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Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
love_n	know_v	love_v	true_a	9,910	5	5.1266	4	true

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ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
B06642	A sermon, preached at Edinburgh in the Parliament-House, November 17th, 1700, before his Grace, James, Duke of Queensberry, his Majesties High Commissioner; and many of the nobility, barrons, burrows, members of the High Court of Parliament, / by David Williamson minister of the Gospel, at West-Kirk.	Williamson, David, d. 1706.	1700 (1700)	Wing W2797B; ESTC R186602	30,727	24

for us when Law Satan and Conscience accuse he rises up and appears for the poor Sinner to answear what can be charged upon him Heb. 9.24 And this is sweet that he never losed a cause he took in hand John 11.42 The Father hears him always he was never denyed a sute Then we should know him in his Kingly Office a Glorious King Psal 24.7 who choises the Officers of his own house Ephes. 4 -11 12 he subdues and captivats Souls to his obedience Cor. 2.10.4.5 he rules by his Word and Spirit and defends by his power and can dash the Pot-Shards in pieces that are his Enemies Ps 2.9 We most receive whole Christ in all his Offices if we be not ruled by his Law we cannot be saved by his death Some will not have this Man to reign over them Luke 19.14 5ly we must know him in his Love 1st in the freedom of it We have nothing to engage his love but much in us to provock his Loathing He loved Jacob freely Rom. 9.11.14 2ly The speciallity of this Love in two respects 1st in respect of the kind Men chosen and loved no fallen Angels Heb. 2.16 he took not on him the nature of Angels their execution was as quick as their fall cast out of favour for ever 2ly in respect that he makes a choice among fallen Men and loves not all alike all-though all be of the same mass This makes every Beleiver a wonder to himself and to say what wonder he made choise of me 3ly in the antiquity of it from everlasting every Beleiver is the birth of eternal love before he made the Earth or the World or laid the foundations thereof his delights were with the Sons of Men Prov. 8.29 c. then in the duration of it his mercy and love is everlasting Ps 103.17 As it had no begining it knows no end whom he loves he loves to the end outthorrow Jo. 13.1 I have loved thee with everlasting loving kindness Jerm 31.3 and we would know wherein his Loye appeared especially in his death which though it was a painful shamful cursed death yet was he a volunteer in it not forced to it he had power to lay down his Life and power to take it up again Yea he was earnest to give a proof and vent his Love thus Luke 11.50 I have a Baptism to be Baptised with meaning of his dath and O how am I straitned or pained till it be accomplished and Ps 40. verse 8. I delight to do thy will as if he had said Father I will not debate nor prig anent the Ransom of the Elect I will come in your will for what you can charge on them I am willing to undergo We are ready to prig with him so much we would do but no more so far we would go in his way and no further if he had stood so in our matters we had perished eternally 6ly We should know the purchase of his Death 1. Justification He has procured a Righteousness to cover us and that is our peace Rom. 5.1 We have no covering of our own but that which is too narrow to wrap us in Isa 28.20 If we should walk in the light of our own Fire and the sparks of our own kindling Isa 50.11 We should lye down in sorrow 2dly He has procured the Noble priviledge of Adoption to all that embrace him Jo. 1.12 which secures Gods Peace Pardon and Love 3dly Sanctification 1 Cor. 1.30 which is the Image of God 1 Pet. 1.16 4ly Salvation is the purchase of the Blood of God shed as man Acts 20.28 doth not the heart affecting knowledge of all these tend to our peace 3. Head We must have the knowledge of the Spirit of Jesus there is a necessity for it Rom. 8.9 If any man have not the Spirit of Chist he is none of his We must know him in his Influences 1. His inlighting influences revealing to us the deep things of God making us know the things freely given us of God 1 Cor. 2.10 12. 