IT will not, I am sure, seem strange to any, that I have taken a Text to Preach on in a Day of Humiliation, out of a Thanksgiving Sermon, such as this discourse of Azariah seems to be; if they shall but consider the suitable­nesse of the Instruction given therein, to any great and solemn occasion, whether of Humiliation, or re­joycing. The words indeed are the summe of all di­rections that in such Cases can be given; the standard of all Rules, and Exhortations, wherein any Nation, or people in any Condition are, or may be Concerned, so plainly measuring out our fate and lot, the Event, [Page 2] and Issue of our Affairs, with all the great undertaking of the people of God in this Nation, that of them­selves I hope they will make some passage to the hearts of them, to whom the Inferences from them, shall this day be applyed.

In the foregoing Chapter, we haue an account of a great victory that Asa, and the people of Judah fighting in faith, and with prayer obtained against the huge host of the Aethiopians, with the abundant spoyles which they took, and carried away there­upon.

In their Triumphant return to Hierusalem, the spi­rit of God stirs up a Prophet to goe out, and meet them, to give them an account of the rise, and cause of their success, and direction for their future de­portment under the injoyment of such mercies and deliverances.

The Lord knows how apt even the best of men, are to forget the spring of their mercies; how neg­ligent in making suitable returns by a due improve­ment of the advantages put into their hands, unto the Lord of all mercies. Therefore are they in all seasons to be minded of their proper interest, and duty; This is done in my Text to Asa and Judah by Oded, and I desire in my Sermon, that it may with the same spirit, and the same success, be done by me unto you.

The words I intend principally to insist on, having the same thing for substance three times repeated in them, the opening of the first clause with the gene­ral tendency of the whole, will suffice as to their Ex­position, and the grounding of that general propositi­on which I shall improve. Two things are then prin­cipally to be inquired into.

[Page 3] First, what it is for God to be with any people. Se­condly, 1. what it is for a people to be, or abide with, God; and according to the Analogie of these two the following Assertions of seeking the Lord, and forsaking him will be easily understood. For though the words differ in expression, yet they are all of the same way of Assertion: They are 3, hypothetical pro­positions, or promissory assertions on supposition. If you abide with the Lord, he will be with you, if you seek the Lord, he will be found of you, if you forsake the Lord, he will forsake you: The same matter is trebled for the fuller and surer confirmation of the thing Asserted. Only whereas the last proposition supposeth a thing possible, namely that they might forsake the Lord; the first supposes a thing present, and therefore it is so expressed, whilst you are with him; because they had abode with God in their late war and triall.

Before I enter upon the opening of the words themselves, I cannot pass by the Earnest Preface of the Prophet; Hear ye me O Asa: he saw the people upon their success, taken up with many thoughts, thinking of many businesses, full of many contrivan­ces, one imagening one thing, another another; all of them (it may be) how they should use and improve their peace, and success to their Advan­tage, Interest, Profit, or Security. Or the Princes, and Rulers, as it is probable, and usual in such cases might be considering how to carry on their victory, how to make the best advantage of it, in their dealing with Neighbour Princes, and Nations, in making peace or warr. In the midst of these thoughts, the Prophet meets them and diverts them with all Ear­nestness, to things quite of another nature, and of [Page 4] unspeakably greater importance and concernment to them. Here ye me saith he; it is not your own Coun­sel nor your own valour, that hath brought about this great work, this mighty victory; the Lord him­self hath done it, by his presence with you. It is not of any concernment unto you, what other Nations do, or may do, but the presence of God Concerns you alone to look after. The great concernment of any Obs. People or Nation, is to know, that all their prosperity is from the presence of God amongst them, and to attend to that which will give continuance thereunto. You may tire your selves in the imaginations and contrivances of your own hearts, and lay out your thoughts and time about things that will not profit, nor advan­tage you, this is your interest, this is your concern­ment: Hear ye me Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin. Of this proposition afterwards.

For the words themselves, the first thing proposed to be inquired into for their explanation is this; what it is for God to be with a people? God may be said to be with men, or present with them in sundry respects.

First, he may be said to be with them in respect 1. of the omnipresence of his Essence; so he is naturally, and necessarily present with all creatures; indistant from them, present with them. The ubiquity and immensity of his Essence, will not allow that he should be distant from any thing to which he hath given a beeing. The heavens, even the heaven of hea­vens cannot contain him. 1 Kings 8. 27. Doth he not fill heaven and earth? Is he a God at hand only, and not afar off, as to the ends of the Earth? This presence of God with all things David emphatically declares. Psal. 139. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. But it is not that, that is here intended: that is universal to all Creatures, [Page 5] natural, and necessary, this especial to some, volunta­ry, and of mercy; that of nature and essence, this of Will and Operation.

Secondly, God may be said to be with one in re­spect 2. of personal union, so he was with, and only with the man Christ Jesus. Acts 10. 38. [...]. God was with him, that is, in personal union; the humane nature being taken into subsistence with the son of God.

Thirdly, God is present, or with any in respect of 3. the Covenant of Grace. He is with them to be their God in Covenant, the Tenor whereof is, that he will not leave them, nor shall they forsake him, he will be for them, and they shall be for him, and not for another. He is with them for all the ends of mer­cy, love, kindness, pardon, salvation, that are propo­sed, and exhibited in it: But neither is this the pre­sence of God here intended, though this be some­thing that flows from it, and does attend it: for,

First, that presence of God with his people hath 1. not such a conditional establishment, as this here mentioned: it stands on other terms, and better security than that here proposed; it hath received an Eternal ratification in the bloud of Christ; is founded in the immutable purpose of Grace, and is not left to the conditionality here expressed, as we shall see afterwards.

Secondly, the presence here mentioned, respects 2. the whole body of the people; all Judah and Benjamin in their national state, and consideration, unto whom, as such, the effectual Covenant of grace was never ex­tended; For they were not all Israel who were of Is­rael.

Thirdly, the presence here promised respects im­mediately 3. [Page 6] the peculiar end of blessing the whole people with success in their wars and undertakings; so the occasion of the words, and the Context, with regard to the following discourse do undeniably evince; It is not then this presence of God only that is intended, though, as it will afterward appear, it is not to be separated from it.

Fourthly, there is a presence of God in respect of 4. providential dispensations, and this is twofold.

