ourselves_o to_o be_v dissenter_n i_o hope_v be_v by_o this_o time_n very_o well_o satisfy_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v no_o inclination_n to_o popery_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o body_n of_o dissenter_n for_o some_o private_a intriguer_n on_o either_o side_n do_v not_o deserve_v our_o notice_n nor_o to_o be_v think_v on_o either_o side_n have_v not_o such_o a_o irreconcilable_a hatred_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o to_o sacrifice_v she_o to_o a_o popish_a interest_n and_o this_o bid_v fair_a for_o a_o good_a understanding_n between_o we_o and_o let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o continue_v and_o perfect_v it_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o oppression_n and_o persecution_n of_o her_o enemy_n this_o be_v god_n care_n too_o and_o many_o time_n nothing_o but_o a_o all-seeing_a vigilant_a and_o omnipotent_a providence_n can_v secure_v she_o many_o time_n their_o design_n be_v lay_v deep_a and_o low_a full_a of_o intriegue_n and_o artifice_n unknown_a to_o all_o man_n but_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o gunpowder_n treason_n when_o our_o king_n and_o noble_n and_z senators_z be_v design_v as_o a_o rich_a sacrifice_n to_o a_o furious_a and_o antichristian_a zeal_n but_o when_o the_o wicked_a plot_v against_o the_o just_a and_o gnash_v on_o he_o with_o his_o tooth_n the_o lord_n shall_v laugh_v at_o he_o for_o he_o see_v that_o his_o day_n be_v come_v 37._o psal._n 12_o 13._o let_v we_o then_o pray_v hearty_o to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v reconcile_v our_o difference_n and_o division_n and_o restore_v peace_n and_o unity_n to_o his_o church_n that_o he_o will_v defend_v we_o from_o all_o the_o plot_n and_o machination_n of_o our_o enemy_n that_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o all_o persecution_n may_v evermore_o give_v thanks_o unto_o he_o in_o his_o holy_a church_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n to_o his_o much_o esteem_a friend_n the_o churchwarden_n and_o parishioner_n of_o st._n lawrence_z jewry_n and_o st._n mary_n magdalen_n milk-street_n gentleman_n though_o i_o have_v no_o intention_n to_o make_v this_o sermon_n public_a yet_o i_o can_v not_o with_o any_o modesty_n deny_v your_o request_n when_o you_o have_v pay_v so_o great_a a_o regard_n to_o the_o counsel_n give_v you_o in_o it_o i_o hearty_o congratulate_v your_o happy_a agreement_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o person_n to_o succeed_v the_o not-to-be-forgotten_a dr._n calamy_n who_o i_o doubt_v not_o will_v deserve_v all_o that_o honour_n and_o kindness_n which_o it_o be_v so_o natural_a to_o you_o to_o show_v to_o your_o minister_n i_o here_o present_v you_o with_o the_o sermon_n as_o it_o be_v preach_v except_v some_o few_o thing_n at_o the_o beginning_n which_o be_v leave_v out_o in_o speak_v to_o shorten_v it_o as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v without_o injure_v the_o sense_n i_o be_o sensible_a the_o character_n fall_v very_o short_a of_o what_o our_o decease_a friend_n deserve_v but_o it_o be_v every_o word_n true_a and_o i_o think_v have_v be_v as_o inoffensive_a too_o as_o it_o be_v true_a and_o so_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v appear_v to_o wise_a and_o consider_a man_n and_o other_o may_v judge_v as_o they_o please_v if_o it_o will_v contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o make_v both_o minister_n and_o people_n more_o faithful_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o several_a duty_n i_o have_v what_o i_o aim_v at_o both_o in_o preach_v and_o print_v it_o especial_o if_o you_o please_v to_o accept_v of_o it_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o sincere_a respect_n of_o gentleman_n your_o very_a humble_a servant_n william_n sherlock_n sermon_n ii_o preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o the_o reverend_a benjamin_n calamy_n d._n d._n and_o late_a minister_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n london_n jan._n 7._o 1685_o 6_o 24_o matth._n 45_o 46._o who_o then_o be_v a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n who_o his_o lord_n have_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n bless_a be_v that_o servant_n who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v in_o this_o and_o the_o forego_n chapter_n our_o saviour_n acquaint_v his_o disciple_n with_o the_o sign_n and_o prognostic_n of_o his_o come_n which_o plain_o have_v a_o double_a aspect_n both_o upon_o his_o come_n to_o destroy_v