2dly In his comforting influences he bears this Style the Comforter the Holy Ghost Jo. 14.26 and Psal 94.19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts shall delight my Soul Then in his Mortifying influences whereby he mortifies the Deeds of the Body That our Souls may live Rom. 8.13 how desirable is this to these wrestling with the power of Lust Then in his assisting influences to the Exercise of all Graces and Duties He is called the Spirit of Faith 2 Cor. 4.13 The Spirit of Holiness and Obedience Rom. 1 4.5 The Spirit of Prayer and Mourning Zecha 12.10 The Spirit of wisdom and understanding Council and might the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord Isai 11 2 He makes Ordinances Lively without whose shining they signifie no more than a Dyal where the Sun shines not it is he who by his power decides controversies as that 1 Kings 18 21 c. We should crave and cherrish this Spirit who is freely given to the poor as well as to the Rich who seek him in earnest Luke 11 11. c. 4 Head We should know the Covenant of Grace in the Blessed terms of it 1st To know it in its freeness God was not hired to make it no Money nor price required only Hunger and Thirst Isai 55 1. Secondly in the fulness of it all that the poor Sinner needs Ephes 1.3 All Spiritual Blessings in Heavenly places in Christ all things pertaining to Life and Godliness 2 Pet 1.3 And what can be more desired Thirdly The Sureness of it the heart affecting knowledge of it tends to peace First No one promise shall fail because He is Faithfull he will not break his Covenant nor alter the thing that 's gone out of his Lips Psalm 89 33 34. Josua 21 45. Appeals to the People that there failed not ought of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the House of Israel all came to pass it is a well ordered Covenant and is a Cordial at Death David among his last words had this 2 Samuel 23 5. He hath made with me an Everlasting Covenant well ordered in all things and sure and this is all my Salvation and all my desire Secondly It is sure the Stock is in a good hand Jesus's Hand the surity of the better Testament we would soon have played the Bankrupt but Christ makes all good 2 Cor. 1.20 all the promises are in him yea and Amen Thirdly This Covenant smells the more of Grace in that Christ engages to help us to do our part Heb. 8.10 He puts His Laws in the minds of his People and Writs them in their Hearts Ezekiel 26.27 The Lord Saith I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my Judgements and do them Fourtly consider the influence that the knowledge of this Covenant should have upon our Heart and Life not to make us loose and wanton but having

these precious promises we should cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the Flesh and Spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord 2 Cor. 6.16 and 7.1 as you tender your Peace get this bargain made This is the first and best way to peace some spend their time tampering about duties not puting a close to this on every new emergency of trouble They are in hazard to raze the Foundation It would be a strong Pillar of peace to have that to say I know my Covenanted God is faithfull and hates putting away That is a brave word Isai 44.5 One shall say I am the Lords another shall call himself by the name of Jacob and another shall Subscrib with his Hand unto the Lord and surname himself by the name of Israel I know not if ye have taken time and lasure to consider and put this great matter to a point upon reflection on your own sinfull self destroyed case and the offer of Christ in Gospel terms to say it from your heart and subscrib it with your hand that you are and will be the Lords and his Christs a back look of this I know has been a Cordial in a dying hour when they have thought upon the time place and manner of their Covenanting with God I wish you would all without delay lay this matter to Heart 5. Head We should know the rule of the Commands Gal 6.16 As many as walk according to this rule peace be on them and mercy and upon the Israel of God first we should know the Commands and extent of them first as to the object his Commands are exceeding broad Psalm 119.96 they reach to all stations relations and conditions Secondly as to the subject they reach the whole Man Soul and Body we must obey from the Heart Rom. 6.17 Thirdly we must know we daily breake the Commandments Jam. 3.2 in many things we offend all and every breach deserves death Deut. 27.26 Rom 6.23 this tends to peace chassing the Sinner into a Mediator the Prince of Peace who is the end of the Law for Rightousness Rom. 10.4 Fourtly as you regaird your peace allow not your self in the breach of any Command say not it is but this it is but that if it be a Sin it 's that which may cost your Life and and may go betwixt you and your part of Heaven Psalms 66.18 if I regaird iniquity in my heart sayes he the Lord will not hear my Prayer and sayeth Christ Math. 5.19 whosoever breaks one of these least Commandments and shall teach Men so he shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven we showld have equal respect to all the Commands Psalm 119 6 6. 