripture
           ,
           reason
           ,
           experience
           tell
           us
           so
           ,
           
             Amos
             5.
             15.
             
             Establish
             judgement
             in
             the
             gate
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             the
             Lord
             will
             be
             gracious
             to
             the
             remnant
             of
             Joseph
             .
          
           We
           have
           the
           same
           God
           to
           deal
           with
           who
           said
           it
           ,
           and
           changes
           not
           .
           
             Hear
             ye
             the
             Word
             of
             the
             Lo●d
             ye
             house
             of
             David
             ,
             execute
             judgement
             in
             the
             morning
             ,
             and
             deliver
             him
             that
             is
             spoyled
             out
             of
             the
             hand
             of
             the
             oppressor
             ,
          
           
           
             lost
             my
             fury
             go
             out
             like
             fire
             ,
             and
             none
             can
             quench
             it
             ,
             because
             of
             the
             evill
             of
             your
             doings
             .
          
           It
           is
           highly
           pleasing
           to
           the
           Lord
           ,
           to
           see
           men
           follow
           that
           which
           is
           altogether
           just
           .
           
             Deut.
          
           16.
           19
           ,
           20.
           
           And
           as
           in
           Religion
           it
           is
           so
           ,
           so
           in
           reason
           it
           must
           be
           so
           ;
           Justice
           which
           is
           a
           giving
           to
           each
           their
           due
           ,
           hath
           a
           naturall
           and
           necessarie
           tendency
           unto
           establishment
           ,
           it
           settles
           the
           spirits
           of
           men
           .
           It
           is
           therefore
           called
           by
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           ,
           
             The
             judgement
             of
             truth
             and
             peace
             ,
          
           because
           of
           its
           influence
           thereunto
           :
           
             Zach.
          
           8.
           16.
           
           Nothing
           hath
           done
           more
           mischief
           to
           present
           Authority
           ,
           then
           the
           unequall
           distribution
           of
           rewards
           and
           punishments
           ,
           and
           the
           wretched
           partialities
           which
           factions
           ,
           favours
           and
           relations
           have
           put
           men
           upon
           .
           Whereas
           if
           we
           could
           follow
           justice
           ,
           or
           that
           which
           is
           altogether
           just
           ,
           we
           might
           live
           and
           inherit
           the
           Land
           which
           the
           Lord
           hath
           given
           us
           .
           But
           yet
           let
           men
           take
           heed
           of
           seeking
           justice
           by
           violence
           ,
           lest
           we
           give
           occasion
           to
           the
           old
           sad
           complaint
           ,
           
             Proh
             quanta
             injustitia
             in
             quaerenda
             justitia
             .
          
        
         
           3.
           
           To
           this
           must
           be
           added
           personall
           reformation
           ;
           let
           men
           frame
           and
           fancy
           what
           new
           moulds
           and
           devices
           they
           will
           for
           
           bettering
           the
           times
           ,
           till
           men
           and
           manners
           be
           better
           it
           will
           not
           be
           ;
           times
           are
           alwayes
           alike
           in
           themselves
           ,
           they
           have
           no
           evil
           but
           by
           concomitancy
           ,
           and
           reflexion
           cast
           upon
           them
           from
           the
           evill
           of
           men
           .
           Therefore
           let
           not
           us
           wander
           in
           untrodden
           paths
           and
           wayes
           not
           cast
           up
           ;
           but
           ask
           for
           the
           old
           way
           ,
           and
           the
           ancient
           paths
           that
           we
           may
           find
           rest
           ;
           and
           what
           are
           they
           but
           the
           prescriptions
           of
           the
           Lord
           ?
           2
           
             Chron.
             7.
             14.
             
             If
             my
             people
             shall
             humble
             themselves
             ,
             and
             pray
             ,
             and
             turn
             from
             their
             evill
             wayes
             ;
             I
             will
             hear
             in
             heaven
             ,
             forgive
             their
             sin
             ,
             and
             heal
             their
             land
             .
          
           Walk
           by
           this
           rule
           ;
           
             Vnholy
             men
             make
             unhappy
             times
             .
          
           Let
           none
           say
           to
           the
           prejudice
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           and
           his
           own
           soul
           ,
           What
           can
           my
           leaving
           my
           profanenesse
           ,
           covetousnesse
           ,
           uncleannesse
           do
           good
           to
           the
           Nation
           ?
           Yes
           ,
           it
           may
           .
           God
           doth
           not
           powre
           out
           his
           indignation
           upon
           a
           people
           till
           the
           measure
           of
           iniquity
           be
           full
           :
           it
           is
           not
           indeed
           for
           one
           man
           ,
           or
           a
           few
           ,
           to
           empty
           the
           vessell
           of
           sin
           in
           this
           Nation
           ,
           but
           yet
           they
           may
           keep
           it
           from
           being
           full
           .
           But
           howsoever
           ,
           if
           thou
           canst
           not
           save
           a
           Kingdom
           ,
           yet
           it
           is
           a
           good
           way
           toward
           the
           saving
           of
           a
           soul
           to
           repent
           and
           reform
           ,
           if
           withall
           the
           heart
           be
           sprinkled
           with
           the
           blood
           of
           Christ
           ,
           
           the
           price
           and
           author
           of
           salvation
           to
           them
           that
           obey
           him
           .
           Never
           doubt
           of
           the
           fruit
           of
           amendment
           ,
           
           for
           
             he
             that
             soweth
             righteousnesse
             hath
             a
             sure
             reward
             .
          
