The APPLICATION.

I. Use. Is God so highly Honoured by such Endeavours? Then let us all be concerned for his Honour, in this way: The Text suggests to you the Weightiest Argument in the World, viz. That you should do it for God's sake, and the most Sensible Argument, do it for your own sake; 'tis the Cause of God's Honour, and the Interest of your own: But me­thinks nothing should more move us, than the just, but terri­ble interpretation, God will put upon our neglect to promote this Work, even that we despise him; as thô he were some Contemptible Being, whose Glory we think not worthy our Contending for. Dare we lye under so heavy a Charge? Cer­tainly, My Brethren, we serve a God, whose Honour well deserves our pains to uphold it; nay, can we make him the great Object of our Solemn Adoration, and daily Homage? Can we think him meet, at whose Feet to cast our selves down, in a Rever [...]nt Prostration, and yet at the same time, not judge his Honour worth maintaining? This wou'd re­proach our selves, with the grossest Stupidity, for Worship­ing one with awful dread, whom we are content, should be made contemptible with others. Ah, baso Creature, that hast such a God; of such Infinite Majesty, Wisdom and Goodness, and yet refusest to plead for him! A dumb and useless Idol might servve thy turn, since thou carest not how mean and vile, the Object of thy Worship is.

But I would rather hope of you, that hear me now, That you are rather inquisitive, how you may contribute to God's Honour in this Affair; probably you'l say, from such a man as Eli, God might expect it, he being an Eminent Magistrate, had power to do what private persons cannot, had we the [Page 11] [...] of Justice, we would surely draw it in God's Quarrel and Defence; but what can we do now?

Ans [...]. First, 'Tis indeed most true, that Magistrates have more Eminent Advantages for Honouring God this way, which they should by no means lose. They are the Life of every Honourable Enterprize, giving credit to it by their Example, and Security, by the shelter of their Authority, they are the Principal Wheel in all Regular Publick Motions, if they stop, or move heavily and unwillingly, the whole Affair halts; thô inferior persons should be never so zealous, yet without them, they may sit down and lament, that the Children are come to the birth, but there is no strength to bring forth.

For this reason it might be that Reforming Work, was not pursued in the two late Reigns, thô the same persons were then living, that with such Pious Resolution, began it since in the Metropolis of the neighbour Kingdom; they were then, formed, thô more secretly, into a Religious Society; but there was so much Wickedness, at that time, in High places, that such a Design could find no Countenance: But now that Publick Authority, as a Monument of Gratitude, for our late Deliverance, hath declared War against those Domestick Ene­mies, I mean, our Scandalous Impiety's. Now that our King hath Decreed this Iustice, and our Parliaments have Voted down Profaness, now that Wholsom Laws are Enacted (may they be as Irreversible as the Laws of the Medes and Persians) we see, there wants not a number who are ready to run to that Banner which is display'd for the Honour of God; so great is the Magistrates Influence in this matter; yea, and that of Subordinate ones too, that the cause of God's passing Sentence upon Ierusalem was this; they could not find one that would Execute Iudgment, not a Magistrate would appear to Counte­nance what was good, Ier. 5.1. so that such may be said to be entrust­ed with Ten Talents, when private persons have but One or T [...].

What Conscience then should they make of such a great Prize in their hands? since this is the very express end, which God, who gives them their Power (and will shortly ask an account of the use of it) hath assigned it to, viz. to be a Ter­me to Evil doers. Rom. 13.4. Were I to be their Monitor, it should be in [Page 12] David's words, Be wise O ye Rulers, be instructed O ye Iudges of the Land, Ps. 2.10.11. serve the Lord with fear: Kiss the Son least he be angry. I would humbly ask whose Superscription do you bear▪ and since the Truth, as well as a regard to your own Honour, allows you to say, God's; Oh then render to him, the things that are his! You would not incur the suspicion of Disloyalty to your Prince, by conniving at publick Affronts to his Name or Person; It wou'd be with you a strong Argument which they used to Pilate, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend. It touch'd him so to the quick, Iohn. 19.12.13. that he durst shew no more favour to our Blessed Lord: Why should it not be a stronger Argument, to tell you that you are not God's friends if you let Profligate Offenders escape? In a word, Magistrates shou'd be like the Heavenly Orbs, not barely to roll over the peo­ples heads in a Lordly Dominion, but also to afford a Benign Aspect upon the Commonweal.