128 Fifthly we should know the Command is in the promise there are many severe Commands and as many sweet promises O how much tends this to peace sayeth the poor Sinner he hath Commanded us to love him and he has promised to Circumcise my Heart to love him Deut. 30.6 he has Commanded me to fear him and he has promised to put his fear in my heart That I may not depart from him Jer. 32.40 he has Commanded me to repent mourn and obey and Pray and he has promised his Spirit to all these effects Ezek. 26.27 Zechariah 12.10 he has Commanded me to beleive and he is the auther and finisher of that Grace So we must look from the Command to the promise and turn the promise to a Prayer God will turn it to a performance who works in hit People both to will and to do of his good pleasure Philip 2 13. let us say Lord give what thou Commands and Command what thou wilt 6. Head We must know Graces and duties Graces I call them as they come from God duties as exercised by us and in the exercise of them first we would be fervent cordial and affectionate the heart is the fat of the Sacrifice without which the Lord abhorrs it Rom 12.11 Be fervent in Spirit serving the Lord And David sayeth Psalm 25.1 Unto thee O Lord do I lift up my Soul and Hanna 1 Samuel 1 15. Was a Woman of a sorrowful Spirit pouering out her Soul unto the Lord. 2dly We should be frequent in performance of Duties Psalms 62 8. Trust in him at all times Proverbs 28 14. Happy is the Man that feareth always 1 Thess 1.15 Pray without ceasing which imports 1st We should have set Meals for prayer David had three times a day for ordiuar Psal 55 17. Evening and Morning and at noon time of Day will I pray and call aloud Danul 7.10 Thrice a day was his use and Wont David had his extraordinaries seven times a day Psal 119.164 2dly It imports we should have our hearts ay in frame ready to pray on all occasions 3dly That we should by frequent in Ejaculations which would hinder no Bussiness 3dly We should be denyed to Duties when done when we have done all things which are commanded We should say we are unprofitable Servants and have done but our Duty Luke 1710 a spice of conceit spoils the Best Dutys as the dead flee doth the precious ointment Eccles 10 1 Paul who abounded more in labours than others laid no strels on them Philip. 3 7 8. 1 Cor 1510 There is no peace to be expected otherways 4tly We must know that it is not Conscience but the Word of God that is the Rule of Duty Isiah 8.10 To the Law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because they have nothing of light in them 't is not what you think must order you that you have an Impulse of mind James and John mistook themselves in this when they would have called for Fire from Heaven to consume the miscourtious Sammaritants it was not a good Spirit that did bear in that motion upon them Luke 9 52 c Therefore Christ rebuked them There are these particular duties you would exercise as you would have peace First you must be mourners and penitent as sure as I speak none will get peace but who lay the foundation in sorrow Isai 61.2 he Comforts all that mourn Math. 5.4 Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted Secondly you would be in the exercise of Faith which workes by love Rom. 15.13 peace and Joy comes by beleiving Habbac 2.4 The Just shall live by Faith Isai 26.3 The Lord will keep his mind in perfect peace whose heart is stayed on him because he trusts in him Thirdly we should be in the excrcise of Love to God and Love to our Neighbour which is the Sum of both Tables He that loveth not knoweth not God For God is love 1 John 4.8 We should love all persons and things that belong to God We should love all men with the Love of Benevolence the Saints with the Love of Delight Psal 16.2 Had we this love to God and for His Sake love to one another It would clear our Claim to two great Promises Rom 8.28 All

Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconeiled to God 6tly They make a good Testament at Death who are found with him in peace at his Appearing It is a precious peace prize it highly i We may not want it nor can we stand under the Lords fade be tender of it and afraid to loose the sense of it 2ly I come to speak of things that belong to your peace that ye are to study the heart affecting knowledge off And 1st What belongs to your Souls peace as Christians 2dly What belongs to the Churches and Lands peace I begin with that What belongs to the Peace of Believers as Christians For if ye be good Christians ye will be the better Rulers I confess the Soveraign Lord can make the Earth help the Woman Rev. 12.16 Men of Earthly and Sensual Minds and Designes but these will not be fast Freinds when the Wind blows in an oth erairt they alter Jehu made his Zeal a stirrop to mount the Throne I give you account of these things That ye would study Haeart-affecting practical knowledge of in order to your Peace I offer you Ten Heads here You must know God 1. That he is Heb. 11.6 He that comes to God must believe that he is This is the Fountain of all true Knowledge and the Spring of all true Peace and Comfort 2ly That we must know what He is what is His Name what the the Word declares Him to be Moses says Exod. 33.18 I beseech thee shew me thy Glory And the Lord proclaims His Name Exod. 34.6 7. The LORD the LORD GOD merciful and gracious long suffering and aboundant in goodness and Truth Keeping Mercy for thousands forgiving Iniquity Transgression and Sin and that will by no means clear the guilty O what advantage redounds from this it relates to our Peace and the right ordering of our Spirits And making the Stream of our Affections run in the right Channel To know Him in His Infinite Excellent and Glorious Perfections They that know His Name faithful and true will put their Trust in Him Psal 9.10 If we knew Him in His Holiness Power Justice and Love then should we readily Fear Love and Obey Him If we knew Him in His Goodness and Mercy it would draw out our desires and delight after him If we knew Him in His Soveraignity then should we acquiesce in all his disposings of our lote If we knew Him in His Omnisciency that would keep our Hearts in aw All these relate to our Peace 2d Head We must study to know Christ if we regaird our Peace And first in the Statelyness of His Person Heb. 1.3 who is the brightness of the Fathers Glory the express Image of his Person This is a sweet consideration that we have such a Noble Redeemer 2. It relates to our Peace to know him in his Natures God Man a meek Mediator to deal between God and Man To know Him in His Human Nature Flesh of our Flesh and Bone of our Bone our God who has right to redeem and has payed our Debt in our Nature he has dignified our Nature in assuming our Nature to a personal Union with his God-head he will never lay it down again Heb. 7.24 This Man continueth ever Then we must know him in his Divine Nature Isah 7.14 Immanuel the Mighty God Isah 9.6 I have laid your help sayeth the Lord upon one that is Mighty Psal 89.19 he trode the Wine Press of his Fathers wrath alone and speaks in Righteousnes mighty to save Isah 63.2.3 His God-head sustaind the human nature that he sunk not under sufferings and gives an infinite meriting value to his sufferings by vertue of his Godhead he rose from the deed Rom 1.4 3. We must know him in his name which is as an oyntment poured forth Cano 13 The Lord Jesus Christ every letter sweeter than another Lord of Lords King of Kings Rev. 17.14 This is a Quieting consideration when we have many Lords who would impose on our Consciences we have one Lord and Law-giver James 4.12 No Law can bind the Conscience but what is consonant to his Law Jesus O but that has a sweet sound to a sensible lost Sinner he gets his name from his earrand thou shalt call his name Jesus said the Anegl for he shall save his People from their Sins thus he is the Prince of Peace Isaih 9.6 Christ idest anointed it first imports he was Gods choise for a Saviour Isah 42.1 Behold my servant whom I uphold mine Elect in whom my Soul delighteth God never spoke such a word of another then it imports he was well furnished for all his Offices anointed with the Oyl of joy above his Fellows Psal 45.7 Full of Grace and Truth John 1.14 Having the fulness of the God-head dwelling in him bodily Coloss 2.9 Holy Angels have a fulness of sufficiency enough of Grace to serve themselves but non to spare but Christ hath a fulness of redundancy a running over fulness for as many as have been at the Wells of Salvation Isah 12.3 These Five Thousand Years and more the Well is as full now as ever his fulness being infinite it can not be deminished 4ly We must know him in his Offices 1st As the Anointed Well qualified Prophet who has compassion on the ignorant Heb. 5.2 And instructs with a strong hand Isah 8 11. We have weak hands he is meek and lowly in heart Math. 11.29 We need not scar to learn of him he has all the Treasures of wisdom and knowledge Colos 2.3 He has the tongue of the Learned to speak a word in season to a weary Soul Isah 50.4 he leads the blind by a way they know not Makes darkness light befor them Isah 42.16 he has a prerogative that non els can pretend to he teaches his People to profit gives an Ingine and capacity to take up the Lesson Isah 48.17 he is the Master of Assemblies that fastens the nail in a sure place Eccie 12.11 Then secondly We must know him in his Priestly Office 1. as to his satisfaction who has payed a competent price for our Ransom 1. Timoth. 