           It
           is
           no
           small
           matter
           to
           be
           brought
           under
           the
           protection
           of
           those
           precious
           promises
           made
           to
           righteous
           men
           ,
           
           as
           
             that
             light
             shall
             arise
             to
             them
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             darknesse
             ;
          
           that
           
             in
             the
             dayes
             of
             famine
             they
             shall
             be
             satisfied
             ;
          
           that
           
             their
             very
             enemies
             shall
             be
             at
             peace
             with
             them
             when
             their
             wayes
             please
             the
             Lord
             :
          
           that
           
             he
             shall
             not
             be
             afraid
             of
             evill
             tydings
             .
          
           
           And
           let
           Magistrates
           ,
           masters
           ,
           parents
           ,
           according
           to
           their
           double
           engagements
           ,
           bestir
           themselves
           herein
           ;
           it
           must
           be
           confested
           they
           are
           upon
           much
           disadvantage
           in
           these
           loose
           and
           lawlesse
           times
           ,
           
           when
           men
           are
           grown
           as
           the
           horse
           &
           mule
           ,
           
             wh●se
             mouth
             must
             be
             holden
             with
             a
             bridle
             :
          
           but
           yet
           there
           is
           no
           sitting
           down
           ,
           nor
           giving
           way
           to
           the
           torrent
           of
           iniquity
           .
           The
           Waterman
           going
           against
           wind
           and
           stream
           ,
           doth
           not
           because
           of
           the
           difficulty
           lay
           down
           his
           Oares
           ,
           and
           suffer
           himself
           to
           be
           carried
           down
           into
           the
           Ocean
           ;
           but
           plyes
           his
           work
           the
           harder
           ,
           and
           redoubles
           his
           strokes
           :
           so
           must
           those
           in
           Authority
           not
           suffer
           themselves
           to
           be
           carried
           down
           by
           the
           floods
           of
           ungodlinesse
           risen
           up
           among
           us
           ,
           but
           
           redouble
           prayers
           and
           pains
           ,
           and
           use
           more
           vigilance
           and
           courage
           then
           ever
           ,
           lest
           they
           be
           carried
           down
           to
           the
           waves
           of
           the
           sea
           ,
           and
           madnesse
           of
           the
           people
           .
           And
           oh
           that
           
             London
          
           would
           look
           to
           Reformation
           ,
           and
           do
           it's
           first
           works
           ,
           take
           heed
           of
           profaning
           the
           Lords
           day
           ,
           and
           opposing
           the
           vindication
           of
           it
           ;
           that
           they
           would
           avoid
           and
           abhor
           that
           frequent
           drinking
           healths
           ,
           not
           so
           much
           of
           good
           fellowship
           ,
           as
           of
           faction
           ,
           which
           were
           wont
           to
           be
           confined
           to
           Taverns
           ,
           but
           are
           now
           got
           into
           private
           houses
           ,
           
           and
           publick
           streets
           ,
           and
           are
           ready
           to
           fill
           us
           with
           drunkennesse
           ,
           and
           dash
           us
           one
           against
           another
           .
           The
           reckoning
           of
           these
           drinkings
           is
           like
           to
           be
           very
           sharp
           ,
           unlesse
           we
           be
           more
           sober
           and
           vigilant
           .
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           all
           this
           must
           be
           accompained
           with
           humble
           ,
           and
           hearty
           ,
           frequent
           and
           fervent
           prayer
           ;
           it
           is
           evident
           enough
           ,
           that
           as
           nothing
           hath
           been
           done
           ,
           so
           nothing
           can
           be
           done
           to
           the
           happinesse
           of
           this
           Church
           and
           Nation
           ,
           and
           the
           bettering
           of
           these
           evill
           daies
           ,
           but
           by
           the
           hand
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           he
           is
           pleased
           to
           lift
           up
           on
           every
           occasion
           ,
           though
           many
           will
           not
           see
           it
           ;
           and
           therefore
           if
           we
           would
           ingage
           the
           Lord
           ,
           who
           worketh
           all
           our
           works
           for
           us
           ,
           we
           must
           take
           the
           course
           that
           deales
           most
           immediately
           ,
           and
           effectually
           with
           him
           ,
           which
           is
           prayer
           ;
           and
           how
           happie
           news
           were
           it
           to
           heare
           that
           the
           spirit
           of
           prayer
           and
           supplication
           ,
           which
           in
           so
           eminent
           a
           manner
           rested
           upon
           this
           City
           7
           yeers
           ,
           since
           were
           powred
           out
           afresh
           upon
           it
           ,
           the
           hand
           of
           the
           Lord
           is
           not
           shortned
           ,
           let
           not
           our
           hearts
           be
           streightned
           :
           his
           eare
           is
           not
           heavie
           ,
           let
           not
           us
           be
           silent
           :
           If
           we
           would
           have
           him
           stretch
           out
           his
           hand
           for
           us
           ,
           let
           us
           stretch
           out
           our
           hands
           toward
           him
           .
           Do
           not
           think
           the
           Lord
           will
           forsake
           his
           wonted
           method
           ,
           of
           which
           we
           read
           ,
           
             Ezek.
          