Secondly, Yet as every Common Soldier, without leaving his Rank, may do good Service in the Battel, as well as his Com­mander, so may all of you cast some Mites into this Treasury of God's Honour; in such Instances as these.—

• 1. You may serve his Honour in this matter, by laying the Impieties of the Profane before the Magistrate, in order to punishment. Be not ashamed to come in as witness for the Great King of Heaven; Eli found many Informers against his own Sons, this aggravated his Crime, in not Restraining them; If Magistrates will not execute Justice, the Guilt lyes at their door, but if you do not carry it thither, I fear it will lye at your own: We oft speak of bearing a Testimony against Natio­nal Sins; The best Testimony that I know of, is that before a Magistrate in order to their being punished. I truly think no Customary, bold Sinner, that openly Offends, should be spared, thô he were our Companion. Remember Eli suffered for sparing the Offspring of his own Bowels; when God upon the Scornful Language of a Degenerate Age, cries out Who is on my side? Who dares but Offer himself? And as all should do their part in general, so it were to be wish'd, That some who are most capable of prudent, active service, would joyn themselves to those Societies, which are well enough known in this City, to bear part of the Burden, in this both [Page 13] Necessary and legal design,
  Prov. 21, 28.
  as Sinners joyn hand in hand to escape punishment, so should you joyn to prevent them: Let me [...]ell you, in this Case more than ordinary concern should be shown, that passage of Austin being applicable here; Non [...]at, qui non zelat. He is hardly a Friend of God, that is not warm and earnest in this important Service.
• 2. Many of you may honour God in this work with your Substance:
  Pro. 39.
  You know the precept is general, but when you come to put it in practice, it must be in some particular in­stance, and I know no occasion to which I may more pro­perly apply it, than this in hand, being an affair that neces­sarily involves in it, considerable expences, of which the oc­casions are Iust and Honourable; much may be said to com­mend such liberality; let it be considered that it excels ordi­nary Charity to the poor, which yet Christ will take eminent notice of, in the day of Judgment, and to which so many re­markable promises are made by him. The great advantage of which is, that God will allow it to have an ultimate re­ference to himself, in as much as ye have done it to these,
  M [...]. 25.40.
  you did it to me. But in this Case, what we give, is more direct­ly and immediately done to God, without the benefit of such a favourable construction as that.

  Besides, that such occasions do not offer themselves so fre­quently as those for common Charity, you are always en­compassed with Objects of that Nature, but you have not al­ways such noble designs on Foot for the honour of God, to require your aid; so that I may very properly here, apply Christ's words on something a like occasion; M [...]. 26.11. The poor you always have with you, but me ye have not always. Take there­fore the present opportunity.

• 3. You shou'd all further this blessed Work, by giving it countenance and approbation. There is no doubt, but while immorality hath so many Patrons, this way will be every where spoken against, and they that attempt the restraint of lewd men, tho' in the most regular way, will incur the ill Word and ill Will of such, as either feel, or fear the just pu­nishment of their Crimes; and especially if they be neces­sitated to use what may seem less generous methods, tho' very lawful, for the more effectual promotion of their de­signed [Page 14] end, as well as for their own safety, [...] if there [...] be the least imprudent step taken; but do you rather [...] their defects than agravate them; 'tis no wonder if when [...] filthy a house is sweeping, some offensive dust should fly [...] bout, which is to be born in order to cleansing. There [...] enough, to animadvert and censure, take not their part; [...] Baal plead for himself, let Profaness be its own Advocate, [...] not you so much the Friends of Publicans and Sinners.
• 4. Let all favour, and further it with their earnest prayers to God for success. 'Tis an important conflict between God Kingdom and the Devils: Oh, hold up your hands in ferven [...] request while the dispute lasts. Favour O Lord their righ­teous Cause; prosper thou the work of their hands. Arise [...] and let thy Enemies be scatter'd; and turn away transgression from our Iacob, that iniquity may fall, and never rise more shou'd be every one's Supplication, that wishes Gods honour [...]