First, General; Ordering, disposing, guiding, 1. ruling all things, according to his own wisdome, by his own power, unto his own glory; Thus he is also present with all the world; He disposes of all the affairs of all the sons of men as he pleaseth; sets up one and pulls down another: changes times, seasons, Kingdoms, bounds of Nations, as seems good to him. The help that is given to any he doth it him­self. The shields of the Earth belong unto God; He works deliverance in the Earth, even among them that knows him not.

And the Evills, desolations and destruction, that the Earth is full of, are but the effects of his wrath and Indignation, revealing its self against the ungodliness of men. He is thus present with every person in the world, holds his breath, and all his wayes in his hand; disposes of his life, death, and all his concern­ments, as he pleaseth: He is present in all Nations, to set them up, pluck them down, alter, turne, change, weaken, establish, strengthen, enlarge their bounds as he sees good; and the day is comming, when all his works will praise him: Neither is this here intended: It is necessary, and belongs to God, as God; and cannot be promised to any; It is a branch of Gods naturall dominion, that every Creature be ruled and [Page 7] disposed of, agreeably to its nature, unto the end whereunto it is appointed.

Secondly speciall; attended with peculiar love, fa­vour, 2. good will; speciall care towards them, with whom he is so present: Soe Abimelech observed that he was with Abraham. Gen. 21. 22. God is with thee in all that thou doest: with thee, to guide thee, blesse thee, preserve thee, as we shall see afterwards: So he promised to be with Joshua, Chap. 1. 5. and so he was with Gideon. Judges 6. 12. to blesse him in his great undertaking; and so with Jeremie, Chap. 15. 20. This is fully expressed Esa. 43. 1, 2, 3. I have re­deemed thee, I have called thee by thy Name, thou art mine: when thou passest thorow the water, I will be with thee, and thorow the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; and this is the presence of God here intimated; his presence with the People, as to speciall providentiall dispensa­tions, as is manifest from the whole discourse of the Prophet; and wherein this consists, shall be afterwards at large declared.

Secondly, What is a Peoples abiding with God? 2. There is a twofold abiding with God.

First, In personall obedience, according to the tenor 1. of the Covenant, This is not here intended, but supposed: There is no abiding in any thing with God, where there is not an abiding in this thing: yet this, as I said, is not here principally intended, but supposed, some­thing further is intended: for as hath been declared, it is National work, and Nationall abiding, that is inten­ded; so that

Secondly, There is an abiding with God in Nati­onall 2. Administrations: this is a fruit of the other, in those who are called to them; And that this is prin­cipally here intended, is evident, from that use that [Page 8] Asa made of this Information, and Exhortation of the Prophet: He did not onely look to his personall walking thereupon; but also immediately set up­on the work of ordering the whole affairs of the Kingdom; so as God might be glorified thereby; how this may be effected shall at large afterward be declared; what hath already been spoken may suffice for a foundation of that proposition, which I shall this day insist upon: and it is this. The presence Ob. of God with a people in special providential dispensati­ons for their good, depends on their obediential presence with him, in national administrations to his Glory: The Lord is with you, whilst you are with him.

For the Explication of this proposition some few things are to be premised.

First, the presence of God with his people, as to 1. special grace in the Covenant; and his presence with them, as to special assistance in providence, proceed on very different accounts.

First, they have a very different Rise: the foun­dation, 1. and principal Law of special grace dispen­sed in the Covenant is this; that some sinned, and another was punished. So it is laid down expresly Isa. 53. 6. All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath made to meet on him the iniquity of us all 2 Cor. 5. 21. He was made sin for us, that we might become the righte­ousness of God in him. Gal. 3. 13. 14. a Curse for us that the blessing of faithful Abraham might come on them that beleeve. 1 Pet. 2. 24. This is the great and soveraign principle of the Covenant of Grace, that a Commutation should be made of persons, as to pu­nishments, and rewards; that sinners should be pro­vided of a substitute; one that should undergoe the [Page 9] punishment due to them, that they might goe free and procure a reward for them who could procure none for themselves.

Now the Supreme, and soveraign Law of provi­dential dispensations is utterly divers and alien from this of the Covenant of grace. This you have asser­ted Ezek. 18. 20. The soul that sinneth it shall die: one shall not bear the iniquity of another: the righte­ousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wicked­ness of the wicked shall be upon him: Take this for a Law of Universal Right and indispensable, extend it to the Covenant of Grace, and it is absolutely Ex­clusive of the Substitution and satisfaction of Christ. But it is the Ground, Rule, and Law, of providential dispensations, that God is there treating about; and vindicating his dealing with any people as to his presence with them, and acting towards them there­in; which is divers, as you see from the foundation of the Covenant before mentioned.

