THe words themselves are an excellent Sermon, with­out any further enlargement, and especially upon such a day as this is, A praying, and An uniting day; And as Father Latimer began before King Edward the sixth, and his Honorable Councel Anno Dom. 1550. if I should say nothing for three or four hours together, but, Take heed, and beware of covetousness, it would be thought a strange Sermon to a King, yet might prove seasonable: So if [Page 2] I should onely take the Apostle Johns Sermon, as story relates of him, That when he was grown old, and not able to preach largely, he was carried into the Assemblies, and he would one­ly repeat these words, Little children, love one another. Had you no other Sermon this day, but those words repeated over and over, if God would bless it, that it might make impression upon your spirits, I hope, though a short and unexpected one, yet it would prove a sweet, at least a very useful Sermon: Thus the Apostle begins here, My little children, let us not love in word, The Scrip­ture speaks many things negatively which are to be under­stood onely comparative­ly. neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth. Not in word onely, there is a great deal of Lip-love: Not in tongue onely, there is a great deal of Complemental-love, where there is no hearty, no Real-love: But how should we love? In deed and in truth, that men might speak their hearts, and act their hearts, and express their hearts, in the love they do pretend; this is Christi­an love indeed.

Three Arguments the Apostle now here uses, to engage this re­ality of their affection one to another.

1. Hereby we know that we are of the truth: All Gods chil­dren are such children as do indeed love one another, they have an instinct that carries them to it, and this will be a clear disco­very that you are of the truth; true children indeed, no hastards, truly begotten again by the Spirit of God: Hereby we know that we are passed from death to life, because we love the brethren (saith John) Eph. 1. 3, 14. yea Christ goes higher, Joh. 13. 35. Hereby shall all men know that ye are my Disciples, if ye have love one to another; that is one very strong argument that might bespeak your mutual affection: To have a clear evidence that you are Gods children, whatsoever sad news you should hear upon earth, if you had but a demonstration from heaven of that this day, it would be worth more prayers and tears, then I doubt you or I shall pour out before the Lord.

A second Argument is this, And shall assure our hearts before him: Have a sweet confidence, a stability of Spirit, though there be a sea of trouble without, yet here will be a bosom-ark, some­thing within that will fix and settle the soul; there thou mayest cast anchor, and lie safe, having a perswasion, having an assu­rance before God, however unsettled before men, and ebbing [Page 3] and flowing, and rising and falling, now good news, and then bad news, that damps, that dashes all; yet do but love one another in deed and in truth, as you ought to do, and you shall have assurance before God.

A third Argument he uses in the 22. Verse, And what­soever we ask, we receive of him: This would be an admirable hint this day, if you and I could gather such an evidence out of the Word of God, that we may be assured, That whatsoever we ask, we shall receive: We come to ask great matters, and to beg great things of God this day, and now to have an earnest-peny from Heaven, that as sure as you make prayers, so sure your prayers shall be answered; would not this be an excellent ad­vantage? He tells you upon what terms, If you do but love one another in deed and in truth. These are the three Arguments to demonstrate this truth, and quicken to this duty.

But now for the 2. Argument, as the Apostle amplifies it, and indeed those are the words that I shall insist upon. What a very great advantage now is it to have this assurance before God (saith he) in the 21. Verse, Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence towards God: If you have clear hearts before God, if you have not a self-condemning heart, but upon the examination of your selves, and weighing your own spiritual condition in the ballance of the Sanctuary, you can finde your love is weight, it is not counterfeit, copper love, when you bring it to the touchstone; but you are indeed taught of God to love one another, you may have confidence towards God; But on the other side, if our heart condemn us, God is greater then our heart, and knoweth all things: But when you come to examine your hearts, your hearts cry guilty, and have a self-condemning heart, Oh! woful is your condition! If your heart that is dark and ignorant, and knows but a little of your selves, if it condemn you and fly in your face; you must know you have to deal with the great God of heaven and earth, Amos 4. 13. he knows all things; and if your own heart condemn you, you will be condemned with a witness, with a vengeance indeed, if not onely your own hearts, but God himself should condemn you.

And so you have some short and general resolution of the words, out of these two Verses.

[Page 4] I have four short Propositions, and I will name them, and up­on every one of them very briefly speak something, as near as I can (as God shall direct) suitable to this day.

The first Proposition is this,

That the heart of man hath a self-condemning, and a self-ab­solving power.

Secondly, That God knows our own very hearts, yea, and more by us, then we know by our selves.

Thirdly, If our own heart do condemn us, it is an evidence of greater condemnation from the All-searching God.

Fourthly, If our own heart do absolve us, it is an evidence of acceptation before God.

These four Points lie obviously above ground in the words:

And we will begin with the first. I have but a very little to say on that, onely to use it as a Key to open the door to what follows:

The heart or conscience of man hath a self-condemning, and 1. Obser. self-absolving Power.