           36.
           37.
           and
           
             Jerem.
          
           29.
           11.
           12.
           and
           let
           this
           great
           duty
           be
           performed
           aright
           ,
           and
           to
           that
           purpose
           it
           is
           a
           useful
           caution
           ,
           that
           men
           look
           to
           the
           matter
           of
           their
           prayers
           ,
           that
           they
           be
           according
           to
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           not
           the
           imaginations
           of
           our
           own
           hearts
           ;
           many
           crosse
           Petitions
           are
           put
           up
           to
           heaven
           ,
           because
           men
           make
           their
           opinions
           and
           wishes
           the
           rule
           of
           their
           prayers
           ,
           instead
           of
           the
           holy
           and
           unchangeable
           will
           of
           God
           ;
           it
           were
           sometimes
           good
           that
           men
           were
           more
           generall
           in
           their
           prayers
           ,
           and
           not
           limit
           the
           holy
           one
           of
           
             Israel
          
           as
           they
           do
           ,
           its
           possible
           to
           be
           too
           particular
           
           in
           prayer
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           too
           generall
           in
           preaching
           .
           And
           also
           remember
           that
           as
           prayer
           is
           a
           Chariot
           ,
           in
           which
           the
           soul
           mounts
           up
           to
           heaven
           ;
           so
           it
           must
           be
           a
           fiery
           Chariot
           ,
           a
           fervent
           prayer
           ,
           
           it
           is
           not
           a
           lazy
           ,
           
             God
             send
             Peace
             :
          
           or
           a
           cold
           ,
           
             God
             save
             his
             Church
             ,
          
           that
           will
           availe
           ;
           God
           will
           not
           be
           served
           with
           that
           which
           costs
           us
           nought
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           the
           fervent
           effectuall
           prayer
           of
           the
           righteous
           that
           must
           availe
           ;
           and
           if
           we
           would
           have
           our
           prayers
           speed
           ,
           we
           must
           look
           they
           be
           well
           spirited
           ,
           to
           that
           end
           let
           me
           intimate
           to
           you
           4
           wheeles
           of
           this
           fiery
           Chariot
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           A
           spirit
           of
           faith
           ;
           it
           is
           the
           strict
           injunction
           of
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           that
           we
           
             aske
             in
             faith
             ,
             nothing
             wavering
             :
          
           which
           we
           are
           very
           subject
           unto
           ,
           
           especially
           in
           these
           distracted
           times
           .
           The
           Sea
           by
           reason
           of
           its
           unquietnesse
           is
           hardly
           ever
           still
           but
           working
           ,
           but
           much
           more
           in
           a
           storme
           ;
           so
           is
           it
           with
           us
           ,
           we
           carry
           an
           evill
           heart
           of
           unbeleife
           within
           us
           alwayes
           unsteady
           ,
           but
           especially
           in
           evill
           times
           when
           the
           winds
           raise
           waves
           .
           Unbeleif
           unsettles
           as
           the
           spirits
           of
           men
           ,
           so
           their
           estates
           also
           .
           
             Isa
          
           7.
           9.
           
           It
           was
           unbeleif
           that
           kept
           
             Israel
          
           out
           of
           the
           Land
           of
           Promise
           ,
           and
           made
           them
           wander
           in
           a
           wildernesse
           fourty
           yeers
           ;
           
           and
           as
           our
           punishment
           is
           like
           theirs
           ,
           we
           spend
           our
           dayes
           in
           vanity
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           in
           a
           fruitlesse
           tossing
           to
           and
           fro
           ,
           and
           our
           yeers
           in
           trouble
           :
           so
           our
           sin
           is
           like
           theirs
           also
           ,
           we
           beleeve
           not
           for
           all
           the
           wondrous
           works
           of
           God
           .
           
           As
           God
           gives
           promises
           to
           ground
           faith
           ,
           so
           he
           adds
           providences
           to
           build
           it
           up
           ;
           we
           have
           had
           many
           of
           these
           ,
           and
           yet
           are
           very
           lowe
           :
           take
           heed
           of
           distrusts
           &
           despondencies
           ,
           they
           disadvantage
           us
           both
           in
           heaven
           and
           earth
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           A
           spirit
           of
           humility
           :
           and
           this
           is
           no
           way
           inconsistent
           with
           the
           other
           :
           a
           heart
           may
           be
           raised
           in
           faith
           ,
           and
           yet
           abased
           in
           humiliation
           ;
           these
           two
           graces
           mutually
           cherish
           one
           another
           .
           The
           Lord
           expects
           at
           our
           hands
           that
           our
           own
           sins
           and
           his
           chastisements
           upon
           us
           should
           lay
           us
           low
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           say
           with
           the
           Church
           ,
           
             I
             will
             bear
             the
             indignation
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             because
             I
             have
             sinned
             against
             him
             .
          