II. Use, Since God will honour them that honour him, let this greatly encourage those that are engaged already in this honourable design; God will honour you. This consideration should make you renew your courage, and it will especially serve to counter-ballance any scornful reproaches, that may be cast upon you for your forwardness in this matter: 'Tis perhaps not the least of Satan's artifices, to make an odious representation of a good Work, and by the fear of oblique, to affrighten us from pursuing it, it will be but his usual way if he say I will go forth, and be a slandring, lying Spirit in the mouths of many, against them that are active against his Kingdom of Darkness.

It will therefore be no wonder, if such invidious suggesti­ons as these should be heard, 1 King. 18.16. viz. That you are the [...]blers of Israel, as Elijah was slandered by Ahab, for the like reason, that you are base Hypocrites, who would be counted Saints. but will cheat and lye, and do any secret evil; and that you make a gain of this work, and the like▪ you know what sort of men they be, from whom such venome may come, [...] that are in the Service of the Father of L [...]ts, must be allow'd to make use of a little of his Art. But under all these Ca­lumnies, Isa. 51.7, 8. I say to you in God's own words: Fear not the re­proaches of men, neither be afraid of their [...], for the [...] [Page 15] [...] like a garment; they'l come to nought so [...]g as they are without a Foundation: However in the [...] time, you have this to oppose, God will honour you, [...] therefore in contempt of all their reproaches go on with [...]ution, Ps. 109.28. saying with David, in the like case; Let them [...]se, but Bless them.

Yea, whatever other difficulties may occur, let them only [...]ve to make the Triumph of our Zeal, more conspicuous; remember that you are Soldiers of Jesus Christ, and therefore for shame, must not flee for a little danger, you are bound to [...]dure some hardship, 2 Tim. 2:3. else you in effect say, that you will be Soldiers for any thing, but Fighting; you'l give him any proof of your valour, except by exposing your selves to ha­ [...]rd: How ridiculous a profession would this be in a Chri­stian, in these express terms? 'Tis more becoming you to mount the Breach, and to stand in the Gap.

My Brethren, you have hitherto run well; Oh that no­thing may now hinder you, it would be very uncomforta­ble to Thousands of them that love God, if your Zeal should now decline, or if out of a regard to your own ease, you should seek a discharge from this warfare, when at most, [...]is but the height of the conflict. To prevent which, I shall offer you some serious Motives, shewing you the evil con­sequences of such an unseasonable declension.

Motive I. You will loose the happiest opportunity imaginable for publick Reformation. There are some great Engines which to put in motion, is the greatest difficulty; and to begin well, is the hardest part of some enterprizes; such a business is publick Reformation, which is very happily begun among us. The Enemy, viz. All manner of iniquity, did come in as a Flood, but the Spirit of the Lord hath lift up a Standard against [...], Isa. 59.19. unto which you and many others have repaired, who have march'd up to the face of that bold Enemy, so that he hath already made an halt; In and about this City, you have had the cordial assistance of Magistrates, to whom we may truly bear this Testimony; Ier. 48.10. In the Margine. that they have not done the work of the Lord negligently, in witholding the Sword from just punishment, as fearing the Carfe of God denounced against them, who do. Your Names have in great part been cover'd from reproach, [Page 16] by their Secrecy, or by their Checks of such as [...] and reproach you for your Duty; many of different [...] sions, have United in the Bands of Love for this work, [...] some of Rank and Eminency both in Church and State, so [...] now the work is become both Easie and Honourable, yea [...] safe too in comparison of what it hath been; you have gai [...] with some labour and pains, so much ground, that 'tis pity [...] should be lost again; after several thousand Convictions [...] Swearers and Cursers, we can observe a sensible alteration [...] mens dialect; Rom. 3.13,14. those Throats that lately were as open Sep [...] chres, sending forth a loathsome stench, are now, tho' [...] painted Sepulchres (by assuming any great appearance of Piety yet, closed and shut; and so do not give that publick offenc [...] nor are such a common nusance as formerly. How great [...] Encouragement is this to proceed?