If our heart condemn us not, that is, excuse us, absolve us; the heart of man or conscience, for they are doubtless the same Conscientia est judicium hominis de semet ipso pro ut subjicitur judicio Dei. Isa 5. 3. 3 Cor. 11. 31 Ames. cas. Consc l. c. 1. [...] conscientia. here: Conscience (that is) a practical power of the soul, bearing witness of our selves and actions, according to the knowledge of Gods Law: God hath given to man, not onely a power of knowing, but likewise a conscience; a power of knowing to­gether with God, a recoyling and reflecting upon our own actions, and upon our estates; the judgement of man re­flecting upon himself, as he is under, and subject to the judge­ment of God; this is that conscience here, the heart! The Lord gives us a practical understanding, a practical knowledge, and principles; does enable us to make an application of those practical principles, to our own particular case: And hereupon it is, that every man, though never bred up to be a Logician in the Schools, yet knows how to make Syllogisms, either pro or con, for or against himself: Every body will be able to say this, He that walks uprightly, he that lives the life of faith, he shall be saved; there's a general principle laid down in the word of God; then the heart does assume, but I through the grace [Page 5] of God desire to walk uprightly, I am taught to believe on Christ.

In the first proposition, there the heart is (as it were) a book a volumn full of Principles; Here in the second proposition, there Rom. 2. 15. it is a witness, it bears witness together with God, knows with him, what its own condition is, or what its actions are; and there­fore in the conclusion it is a Judge, I shall be saved, and I shall be accepted by him: Every one that is unrighteous, and so lives, 1 Joh. 3. 20. and so dyes, against him God is thus provok'd; but I am so and so, therefore against me: No unrighteous person shall inherit the Kingdom of God; but I am unrighteous, therefore I cannot come there: Every man or woman, be they never so ignorant (in this or in any other Assembly) hath such a power within them, God hath implanted in their mindes such a power, set up such a light in thy soul, as that thus far thou mayest be Judge of thy self, and thy own actions, that thou canst either condemn or absolve thy self.

If your heart, if your Consciences have a power of self-con­demning, Applic. and self-absolving;

Then it is good to observe your Consciences, and be sure 1. Use of Instru­ction. Conscientia est naturals judicatorium. Ambr. to make your Conscience your friend, and minde (likewise) as carefully, what conscience says to you: As you in your City Transactions, I make no question, but you preserve Records, and what Acts pass, or Orders, or Decrees (or whatsoever you call them) at your meetings, at your Common-Councel with the Court of Aldermen, because you would be able to read over the Story, to know how justly things were done, and what may be a Rule for the time to come, &c. Let us be as careful to keep Fraenum ante, flagellum post percatum. the Records of Conscience, and to observe upon every occasion what your hearts say, what conscience says: For be you sure of this, that Conscience hath a self-absolving, and a self-condemning power; and though it may be now thou little mindest it, here­after when thou comest to dye, then Conscience will rub up thy Memory; surely, you lived under such a Minister, and such Items you had given you, and thus Conscience did work; and sometimes you were almost perswaded, with Agrippa, and Acts 26. 28. looked Heaven-ward, and saw your errors, and were almost perswaded to turn over a new leaf; but still thou smotherest [Page 6] Conscience. O this will be a sad thing, if thy Conscience comes in against thee another day, it will not onely be a thousand Witnesses, but a thousand Armies to destroy thee over and over; Conscientia mille tests mille exercitus look to it now, how you approve your selves, even to your own Conscience: And let me here by the way suggest but this to you, Suppose you make a few Quaeries to Consci­ence now, and allow Conscience likewise to make some Quaeries to you.

1. Quaere. What stewards have you been of all the Talents that God hath committed to your hands?

A steward (say the Lawyers) is a servant which is wont to set [...]. forth his Masters good for advantage: What says Consci­ence? Many of you are crowned with gray hairs, and have been advanced to Places of great Power in the City, and you have lived upon the goodness of your God, it may be some of you fifty, sixty years, or more, and a great stock of Talents hath gone It is requi­red in ste­wards, that a man be found faith­ful. through thy hands, and thou shouldst have been trading faith­fully for thy God all this while, what account now can you give to Conscience? Suppose you were now to keep conscience counting house (for you will allow the word, to speak it in your own language) I would it were more frequent to keep a Soul­counting house, as well as for your Estates; a Closet for your consciences, and enter in there: Thus long I have lived in the world, how much have I lived to my God (we live indeed so much, as we act for God, and no more) what says Conscience? There have many men been in the world a great while, and yet Diu suit pa­rum vixit, saith Sen. of one. Stulti semper incipiunt vi­verc. Sen. lived but a little while, and it may be scarce begun to live yet, but lived to themselves, and to their lusts, and to the service of sin, and to the drudgery of Satan all this while; Give an account of thy stewardship, suppose that were thy word in Luke 16. 2. What says conscience now? I doubt it would almost strike some of you dead, while you were alive, if you had but a real Sum­mons indeed, that this were your last day: O! then Conscience Acts 24. 25. would work strongly, and make you tremble as Felix, and look pale, if you did believe that God would break the threed of thy life suddenly: Suppose thou wert a dying man, what says Conscience? Hast thou been a faithful steward? Canst thou give a good and sincere account of those Talents that God hath betrusted thee with?