jerusalem_n and_o upon_o his_o come_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n but_o the_o application_n he_o make_v of_o it_o be_v of_o universal_a use_n watch_v therefore_o for_o you_o know_v not_o what_o hour_n your_o lord_n do_v come_v v._o 42._o which_o be_v excellent_a advice_n in_o what_o sense_n soever_o we_o understand_v the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n signify_v his_o come_n to_o take_v account_n of_o we_o and_o whether_o we_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o hour_n of_o our_o death_n or_o to_o the_o last_o day_n of_o judgement_n still_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o watch_v that_o be_v to_o be_v always_o diligent_a and_o careful_a in_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o discharge_v that_o trust_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o we_o that_o whenever_o our_o lord_n come_v we_o may_v give_v up_o our_o account_n with_o joy_n the_o word_n i_o have_v now_o read_v to_o you_o concern_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o successor_n the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o this_o watchfulness_n as_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o person_n because_o as_o they_o have_v a_o great_a trust_n so_o they_o have_v a_o great_a account_n to_o give_v this_o we_o learn_v from_o 12_o luke_n 42_o 43_o ver_fw-la where_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v that_o general_a advice_n to_o all_o his_o disciple_n to_o watch_v for_o the_o come_n of_o their_o lord_n st._n peter_n particular_o inquire_v how_o far_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o lord_n speak_v thou_o this_o parable_n unto_o we_o or_o even_o to_o all_o ver_fw-la 41._o to_o which_o our_o saviour_n answer_v who_o then_o be_v that_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n who_o â—…is_n lord_n shall_v make_v ruler_n of_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o their_o portion_n of_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n bless_a be_v that_o servant_n who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v wherein_o our_o saviour_n do_v particular_o apply_v that_o general_a advice_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n his_o servant_n steward_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o indeed_o those_o particular_a expression_n which_o be_v here_o use_v do_v sufficient_o acquaint_v we_o to_o who_o this_o advice_n belong_v we_o need_v not_o question_n who_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a title_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a what_o this_o household_n be_v which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o house_n and_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a 16._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 16._o 2_o cor._n 6_o 16._o god_n the_o household_n of_o faith_n the_o household_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v faithful_a as_o a_o son_n or_o lord_n over_o his_o 10._o 6._o gal._n 10._o own_o house_n who_o house_n be_v we_o if_o we_o â—…ld_v fast_o the_o confidence_n and_o the_o rejoice_v 6._o 3._o heb._n 5_o 6._o of_o the_o hope_v firm_a unto_o the_o end_n in_o distinction_n from_o moses_n who_o be_v faithful_a as_o a_o servant_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o household_n or_o the_o steward_n in_o st._n luke_n be_v the_o apostle_n bishop_n presbyter_n who_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 28._o 20._o act_n 28._o overseer_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n the_o 1._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o meat_n which_o they_o be_v to_o give_v in_o season_n be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n which_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o different_a degree_n and_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n be_v compare_v to_o milk_n and_o to_o strong_a meat_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v command_v to_o feed_v the_o 2._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 2._o 5._o heb._n 12._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d tim._n 4._o 2._o flock_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n to_o reprove_v rebuke_n exhort_v with_o all_o long-suffering_a and_o doctrine_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v you_o that_o my_o text_n do_v principal_o concern_v the_o bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n the_o servant_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o instruction_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o house_n and_o in_o speak_v to_o these_o word_n