If we compare these things with the circumstances, which as to these matters we were, not many years since, may tempt us to use Balaam's Expression of Astonishment What hath God wrought? Num. 23.2 [...]. What a strange turn is here in [...] affairs of our Israel? And doubtless if you go on with you [...] wonted Zeal, and especially if the Bulk of serious Christian [...] who wish you success, will promote it by their concurrent [...]deavours, we may hope for a more general Triumph over th [...] Kingdom of darkness: And can you think of loosing such [...] opportunity as this, with any peace of mind? Verily, Sir I tell you, many have desired to see these things which yo [...] see, and could not see them; many Mourners are gone off th [...] Stage, that would with all their Hearts and Souls, have p [...] their Hands to this blessed Work; had there been but suc [...] Laws, such Magistrates, and such other encouragements [...] you meet with; but God did not honour them with su [...] advantages, you are they whom he hath chosen to trust the [...] choice Talents with; should you now after all, lose this Se [...] son, as great would be the guilt of neglecting such a price [...] your hands, so, there would remain no hope of ever seei [...] such another; for when once Laws of this nature, are l [...] asleep by disuse, they are seldome awakned to purpose.

Besides that your Zeal in this City, hath this singular a [...] vantage attending it, that it is likely to be influential up [...] [Page 17] [...] whole Kingdom, for as all the Blood in man's body cir­ [...] th [...] the heart, and is there envigorated, so most of [...] Kingdom by turns have recourse to their Metropolis, where they who are slack in this work, may by your Zeal be pro­voked to an imitation, and they who are, I fear, too secure from punishment in the Country, may meet with it here; it may be to their good, and Amendment: So that upon all ac­counts, you especially are bound at this time, to bestir your [...]lves. 2 Chron. 29.11. And I may bespeak you as Hezekiah did the Levites (in a work of Reformation too) My Sons be not you now ne­gligent, for you hath the Lord chosen to serve him.

Secondly, We may justly fear that Profaness wou'd be more [...]pant than ever, after this little Check given to it; I doubt we should find that the short contradiction it hath found from the late Laws, will have had but the same effect, as Paul says, God's Law once had upon him, that is only to irritrate their lusts, Rom. 7. So that they will not only be as the dog in re­turning to their Vomit, but also as the dog let loose, who is much the fiercer, for having been chained: If once Evil men burst these bonds, and defeat these present attempts, who can but tremble to think, with what improved insolence, reco­vered Wickedness will Triumph and Insult, when once it knows the smallness of your strength to oppose it. I may there­fore allude to that of St. Peter, 2 Epist. 2 Ch. 21 v. and adven­ture to say, It had been better for you never to have begun than now to decline, better not to have fought, than to give Ini­quity the advantage of a Victory, by an untimely retreat.