           He
           hearkens
           what
           we
           say
           in
           these
           evill
           dayes
           ,
           and
           it
           s
           to
           be
           doubted
           few
           speake
           aright
           ,
           or
           say
           what
           have
           I
           done
           .
           
             Cognitio
             reflexiva
             ,
             est
             facilè
             deflexiva
             :
          
           We
           are
           ready
           enough
           to
           say
           ,
           what
           hath
           the
           Parliament
           done
           ?
           What
           hath
           the
           Army
           done
           ?
           But
           who
           saith
           ,
           what
           have
           I
           done
           ?
           Oh
           ,
           beloved
           ,
           let
           us
           lye
           down
           in
           our
           shame
           ,
           &
           be
           covered
           with
           
           confusion
           .
           
           Let
           us
           give
           glory
           to
           the
           Lord
           our
           God
           ,
           before
           he
           cause
           darknesse
           ,
           and
           our
           feet
           stumble
           upon
           the
           dark
           mountaines
           ;
           those
           that
           do
           it
           shall
           find
           that
           expression
           ,
           
           
             Job
          
           22.
           29.
           made
           good
           unto
           them
           ,
           when
           men
           are
           cast
           down
           ,
           they
           shall
           say
           ,
           there
           is
           lifting
           up
           ;
           for
           he
           shall
           sav●
           the
           humble
           person
           .
           
             Descendendo
             coelum
             ascenditur
             .
          
        
         
           3.
           
           A
           spirit
           of
           love
           is
           necessary
           ,
           as
           in
           generall
           with
           regard
           to
           the
           times
           ,
           so
           particularly
           with
           respect
           to
           prayer
           :
           for
           the
           Apostles
           bids
           ,
           that
           
             pure
             bands
             without
             wrath
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             doubting
             ,
             be
             lifts
             up
             to
             God
             ;
             1
             Tim.
          
           2.
           8.
           envy
           and
           uncharitablenesse
           ,
           strife
           and
           division
           force
           the
           spirits
           of
           men
           ,
           and
           render
           their
           services
           unsavory
           unto
           God
           ;
           it
           is
           not
           quarrelling
           and
           questioning
           will
           do
           the
           thing
           we
           would
           have
           ;
           
             The
             wrath
             of
             man
             worketh
             not
             the
             righteousnesse
             of
             God
             .
          
           Jam.
           1.
           20.
           
           Wisdom
           and
           mecknesse
           go
           together
           ,
           
             Jam.
          
           3.
           13.
           
           They
           that
           are
           wise
           must
           be
           meek
           and
           gentle
           to
           those
           that
           are
           otherwise
           ,
           and
           give
           soft
           answers
           to
           hard
           questions
           ,
           
           that
           wrath
           may
           be
           prevented
           and
           pacified
           .
           To
           further
           this
           so
           wanting
           ,
           and
           so
           necessary
           disposition
           ,
           consider
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           envying
           ,
           strife
           ,
           hatred
           ,
           variance
           ,
           and
           such
           like
           ,
           are
           fruits
           of
           the
           flesh
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           adultery
           ,
           fornication
           ,
           and
           uncleannesse
           :
           
             Gal.
          
           5.
           19
           ,
           20.
           
           And
           you
           that
           would
           think
           it
           an
           horrible
           disgrace
           to
           your
           se●ves
           ,
           and
           dishonour
           to
           God
           ,
           to
           be
           found
           guilty
           of
           the
           latter
           :
           take
           heed
           of
           the
           former
           ,
           which
           is
           part
           of
           that
           filthinesse
           of
           spirit
           we
           are
           bid
           to
           cleanse
           our selves
           from
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           filthinesse
           of
           the
           flesh
           .
           2
           
             Cor.
          
           7.
           1.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           That
           most
           of
           the
           things
           contended
           about
           ,
           will
           hardly
           be
           found
           worth
           the
           contention
           ;
           and
           that
           many
           quarrels
           are
           upon
           mistakes
           ,
           rather
           then
           reall
           differences
           :
           and
           consider
           how
           earnestly
           the
           Apostle
           obtests
           the
           
             Corinthians
          
           to
           love
           and
           unity
           .
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           1.
           10.
           and
           so
           the
           