calamity_n upon_o nation_n but_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o some_o publlick_n and_o national_a sin_n and_o therefore_o a_o christian_a nation_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n preserve_v the_o reverence_n of_o religion_n correct_v and_o suppress_v vice_n may_v expect_v to_o be_v bless_v with_o all_o external_a prosperity_n for_o righteousness_n exâ—…alteth_v a_o nation_n it_o do_v so_o in_o its_o natural_a tendency_n and_o effect_n and_o it_o do_v so_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n bring_v any_o public_a judgement_n upon_o a_o nation_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o displeasure_n to_o inquire_v what_o be_v amiss_o among_o we_o what_o that_o accurse_a thing_n be_v which_o have_v provoke_v god_n to_o jealousy_n and_o make_v he_o take_v the_o rod_n into_o his_o hand_n we_o have_v then_o reason_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n to_o turn_v from_o all_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o way_n that_o hem_n ay_o return_n and_o be_v merciful_a to_o we_o but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n worth_n observe_v which_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o hope_n and_o comfort_n to_o we_o at_o this_o time_n that_o god_n never_o deliver_v the_o jewish_a church_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n to_o oppress_v they_o never_o carry_v they_o away_o into_o captivity_n except_v the_o last_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o crucify_a their_o messiah_n but_o only_o when_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n a_o corruption_n of_o manner_n may_v bring_v other_o judgement_n upon_o they_o but_o it_o be_v general_o and_o i_o think_v always_o for_o their_o idolatry_n that_o god_n make_v their_o enemy_n rule_n over_o they_o and_o carry_v they_o captive_a into_o a_o strange_a land_n this_o we_o have_v a_o summary_n account_v of_o judge_n 2._o how_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o joshua_n and_o those_o elder_n who_o have_v see_v all_o that_o god_n do_v for_o they_o they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v baal_n and_o ashtaroth_n and_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v kindle_v against_o they_o and_o god_n deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o spoiler_n who_o spoil_v they_o v._o 11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n for_o this_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v carry_v away_o into_o a_o perpetual_a captivity_n and_o judah_n carry_v captive_a to_o babylon_n which_o they_o be_v threaten_v with_o by_o the_o prophet_n for_o their_o whoredom_n that_o be_v their_o idolatry_n 2_o 4_o 5._o ch_z of_o hosea_n and_o this_o be_v the_o account_n the_o prophet_n jeremy_n give_v of_o it_o like_a as_o you_o have_v forsake_v i_o and_o serve_v strange_a god_n in_o your_o land_n so_o shall_v you_o serve_v stranger_n in_o a_o land_n which_o be_v not_o you_o 5._o jer._n 19_o now_o in_o proportion_n to_o god_n dealâ—…g_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n we_o have_v â—…ason_n to_o hope_n that_o though_o a_o church_n â—…nd_v nation_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a â—…aith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v â—…everely_o punish_v for_o their_o other_o sin_n â—…et_o while_o they_o preserve_v themselves_o â—…lean_a from_o spiritual_a fornication_n from_o all_o antichristian_a idolatry_n god_n will_v not_o un-church_n they_o nor_o deliver_v they_o final_o up_o into_o the_o power_n of_o idolatrous_a oppressor_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o of_o this_o nation_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o though_o god_n have_v make_v we_o smart_v severe_o for_o our_o other_o sin_n have_v yet_o always_o find_v a_o watchful_a providence_n defend_v we_o from_o all_o attempt_n though_o contrive_v with_o art_n and_o skill_n and_o back_v with_o power_n to_o reduce_v we_o again_o under_o the_o roman_a yoke_n may_v the_o same_o good_a providence_n still_o watch_v over_o we_o and_o defend_v we_o and_o neither_o suffer_v our_o popish_a enemy_n to_o rejoice_v over_o we_o nor_o delude_a protestant_n to_o make_v dangerous_a and_o fatal_a experiment_n 3_o when_o god_n do_v think_v fit_a to_o correct_v his_o people_n he_o always_o keep_v the_o rod_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o prescribe_v the_o measure_n and_o continuance_n of_o their_o suffering_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a