Thirdly, Such a declension of your Zeal, will betray an un­foundness in the Principles by which you have already been act­ed; You know that some are apt to say your Zeal is not Fire kindled from Heaven, but either from some Personal Quarrel, or an hypocritical affectation of Esteem, or at best, but a Childish fondness for a Novel business, which lasts while it looks like a Wonder, and then it becomes a weariness; Now should you indeed desist in your present circumstances, it would encrease the presumption. I hope that you are acted by the most No­ [...]e Springs, Ps 119.136. from an awful tenderness for the Honour of God, grieved because Men keep not his Law, and from a compassio­ [...] concern both for Sinners personal, and the Nations com­mon [Page] good, which you have the sagacit [...] to appreh [...] approaching ruine of, if Iniquity go uncontroll'd; But [...] have been your reasons, they will yet be of force with [...] Is not the name of God, and the Publick Good, as pr [...] now as a few Years since, or have not such flagicious [...] the same hurtful influence and aspect upon both still? [...] ware that you cast not a reproach upon all that you have [...] hitherto, by a voluntary desertion of that Cause, which [...] you seem'd so warm for, Gal. 4.18 remember that a right and just Z [...] hath this Character, that 'tis always, and not only for a time▪

Fourthly, The unconquer'd obstinacy of Wicked men [...] shame and reproach you; 'twas the Glory of Our Lord [...] that when He and the Devil, had such a stated Conflict im [...] Wilderness, Mat. 4.11. the Devil after many vain assaults, retreated, [...] Our Saviour kept the Field as Conqueror: But it will be [...] great Reproach, if in the struggle of this day between [...] Servants of these two Chieftans, you that are on Christ's [...] should first faint and flee, especially when you have so m [...] the advantage every way; the Flagicious Sinner hath God [...] his own Conscience to contend with, as well as with you, [...] hath both future and present dangers to discourage him, [...] that upon the whole, it will be strange indeed if he think [...] Sins will bear his Charges, or quit costs, through disgra [...] and penalties here, and through the Horrours of an en [...] Night of darkness hereafter. But you have all things to [...] courage you, God and Conscience, the Civil Authority, [...] Joyful Prospects of Eternal Rewards, so that greater is y [...] assistance, greater your encouragement, every way, greater [...] he that is in you, than he that is in them, and shall they [...] out, and you languish, You have that have every way the [...] vantage of them, except you should want it in your [...] solution.

Fifthly, Consider the great danger that will follow, if [...] your neglect, the Work of Reformation should not be acc [...] plish'd: What a Train of Calamities did Eli's remissness [...] punishing his Vile Sons, bring upon the Publick and [...] on himself and his posterity after him? The [...] in [...] habitation, the Ark taken Captive, and Thirty thousand [...] Israel slain, is the next news we hear concerning the Pub [...] [Page 19] Ch. 4. Then Eli himself dies the death of an unredeemed Ass, breaks his neck with a fall, after that evil tidings had broken [...]is heart, his Two wicked Sons are slain in the Battel, his Daughter in Law expires in her anguish and grief, and all his posterity is left under the Curse and Sentence of Rejection, which after the Reign of Saul and David, Kin. 2.27. was executed by Solomon ▪ the Vengeance of God follows him after death it self, in the Generations to come; and all this for the Iniquity he knows of, Ch. 3.1 [...] ▪ for that Emphatical, that heavy Sin, of not punishing Scandalous Offenders: Oh what an awful warning should this be to Magistrates and People that they incur not the Guilt of it▪ That they do not through negligence, or sloth, or a foolish Tenderness, omit to vindicate the Honour of God, from the scorn of Profligate Sinners; we wou'd hope to see shortly that Universal Restraint of such, as shall be both the Safety and Ornament of our Land, but if you, and others, if Magistrates or People, have no heart to do so much for God, who knows how soon the Glory may depart from us, and we be forced to write I-Chabod on all our Comforts, when the weight of some Additional Curse also may fall on them who had special advantages for doing their Duty, but did it not. Nay yours after you may feel it, and the Frowns of God be entail'd on your posterity, so provoking a Sin is it, not to rise up for God against Evil doers, when he sounds an Alarm to the Conflict.