Secondly, As the foundations are divers, so is the 2. Rule of their Continuance. What is the Rule and measure of Gods continuance with his people in the Covenant of Grace? plainly this; that he will ne­ver forsake them; and on that account will take care that they shall never forsake him, but abide with him for ever. It is not whilst they do so, and so, he will abide with them, and when they Cease so to doe, he will forsake them, as to his foederal and Covenant pre­sence: there is not such a sandie foundation left us, of our abiding with God in Christ. See the tenor of the Covenant, Jer. 31. 33. Chap. 32. 38, 39, 40. The sum is, that God will be with them, and take care that they alwayes abide with him; and there­fore hath he provided for all interveniences imagi­nable, [Page 10] that nothing shall violate this Union: God lays his unchangableness as the foundation of the Co­venant, Mal. 3. 6. and he therein makes us unchang­able; not absolutely so, for we change every moment; but with respect to the termes and bounds of the Co­venant; He hath undertaken, that we shall never leave him. The Law of Gods presence in respect of providential dispensations, and all special priviledges attending it, is quite of another importance: it is purely conditional, as you may see in my Text. The tenor of it is expressed to the height: 1 Sam. 2. 30. I said indeed that thy house and the house of thy Father should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, that be farr from me, for them that honour me, I will ho­nour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. Here is no alteration of Counsel, or purpose in God: but meerly an explanation of the Rule, Law, and Tenor of providential dispensations; no interpretation of the Covenant of Grace; Eli held not the priesthood by that Covenant; but an explication of the tenor of a priviledge given in especial providence. Psal. 89. 32, 33. Hence is that variety of Gods dealings with men mentioned in the Scripture which yet are alwayes righteous, according to one or other of these Rules, and Laws. Isa. 43. 23. 24. says God of his people; Thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob, but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel. Thou hast not brought me the small cattel of thy burnt-offerings, neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices: Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thy iniqui­ties. What then shall be done with this people? de­part from them, destroy them, let them dye; No, [Page 11] verse 25. I, even I am he that blotteth out thy trans­gressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. So also Chap. 57. ver. 17. For the iniquity of his covetousness I was wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart. Surely now God will utterly consume them, root, and branch, as persons incorrigible, and irre­coverable: No, the Case is quite otherwise verses 18, 19. I have seen his way, and will heal him, I will lead him also and restore comfort to him: I will pity him, par­don him, save, sanctify him, and fill him with Conso­lation. Goe now to Ezekiel Chap. 33. 18. When the righteous turns from his righteousness; what then? God will heal him and restore comforts unto him, as it was in the places before mentioned. Noe, Noe! He shall die; he shall be cut off: what is the reason of this diversity? Why! in the first place God speaks of his dealings unto their souls as to his Cove­nant of Grace, and all the mercies of it; in this last, as to his dealing with their persons, and their outward concernments, in the dispensations of his providence. And the not heeding hereof hath made some pro­nounce inconsiderately, the Covenant of Grace to be meerely conditional; because they finde many mer­cies, and priviledges spoken of under such a Notion; not considering that all those proposals belong to the Law of outward providence, and not to the nature of the Covenant of promise established in the bloud of Christ. And unless this be allowed, nothing can be more contrary to my Text, than that promise, and (such as that) which we have Isa. 54. 9. where provision is made for Gods abiding with his people notwithstanding all their backslidings, and provoca­tions, which he will so far heal, as that he may not [Page 12] forsake them; and this is firstly to be observed, that we doe not in the consideration of Gods presence and withdrawings, as to providential dispensations, cast any reflection on the stability, and unchangableness of the Covenant of Grace. David hath fully stated this busi­ness 2 Sam. 23. 5. saith he, Although my house be not so with God, yet he hath made with me an everlasting Cove­nant, ordered in all things and sure, for this is all my sal­vation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow: David had a promise for the prosperity of his house: he had also an ingagement of the sure mercies of the Covenant. The different tenour of these engage­ments, as to their success and establishment, he gives us this account of. The Covenant is absolute and un­changable, that is, ordered in all things and sure: the prosperity of his house depends on another Law and Rule, that is, subject to Aleration.

Secondly, Observe the nature of this dependance 2. of Gods presence on our abiding with him: it doth not depend upon it, as the Effect upon its proper cause, as though it were procured by it, merited by it; we enjoy not the least morsel of bread on any such ac­count, much less such eminent priviledges as attend Gods special providential presence; we deserve no­thing at the hand of God, and therefore if he should take us in the middest of the choysest obedience, and fill us with the fiercest of miseries, he did us no wrong; and therefore the Lord does so deal some­times with his; and that not only with particular persons, as in the case of Job, but also with his peo­ple in general, as Psal, 44. 17, 18, 19. All this is come upon us, yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy Covenant. Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy [Page 13] way. Though thou hast sore broken us in the place of Dra­gons, and covered us with the shadow of death. Though he requires our duty at our hands, yet he is not tyed to any such present reward. This is all: it ordinarily depends upon it as a Consequent upon an Antecedent, which allows an interposition of grace, and mercy, as Nehemioh 9. 19. Neverthelesse thou being mercifull for sookest them not; so elsewhere, that good man prayes remember me for good, and spare me according to the mul­titude of thy Mercies: For the glory of his righteous­nesse, and of his wayes in the world, God hath Order­ed, that his people shall walk with him, when he a­bides eminently and conspicuously in a speciall man­ner with them.

Thirdly, Observe, that our abiding with God, even in 3. Nationall administrations, is the proper Effect of his presence with us in Covenant dispensations; so that all in the Issue is of mere Mercy, and grace; though the Condition seems to be imposed on us, yet it is from him alone that we have strength for its performance. It is in this, and such like cases, as David said it was with them, at their dedicating their silver, and gold for the building of the Temple; [...], of thine own, Lord have we given unto thee; we doe but returne him his own, we give him but the fruits of his own grace, and without it, we can make no returne what ever.

These things being premis'd, I shall give the proposi­tion some Confirmation, and so descend to the due im­provement of it.

I suppose I need not goe for proof, beyond the ob­servation of the constant tenor of Gods Proceedings with his People of old. When did he not deale thus with them? what instance can be given of transgres­sing [Page 14] this Rule? Is the whole story of the Nation of the Jewes, any thing but the illustration of this propositi­on; some ruled well, and sought the Lord, and the Lord was with them; and prospered them in all their wayes; some fell from him, and walked according to their owne imaginations, and the Lord cut them short on that account. Yea, sometimes the same man, as Solomon, Asa, Uzziah, experienced both these states, and conditions. Hath not the state of all nati­ons, since they came into the power of men professing the knowledge of him, been the same? look on the Roman Empire, did it not flourish under the hand of men who rul'd with God, and were faithfull with the Saints? Is not the present distraction of it under the fury and cruelty of Turke and Pope, the Issue of the violence, unrighteousnesse, Idolatry, Luxury and per­secution of ill Governours? Doth not the Demon­stration of all Gods people in the world, the consi­deration whereof in particular, might be insisted on as the Ground and Reason of the Truth insisted on, re­quire that it should be thus? Leviticus 26. and al­most the whole Book of Deutronomy, are Sermons on this Text, and every verse almost in them, would afford a new confirmation of the truth in hand, I shall need rather then to Caution from mistakes, then fur­ther to Confirme the Proposition. For this end, take these ensuing Observations.

First, all outward flourishing, or prosperitie of 1. a People, doth not alwayes argue the speciall presence of God with them. There are sundry things required to make success and prosperitie an Evidence of the presence of God.

First, That the People themselves prospered, bee 1. his People, his peculiar. How many wicked nations are [Page 15] there in the world, that for a long season, have recei­ved blessings (as it were) and successe in their under­takings? Is the Lord amongst them by his special pre­sence? not at all: He is using them indeed for his own end, and purposes, to breake others, or fill up the mea­sure of their own iniquities; that their destruction may be an evident demonstration of his vengeance, and righteous Judgements to all the World, but present with them in the sense contended about; he is not. The case is stated. Hab. 1. 2. as you may see in those Chapters at large. It is the same case with the Antichristian, and Mahumetan Nations in the world at this day: Their prosperity is no evidence of Gods presence, because themselves are his ene­mies. Other bottomes, reasons, and grounds there are of their successes; Gods owning of them, is none of them.