2.6 he has obtained a discharge In sign and token whereof it is said Rom. 4.24 he dyed for our sins to pay our debt and rose for our Righteousness to prove the payment was accepted and accompts cleared else he had not got out of Prison thus Gods Righteousness is declared that he is just to justifie them that believe in Jesus Rom. 3.26 having gotten payment of the Cautioner he will note rave it overagain at the Beleivers hands O What a cordial is this to these weighted with the sense of guilt Then as to his Intercession we have a freind in Heaven before us who is called the Angel have ing a Golden Censure with much incense that he should offer it with the Prayers of all Saints upon the Golden-Alter which is befor the Throne Revel 8.3 He Compears befor God

things work together for Good to all that love God even the Cross payes a Custom of Advantage to them and Christs says John 14.21.23 He that loveth me shall be loved of my Father and I will love him and will manifest my self to him and we will come and make our abode with him 4tly We should exetcise our selves to Godliness 1 Tim 4.7.8 This would clear our Title to the Promises of this Life and of that which is to come Which would yeild much peace 5tly We should be in the Exercise of Heavenly Mindedness and have our Conversation in Heaven Philip 3 20. And our Affections above Col. 3.2 The greatest Serenity is in the highest Regions Clouds and Storms are below 6tly We should be in the Exercise of a well grounded hope which would make us rejoyce in Tribulation Rom 2 3. This is the Anchor of the Soul that keeps the Vessel calm in a Storm Heb 6 19. The Helmet or Head-piece that wairds off the Stroaks of Satans smarting Temptations Ephes 6 17. 7tly It conduces much to our peace to have the sense of our Spiritual Poverty Psal 9 18. The needy shall not always be forgotten nor the Expectation of the Poor perish for ever And David sayeth Psal 40 17. I am poor and needy but the Lord thinks on me Math 5 3. Blcssed are the poor in Spirit Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven The word is Beggars in Spirit who are put oft to the throne of Grace for an Alms Proverbs 1823 The poor use Intreaties Heb 4 16. Through Christ we have Access with boldness to the throne of Grace that we may sind Mercy and obtain Grace Philip 4 6.7 Who make their Request known to God get the peace of God which passeth natural Understanding to guard their Heart and Mind and Hanna 1 Samuel 1 15 18 Who pouered out her Soul to the Lord went away and her Countenance was no more sad 8tly We would study Sincerity in the performance of all Dutys which makes much for peace both in the greatest Extremity of our Life 2 Cor 1 9 12. When they had the Sentence of Death against them this was their rejoyceing the Testimony of their Conscience That in Simplicity and Godly Sincerity not with fleshly Wisdom they had their Conversation in the World and it yeilds peace in the laft Extremity of Death Ezekiah sayeth Isiah 38 3. Lord Remember how I have walked before thee in Truth and with a perfect heart 7 Head We should know and consider some things in Reference to Crosses and Afflictions as we would consult our Peace 1st That they are covenanted Mercies and no token of Fead but consistent with God's Loving Kindness Psal 89 30 to the 34. Psalm 119 75. I know O Lord that in Faithfulness thou hast afflicted me that quiets the heart The Saints bear not the Cross alone Christ takes the heavy lift that makes the Yoke easie Isiah 63 9. In all our Afflictions He is afflicted and is still a Simpathser 2dly The Saints have had their best days under the Cross as John when banished to the Isle of Patmoss Revel 1.10 Paul and Silas were made to sing in the Stocks Acts 16 24. The Lord cohses some in the Furnace of Affliction Isiiah 48 10. There was a Godly Minister in this Nation I heard him say upon Death-Bed his Suffering times were sweeter to him than his most solemn Communion Days 4tly A well improven Cross is a piece of a Saints happiness Psal 94.12 Blessed is the Man whom the Lord chaftiseth and teacheth out of his Law 5tly The Cross is needful to prevent Sin Hosea 2 6. To purge out and take away Sin Isia 27 9. To make us more like God in holyness Heb 12 10. To give us Errands to the Throne of Grace Psal 50 15. And to make us walk in fear and be watchful to discover the Truth and Strength of Grace to stir up Grace to Exercise in order to