Nay, let me tell you this thing further, that your own personal Piety in other relations, may be no security to you, against Temporal Judgments; Eli had, himself, a mighty Reverence for God, with what humble submission doth he a­dore the Justice of his Threatnings, 1 Sam. [...].18. 'Tis the Lord, let him do what seems good in his sight. His heart was set upon the Ark of God; Ch. 4.18. That Word, the Ark of God is taken, knock'd him down dead; yet for all this, God's Anger was not turned a­way, but his hand was stretched out still.— No, far be it from me to let thee or thine continue in Honour, on thee shall be all that contempt and shame, which thou should'st have poured upon those Lew'd Wretches, and because thou hast let them escape, thou shalt not.

[Page 20] Sixthly, But then, if on the other hand, you are [...] in these endeavours, how sweet and comfortable will the [...] of it be, at death and for ever! 'Tis but a poor Inch of [...] we have, in which to do our God such Service as this, in [...] ven are no conflicts between Saints and Sinners; there is [...] Warfare, all is Triumph and Peace, no tryal of your Co [...] and Patient Resolution; 'tis in this present Life if ever, we [...] Honour God in this kind; and sure when you are going [...] the Stage, Conscience will enquire what hath been done [...] God and his Interest? And the more of Self-denyal, the m [...] pains, hazards and discouragements you have gone throug [...] to serve his Honour, the sweeter will your Reflections on [...] be, and with greater confidence will you hope and pray fo [...] his Salvation. Of this, you may see an Instance upon Reco [...] in David, Ps. 26.24. compared with v. 9. I have not sat wi [...] vain persons, I have hated the Congr egation of Evil doers: O ga [...] ther not, thou, my Soul with Sinners, &c. Qu. d. Thou Lord▪ that art the Omniscient Witness, and shortly wilt be the Final. Judge of all my ways, knowest that I never loved either the [...] ways, or the company of profane Sinners; I have always ap­peared against them; I have checked, and discountenanced them, they have been a grief to me, and I have been an awe and restraint upon them; now therefore I pray let not me when I dye, go with them, with whom I could not endure to live; we were never delightful Associates in the world, O never let me be their sorrowful Companion in the next; and how certain accomplishment must such requests, so reason­able and so suitable have? You shall go, not to such as you grieved at and abhorr'd, but to such as you have loved, where none shall either offend God, or grieve you by their Sin and Folly, where shall be no more reforming wor [...] to do; because no more Sin or Blemish, no more confl ict, because no Enemies of God; no more danger or hazard in God's Service, because none to oppose: Where all your difficulties and discourage­ments shall be left behind, to poor mortals that shall follow after you, complaining and groaning, through these Black Tents of Kedar, when you are free from the woes and vexa­tions thereof.

[Page 21]And then my Brethren, then will come the Crowns and Thrones, the Robes and Palms of Victory, to adorn them who have with greatest zeal and labour, striven against Sin and Satan, for God and Holiness: Oh who would want these comfortable thoughts upon a dying Bed! How much better is this, than have Conscience chase thee out of this world in­to Eternity, with such upbraiding clamours, as Go, thou slothful unprofitable Servant, thou unsavory Salt, thou Cum­berer of the ground, thou despised Vessel, in which thy God had no pleasure, to make any use of!

But then that you may reflect thus comfortably upon your endeavours, you must be directed by such Rules as these.

• 1. Beware that none of you be Guilty of wounding the Honour of God your selves, while you pretend to repair the Injuries it receives from others; let no man think to com­pound for any Indulged Crimes of his own, by being severe upon those of others; you have many Observers, let it be your care to disappoint them that watch for your halting; the wicked Cham's of the Age will be glad to see the Noah's, the promoters of Righteousness, Drunk; remember that they who reprove the Works of Darkness,
  Eph. [...].11.
  must have no fellow­ship with them. You will much more freely throw the first stone at others, when you are without such Sins your selves.
• 2. See that God's Honour, be the end directly designed by you; go not along with others, meerly for company, when you think not why, that it may not be said of you, as of him whom God Ordained to be the Rod of his Anger to a sinful Nation, that you indeed have done what greatly honours God,
  Isa. 10.7.
  howbeit you mean it not so, an explicite vigorous intention to serve your Makers glory, is an essential part of such more immediate Service.
• 3. Shew your selves satisfy'd with God's honour, for your Reward, being [...]ar from a proud affectation of human applause, or any nauseous discovery of Self-esteem; would it not be a sad exchange, if God should say, they have their reward? To lose the approbation and favour of Heaven, for the mista­ken good opinion of poor Worms. Let then the most un­affected humility shew that you love not the praise of Men, [Page 22] so much as the praise of God. Let no man have occasion, [...] to Interpret your carriage, as if the Language of it, were like that of vain-glorious Iehu, Come see my Zeal for the Lord.