from_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o israel_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o multiply_v particular_a instance_n there_o be_v no_o good_a not_o evil_a befall_v israel_n but_o by_o a_o particular_a providence_n god_n inflict_v judgement_n on_o they_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a and_o he_o remove_v they_o again_o he_o give_v the_o commission_n to_o plague_n and_o sword_n and_o famine_n which_o they_o can_v not_o exceed_v in_o the_o 26._o levit._n we_o may_v observe_v that_o god_n proportion_v his_o judgement_n to_o their_o sin_n when_o their_o sin_n be_v grow_v so_o public_a and_o national_a as_o to_o deserve_v some_o public_a judgement_n yet_o at_o first_o god_n threaten_v they_o with_o some_o more_o light_a and_o gentle_a punishment_n but_o if_o they_o continue_v incorrigible_a he_o tell_v they_o he_o have_v more_o terrible_a judgement_n in_o reserve_n for_o they_o which_o prove_v that_o god_n determine_v the_o kind_n degree_n and_o continuance_n of_o his_o judgement_n when_o david_n for_o his_o sin_n in_o number_v the_o people_n have_v that_o hard_a choice_n give_v he_o of_o seven_o year_n famine_n or_o to_o flee_v three_o month_n before_o his_o enemy_n or_o three_o day_n pestilence_n he_o answer_v let_v i_o fall_v now_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o mercy_n be_v great_a and_o let_v i_o not_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d sam._n 24._o 14._o that_o be_v he_o choose_v peâ—…ilence_n before_o the_o sword_n for_o pestiâ—…ence_n be_v god_n immediate_a hand_n and_o â—…ho_o the_o sword_n be_v god_n judgement_n too_o â—…et_v it_o be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n who_o gratify_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o rage_n and_o revenge_n with_o it_o and_o yet_o though_o god_n leave_v more_o to_o man_n in_o this_o than_o â—…n_o any_o other_o judgement_n he_o do_v not_o â—…ut_o the_o sword_n whole_o out_o of_o his_o own_o hand_n when_o he_o put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n but_o give_v law_n to_o it_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n who_o god_n send_v against_o jerusalem_n to_o take_v the_o spoil_n and_o to_o take_v the_o prey_n and_o to_o tread_v they_o down_o like_o the_o mire_n in_o the_o street_n howbeit_o he_o mean_v not_o so_o neither_o do_v his_o heart_n think_v so_o but_o it_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o destroy_v and_o cut_v off_o nation_n not_o a_o few_o wherefore_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v perform_v his_o whole_a work_n upon_o mount_n zion_n what_o he_o himself_o not_o what_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n intend_v to_o do_v i_o will_v punish_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o stout_a heart_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o high_a look_n 10._o isa._n 5_o 6_o 7_o 12._o now_o god_n have_v the_o same_o tender_a care_n of_o a_o christian_a nation_n that_o he_o have_v of_o israel_n he_o mingle_v our_o cup_n for_o we_o he_o prescribe_v what_o we_o shall_v suffer_v and_o how_o long_o and_o he_o correct_v as_o a_o father_n not_o to_o destroy_v but_o to_o reform_v and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a comfort_n that_o whatever_o man_n threaten_v we_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o have_v the_o wind_n and_o sea_n aâ—…_n his_o command_n who_o give_v salvation_n 〈◊〉_d king_n who_o deliver_v david_n his_o servaâ—…_n from_o the_o hurtful_a sword_n psal._n 144._o 10._o the_o most_o powerful_a oppressor_n be_v but_o the_o rod_n of_o god_n anger_n the_o more_o fierce_a and_o savage_a instrument_n god_n employ_v to_o correct_v we_o we_o may_v conclude_v the_o more_o angry_a god_n be_v but_o whatever_o the_o rod_n be_v it_o be_v god_n that_o strike_v whâ—…_n know_v when_o to_o strike_v and_o when_o to_o spare_v we_o never_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o man_n whatever_o their_o power_n how_o great_a soever_o their_o rage_n and_o vengeance_n be_v but_o aught_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n do_v o_o lord_n correct_v i_o but_o with_o judgement_n not_o in_o thy_o anger_n lest_o thou_o bring_v i_o to_o nothing_o jer._n 10._o 24._o o_o lord_n rebuke_v i_o not_o in_o thy_o anger_n neither_o chasten_v i_o in_o thy_o sore_a displeasure_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o o_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o weak_a o_o lord_n heal_v i_o for_o my_o bone_n be_v vex_v psal._n 6._o 1_o 2._o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o psal._n 56._o 1_o 2_o 3._o be_v merciful_a to_o i_o o_o