the produceing of the peaceable fruits of Righteousness Heb 12 11. The Lords design is to distinguish betwixt the Wilderness and Canaan and that we may Glorify His rich and free Grace upholding and delivering us and to make us Instrumental to Comfort others 2. Cor. 1 4. And to draw our heart Heavenwards to know these things tend to peace Head 8. We should know the way how the Lord brings in poor Sinners to Christ first he kills and then makes alive wounds and then heals Deuter 32 39 1 Sam 2 6. Hosea 6 1. He convinces of the lost undone Self-destroyed Case by nature and course a law work in some degrees passes on the Soul Gal 3 24. The Law is a School-Master to lead to Christ thus the Sinner is made to enquire after a Deliverer Rom 7 24 Who shall deliver me says Paul 2dly A new light is broken up that discovers Sin in its black Colours smelling rank of Hell and a Beautie in Holyness and discovers the Necessity Excellency Willingness and Ability of Christ to save to the uttermost all that come to God in him Heb 7 25. He is seen to be the Chief of ten Thousands and altogether lovely Cantic 5 10 16 Him hath God the Father sealed John 6 27. Paul tells us he was sent upon this Errand to open peoples eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God that they might receive the forgiveness of Sins and Inheritance among them which are sanctified by Faith that is in Christ Acts 26 18. Thus Sinners are called from darkness to his marvelous light 1 Peter 29. 3dly Then the heart is prepared by the Arm of Jebovah to receive the Impressions of Mercy in a through Renovation the stony heart is removed a plyable melting frame is given Hezek 26 26. 4tly The Soul is brought over to give Consent to the Bargain and to take Christ on Gospel Terms and say Cantic 2 16. My beloved is mine and I am his In all which the exceeding greatness of his power cyths workinging in them that beleive Ephes 1 19. Head 9. If you would have peace you must have a practical knowledge of the wayes these ought to walk in that come home to Christ I fear many mistake it first in the difioulty of it some think nothing but they may go easily to Heaven and yet plump in to the Pit lying down with a lie in their right Hand Isas 44.20 The Apostle sayes the Righteous are scarcely faved 1. Pet. 4.18 and Christ sayes the way is strait Mathew 7.14 therefore we should suive to enter in at the sttrait Gate for many will seek to enter in that shall not be able Luke 13.24 Secondly this way is mistaken in the Singularity of of it It 's not the common Road and Broad-Way the whole World lyeth in Wickedness 1 John 5 19. Be not conform to the World says the Apostle Rom 12 2. Follow not the multitude to do evil says Moses Exod 23 2. And Christ sayeth except your

against them for evill I do here in the name and and authority of my Great Master Jesus whose Ambassador I am Warn and Charge all that hear me this Day to compear before the Tribunal and answer to their charge for unrepented of Drukenness Uncleanness Fornication Adultery Swearing Lieing Perjury Covenant-Breaking Testing or being Gallios unconcerned in Gods Matters and your Souls Sabbath-Breakers Prayerless and you who have had any hand in the Late Persecution of Gods Servants and People make you ready make hast and strive to get accompts cleared by Christ's Cautionry I cannot set a Day but it may be a few Hours sist some of you before the Judge Think on it be not abused when you come to Die by Carnal Freinds or your own deceitful Hearts I have known some when they have come to die call for the Ministers they hated and persecuted before and cryed out of their Sins with tears I have known others that neither they nor their carnal Friends would suffer the Faithful to come near them but the Montibank who sent them over the Border with the fig Leaf of a smooth absolution O betray not your own Souls nor let others do it thuart not your own Consciences to please Men as Pilate who found no fault in Christ yet over the Belly of Warning ordered to scourge and crucifie him to please Caesar and the people Right Honourable There has not been a Session of Pariament but before a next some members have gone off the Stage and some of the most Honourable for quality and best for piety are gone within these few Years 't is hard to know who goes next make you ready I must tesl you a wrong Step in Death can never be mended Eccles. 