  'Tis then an happy case indeed, when a man's Face shines as Moses's, with the lustre of eminent perfections, and him­self knows it not, or ar least covers them with a Vail of Mo­desty; while you endeavour to be as the lights of the World, be like the bright flaming Taper, which at once casts a splen­did light before others, and yet an obscure shade about it self.

• 4. See that the methods you use in this work, be as suited to the honour of God as the matter of your Zeal is, I take this for granted, that you are acting in the safest Cause in the World, you are not prosecuting any for differences of Judgment in Religion, or matters of Conscience, in such a case, mens misguided Zeal, oft makes those woful mistakes (spoken of by Christ, Iohn 16.2.) that I should fear to wish you God speed. But yours is the most unexceptionable cause, viz. To expose to punishment those profane practices, which no Conscience was ever so perverse, as seriously to espouse; Who ever heard any cry out in bitter agonies, that they had not Sworn, or Whor'd, or contemned the Sabbath more?

Now take care that your means be as warrantable, for the discovery of such Offenders; you know [...]tis spoken to God's honour, [...]im. 1.13. that he Tempts no man to Evil, neither let any say that he was tempted of you, as I doubt not but you count it a wicked thing to provoke a man to passion, in hopes that he will Swear and Curse, so should you in other cases, be a­fraid to lead any into Temptation, 'tis not honourable to kin­dle those impure flames, which you would quench, and which cannot burn the least while, without offence to God, nor is it safe to give poison, in hopes of an Antidote; besides that it may prove a dangerous temptation to your selves, and you fall into the snare you hid for others, or at least may bring you under the reproach and suspition of an evil design, by such as shall refuse your bait, and so you get a blot not easily to be wiped out.

Lastly, Be greatly concerned that you can honour him no more in this matter, especially if your endeavours should not [Page] i [...] the main prove successful: Oh grieve under it, for God's [...], that his great name must yet suffer contempt, his wor­ship be despised, and his Laws trampled under feet, and you cannot help him; for the Nations sake, that when God would purge them, they would not be purged; Mourn over a peo­ple that hate to be reformed, for whom what will remain but utter destruction, of which Incorrigibleness in Sin, is a desperate Omen, 'tis said of these Sons of Eli, that they would not harken to their Fathers reproof, because the Lord would destroy them; and for your own sakes, that God will not ho­nour you with success in so noble service.

But to conclude, if on the other hand you do prevail (as I would by no means despair of it) then will it be God's Glory, to have his name held reverend, and his Law made honour­able; 'twill be the Glory of our Land, to be called an Habi­tation of Holiness; the Glory of our City, that 'tis a Faith­ful City, Isa. 1.21. full of Iudgment, in which Righteousness lodges; yea, the Glory of our Prince, that in his days we were delivered, not only from Popery and Slavery, but from a terrible con­tagion of open Profaness, and that in His time, Righteous­ness and Peace kiss each other.

And it will be the Glory of all you, who have been active Instruments of all this, for having honour'd God, you he will honour: And the Shame shall be to none, but them, who deserve no better, and for whom the most cha [...]itable Prayer we can put up, Psal. 83.16. is that of David; Fill thou their Faces with shame, that they may seek thy Name O Lord.