great_a reproach_n to_o a_o christian_a nation_n where_o such_o doctrine_n be_v public_o own_v and_o profess_v and_o such_o person_n court_v and_o flatter_v as_o â—…he_v most_o refine_a philosophical_a wit_n i_o pray_v god_n this_o nation_n do_v not_o find_v the_o â—…ischievous_a effect_n of_o it_o both_o in_o church_n â—…nd_n state_n government_n can_v never_o be_v long_o secure_a without_o the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o religion_n and_o destroy_v reveal_v religion_n and_o we_o shall_v quick_o have_v none_o as_o be_v too_o visible_a in_o the_o live_v of_o deist_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o a_o reformation_n of_o manner_n while_o such_o man_n be_v suffer_v to_o poison_v the_o very_a fountain_n to_o undermine_v all_o religion_n and_o to_o root_v up_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n i_o do_v not_o love_v to_o prophesy_v ill_a thing_n but_o that_o nation_n can_v reasonable_o expect_v to_o receive_v good_a from_o god_n which_o be_v so_o unconcern_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o worship_n it_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n of_o his_o government_n he_o that_o honour_v i_o i_o will_v honour_v but_o those_o which_o despise_v i_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n sermon_n xii_o preach_v on_o september_n 2._o 1699._o be_v the_o fast_a for_o the_o fire_n of_o london_n at_o the_o cathedeal_o church_n of_o st._n paul_n before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord-mayor_n alderman_n and_o citizen_n of_o london_n micah_n vi_fw-la 9_o the_o lord_n voice_n cry_v unto_o the_o city_n and_o the_o man_n of_o wisdom_n shall_v see_v thy_o name_n hear_v you_o the_o rod_n and_o who_o have_v appoint_v it_o when_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n be_v happy_a and_o prosperous_a it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v man_n indulge_v themselves_o in_o ease_n and_o luxury_n forget_v god_n or_o grow_v careless_a and_o formal_a in_o religion_n for_o though_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v that_o happy_a creature_n who_o rejoice_v in_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v very_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o that_o god_n from_o who_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n they_o receive_v all_o yet_o humane_a nature_n in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n be_v very_o fond_a of_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o when_o a_o easy_a and_o plentiful_a fortune_n put_v it_o into_o man_n power_n to_o enjoy_v as_o much_o of_o this_o world_n as_o they_o will_v there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o who_o can_v set_v bound_n to_o their_o enjoyment_n and_o taste_v the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n without_o take_v large_a and_o intoxicate_a draught_n of_o it_o and_o this_o sensualize_v man_n mind_n and_o a_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n say_v unto_o god_n depart_v from_o we_o for_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n never_o any_o people_n have_v more_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n among_o they_o and_o his_o particular_a care_n of_o they_o than_o the_o israelite_n have_v and_o yet_o moses_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o prophetic_a hymn_n jesurun_n wax_v fat_a and_o kick_v thou_o be_v waxen_a fat_a thou_o be_v grow_v thick_a thou_o be_v cover_v with_o fatness_n then_o he_o forsake_v god_n which_o make_v he_o and_o light_o esteem_v the_o rock_n of_o his_o salvation_n deut._n 32._o 15._o and_o thus_o god_n complain_v isa._n 1._o 2_o 3._o hear_v o_o heaven_n and_o give_v ear_n o_o earth_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v i_o have_v nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o child_n and_o they_o have_v rebel_v against_o i_o the_o ox_n know_v his_o owner_n and_o the_o ass_n his_o master_n crib_n but_o israel_n do_v not_o know_v my_o people_n do_v not_o consider_v and_o as_o much_o as_o we_o may_v despise_v and_o abhor_v the_o ingratitude_n of_o the_o jew_n this_o be_v the_o general_a state_n of_o mankind_n and_o we_o may_v find_v too_o many_o example_n of_o it_o in_o all_o time_n and_o nation_n but_o it_o seem_v much_o more_o unaccountable_a when_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o shall_v not_o learn_v righteousness_n because_o judgement_n be_v apt_a to_o awaken_v man_n and_o make_v they_o consider_v when_o god_n speak_v