Secondly, That the whole worke be good, and 2. have a tendency to Gods glory; wherein they are en­gaged. Davids Counsel for the killing of Uriah prospered, and took effect, yet was not God with him therein; the work ingaged in, must be accor­ding to his minde: and

Thirdly, made useful and subservient to his glory: 3. when the hearts of a people can secure themselves in these things, then may they rejoyce in their prospe­rity, as a pledge of Gods presence with them.

Secondly, Even great Afflictions, eminent distresses 2. long perplexities, may have a consistency with Gods special presence; Though the wheele goes on, yet it may have a cross wheele in it, that may cause rubs and disturbances. The Rule of Gods acting in his presence, is his own wisdome, and our good in the Issue, not our partial self-destroying desires. Had [Page 16] the best people in the world, all their own desires, they would be every way ruined. When God is nigh to us he knows what is best for us. Security from destroying evils, not trying evils, he gives to them with whom he is.

And this is all that I shall offer for the Explication, Confirmation, and Cautioning of the proposition in­sisted on, what remains further to be opened, will fall in under the Uses of it: which now ensue.

This special presence of God, being (as you have Use 1. heard) the great and only concernment of any people, the tenure, or condition thereof being our abiding with him, let our first Use be to instruct us particu­larly.

First, what this special presence of God is, and 1. wherein it doth consist.

Secondly, what it is for us to abide with God, 2. so as we may enjoy it. For the full discovery of the first, I shall consider it in that eminent instance, wherein of old he did grant his presence to his peo­ple. The bottome of that stupendous undertaking of the Israelites in leaving Egypt, and journeying through the wilderness into Canaan, lay in the pro­mise of this presence of God with them: Exod. 7. 10, 11, 12, On this one consideration, their whole un­dertaking and affair turned; to this issue it is put by Moses Exod. 33. 15. If thy presence goe not with us, carry us up not hence. They will not move one step without him; and with him they care not whither they goe. Now this presence of God with them, Symbolically did consist in, or rather was represented by, two things:

First, the pillar of the cloud, and fire which was 1. with them ordinarily.

[Page 17] Secondly, the Appearance of his Glory which they en-joyed on extraordinary Occasions.

The first, with the first use of it is mentioned Exod. 2. 13. 21, 22. And the Lord went before them by day in the pillar of a cloud, to lead them in the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, to goe by day and night: he took not away the pillar of the cloud by day; nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

There is mention here, as if it were of two pillars, one by day, and another by night, but it seems to have been the same pillar with several properties: for Chap. 14. 19, 20. the same pillar at the same time, performs both these offices, in respect of several per­sons; to some it was on the one side a cloud, and dark­ness, to others bright, and shining as fire. The pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behinde them; and it came between the Camp of the E­gyptians, and the Camp of Israel, and it was a cloud of darknesse to them, and it gave light by night to these.

After this when the Arke was made, and the Tabernacle erected, this cloud, which untill then, went before the Camp, came, and covered the Ta­bernacle night and day, as it stood in the midst of the Camp, or the Congregation; as a cloud it was by day and as a pillar of fire by night. Exod. 40. 34, 35, 36, 37, 38. and there it continued with the peo­ple all the while they were in the wilderness. Nehem. 9. 19. This being the first eminent pledge of the pre­sence of God, with that people, let us consider what was indulged or granted to them thereby.

First, they had hereby constant direction in all their 1. journeyings, and undertakings, they were by this pillar directed in their way; so at large it is expres­sed [Page 18] Numbers 10. 33. as also Exod. 40. God by this pledge of his presence, was the beginning of all their rest, and motion: the guide, and directour of all their undertakings: so that they moved, acted, rest­ed, proceeded, according to his will and Counsel; he guided them by his Eye, and led them by his Counsel. Psal. 32. 18. Sometimes perhaps they would be for­ward, they would be up, acting, doing, their hearts are full of desires; and they are impatient of delay. If it be not according to his minde, he will cause a Cloud to abide on their Tabernacle, or their Assemblies and meetings; a Cloud that shall darken them, and distract them in their Consultations, that they shall not be able to take one step forward. Though their desires be great, their intentions good, yet the cloud shall be upon them, and they shall not know their way.

Sometimes perhaps they are heavie, fearful, sloth­ful, there is a Lion in the way, Gyants are in the land, difficulties, and perplexities lie in the way before them in such and such undertakings, they have no heart to them, the way is long, and perilous, better return than go forward. Would God now have them pass on, and engage? the cloud shall break up, and goe before them, they shall see so far on their way, as to goe forth with chearfulness. Only ob­serve this! that when the cloud was taken up, they knew they were to goe on in the way where­in they were, and journeyed accordingly; yet they know not whither they should goe, nor what would be the end of their journey: And therefore it is said, that when they journeyed the Arke went before them to seek out a resting place for them Numb. 10. 33. It was carried on, to see where the pillar, or cloud of [Page 19] direction would stay, and there they rested where ever it were. When God gives a people so much direction, as that they see it is their duty to go on, and to trust him in so doing, though they see not the end, nor know what their resting place will be, yet it is a pledge of Gods presence with them. I suppose in your Assembly you have had the cloud ta­ken off, as to your engagements in some underta­kings, concerning which you are to trust, that the Ark of Gods presence, the Lord Jesus Christ, will find you out a resting place, which as yet appears not un­to you.

What a full Experience have we had of this kind of proceeding among us? In the last Assembly of Par­liament, How many had no less real intentions to be at worke for God, than now? God saw that it would not be for the advantage of the people that they should proceed: hence the cloud rested on that Assembly, that they could not see how to take one step forward. He was still present with us, but it was by a darkning cloud, that we could not journey towards our rest. Nor is it the will, or counsel of man, but of God, that is to be looked to in these things. We now hope the cloud is up, and we are journeying towards our rest. The Great Angel of his presence will find a rest for us in the good provi­dence of God.

This then lies in Gods special presence, He is with us to give us direction in all our undertakings; to take away darkness, perplexities, difficulties from our Councels, or to cause us to rest and cease from what-ever may come into our hearts, that is not ac­cording to his minde; The Lord give us evermore of this his presence.