[Page 7] 2. Quaere. Let me put this as a second Quaere, what wilt thou say to thy conscience,

How hast thou answered all thy Vows, and Protestations, and Covenants, and all the Purposes and Promises that you have made? And canst thou say resolutely with him, Psal. 56. 12. Thy Vows are upon me, I will render praises unto thee? Or that thou hast done so?

Many of you might say, not onely with the Psalmist, Thy Vows are upon me, but thy Protestations and thy Covenants; yea (it may be) have entred into a curse to walk in Gods Law, as they in Nehemiah, Chap. 10. 29. The Lord knows that very great Obligations lie upon many of you: How many Publike Fasting-days have you had? not a day but you did, or should renew your Covenant with God: How many Communion-days have you had? not a Communion day but you either did, or should renew your Covenant with your God: Some of you are under some Obligation or other, and under the Obligation of the Solemn League and Covenant: How have you answer­ed all these in advancing the glory of God, and the Publike good, and the carrying on the work of a Scripture-Reformation, what says conscience?

3. Quaere. Further, if this Quaere should be proposed, How can you wash your hands of the guilt of other mens sins? What would you that are the Representative City say to that now? Suppose that all the Drunkenness, and all the Sabbath-break­ing, and the uncleanness, and the prodigious wickedness that hath been committed in the City, and in the Suburbs up and down upon the Sabbath-day, and in other places where the Govern­ment of the City hath had, or may have influence: Suppose this should all now be laid at your door this day. I say, the Lord Major, the Court of Aldermen, the Common-Councel-men, and they that had the Government of the City, they are ac­countable to God, for all the Oathes, and Uncleannesses, and wickednesses that they have known of, and have not punished ac­cording to the Acts, and Ordinances, and Statutes that are to this purpose. Give me leave to propound this in the Name of the great God to your Consciences: What can you say to this? Can you wash your hands in innocency? I doubt, besides all your by-Oathes [Page 8] that you may be guilty of personally, and besides all your secret uncleanness, that others may be guilty of, and besides the Injustice and Prophaneness that your own hearts accuse you of: Do you not think that many of the City-abominations (I mean those common abominations that are committed by divers in the City) may be charged upon the remiss Government of the City, even in a great measure: It is good for you now to ask conscience, when you come to humble your souls before God, and to deal more seriously with him; and I hope you will now allow your Ministers to deal faithfully and plainly with you, as in the sight of the Lord, who will judge both Minister and people at the great Day; Had you not need pray with the good old Fa­ther, Lord, forgive me my other mens sins?

4. Quae. Let me adde this Quaere, what says Conscience of this? Many of you, I think I may say (if I should be mistaken in the Affairs of the City, you will pardon one that lives at such a distance) are all Publike persons in some degree, that have any thing to do with the Government of the City: What will con­science say to this now? What ends, what ayms have you had in all your publike undertakings? Whether hath Self or Pub­like been most advanced? What says Conscience to this plain Quaere? (remember your hearts, your consciences have a self-absolving, or a self-condemning power) You are most happy souls, if upon good grounds indeed, your consciences do now absolve you, and can say, O! Conscience tells me I have been a good Steward; and Conscience tells me I have observed my Vows and Covenants; and Conscience tells me that I am inno­cent I have no other mens sins to reckon for, or at least I have put them off my self, improving my power against them, or by my repentance for neglect thereof: And Conscience does not fly in As Paul 2 Cor. 1. 12. my face, I have had a Publike spirit in Publike Employment; happy are those souls (would we had more such:) I am afraid there are but few that can indeed wash their hands in innocency in this Assembly; but there is a great deal of work for repen­tance. Know, that one of these two things will certainly be, Ei­ther you must plead innocency at the day of Judgement, or plead repentance, otherwise you are utterly and everlastingly undone: Conscience will never absolve, unless there be an absolute inno­cency, [Page 9] or a sincere repentance and faith in Christ, whereby you have made his righteousness yours: How the case stands between God and you, Let God and Conscience be Judge. I propose but these things briefly to you, that I may a little awaken you to consider your selves: You expect I should come to the next Proposition.

You have heard, that the heart of mans conscience hath a self-condemning, and a self-absolving power: The second Ob­servation follows;

That even the great God knows all things; take the words Observ. (if you please) plainly as they lie: The great God hath an all­seeing, and all-searching eye, He knows all things, even more then our hearts and consciences do know by our selves.