in_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n those_o must_v be_v deaf_a indeed_o who_o will_v not_o hear_v this_o be_v the_o merciful_a design_n of_o providence_n in_o send_v such_o terrible_a judgement_n on_o the_o world_n to_o make_v man_n consider_v their_o way_n and_o their_o do_n and_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n for_o judgement_n have_v a_o voice_n have_v we_o but_o ear_n to_o hear_v they_o proclaim_v the_o power_n and_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n a_o terrible_a majesty_n and_o irresistible_a power_n theâ—…_n scourge_n and_o they_o threaten_v sinner_n anâ—…_n call_v for_o weep_v and_o mourn_v anâ—…_n fast_v and_o how_o unthankful_a soever_o thâ—…_n jew_n be_v to_o god_n for_o his_o great_a mercieâ—…_n and_o deliverance_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o insensible_a of_o his_o judgement_n when_o he_o sleâ—…_n they_o than_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n and_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v their_o rock_n and_o thâ—…_n high_a god_n their_o redeemer_n psalm_n 78â—…_n 34_o 35._o this_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o in_o my_o text_n to_o hear_v the_o rod_n and_o who_o have_v appoint_v it_o to_o consider_v for_o what_o reason_n those_o evil_n which_o we_o at_o any_o time_n suffer_v be_v come_v upon_o we_o and_o what_o god_n intend_v by_o the_o rod_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o grow_v better_o by_o our_o affliction_n and_o to_o prevail_v with_o god_n in_o great_a pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o remove_v they_o but_o this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n who_o shall_v reveal_v this_o secret_a to_o we_o how_o shall_v we_o distinguish_v between_o the_o correction_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n how_o shall_v we_o understand_v the_o language_n of_o the_o rod_n and_o to_o who_o it_o speak_v for_o what_o sin_v it_o strike_v and_o who_o be_v those_o achan_n that_o be_v the_o troubler_n of_o our_o israel_n and_o what_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o in_o such_o case_n i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v these_o thing_n to_o you_o and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o present_a occasion_n but_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o i_o only_o address_v myself_o now_o to_o those_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o for_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n who_o have_v neither_o eye_n nor_o ear_n they_o can_v only_o feel_v the_o rod_n like_o bruit_n not_o hear_v its_o voice_n like_o man_n though_o the_o lord_n voice_n cry_v unto_o the_o city_n it_o be_v only_o the_o man_n of_o wisdom_n that_o see_v his_o name_n now_o as_o for_o those_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v two_o very_a plain_a interpreter_n of_o god_n judgement_n natural_a conscience_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n have_v not_o a_o articulate_v voice_n to_o acquaint_v we_o in_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n upon_o what_o errand_n they_o come_v but_o they_o be_v sign_n which_o speak_v by_o a_o interpreter_n and_o if_o we_o careful_o attend_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a conscience_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o can_v mistake_v their_o meaning_n 1._o as_o first_o no_o man_n who_o attend_v either_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a conscience_n or_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v doubt_v who_o it_o be_v that_o have_v appoint_v the_o rod_n this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o naturaâ—…_n question_v of_o all_o and_o yet_o a_o great_a many_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n seem_v not_o well_o satisfy_v in_o this_o point_n they_o allow_v that_o some_o judgement_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o grant_v this_o of_o all_o especial_o when_o they_o see_v what_o the_o immediate_a and_o visible_a cause_n of_o such_o suffering_n be_v some_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n which_o either_o private_a man_n or_o public_a society_n suffer_v be_v manifest_o owe_v to_o the_o injustice_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o they_o can_v no_o more_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v such_o evil_n than_o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o other_o shall_v do_v they_o and_o all_o such_o rod_n as_o be_v not_o appoint_v by_o god_n can_v teach_v we_o nothing_o but_o the_o wickedness_n of_o those_o by_o who_o