             Philippians
             ,
          
           2.
           1.
           places
           which
           we
           read
           not
           ,
           or
           mind
           not
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           That
           God
           hath
           now
           given
           a
           fair
           intimation
           of
           union
           and
           love
           among
           all
           those
           who
           love
           his
           truth
           and
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           the
           Nation
           they
           li●e
           ,
           in
           ,
           by
           suffering
           a
           common
           Enemy
           again
           to
           appear
           among
           us
           ,
           and
           against
           us
           ;
           and
           if
           we
           will
           not
           take
           notice
           of
           it
           at
           the
           first
           ,
           he
           will
           undoubtedly
           bring
           us
           to
           union
           in
           affection
           by
           communion
           in
           ●ffl●ction
           :
           for
           whatsoever
           designes
           
           men
           have
           ,
           this
           is
           likely
           to
           be
           one
           of
           the
           designes
           of
           heaven
           upon
           his
           own
           people
           ,
           by
           fair
           means
           or
           foule
           to
           bring
           them
           to
           some
           better
           compliance
           and
           correspondence
           ,
           and
           to
           eat
           out
           that
           spirit
           of
           bitternesse
           and
           malice
           ,
           humors
           so
           unbecoming
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           the
           body
           of
           J●sus
           Christ
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           To
           these
           three
           must
           be
           added
           a
           spirit
           of
           thankfulnesse
           ,
           which
           is
           very
           great
           advantage
           to
           prayer
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           times
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           intimates
           in
           his
           direction
           to
           the
           
             Philippians
             ,
          
           
           
             Be
             carefull
             for
             nothing
             :
             but
             in
             every
             thing
             by
             prayer
             and
             sit
             plication
             ,
             with
             thanksgiving
             ,
             let
             your
             requ●sts
             be
             made
             known
             unto
             God
             .
          
           If
           we
           consult
           the
           catalogue
           of
           sins
           ,
           that
           renders
           the
           last
           dayes
           perillous
           ,
           we
           shall
           find
           unthankfulnesse
           among
           them
           .
           
             Ingratitudo
             est
             ventus
             urens
             &
             exiccans
             :
          
           it
           is
           a
           dry
           and
           parching
           winde
           from
           the
           wildernesse
           that
           blasts
           and
           wastes
           all
           our
           mercies
           .
           It
           's
           true
           the
           dayes
           are
           evill
           ,
           but
           yet
           they
           are
           not
           so
           bad
           but
           they
           afford
           matter
           of
           praise
           ,
           if
           we
           did
           not
           want
           hearts
           more
           then
           mercies
           .
           These
           times
           are
           like
           those
           mentioned
           .
           
             Zach.
          
           14.
           6.
           neither
           clear
           nor
           dark
           ,
           night
           nor
           day
           .
           If
           we
           would
           have
           it
           light
           in
           the
           evening
           ,
           set
           not
           unwholsome
           and
           unthankfull
           vapours
           ascend
           from
           us
           .
           Our
           times
           are
           checker'd
           with
           white
           and
           black
           ,
           let
           not
           us
           by
           unthankfulnesse
           blot
           our
           the
           white
           ,
           and
           make
           them
           worse
           .
           There
           are
           mercies
           in
           our
           Parliament
           ,
           in
           our
           Armies
           ,
           in
           our
           Liberties
           ,
           in
           our
           degree
           of
           Reformation
           ,
           if
           ill
           humors
           were
           not
           fallen
           into
           our
           eyes
           so
           as
           not
           to
           see
           them
           ;
           when
           the
           miseries
           which
           these
           mercies
           yet
           in
           some
           measure
           prevent
           ,
           
           we
           shall
           find
           and
           confesse
           them
           so
           .
           Blessed
           be
           God
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           in
           so
           ill
           a
           condition
           as
           Israel
           in
           the
           first
           dayes
           of
           
             Asa
             ,
          
           when
           they
           were
           without
           the
           true
           God
           ,
           without
           a
           teaching
           Priest
           ,
           and
           without
           Law
           :
           We
           have
           the
           knowledge
           of
           the
           true
           God
           dispersed
           among
           us
           more
           then
           ever
           ,
           more
           preaching
           Ministers
           ,
           more
           good
           Laws
           then
           formerly
           ,
           though
           it
           is
           true
           that
           E●ror
           hath
           crowded
           in
           at
           the
           same
           doore
           of
           Liberty
           where
           Truth
           entred
           :
           yet
           let
           us
           not
           d●own
           all
           our
           deliverances
           in
           discontents
           ,
           the
           degrees
           of
           mercie
           that
           are
           vouchsafed
           us
           let
           them
           not
           be
           swallowed
           up
           with
           murmuring
           ,
           and
           impatience
           ;
           let
           us
           not
           so
           requite
           the
           Lord
           ,
           like
           a
           foolish
           people
           and
           unwise
           ,
           lest
           he
           withdraw
           his
           hand
           from
           our
           protection
           ,
           and
           leave
           us
           to
           eat
           the
           frut
           of
           our
           own
           wayes
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           forfeiture
           
           of
           favour
           by
           our
           follies
           .
           If
           our
           prayers
           could
           be
           carried
           on
           with
           these
           wheels
           ,
           there
           might
           be
           good
           hope
           they
           should
           be
           as
           the
           sword
           of
           
             Saul
             ,
          
           and
           the
           bowe
           of
           
             Jonathan
          
           which
           returned
           not
           empty
           .
        
         
           And
           thus
           have
           I
           detained
           you
           with
           these
           plain
           though
           not
           impertinent
           truths
           ;
           and
           lest
           I
           should
           shut
           up
           without
           any
           thing
           of
           the
           main
           Proposition
           in
           the
           text
           ,
           give
           me
           leave
           at
           least
           to
           explain
           it
           ,
           and
           let
           your
           wisdom
           and
           goodnesse
           apply
           it
           .
           The
           Truth
           is
           this
           .
        