If God hath given conscience such a self-condemning power. 2 Use. Caution. Then

Beware of Baffling your consciences, and of arming them against themselves. Remember, O remember often with fear and trembling, the sad condition of Judas, as set forth by Mat. 27. 3, 4, 5. Matthew: His conscience was awakened when it was too late, then out of horror ran and confessed his sin, to them who had Verse 3. employed and involved him; He brought the thirty pieces to Verse 4. the chief priests and elders, crying, I have sinned in betraying in­nocent blood, and they said, What is that to us, see thou to that; did they pity him, and endeavor to relieve him? no such matter. Note. (Who would joyn with the Devils servants, who will leave us in the lurch, when they have engaged and entangled us! How much Observe, Ju­das had all the three parts of Po­pish repen­tance, Con­fession, Con­trition, and satisfaction, yet not sa­ving repen­tance. better to close with the servants of the most High, who will be found a present help in time of need, Psal. 46. 1.) They rather help to plunge him into deep despair (which with his own ter­rified conscience, coming in as a swift witness and impartial Judge against him) he hangs himself in a sullen discontent, and with the swing fell asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out, Acts 1. 18. (which the learned conceive the best Exposition to reconcile the seeming difference in Matthew and Luke about the maner of Judas his death (and so he went to his own place, Gualther Harmon, on Acts 1. 18. Damascen. cap. 13. verse 25.)

Let me close this Use with a pertinent story out of Dama­scene, of a man who had three Friends, one he courted much, [Page 10] and sufficiently gratified the other, but the third he much neg­lected; and being afterward Arrested, he sent to his two friends, whom he had entertained with so much kindeness, to rescue him; they both refused: and then he was constrained to sly unto the third, his poor neglected despised friend, or else he must to Prison, and there rot in misery. Thou hast humored Appetite, and pleased Strife (two very deceitful friends) and abused poor Conscience wretchedly; and yet when God sends any Judge to seize on thee (unless that be thy friend to God, and speak a good word by way of testimony for thee) thou wilt eternally rot in Hellish torments. O be sure to deal tenderly and kindely with thy Conscience.

This place will clear it, as to the heart, and the most secret turnings of it, Heb. 12. 13. The word of God is quick and power­ful, and sharper then any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joynts and mar­row, and is a discerner of the thoughts, and the intents of the heart: Heb. 4. 12, 13. Neither is there any thing that is not ma­nifest in his sight; but all things are naked and open unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do, to give an account.

There are many people wonder when they come to hear a Sermon, how the Minister comes to know their secrets; and sometimes you shall have a hearer, as he goes out of the As­sembly, say, This man, though a stranger to me, hath read over the story of my life, and as if he had been acquainted with my bosom secrets all my time, I had them discovered to me in this Sermon; how comes this to pass? it may be you will think [...]. some one hath been conversing with the Minister, and he hath consulted with some of my friends; and this is the Calumny that is often raised: It cannot be so; for sometimes a Mini­ster comes to disclose the thoughts thou hadst in thy Counting­house, on thy horse-back when alone, it may be thou shalt have those thoughts laid open in a Sermon; how is this? because Note. the Minister brings the word that is quick and piercing, as the all-seeing God himself, that pierces between the bones and the marrow, which you know are as close together as you can ima­gine; yea and a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart: Where you see God does not onely know what we do, [Page 11] but he knows what we would do, he knows our very thoughts and intents. It is not an ordinary service that you are now up­on this day, an extraordinary Fasting-day, and Praying-day, and upon an extraordinary occasion for Union: I do not re­member that ever you had such a one for the whole City be­fore; indeed, one Copy you had from the Honorable Houses of Parliament: what intents you have in it, whence the motion came, what grounds, what desires, what you aym at in it, God knows; although your Ministers that come to Preach, and all you hearers that are present, know not one another's inten­tions, yet God knows; and whether onely Conscience, and Love to God, and to his Cause, and to Religion; and whether it be not a complemental imitation, or what ever it be, God knows; and the more sincerlty there is in it, the more comfort you have in it, for God knows whatsoever is in the bottom of your Spirits, when you go to Prayer, and frequent so many services (as there is much pompous Religion in London) as so many Lectures in a week, and so many Fasting-days; God knows a great deal of Hypocrisie in the bottom, but you can­not halt before the Sun of Righteousness; the Lord knows not onely what we do, but why we do it, and for what we do it; what ingredients there are in all our actions, which we cannot always discover, the heart being deceitful in all things, who can know it? Jer. 17. 9, 10.