11.13 In the Place where the Tree falls there it lies What ever changes may be in a Mans life after Death there is none but eternal well or eternal wo. Now there be several things we should know and consider in reference to the peace of the Church and Land and herein both Rulers and People should Act their part First we should have our hearts affected with reflection on the crying Sins of the Land our iniquity like the Wind has taken us away Jsai 64.6 That of Hosea may be applyed 4. Chap. 1.2 The Lord hath a controversie with the Inhabitants of the Land because there is no Truth nor Mercy nor Knowledge of God in the Land by Swearing and Lying and Killing and Stealing and commiting Adultry they break out and Blood toucheth Blood And People become impudent As if they would give God a defiyance they commit Abominations and are not ashamed neither do they blush Jerem 8.12 They dispise a saviour in Gospel ordinances Secondly we should consider that there is a dark and thick Cloud of wrath and judgement hanging over us the Lord threatning as Liviticus 26.24 to heat the Furnace yet Seven times more have we not had sad Stroaks decay of Trade Dearth Famine Mortality of Man and Beast and something of Fire and Sword I look upon all these as the begining of sorrows if matters mend not amongst us Let us hearken to that word Zephamach 2 1. 2. Gather your selves together yea Gather together a Nation not desired before the decree bring forth before the day pass as chaff before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you c. 1 Therefore I would press 1. That ye wrestle with God by Prayer at the Throne of Grace Psalm 46.7 It 's said the Lord of Hosts is with us the God of Jacob is our refuge whence got Jacob the new name Israel he prevailed as a Prince by supplication let us cry mightily to God that he would rent the Heavens and come down Andthe Mountains flow down at his presence Isai 64.1.7 That the Lord would come with healing to Souls and awaken the Consciences of small and great that are fast a sleep in damnable security For there are few that call on God or stir up themselves to take hold of him 2ly Know it is our part to study mourning and amendment Lament 3.40 41. Let us search and try our ways and turn again unto the Lord Let us lift up our heart with our hands to God in the Heavens Zechariah 12.13 Persons a part and Families a part mourning that would be a Door of hope in the Valley of Achor Reformation and mourning must begin at Persons come to Families and spread through the Nation then might we say as Ezra 10.2 Now is there hope in Israel concerning this thing 3ly Study Zeal and courage for the way and work of God never be ashamed of it Be Zealous and repent says Christ Revel 3.19 Be of good courage lay out your selves as you are called in your sphere to contend forthe faith inde 4ly Study unity and love and beware of undue contendings unite in what is true and good if ye bite and devoure one another ye may be consumed one of another Gal. 5.5 The beginning of strife is like the opening of Waters to overflow Proverbs 17.14 Therefor leave off contention before it be medled with I confess there is a lawfull contending not only for truth and the Faith of the Gospel but even for inferiour things Job 31.13 c. having the Dread of God on his Heart admits his hirelings to offer their Grievances and reason their cause but the rise of debates would be examined if from Pride and envy then confusion and every evil work would be the consequence Jam. 3.16 there be due seasonable and right methods and measures that would be followed a mistake in these may mar a very cleanly design and in stead of bringing Water to quench the Fire may prove oyl to encreass the Flame Abraham his commendation will never die Genes 13. who though he was Superior and Elder than Lot yet to avoid unseasonable contendings when the Canaanites were in the Land yeilded to Lot whose choise proved his punishment and if it be no disparagement to the highest to condescend to these below them even supposeing a transgression it is their Glory to pass it over Proverbs 19.11 far more is it the bound duty of inferiors to yeild and not unmannerly to prig with those above them where yeilding may be without manifest prejudice to Truth and Peace There be two things supposed to have influence on devision and Faction which is a work of the Devil a work of the Flesh Galat. 5.20 There is a Defect and an Excess First a defect of singleness and sincerity If Men were al single-Hearted sincere self-denyed and soundly publick-Spirited they would meet unite and close without clashing or noise Secondly there is excess the excressence and knottisness of humor and interest that makes Men uneasie and to dash upon and grate one another but these who lay the fundation and sow the Seeds of division or are abatters of it either in Church or State do the abominable thing which the Lord hates Prov 6 16 19 And cannot