         
           That
           it
           becomes
           and
           behoves
           a
           Christian
           to
           walk
           circumspectly
           ,
           
           and
           redeem
           the
           time
           in
           evill
           dayes
           .
        
         
           It
           would
           here
           be
           enquired
           ,
           what
           it
           is
           to
           walk
           circumspectly
           :
           the
           word
           in
           the
           originall
           is
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           which
           Etymologists
           say
           may
           be
           derived
           from
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           to
           go
           to
           the
           utmost
           or
           height
           ,
           to
           be
           accurate
           or
           exact
           :
           and
           I
           think
           it
           may
           contain
           three
           things
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           To
           walk
           to
           the
           utmost
           of
           the
           rule
           ,
           to
           the
           very
           corners
           and
           extents
           of
           the
           word
           of
           God
           ,
           without
           making
           any
           willing
           dispensations
           in
           sin
           to
           commit
           ,
           or
           duty
           to
           omit
           .
           This
           
             David
          
           speaks
           of
           himself
           ,
           
             Psal.
             119.
             108.
             
             I
             esteem
             all
             thy
             precepts
             concerning
             all
             things
             to
             be
             right
             :
             and
             I
             hate
             every
             false
             way
             .
          
           And
           herein
           was
           
             Jehu
          
           defective
           ,
           2
           
             King.
          
           10.
           31.
           he
           was
           exact
           in
           destroying
           
             Ahab
          
           and
           
             Baal
             ,
          
           but
           he
           departed
           not
           from
           the
           sin
           of
           
             Jeroboam
             ;
          
           therefore
           it
           's
           said
           ,
           he
           took
           no
           heed
           ,
           he
           was
           not
           circumspect
           to
           walk
           in
           the
           way
           of
           the
           Lord
           .
           Not
           to
           walk
           exactly
           in
           this
           ,
           gives
           the
           Lord
           occasion
           to
           complain
           as
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           
             Sardis
             ,
             I
             have
             not
             found
             thy
             works
          
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           
             perfect
             ,
          
           or
           filled
           up
           before
           God
           ;
           there
           are
           gaps
           or
           spaces
           in
           thy
           obedience
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           It
           is
           to
           walk
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           the
           utmost
           in
           respect
           of
           strength
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           in
           doing
           that
           which
           is
           commanded
           to
           lay
           out
           the
           ut
           most
           of
           those
           parts
           ,
           gifts
           ,
           graces
           that
           God
           hath
           given
           us
           .
           A
           Minister
           walks
           exactly
           in
           his
           Ministery
           ,
           when
           he
           obeys
           the
           precepts
           of
           
             Paul
          
           to
           
             Timothy
             ,
          
           1
           Ep.
           4.
           13.
           in
           meditating
           on
           divine
           things
           ,
           and
           giving
           himself
           wholly
           to
           them
           .
           A
           Christian
           then
           walks
           exactly
           ,
           when
           he
           doth
           not
           onely
           pray
           ,
           &
           read
           ,
           but
           do
           it
           diligently
           ,
           watchfully
           .
           A
           man
           cannot
           live
           at
           the
           height
           of
           his
           estate
           ,
           nor
           walk
           at
           the
           top
           of
           his
           naturall
           strength
           ,
           it
           will
           waste
           him
           soon
           ,
           because
           those
           things
           have
           defectible
           
           principles
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           otherwise
           in
           spirituall
           things
           ,
           which
           we
           derive
           from
           an
           abounding
           and
           abiding
           life
           hid
           with
           Christ
           in
           God
           :
           a
           Christian
           may
           run
           and
           not
           be
           weary
           ,
           because
           in
           the
           Lord
           he
           hath
           righteousnesse
           and
           strength
           .
           Let
           us
           therefore
           do
           our
           best
           ,
           and
           we
           shall
           do
           better
           .
           
             Be
             not
             slothfull
             in
             businesse
             :
             but
             fervent
             in
             spirit
             ,
             serving
             the
             Lord
             :
          
           Rom.
           12.
           11.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           To
           walk
           circumspectly
           ,
           or
           accurately
           ,
           seems
           to
           imply
           something
           more
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           walking
           wisely
           ;
           the
           two
           things
           already
           mentioned
           make
           up
           honest
           walking
           ,
           as
           when
           we
           walk
           to
           the
           utmost
           of
           the
           rule
           for
           the
           matter
           ,
           and
           the
           utmost
           of
           our
           spirituall
           strength
           for
           the
           manner
           of
           our
           obedience
           :
           but
           wise
           walking
           is
           
             aliquid
             amplius
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           there
           are
           divers
           circumstances
           attending
           actions
           ,
           as
           time
           ,
           place
           ,
           company
           ,
           person
           ,
           and
           such
           like
           ,
           which
           have
           a
           strong
           influence
           into
           actions
           ,
           sometimes
           to
           alter
           the
           very
           nature
           of
           them
           .
           Now
           he
           that
           would
           walk
           circumspectly
           ,
           or
           accurately
           ,
           must
           look
           so
           to
           the
           circumstances
           of
           his
           actions
           ,
           as
           to
           set
           them
           off
           with
           the
           best
           advantage
           as
           may
           be
           :
           and
           therefore
           that
           which
           is
           here
           called
           
             walking
             circumspectly
             ,
          
           is
           called
           ,
           
             Walking
             wisely
             toward
             them
             that
             are
             without
             .
          