2. God knows more by us in our actions, then all the men in the world can know: For there are many closer-actions, many se­cret actions in our retirements; and therefore well might the Apostle say here, God knows all things, more then all men and Angels: The Devil watches you, and he knows a great deal; and Angels may be Witnesses of many of your actions; and you may have Friends that may watch over you, and know much by you; but God knows more then all the men of the world, set them all together: and that will appear, it may be, when you come to dye, then you read over a Story of your own life and conversation, which you had forgotten, and your Mi­nister or others could not put you in minde of, onely God stirs up Conscience, he that knows the heart, all the issues of it, and the Conscience; knows more by you at that time enlightned [Page 12] by God, then all men do: And therefore you finde that some Murthers have been discovered (I had almost said) in a mira­culous way, when they have been concealed a great while, the Lord in a most wonderful way hath brought them to light: whence is this? God knows all things, all our actions; as, I know thy works, seven times repeated in the Prefaces to the seven Epistles to the seven Churches, Revel. the 2. and 3. Chapter.

3. Yea, that God knows more good and evil by us, then we know by our selves, will appear at the day of Judgement: You shall finde this most clear in Matthew, there at the last Judgement, what says Christ, You fed me when I was hungry, and you clothed me when I was naked; Come ye blessed of my Mat. 25. 34, 35, 41, 42, &c. Father: And he says to the other, Depart ye cursed; for I was in prison, and ye did not visit me, &c. God knows more good by his servants, then they know by themselves; and God knows more wickedness by wicked men, then they know themselves. I am perswaded there are Thousands of Prayers some of you have put up, and you have forgotten them, God knows them every one, and hath them all in a Book of Remembrance; and Mal. 3. 16. there is many a Sin many of us hath committed, that we are so far from Repenting of them, that we have forgotten them; but Deut. 32. 32, 33, 34. God remembers all those sins, unless we remember them so in the general, so as to lay hold upon him by a lively Faith to re­pent of them, or they will come to be remembred. Many a tear Job 14. 17. hast thou dropped in thy Prayer, and, it may be, set fall many a six pence to poor people, and spoken many good words in good Meetings, and a little spark fired the whole company, and one little grain of seed, came up to many a hundred; thou hast for­gotten this, I, but God remembers it, He sees all things. I must hasten.

And here, if you will give me leave to approve my self to Applic. God, and to your Consciences, and to deal most nakedly and plainly with you; and in the Application of this, to put you Use 1. upon considering your own ways, and laboring clearly, and di­stinctly, and impartially now to know your selves. God knows all things, and therefore I heartily desire, that as ever you would finde favor in the eyes of God, that you may know your [Page 13] own selves so clearly, what is amiss by you, that you may be brought to humble your selves, and to make your peace with God; God knows how it is. The counsel the Prophet Haggai gives in Hag. 1. 6, 7. Now says the Lord of Hosts, consider your ways, set your hearts upon your ways: It is part of our busi­ness to preach to you this day upon a day of Humiliation, to put you upon this, that you call back your hearts, and set them upon your ways. And I should think it a great mercy of God, if he would please so far to accept poor endeavors, as to whis­per it into your ears, even the greatest person in the Congrega­tion, if God would but suggest somewhat to thy soul, to bring back thy heart to thy ways, that thou mightest fix upon the story of thy life, from thy minority, thy yonger days, to thy gray hairs, opus diei, this is this days work, God knows all. I confess, when I was first invited to this Employment, I thought it had been onely a private day, that the Representative City had been onely here present; and possibly I should then have spoke of some things, that according to the Rules of Prudence will not be so fit now to lay open, here being a mixt Auditory, and, it may be, some that will make advantage of the discovery of your miscarriages. But you will give me leave to say what is seasonable to lead you to know your selves.

And I will first begin with you in your own personal condi­tion, and beseech you to lay this thought by you, That God knows every man in the Assembly. Lord Major, Aldermen, Deus est inti­mior nobis in­timo nostro. Common-Councel-men (for to you I address my self) God knows you in your greatest intimacy.

In all your personal ways as you are men, as you are Christians; He knows you in all your Family-relations, what sincerity there is in the bottom of the heart therein: The Lord knows that it may be some of thy Neighbors may censure thee for an Hypocrite, and think all thy Religion is but Ostentation, thou makest a great shew: If thy heart be sound in Gods Statutes, Psal. 119. 80. be not discouraged, go on in thy way, God knows it, and thou needest not be ashamed. And on the other side, if thou beest a glosing, complementing Hypocrite, and if thou dost but act a part in Religion, and hast got thy tongue tipt with some Gospel language, by hearing and out-living so many Ministers, and if [Page 14] thou beest stil a rotten hearted professor, God knows this, & wil discover thee in due time. And in all your relations God knows what you are, possibly some may be churlish Nabals to their Neighbors; God knows it if it be so: Possibly some may be hard-hearted Pharaohs to their servants; God knows it if it be so: Possibly some may be cruel Tyrants to their wives; God knows that likewise: And possibly some may be fond Eli's to As 1 Sam. their Children, indulgent to them in wicked and ungodly cour­ses, and when they should correct them, and whip them, onely ask them, Why didst thou so, my childe? O look upon your selves in all your relations, the Lord who with a candle could search Jerusalem, can search every corner of your souls, and know how it is with you.