[Page 20] I cannot stay to shew you the several wayes where­by God now communicates direction to a people, how he inclines their hearts insensibly, yet powerfully; fixes the bent of their spirits effectually, (their hearts being in his hand as the rivers of water, which he turns as he pleaseth,) supplys them with reasonings and consultations beyond the verge of their own wis­dome, proposes, occasions, invitations, provocations; gives them Spirit and courage, beyond their natu­ral frames, and tempers; enlarges them in prayer, or shuts them up; makes walls on the one hand, and open pathes on the other, with innumerable such wayes, and means as in his infinite wisdome he is plea­sed to make effectual for their guidance. It suffices, that in the use of means, through patience and wait­ing upon him, they shall be directed to that which is pleasing to him: so is he with them.

The second use of this pillar was, to give them 2. protection and defence in all their way. So Exod. 14. 19, 20. 24. This protected them from the Egyptians, and from thence God troubled their Enemies; out of the pillar, that is from his especial presence. This use of it is insisted on Isa. 4. 5. 6. The cloud that was as smoke by day, and as fire by night; was also a shadow, a place of refuge, and a covert: in one word: a protection, or a defence.

And this is a second thing, which is in Gods speci­al presence; He will protect, or defend them with whom he is so present. He is their dwelling place, Psal. 90. then when in this world they had none; their refuge in the time of trouble. So Isa. 25. 4. 26. 1. 31. 4. promises, and instances to make this good abound; they are known to all: The time would fail me to insist upon them. I might go over all the Causes, [Page 21] means, and wayes of the fears, dangers, ruines of such a people, and shew you how a defence is provided a­gainst them all.

Are their fears from themselves, because of their folly, weaknesse, and division, or from pretended friends, because of their envy and desertion, or from open enemies; because of their Power, Cruelty, Malice, and Revenge, a defence is provided on every account, heat, raine, tempests, stormes, adversitie, prosperitie, all are provided against where God is present. Isa. 32. 1, 2. And if any people in the world have experi­ence of this truth, we have it this day. Had not the Lord been with us, who had not destroyed us? Ene­mies, friends, abroad, at home, our own follyes, all, any of them had done the worke, had not the Lord himself been with us.

Onely observe, that the presence of God, as to these effects, may sometimes in some perticulars be eclip­sed, and the Effects themselves, for some season be intangled, though there be not an utter breach be­tween him and his People. How often did the Is­raelites attempt things without his direction? how of­ten did he breake in upon them to their woe and sor­row? yet for the maine, he forsooke them not, untill the great work intended by them was accomplished. Nehem. 9. 19. It is not every intanglement, every dis­appointment, every defeat, that argues Gods depar­ture, as to his speciall presence. It may be good for us sometimes to be in such a Condition, and then that desertion that carries into it, is from the presence of God; We are now grown to that, that if every thing immediately surmount not our imagination, say some, God is gone from them, not because it is so, but because they would have it so, but he is Mercifull with whom [Page 22] we have to doe, and will not cast off his People for ever.

Secondly, The People with whom God was, had 2. the Glory of Jehovah, as a pledge of his presence with them; this appeared only at extraordinary seasons, so it did at the giving of the Law. Exod. 24. 16. so also at the setting up of the Tabernacle. It differed from the cloud, for when the cloud was upon the Tabernacle, the glory of the Lord filled it. It appeared again to to all the People, Levit. 9. 23. I shall not now enquire what was this visible representation of the Majestie of God, it sufficeth as to the purpose in hand, that when God gives his presence to a People, at extraordinary seasons, he affords them extraordinary manifestati­ons of his Glory. So in Ezekiels Vision of those dreadfull wheeles of Providence, the glory of the Lord is said to appeare in the Temple; and as his Espe­ciall presence departed from the Temple, and the Ci­tie, so the glory by severall degrees departed also. Chap. 2. 10. 18, 19. Chap. 11. 23.

Eminent, and glorious appearances with, and for a People in extraordinary seasons, is then another thing that accompanies Gods speciall providentiall pre­sence with them; when they are at an utter loss in their Counsels, at a stand in their Motions, disappoin­ted in their undertakings, deserted in their enterpri­ses, pressed on every side above measure; or called to some extraordinary worke, so that their Ordinary direction and protection will not carry them on, nor beare them up; then will God relieve them by some especiall appearance of his Glory. In the Mount will the Lord be seen. This will give a reliefe, when all is at a losse. And in this lies the most discriminating evidence of speciall Providence. Glorious appea­rances [Page 23] in great streights are eminent testimonies of Gods regard. Could I now insist on some of the in­stances, that might be given, of this kind of dealing with us in England, in the pursuit of the Cause we have in hand, it would make us ashamed of all our unworthinesse, carnall fears, and unbeliefe.

This is the second Evidence of Gods presence. He is with a People to direct them, to protect, to manifest his glory amongst them; His glory in ballancing the Issues of Providence one in respect of another; so that all shall acknowledge that of a truth the Lord is a­mongst them. Blessed is the People, that is in such a Case; yea, blessed is the People whose God is the Lord. What would you have more? here is ease of all cares, a remedy for all sores, securitie in the midst of troubles, Rest, and Peace, and assured dwelling pla­ces, though the Assyrian should bee in the Land.

Thus you see what is this great Concernment of any People: Let us now consider the tenure of this Bles­sedness: on what account it is to be obteined, or en­joyed: now this is, our abiding with God; This then is nextly to be considered, what it is for a People, what it is for you, and us so to abide with God, as that wee may in all our affaires, enjoy his presence in the wayes before described.

Now something is hereunto previously required: something it consists in.

1. First, That we may abide with God, this is indi­spensably 1. required? that wee may have Peace with him in Jesus Christ. If we are never with him, we cannot abide with him; no man can abide, where he never comes. The acceptance of our persons, lies at the bottome of the acceptance of our duties. As the [Page 24] speciall presence of God with any, is in, and by Christ, and no otherwise: so is our abiding with God, in, and through him. God with us, is the name of Christ: Our beeing with God, is in him who is our Peace. Two can­not walke together, unlesse they be so agreed. Amos. 3. 3. Now because this is not to be expected from all the individualls of a Nation: yet this thing is to be en­deavoured.