           Col.
           4.
           5.
           
           It
           is
           the
           part
           of
           wisdom
           to
           reduce
           knowledge
           to
           profitable
           and
           seasonable
           action
           .
           And
           happie
           is
           he
           that
           can
           walk
           thus
           circumspectly
           :
           for
           howsoever
           the
           vain
           world
           brands
           exact
           walkers
           with
           the
           title
           of
           precise
           fools
           ,
           yet
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           passes
           a
           contrary
           censure
           ,
           and
           declares
           circumspect
           walking
           ,
           wise
           walking
           :
           and
           indeed
           the
           loose
           walker
           will
           be
           found
           the
           greatest
           fool
           ,
           
             a
             fool
             at
             his
             latter
             end
             .
          
           Jer.
           17.
           11.
           
        
         
           Know
           therefore
           that
           it
           becomes
           us
           all
           to
           walk
           circumspectly
           ;
           it
           is
           our
           credit
           ,
           and
           the
           credit
           of
           the
           Gospel
           that
           we
           do
           so
           .
           
             Then
             shall
             we
             not
             be
             ashamed
             when
             we
             have
             respect
             to
             all
             the
             Commandments
             :
          
           when
           we
           do
           
             the
             great
             things
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
          
           
           
             and
             leave
             not
             the
             lesser
             undone
             .
          
           Matth.
           23.
           23
           ,
           24.
           
        
         
           And
           also
           it
           behoves
           us
           ,
           it
           's
           for
           our
           profit
           as
           well
           as
           our
           credit
           ;
           it
           tends
           exceedingly
           to
           our
           peace
           ,
           which
           is
           most
           worth
           looking
           after
           in
           times
           of
           trouble
           :
           it
           will
           be
           a
           great
           support
           in
           the
           evill
           day
           to
           say
           with
           
             Paul
             ,
             2
             Cor.
             1.
             12.
             
             This
             is
             my
             rejoycing
             ,
             the
             testimony
             of
             my
             conscience
             ,
             that
             in
             all
             simplicity
             and
             godly
             sincerity
             ,
             n●t
             according
             to
             fleshly
             wisdom
             ,
             but
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             ,
             I
             have
             had
             
             my
             conversation
             :
          
           As
           young
           lustie
           men
           laugh
           at
           others
           who
           have
           payd
           dear
           for
           their
           intemperance
           ,
           when
           they
           see
           them
           cautious
           in
           their
           diet
           ,
           and
           hit
           them
           in
           the
           teeth
           with
           the
           Proverb
           ,
           
             Qui
             vivit
             medicè
             ,
             vivit
             miserè
             :
          
           but
           when
           gouts
           and
           rheumes
           come
           upon
           them
           they
           blame
           their
           own
           folly
           .
           So
           will
           it
           be
           with
           carnall
           and
           carelesse
           Christians
           ,
           who
           laugh
           at
           them
           that
           are
           scrupulous
           ,
           and
           make
           conscience
           of
           things
           which
           they
           so
           easily
           swallow
           ,
           they
           will
           find
           them
           bitternesse
           in
           the
           end
           .
           Let
           us
           therefore
           walk
           circumspectly
           .
        
         
           A
           word
           also
           of
           the
           last
           redeeming
           the
           time
           or
           opportunity
           ,
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           which
           imports
           three
           things
           likewise
           .
        
         
           1
           A
           price
           ,
           for
           it
           must
           be
           bought
           .
           2.
           
           A
           losse
           ,
           for
           it
           must
           not
           be
           barely
           bought
           ,
           but
           redeemed
           .
           3.
           
           An
           use
           ,
           for
           what
           we
           buy
           ,
           or
           redeem
           ,
           it
           is
           to
           be
           supposed
           we
           buy
           it
           for
           some
           use
           .
           The
           practick
           hereof
           is
           this
           .
           That
           whereas
           every
           man
           is
           guilty
           of
           losse
           of
           time
           ,
           and
           hath
           morgaged
           a
           great
           part
           of
           this
           precious
           treasure
           to
           sin
           ,
           Satan
           ,
           and
           the
           world
           ;
           let
           him
           be
           carefull
           to
           redeem
           it
           ,
           to
           buy
           it
           out
           of
           their
           hands
           ,
           though
           with
           the
           losse
           of
           ease
           ,
           pleasure
           ,
           profit
           ,
           plenty
           ,
           or
           any
           other
           thing
           :
           and
           having
           so
           redeemed
           it
           ,
           to
           employ
           and
           improve
           it
           to
           the
           honour
           of
           God
           ,
           with
           whom
           we
           are
           so
           infinitely
           behind
           in
           point
           of
           service
           ,
           and
           the
           working
           out
           our
           own
           salvation
           with
           fear
           and
           trembling
           .
        