God knows how it is with you in your shops too, whether you have any false weights and measures, or any dark deluding win­dows, or any adulterate wares; and though you will not swear (perhaps) God knows whether you will not equivocate a lye in your Trading. You will bear with it this day, we come to Ministers may be plain with hearers, especially upon days of Humiliation Act. 2. 46. 4. They did eat their meat with gladnes and singlenes of heart, praising God Tertul. speak out, and to discover you to your selves and that as God knows all, you may know all, and fall down before God when any thing shall be amiss. O where is that Table-edifying discourse (the best sawce to your meat) The Primitive Saints had three dishes which made them grow fat. O where is the sanctifying of the Lords day, that hath been in fashion amongst the Saints, yea, in reputation amongst Christians in all ages. Go then from your houses, from your shops; Come along to the Ex­change; God knows what exchanges you have there, what passions, what lyes, what frothy discourses, what corrupt com­munication there is, God knows all this; and how much pre­cious time is mis-spent there, sometimes upon the Lords day; God knows all this: And what Malignant Principles are sometimes propagated there, and how men may leaven one an­other, even in their conversing there together, they go and pre­tend to make bargains, and trade together: I know not how to speak in a City-language, but others think many times they much putrifie one another, and drive the devils trade there; if there be any such Design on foot, God knows it, and God grant you may know it.

[Page 15] And when you come to your Offices, it may be some are Constables, or Sequestrators, or of the Excize-Office, &c. I cannot fall upon all, what traffiquing there, whether you trade more for the State, or for your selves, or when you are in pub­like office, God knows it; Oh! and many a poor subject in Eng­land knows it; how many estates have been undone, and in pre­tence (indeed) we come to sequester for the Publique, but God knows how little of this the Publique hath had; it may be here is a fine Cabinet, then such a wife must have it; and here is a fine There are many A­dams still drawn a­way by their wives to eat for­bidden fruit, Latimer. Looking-glass, my wife shall have this at such a price; and here is a goodly bed, my Love shall have that; God and Conscience knows these things: And let every one knock at their own doors. God knows, I speak in his sight, without reference to any one, onely there are such discourses as these, whereever it falls.

Furthermore, when you have a great trust committed to you; it may be a Publique Officer in a Congregation will ga­ther a great deal of Moneys, God knows whether there hath not been sometimes corrupt dealing; it may be we will go and feast, and be thus jolly, and the poor Parish shall pay for all; and then we will have the Poors Collections, that must make it up; God knows whether there be not too much over-lashing many times in things of this nature: But they that are in Office can bear it out, and know too often how to spare themselves, and lay the greatest load upon the weakest horse. These things are all naked before the All-seeing God.

And then when you come to make Levies, and gather Taxes, as you have been much put to it, since these sad Troubles began, whether my Brother, Cousin, Friend must not be spared, and many times a Parliament friend pinched more then a Malig­nant; God knows all these things, and I wish you may enquire into your selves, and take notice of it.

When you come (then) to your Churches, God knows what carriage there is sometimes in the Vestry, when you come to choose a Lecturer; I must have such a one, Oh, he is a friend of my friends; and one man will have him upon another pretence, it may be because he thinks he will smooth him, and flatter him, and keep him in generals onely; and another man [Page 16] draws off, and will not have such a man, because he thinks he will come too close; whether your hearts be faithful and up­right in your choyces of such natures: still I must tell you this, God knows, and therefore do you look to it.

And then when you come to the Administration of the Wor­ship and Service of God in your Congregations, God knows how patient divers of you have been at many pollutions a great Rev. 2. 14, 15, 20. while, that hath cost England very dear; now God knows how ready you were when the Prelates were in their ruff, to comply with them in their Altar-Prayers, and Trinckets, and the like; that The Prophets prophesie falsly, and the Priests bear rule by their means, and the People love to have it so: Jer. 5. 29, 30, 31. All these things are naked before God.

And God knows what a secret antipathy of heart there rises in many of you, against the work of Reformation, and that there should be now strict proceedings, and your Congrega­tions purged of all Scandalous and Ignorant persons, kept from polluting the holy things of God: Oh! how many invectives are there made; sometimes men inveigh against Presbytery, and sometimes against Independency, and the plain English of both is, because they cannot indure the strictness of either, be­cause they shall not have so much elbow room for their lusts, nor be so impunè wicked as formerly; but the Eldership and Mi­nister will now make a more exact Scrutiny then heretofore, and this makes them angry: And because they have taken the Covenant, they will not appear against Reformation, yet they like not this Way, and that Way; because this lies at the bot­tom, they will not have a strict Reformation: God knows all this.