That the Rulers of it be such as have this Interest. I do not divest of a share in Government, those who have no share in Christ, if lawfully called thereunto. But I say, when God gives Governours, whom he intends to make a blessing unto a People, they shall be such as are blessed of him in Christ. And if ever the Go­vernment of this Nation, in this present Constitution, suppose it the most exactly framed, and ballanced, in the severall parts of it, for the furtherance of Publick Good, be devolved into the hands of men, not inte­ressed in God by Christ, Though the constitution may be absolutely good, yet the Government will not be blessed, and the Nation will be ruined: for God and his glory will depart. Micah. 5. 5, 6. It is Christ that is our Peace, even in outward troubles? They are seven Shepherds under him, and Eight principall men, accepted with him, that are to be our releife.

It is true, for some particular actions, or workes, a wicked man may be anointed particularly; as Jehu, and Jeroboam the son of Joash: But you have no in­stance that ever God was with a People to blesse them indeed, in a course of special providence, when wicked men by their own consent were their Rulers; where the Ʋnion and Relation, between them and the people is considerable. I confesse unto you, I never think of the State of Englnnd, but my heart trembles at this [Page 25] thing; Namely, that those who have, and it is fit should have so great a Share in the Government of this Com­mon-Weale, should have their rise from the body of the People, that is darke, and profane, and full of Enmitie against the Remnant; did not God over-rule men contrary to their own inward principles, and lusts, How soon would ruine, and desolation breake in upon that hand. And give me leave to say, that God in his soveraigne Providence, having called so many at this time to the place of Rule, and Authoritie, who indeed (as we beleeve) love the Lord Jesus in since­rity, it seems to me, to look as your Duty, to consider all wayes and means whereby the Power of these Na­tions may be in succeeding seasons, devolved on men of the like spirit and Condition.

I shall not interpose in that, which by some is so much spoken of; The reigne of the Saints; I am sure the means used, and attempted by some, to set upon, and to set up such a rule and dominion, have not be­come sobermen, much lesse Saints of Christ; yet this I must say, and in the saying of it, I dare say, Heare ye me Asa, and all Judah, and Benjamin; If ever God cease to call Saints, that is, men interessed personally in Christ, to places of Chief Authoritie in this Nati­on, or commit the power of it into other hands; and when those called to Power, cease to exert it in a sub­serviencie to the Kingdome of Christ, for the true spirituall advantage of his people, there will be an end of Englands glory and happiness. I say, heare ye this all ye People.

This I have delivered long ago, and many times in this place, this I say still, and in this perswasion hope to live, and die.

The Lord guide you in this thing: however we [Page 26] shall live on the good providence of our God, who hath hitherto taken care for us.

This then I say, is prerequired, as a qualification of any person, to the performance of this duty of a­biding with God. It is the Psalmist's advice. Psal. 2. 11, 12. Let this principle be alwayes own­ed amongst you: by it, honor Christ in the world; give him the preheminence, it is the Fathers will he should have it in all things. Expect not the presence of God, but upon this account. Beare Testimony herein against the world of profane men, who despise these things. Seing then it cannot be expected, to have this qualification diffused universally as yet through the body of the People, let the Rulers take care, that they be not the Cause of Gods departure from us.

Secondly, What is it now for such persons to abide 2. with God; so as they may expect Comfortably the continuance of his presence with them, which is their all, that they need or desire.: I shall name some few things that are signally required thereunto.

First, that they enquire of God, aske Counsel at 1. his hand, look to him for direction in all their Affairs. He is present with them to give them direction; not to seek for it at his hand, is exceedingly to despise him, it must arise from one of these two apprehensi­sions, either he cares not for us, or he knows not how to direct us. When he gave direction by the cloud on the Tabernacle, the people being reproved for their carnall feares, and unbelief, upon the return of the Spies; some of them would needs instantly into the Mountaine, and fight with the Canaanites: but sayes the holy Ghost, the Arke abode in the Campe; They went without Gods Direction, and prospered accor­dingly. [Page 27] With what contempt doth God speake of the wisedome, and Counsells of the sonnes of men, when they will adhere unto them? How does he make it his glory to turne all their Consultations into folly? and to make them erre in their wayes, like a drunken man? how doth he bid them take Counsell together, when he intends to destroy them? what in­stances may be given of all good and prosperous Ru­lers of old, of their seeking direction from God? what Promises of a successe, and a blessed Issue in so doing are there? The words of my Text will suffice, as an instance in every kind.

But you will say; how shall we enquire of God? the Nations had their Oracles, whereby they deluded themselves. The People of God had their Ʋrim and Thummim, their Prophets and Oracle. Bring hither the Ephod, and enquire of God, was the word with them? but alass! what is all this to the advantage we have of seeking Counsell of God; and taking di­rection from him? We have an High Priest alwayes present with us, by whom we may enquire. Our High Priest is the Angel of Gods Presence, the mighty Counsellor, the power, and eternall wisedome of God himself? and where is he? he appears in the pre­sence of God for us, in the holy place, not made with hands, having made a new and living way for us to come within the Vaile, to enquire of the Oracle. What would we have more? he is our Captaine, our Leader, our High Priest, Urim, and Thummim, our Oracle, our Arke, on whom the cloud of direction rests, and abides for ever.

Would you then be with God? take direction from him by Christ in all your undertakings; so doe in­deed, and not in word, or profession onely.

[Page 28] I hope, I need not stay to give you directions, how this duty is to be performed, the Ʋnction will teach it you, and your fellowship, I hope, is with the Father, and with his Son Christ Jesus; Onely now take these few words with you.

First, Captivate all your desires to his glory: set 1. your hearts on nothing, but with this expresse reserve, if it is consistent with, and expedient unto the Glory of Christ, and his Kingdome. Be not sick of your owne violent Desires, but lay all your aymes and de­signes at his feet alwayes; becoming as weaned Children before him.

Secondly, Beare before him a reall sense of your 2. owne weakness, and folly both severally, and joynt­ly, if not directed by him; that in his pity and Compassi­on, he may relieve you.

Thirdly, Keep your hearts in that integritie, that you 3. may alwayes presse and urge him with his own Con­cernment in all your Affaires, this is a thing that none but upright hearts can doe uprightly.

Fourthly, Actually enquire by faith and prayer, 4. what is his will and mind; doe it severally, and joyntly; doe it privately, publickly; doe it every day, and in dayes set apart for that purpose; he will as­suredly be found of you. You know how easie it were to exemplifie all these things, by testimonies, and instances, but time will not permit.