we_o suffer_v for_o if_o god_n have_v not_o send_v they_o they_o can_v bring_v we_o no_o message_n from_o god_n and_o yet_o most_o man_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n infect_v with_o this_o disease_n we_o suffer_v many_o evil_n which_o we_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o ascribe_v to_o god_n and_o then_o we_o learn_v nothing_o from_o they_o but_o a_o little_a worldly_a policy_n and_o prudence_n to_o take_v better_a care_n of_o our_o self_n and_o our_o affair_n to_o be_v jealous_a and_o distrustful_a of_o man_n or_o it_o may_v be_v to_o watch_v our_o opportunity_n to_o revenge_v the_o injury_n we_o suffer_v and_o to_o return_v they_o with_o interest_n and_o yet_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v a_o providence_n though_o it_o be_v as_o honourable_a to_o god_n to_o deny_v his_o providence_n as_o to_o deny_v his_o sovereign_a disposal_n and_o government_n of_o all_o event_n or_o rather_o they_o be_v both_o a_o equal_a reproach_n to_o he_o for_o a_o providence_n which_o do_v not_o take_v care_n of_o creature_n be_v little_a worth_n and_o we_o can_v say_v that_o god_n take_v care_n of_o his_o creature_n if_o any_o evil_n befall_v they_o without_o his_o will_n and_o appointment_n but_o natural_a conscience_n see_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o suffer_v whatever_o the_o visible_a and_o immediate_a cause_n and_o instrument_n of_o our_o suffering_n be_v a_o guilty_a conscience_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n the_o terror_n of_o god_n take_v hold_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o tremble_v before_o his_o judge_n though_o he_o do_v not_o see_v he_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n when_o he_o feel_v only_o the_o hand_n of_o men._n and_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o what_o be_v the_o language_n of_o these_o guilty_a fear_n but_o that_o whatever_o the_o rod_n be_v that_o strike_v it_o be_v move_v and_o direct_v by_o a_o divine_a hand_n that_o the_o wickedness_n and_o injustice_n the_o wrath_n and_o fury_n of_o man_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n for_o why_o shall_v the_o evil_n we_o suffer_v from_o man_n so_o terrify_v a_o guilty_a conscience_n have_v we_o not_o a_o natural_a persuasion_n that_o all_o these_o evil_n be_v send_v by_o god_n whoever_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v natural_a in_o all_o such_o case_n to_o fly_v to_o god_n for_o help_v atheist_n themselves_o can_v whole_o prevent_v this_o but_o when_o they_o be_v surprise_v with_o any_o sudden_a danger_n nature_n be_v too_o quick_a and_o too_o powerful_a for_o their_o philosophy_n and_o surprise_v they_o into_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n which_o they_o must_v do_v penance_n for_o when_o their_o fright_a be_v over_o sinner_n who_o forget_v god_n in_o prosperity_n fly_v to_o he_o in_o their_o distress_n remember_v that_o god_n be_v their_o rock_n and_o the_o high_a god_n their_o redeemer_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o natural_a acknowledgement_n of_o providence_n as_o it_o certain_o be_v it_o own_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o our_o suffering_n as_o well_o as_o his_o power_n to_o save_v for_o both_o equal_o belong_v to_o the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o his_o power_n to_o help_v which_o make_v sinner_n fly_v to_o god_n in_o their_o distress_n but_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o anger_n in_o what_o they_o suffer_v they_o do_v not_o fly_v to_o god_n as_o man_n do_v to_o a_o powerful_a patron_n but_o as_o criminal_n do_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o provoke_v father_n or_o prince_n when_o they_o fly_v to_o god_n it_o be_v to_o implore_v his_o mercy_n as_o humble_a penitent_n to_o appease_v his_o anger_n that_o he_o may_v remove_v his_o judgement_n and_o when_o we_o fly_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o remove_v the_o rod_n it_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n that_o it_o be_v â—…e_o that_o strike_v as_o well_o as_o he_o alone_o that_o can_v save_v and_o that_o conscience_n judge_v right_a in_o all_o this_o however_o some_o man_n may_v attribute_v it_o to_o a_o superstitious_a education_n be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n which_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n that_o none_o can_v stay_v his_o hand_n or_o resist_v his_o will_n or_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o that_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o