Come to the Representative City it self, to the Court of Al­dermen, and Common-Councel, God knows how things are carried there, what unsuitableness there is many times betwixt your Spirits, and your Places; He sees there is never a one of you but hath a Publique Place, and thereby advanced to some degree of honor; and yet I doubt God may behold in divers of you a change, in a Publique Place a Private Spirit: Oh! it were a most rare thing, London would be Jerusalem indeed, and Jerusalem in its lustre, if once it were come to [Page 17] this, That all the Common-Councel-men, and all the Aldermen, when they meet together in one place, in one Court, if they Publikeness of Spirit the beauty and glory of the Representa­tive City. could come there with one heart, and with one Spirit, and all having no other design but this in common, To advance the glory of God, and the best good of the City: This were the way indeed to make you a City of Righteousness. But the Lord knows, it may be many that before they were chosen Common-Councel-men, sober, grave, active Christians for the Publike good, great blessings in the Wards, in the Parishes where they did live; and then being advanced, grow Pragmatical, or it may be grow into something like Factions: Some probably on the other hand, more heavily, and politiquely, and carnally complying out of self-ends: It may be some that have been ex­ceeding active, when they moved in an inferior Sphaere, when they come up to a higher Orb, are so worldly wise, it blunts their Zeal. There was wont to be great complaints, he was a good Minister, but an ill Bishop; he was an excellent Coun­cellor, but a bad Judge, advancement spoiled him: God knows whether any thing like this lies at any of your doors; never so good as when Common-Councel-man, to say no more.

Now therefore, wisely and seriously consider, what Spirit acts you in your City-meetings, what is the greatest Enginier that drives you on, whether it be the Publike good, the Lord knows it: And for the very Government of the City, whether sometimes you be not more zealous in your own things, and more remiss in the things of God; the Lord knows this: Whe­ther sometimes you be not more indulgent to the rich, and pinch the poor most; how much care you may spend and exercise to maintain your own Priviledges, and keep up the Honor, and the reputation of the City, and it may be too exceeding faint, and flat, and dull, when it comes to the Sanctification of the Lords day, and purity of the Ordinances, and magnifying of Christ, there you moved (may be) as if your Chariot wheels were knockt off: If it be so, God knows it, and will reckon for it.

(Right Honorable, Right Worshipful, and Welbeloved) I be­seech you now lay your hands upon your own hearts, and se­riously observe your selves, as in your more private Sphaere, [Page 18] and in your several relations, so especially now, as you are Ci­tizens indeed, as you are part of the Representative City; what Oathes you took then, I know not, or whether any or no; but I am sure of this, the very thing it self carries with it an Obliga­tion, if the City shall advance you to that Trust, you are bound to be faithful to it, and then to act and move so, as in all things you may discharge your trust. Now God forbid that ever People should say thus upon any good grounds, Ship-money was aheav burthen, but now indeed it is onely exchanged; there may be as much oppression in some Officers in raising the Taxes, as ever there was in the Officers in the gathering of Ship-money: God forbid this should concern any of you, look to it. Others may say, we were wont to be called before the Councel Ta­ble, and there we must wait and attend, &c. and spend much money; and what if some should complain now, it may be, some Committees in the City, where things are not rightly charged, pinch as much as ever other places did: How justly, I know not, but I am sure there are such discourses abroad. Oh! do you seriously and wisely consider, if there be any such di­stempers; God knows all these things: You have a Consci­ence that is a Witness against you, that will be a Judge; and as you would meet the great God with comfort at the great As­size, keep a privy Sessions often in your own bosoms, and set all right and straight there. Oh! let there be a Conscience-Com­mittee, let there be a Bosom-Committee, let there be a daily, not Quarterly Session kept there. Great complaints there were heretofore, Such a one he hath a Monopoly of Sope, or To­bacco, Lace, and many things: And many complain now as fast, Such a one hath got a Monopoly of Offices and Places, and In­grosses all, & they will thus and thus interest themselves in every thing, and when they have done all, it may be inrich themselves, and impoverish the Publike. How far these things are to be charged upon any one, I know not: But I so far love the City, and would have you prize the comforts of your own Conscien­ces, as to take the advantage of this day, and reflect upon your selves, and sweep every man before his own door. People that are abroad in the Countrey have heard so much of the fame of London, since these things began, that they come here with [Page 19] great expectation, hearing of the fidelity and courage of Lon­don, and what you have done with your Purses, and how many have ventured their lives, they have great thoughts of London; but when they shall come up hither, and in some of your shops, and finde as bad dealing here, as in the Countrey; and it may be deal with some of their Officers, and finde as partial dealing here as in the Countrey; You know not what sad re­ports are cast upon the City by this means: and if you would have a lovely picture drawn of London, both at home and a­broad, I beseech you, Let it not be in vain that the Lord hath put it into your hearts to meet solemnly this day, but let there be some good fruit of it: And I hope every man will take some pains this Evening (or soon after) that he may take some time to view all the Pages of his whole course, and when he findes any Errata, or any thing amiss, as Lord Major, as Alderman, as Common-Councel-man, or Officer, that in the consideration of this, That God knows all things, you will fall down before him, and cry every one Peccavi, and say, Lord, I know such a thing hath been amiss, and I desire all may be reformed.