If in stead of these things, you beare your selves up on the wings of your own Wisedome, and contrivan­ces,; though you may seem for a season to have at­tained a faire pitch and flight; you will be entangled, and brought down in the midst of your Course with shame and sorrow; for the Lord will not be with you.

[Page 29] Secondly, Another thing wherein we are to be with God is by trusting in him for protection. O! trust in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord Jehovah, there is everlasting strength. This man made the Lord his refuge. He that trusteth in the Lord shall be as Monnt Sion, that shall never be removed. Commit your wayes to the Lord, roll your burthen on him, stand still and see his salvation. What glorious things are spoken of this trusting to the Lord for protection, you all know. It were end­less to insist on Commands and promises to this pur­pose; and to single out one, or two, were but to weaken the Cause in hand, seeing hereunto the whole Scriptures bear witness. I shall only shew you what it is so to do, in some few particulars.

First, It is to strengthen, and encourage your hearts 1. in difficult affairs, a comfortable Issue whereof, you cannot on visible causes conjecture, on the account of Gods engagement for your good. To omit the in­stance of Asa, Jehosaphat, and many others; take that signal one of David in his great distress at Ziglak 1 Sam. 30. You know the story: His habitation was burnt and spoiled, his wives and children captiv'd, his people consulting to stone him, so that he was greatly distressed, the enemy numerous, and without his reach; all means of relieving his condition and bringing it to a comfortable issue, farr removed; But what course did he now take? did he despond? did he give over? did he rest on his own Counsel and strength, No, saith the holy Ghost; But David en­couraged himself in the Lord his God. Have you any Affair that lies before you that is good, and honest, but yet dreadful, difficult, entangled? your hearts are ready to faint, when ever you think of it; it is almost beyond your Imaginations, to contrive a [Page 30] comfortable Issue: In such a season if you will be with God, he will be with you; if you so trust him as to encourage your hearts on the account of his wisdome, goodness, power; that he can finde out, and bring about a comfortable glorious end; this is to trust him for protection. Psal. 46. is this Doctrine delivered to the full.

Secondly, To trust God for protection, is to wait 2. under discouragements, and disappointments for a desired Issue, of the affairs we commit to him. He that beleeveth will not make hast. Isa. 28. 16. This the Lord pleads for Hab. 2. 3, 4. Men will have their desires precisely accomplished this year, this moneth, this week, or they will wait no longer; these, sayes God are proud men, their hearts are lifted up in them, they trust not me for protection. Men love to trust God (as they profess) for what they have in their hands, in possession, or what lies in an easie view; place their desires afarr of, carry their accomplish­ment behinde the clouds, out of their sight, inter­pose difficulties, and perplexities, their hearts are instantly sick, they cannot wait for God; they doe not trust him, nor ever did. Would you have the presence of God with you; learn to wait quietly for the salvation you expect from him. Then in­deed is he glorified, when he is trusted in a storme; when he is waited for under long perplexities, and distresses. Want of this, ruined the Israelites in the wilderness; their work was long, their difficulties, and intanglements many, they would have had an immediate end of their troubles. What! more dif­ficulties, more hardships, nay then let us chose a Cap­tain and go down again into Egypt; we know the worst of that, where this will end we know not. This laid [Page 31] their carkasses in the wilderness, and deprived them of enjoying the good land.

Thirdly, It is to commit your affairs to the Lord 3. with submission to his will, as to their Issue, and ac­complishment. Trust respects protection, but it pre­scribes not, as to perticular Events. It is to com­mit our Affairs to God, with thoughts of his infi­nite wisdom, soveraignty and goodness; with resolu­tions thereupon, that the product of his will, is that which will be good, be best for us, though it should not at all fall in with our present desires. It is true the Psalmist sayes, Commit your wayes unto the Lord, trust also in him, he shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37. 5. and so he shall and will in all such cases, as that there particularly insisted on by the Psalmist, wherein his own Glory is particularly engaged. But this prescribs not, as to all cases that we should cry, give me this child or I die. The rule is known; Abide in this frame, and we shall have that we desire, or that which is better for us; but I must not abide in these things▪ See Psal. 37. 3, 4, 5. Psal. 73. 23, 24, 25, 26.

And these are some of those wayes wherewith we abide with God, as to our trusting of him in refe­rence to special protection.

A third thing I should fix upon is, a peoples Ʋni­versal owning of Gods concernments in the world. His presence with them is, his owning their concern­ments, and certainly he expects that they abide with him in the owning of his. Gods concernment in the world, is his people as invested with the priviledges purchased for them by Christ Deut. 32. 9. The Lords portion is his people. This is that which the Lord has perticularly Kept to himself. The Vineyard that he has chosen out of all the forests of the world; the [Page 32] handful that he hath taken to himself, his Sons, and Daughters, his Family; These he expects that you abide by, if you would have him abide by you; Yea it is most certain, as your respect, and regard shall be to them and their interest, as his people; so will his respect, and regard be to you, and your interest, as the people of this Nation. But I have formerly spoken hereof unto you, and therefore, though it be a matter of the greatest importance, I shall not further insist upon it.

And these are some of the Conditions of Gods special presence with you, pleasant conditions, their performance, is your glory, your rest, your blessed­ness, not your bondage, not your burthen; Not one duty doth God on this account require of you, but it is also your reward. O blessed termes of peace, and agreement. Blessed be the great peace-maker, cursed be the breakers of this blessed Agreement. Is this all indeed that is required, that we may have the special presence of God with us for ever? O how inexcusable shall we be, if we neglect these termes? how just will be our ruine? Behold, I have set be­fore you life and death this day. The life, or death of these Nations. O choose life, seeing it may be had on such easie, such blessed termes: Termes where­in in doing good to others, you will also doe good to your own souls; you will give peace to the Nation, and have peace, and rest in your own souls.