the_o city_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o do_v if_o job_n be_v strip_v of_o all_o his_o large_a possession_n in_o a_o day_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o give_v and_o the_o lord_n that_o take_v away_o if_o the_o mighty_a king_n of_o assyria_n invade_v israel_n and_o lie_v waste_v their_o city_n and_o country_n he_o be_v the_o rod_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o the_o staff_n in_o his_o hand_n be_v his_o indignation_n isa._n 10._o 5_o 6._o affliction_n come_v not_o forth_o of_o the_o dust_n neither_o do_v trouble_v spring_n out_o of_o the_o ground_n but_o god_n be_v the_o judge_n he_o put_v down_o one_o and_o set_v up_o another_o psal._n 75._o 7_o 8._o this_o show_v we_o that_o whatever_o our_o suffering_n be_v it_o be_v god_n that_o appoint_v the_o rod_n and_o then_o it_o must_v near_o concern_v we_o two_o to_o hear_v the_o rod_n what_o and_o to_o who_o it_o speak_v now_o in_o this_o case_n also_o conscience_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o god_n judgement_n the_o rod_n teach_v another_o way_n but_o teach_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o conscience_n and_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o be_v it_o proclaim_v aloud_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o god_n anger_n and_o displeasure_n against_o it_o and_o call_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n when_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o we_o conscience_n know_v their_o errand_n and_o call_v all_o our_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n and_o set_v they_o in_o order_n before_o we_o nothing_o but_o gild_n make_v we_o afraid_a of_o god_n and_o how_o quiet_a and_o secure_a soever_o sinner_n be_v at_o other_o time_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n will_v awaken_v their_o guilty_a fear_n and_o if_o man_n will_v hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n it_o will_v certain_o tell_v they_o why_o god_n strike_v and_o we_o can_v take_v a_o safe_a course_n than_o to_o reform_v those_o sin_n of_o which_o our_o conscience_n then_o accuse_v we_o all_o the_o threaten_n of_o scripture_n be_v against_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o judgement_n there_o record_v especial_o public_a and_o national_a judgement_n be_v inflict_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v our_o example_n as_o they_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o providence_n god_n never_o punish_v but_o for_o sin_n though_o he_o may_v exercise_v particular_a good_a man_n with_o difficult_a trial_n and_o therefore_o when_o bad_a man_n and_o a_o wicked_a nation_n suffer_v they_o may_v certain_o know_v the_o cause_n they_o have_v sin_v and_o god_n be_v angry_a and_o summon_v they_o to_o repentance_n for_o this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o all_o to_o take_v away_o sin_n the_o voice_n of_o judgement_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n prophet_n wash_v 〈◊〉_d make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o â—…our_n do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o seek_v judgement_n relieve_v the_o oppress_v judge_v the_o fatherless_a plead_v for_o the_o widow_n isa._n 1._o 16_o 17._o this_o be_v plain_a enough_o and_o sufficient_o know_v if_o it_o be_v but_o sufficient_o lay_v to_o heart_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n the_o secret_a and_o hide_a deâ—…gns_n of_o providence_n which_o many_o time_n surprise_v the_o world_n with_o unexpecteâ—…_n event_n be_v the_o care_n of_o god_n anâ—…_n belong_v not_o to_o we_o till_o the_o scene_n oâ—…_n pen_n and_o we_o see_v what_o part_n be_v alloâ—…_n t_v we_o in_o it_o whatever_o god_n be_v aâ—…_n do_v we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o tâ—…_n amend_v our_o life_n which_o will_v remouâ—…_n the_o scourge_n from_o we_o and_o entitle_v we_o tâ—…_n the_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o providencâ—…_n whereas_o to_o busy_a ourselves_o with_o poliâ—…_n tick_n or_o prophetic_a guess_n at_o unknowâ—…_n event_n to_o paint_v our_o imagination_n witâ—…_n black_a and_o frightful_a or_o with_o gay_a anâ—…_n charm_v scene_n of_o thing_n as_o despondâ—…_n ing_z fear_n or_o sanguine_a hope_n inspire_v thâ—…_n prophet_n can_v do_v we_o no_o good_a but_o may_v dâ—…_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o hurt_n to_o ourselves_o anâ—…_n the_o world_n this_o be_v not_o the_o voice_n oâ—…_n the_o rod_n which_o make_v no_o new_a reveâ—…_n lation_n to_o we_o but_o only_o awaken_v thâ—…_n