         
           Let
           not
           therefore
           men
           talk
           idlely
           of
           driving
           away
           Time
           ,
           which
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           of
           redeeming
           :
           when
           did
           you
           ever
           meet
           with
           any
           man
           so
           wretchedly
           unthifty
           as
           to
           say
           ,
           What
           shall
           I
           do
           with
           my
           land
           ,
           with
           my
           money
           ,
           it
           burns
           in
           my
           purse
           ?
           Yet
           such
           ,
           and
           worse
           is
           the
           madnesse
           and
           folly
           of
           those
           unthrifts
           ,
           who
           talk
           of
           driving
           away
           time
           ,
           which
           is
           more
           precious
           then
           gold
           and
           silver
           ,
           which
           passes
           so
           swiftly
           ,
           slily
           ,
           and
           irrecoverably
           ,
           especially
           in
           such
           dangerous
           and
           tickle
           times
           as
           these
           are
           ,
           when
           our
           times
           ,
           liberties
           ,
           and
           opportunities
           hang
           continually
           in
           doubt
           before
           us
           .
           Whatsoever
           vain
           men
           say
           now
           of
           passing
           away
           time
           ,
           if
           God
           awake
           their
           hearts
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           one
           of
           their
           greatest
           troubles
           that
           they
           have
           so
           spent
           it
           ,
           and
           one
           of
           their
           most
           earnest
           ,
           though
           vain
           ,
           wishes
           to
           recall
           it
           .
           Know
           therefore
           that
           ,
           as
           
             Solomon
          
           saith
           ,
           
             to
             every
             purpose
             there
             is
             a
             time
             ;
          
           so
           to
           every
           time
           there
           is
           a
           purpose
           ;
           there
           are
           no
           
             ferie
             ,
          
           
           in
           idle
           dayes
           or
           houres
           in
           the
           Calendar
           of
           heaven
           ,
           but
           God
           hath
           appointed
           every
           day
           and
           houre
           to
           be
           filled
           up
           with
           something
           that
           is
           either
           work
           ,
           or
           tends
           to
           it
           .
           Labour
           therefore
           so
           to
           improve
           time
           ,
           as
           you
           confidently
           look
           over
           unto
           eternity
           ,
           
           and
           not
           fear
           when
           
             the
             Angel
             shall
             stand
             on
             the
             earth
             ,
             and
             lift
             up
             his
             hand
             to
             heaven
             ,
             and
             swear
             by
             him
             that
             liveth
             for
             ever
             ,
             that
             time
             shall
             be
             no
             more
             .
             Lord
             ,
             teach
             us
             so
             to
             number
             our
             dayes
             ,
             as
             to
             apply
             our
             hearts
             to
             wisdome
             :
          
           
           
             and
             to
             give
             all
             diligence
             to
             make
             our
             calling
             and
             election
             sure
             ;
             that
             so
             an
             abundant
             entrance
             may
             be
             administred
             unto
             us
             ,
             into
             the
             everlasting
             Kingdom
             of
             our
             Lord
             and
             Saviour
             .
          
        
         
           FINIS
           :
        
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A77148e-260
           
             Moderata
             durant
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A77148e-450
           
             2
             Cor.
             11.
             28.
             
          
           
             Matth.
             12.
             33.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             3.
             10
             ,
             11
             
          
           
             Prop.
             1.
             
          
           
             I●●
             17.
             17.
             18.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             47
             9.
             
          
           
             1
             Chron
             12.
             32.
             
          
           
             Matth
             24.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             1
             ,
             19.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             82.
             
          
           
             Levit.
             26.
             
          
           
             Micah
             2.
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             55.
             14.
             
          
           
             Iam.
             3.
             16.
             
          
           
             The
             way
             to
             better
             evill
             times
             .
          
           
             Negatively
             .
          
           
             ●
             Pet.
             3.
             10.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             24.
             1
             ,
          
           
             Neh.
             13.
             22.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             2.
             2.
             
          
           
             Mal.
             3
             17.
             
          
           
             Psal
             65.
             7.
             
          
           
             Matth.
             15
             13.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             1.
             13.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             23
             23.
             
          
           
             Zech
             8.
             16.
             19.
             
             Isa.
             39.
             8.
             
          
           
             2
             Chron
             11.
             17.
             
          
           
             Matth.
             25
             45.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             11.
             12.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             5.
             9.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             11.
             18.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             112.
             4.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             112.
             7.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             32.
             9.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             13.
             13
             ,
             14.
             
          
           
             2
             Sam
             24
             24.
             
          
           
             Iam.
             1.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             3.
             17.
             18.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             78.
             32.
             33.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             3
             25.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             13.
             16.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             15.
             1.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             4
             6.
             
          
           
             2
             Chron
             15.
             3
             
          
           
             Prop.
             2.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             119.
             6.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             10.
             6.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             1.
             10.
             11