Look on this presence of God as your main con­cernment? Use 1. This is that which the Prophet calls for in the words of the Text; so the Psalmist, there are ma­ny that say, who will shew us any good? Lord lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Psal. 4. Let other [Page 33] men make what enquiries they please, look for good, for rest, for peace in what they best fancy; Acquiesce you in this, that the light of Gods countenance, a pledge of his presence with you, is that alone which you are to enquire after. I remember since the be­ginning of these last wonderful dayes, how often we have thought our selves utterly ruin'd; if such alte­rations come, we are undone; if such men dye, fall off, oppose, there is little hope of the carrying on the work wherein we are ingaged. If such shakings, such divisions befall us, our ruine is at hand; If we breake with such, and such forraign Nations, what hope remaineth: But alass we have found by ex­perience, that our Affairs have turned on none of these things; our prosperity hath been built on none of those principles: such desertions, as we feared, have happened; such Alterations, such divisions have befallen us; we have been sometime almost reduced to Gideons number; such breaches with forragin Na­tions have ensued; one party, that was with us have gone off, and asked, what will ye now do? And then another party hath gone off, and asked us what will ye doe now? And no sooner do any fall off, but instantly they expect, and foretell destruction to them that do abide; as though they were God and not man, or as though God were bound to follow them with his presence in all their passions, in all their wandrings. It would I confess be more desirable unto me than life it self, to see all those, at least who stick to the Cause of God in its greatest difficulties, and trialls, and then when it Ceased to be carried on in the ordi­nary paths of Nations, Ʋnited again in the same com­mon interest; to see their passions, and prejudices cu­red, [Page 34] and their persons returned to their former use­fulness: but this is that which is the result of all this discourse. It is not this, or that thing, or any thing what ever; but the presence of God alone with a people, that is their life, their preservation, their protection and prosperitie. If our strength had laine in any thing else in this world, our light had gone out long agoe, and it had departed from us: But hence it is that we are not consumed. Now if you are so carefull not to loose these, and these friends, this, and that Partie of the Nation, not to provoke this, or that people 'cause­lesly; Oh what weight ought it to have upon your hearts and soules, that you provoke not the Lord to depart from you, that you take care for the continu­ance of his presence with you. This is your life, your safety, your successe, your peace. Learn to prize it, value it &c.

Secondly. Whilst you have any pledge of the pre­sence 2. of God with you, be not greatly moved, nor trou­bled by any difficulties that you may meet withall; be not moved with any terrour, but sanctifie the Lord of Hosts in your hearts, and make him your dread, and your feare, and he shall be a refuge, and a hiding place unto you.

Some pretend to Visions of God, and they prophesie your ruine, and destruction; yea, they have limited times thereof, to the shame of their Prognosticati­ons: some are full of revenge, and they threaten your Ruine, and talke what a Catholike Interest is com­plicating, and rising up against you: some are trou­bled at your proceedings, that they are not in such [Page 35] equall paths as might be desired; as though that were a worke, and way of yesterday; as though we had not been turned, and driven out of old tracks, and pathes, above ten yeare agoe, and as though the old pathes were not so worn to the interest of a profane multitude, that it is yet impossible to keep the burthen upright in them, whose guidance you are intrusted with.

Some say you will never be able to goe through with the charge of your undertakings? as though God had never said, the Gold and Silver is mine. Should these things busie, or distract you; doth the Issue of the business in hand, depend on the thoughts of these men? will the end be according to their con­trivances? have these things indeed any influence at all into the determination of this Controversie? will not this one Consideration guide your hearts, and spirits, when all these waves roll all together upon you? Yea but the whole of this affair must be orde­red, and will fall out according as the presence of God is with us, or otherwise. If God be with us, who shall be against us? How may you on this ac­count, triumph against all oppositions whatsoe­ver.

Thirdly, Fix then your thoughts on the things 3. which lye in a tendancy towards the Confirming of Gods special providential presence with you; You have heard of the tenure of it, the means whereby it is procured, and retained. These things I have spo­ken to in general before; besides your own depen­dance on God, and comportment with his provi­dence, [Page 36] the things incumbent on you, are such as re­spect either persons, or things.

First, for persons! it is that which I have minded 1. you of before, and which I shall doe, whilst I have life, and opportunity to speak to you or any con­cerned in the government of this Nation, in pub­lick or private, because I know it is your life, your peace, your duty; and that is, that the End, and aime of all your Consultations be the protection, en­couragement, liberty, of the seed of Jacob, the rem­nant, the hidden people! those whom God hath owned, accepted, blessed, given his presence unto, and amongst them. I plead not for their Exaltati­on, Promotion, Preferment, I know not what! but charge it as your duty to take care, that this be not troden under foot, nor swallowed up, nor exposed to the rage, and contempt of the man of the Earth; It is not this or that party of them that I speak of, but the generation of them that seek the face of God, whose Cause alone it is, and not of any other men, or frame of things, that is through the mighty pow­er of God triumphant in these Nations. They are to God as the apple of his Eye, and let their safety be so also to you; and you will not faile of the pre­sence of God.

Secondly, For things, they are either the things of 2. God, or men; of each a word.

First for the things of God, or the publick profession 3. of Religion in the land, my time is too far spent for me to enter into a serious discourse on the subject: [Page 37] somethings have of late been done, which when en­vie, and anger, and disappointment shall cease to ope­rate, the whole people of God in this Nation will have cause to rejoyce in.

Let it not be thought amiss, if I minde you of one part of the Nation in especial, the example of the saints allow us a special regard to those of our own Nation, our kinsfolks in the flesh. It is for Wales I speak, where the unhappiness of almost all men running in­to extremes hath disadvantaged the Advancement of the Gospel, and the progress of it, when we had great ground, for the expectation of better things. Some are still zealous of the traditions of their fathers, and nothing almost will satisfie them, but their old road of beggarly Readers in every Parish: Others again, perhaps out of a good zeal, have hurried the people with violence beyond their prin­ciples, and sometimes it may be beyond the Truth; and as Jacob said; Over driving the Cattel, and young ones, have almost destroyed the whole flock; be­tween Complaints on one side, and the other, I fear between misguided zeal, and formality, the whole worke is almost cast to the ground, the business of Zion, as such, is scarce by any cared for. The good Lord guide you to somewhat for its relief, that those who are Godly may be encouraged: and those that need instruction may not be neglected.

Secondly, The things of man, or righteous Ad­ministrations of Justice in things relating to this pre­sent 2. pilgrimage. These wheels also are you to set going. Many particulars lie before you; more will [Page 38] present themselves, troublesome times have all­wayes produced good Laws; Your wisdome will be to provide for good Execution, that not only the gene­rations to come, but the present, may eat of the fruit of your labours and travel.