And so I have done now with the second ground observe­able in the words. I hope I shall not oppress you.

You have heard that our hearts have a power of self-con­demning, and self-absolving; You have heard likewise, That God knows, the great God hath an All-seeing, an All-searching eye, knows all things, sees how it fares with us: But then,

The self-condemning of our hearts, is a certain pledge of greater condemnation from God. 3. Observ.

And why so? Because Conscience is but Gods Agent, it is his Vicegerent in our breasts. That God might carry all things righteously at the Solemn and great day of Judgement, he im­ploys this subordinate Officer here to Record all things; so then two Books will be open, the Book of Gods Judgement, and the Book of our Conscience; and they will agree like a pair of Tallies, there will be a concurrence betwixt them in all particulars: God, he does imploy Conscience, if that con­demn thee, and if that be not satisfied, but still accuses thee, thou mayest tremble at the thought of it; God himself will [Page 20] condemn thee at last. For this is certain, Conscience can ne­ver Note. There must be purity in thy consci­ence to please God, else consci­will never be satisfied from God by peace. be satisfied, till God be satisfied in and through Christ; and when God is first satisfied in and through Christ, then God will satisfie Conscience. I confess, that many a mans conscience holds his peace, that is in a very ill condition; but conscience never speaks peace, but when thou art in a good estate before God through Christ. I doubt there may be many ignorant men here, that may be bold, Why, Conscience troubles me not, and accuses me not; possibly it may be so: but thy Conscience may be stupified, and tongue-tyed, and thou all this while in a most dangerous condition; thou art asleep in the Devils Cradle all this time: but when once Conscience comes, not onely to hold his peace, but to speak peace, that is a great advantage to thee: (that thou shalt hear of by and by) But if nothing can satisfie thy Conscience; thou wouldst appease thy Conscience; and quiet it, and goest to Prayer, and it may be comest to Sermons, and yet Conscience nibs thee, follows and dogs thee from place to place, and thou canst not rest: Certainly, if thou have such a mis-giving, self-condemning heart, it is a clear sign that yet God himself is not at peace with thee. Sometimes (indeed) a very honest heart may be troubled, and much perplexed (I would not have any abuse this, for there is a troubled Con­science, that is yet a good Conscience, because then troubled more for sinning against God, then for any thing else) But if thy heart do Note. condemn thee for a wilful living in such a sin, as being obstinately defective (for here the Apostle speaks principally in this, in wanting love to the Brethren) if your hearts condemn you in this, that you do not love truly one another, you can have no solid peace: For I dare boldly say, That there is never a man or woman in the world that hath a good Conscience (though a troubled Conscience, which may be good, when not comfortable) but they do love the Brethren, and love the Saints, and they do not live in any gross sin, and they do not allow themselves in any little sin. But now, if thy heart indeed do condemn thee, as not having that which is an undoubted evidence of grace, not Character of a good conscience. the lowest degree of grace, as, thy not wallowing in any sin, not allowing thy self in any the least wicked way, which is in­consistent with the truth of grace thus explain'd, it is a cer­tain [Page 21] sign, that thou canst as yet expect nothing but condemnation from God.

And therefore (by way of use) Beware, O beware of de­filing, Applic. of polluting your own Consciences; know this, Conscience is Gods servant, and therefore cannot be bribed, will not be Caution. corrupted, when once it hath received its Commission from him, is awakened by him: This is the very nature of Conscience (observe it) when other things wither and dye, then (it may be) Conscience lives: when a mans teeth falls out, his hair falls off, Note. and his hearing is gone, and his eye-sight lost, that he cannot see without Spectacles, &c. according to that elegant description of old age by Solomon; then his Conscience begins to live Eccl. 12. more vigorously, when he comes to dye. It may be thou that hast been an Atheist and dull hearer twenty or thirty years to­gether, and very little more edified by all the Sermons thou hast heard, then the seat upon which thou satest; for this, when thou comest to dye, thy Conscience will torment thee: Oh! it is a dangerous thing to out live your Consciences; you may out-live your Trading, and Honor, and yet overcome that (at least have comfort under it) but to lose your Conscience; to be Plundred of a good Conscience, it is the worst of all Plundrings: A man had better lose all the world ten thousand times over, then to lose God, and Conscience; no enemy like to Consci­ence (besides God himself, who does imploy and act it) a million of enemies are not so much as a terrifying Conscience. Divines have a great dispute (many of them) where Hell should be; truly, you need never make an enquiry, God can make a Hell in any one of your Consciences: and if God should Hell in a wicked mans conscience. open any of your eyes at this time, that have lived in wicked­ness all your days, and set Conscience on work to torment thee, thou wouldst soon know where Hell is: If God should but let one drop of his wrath fall upon thy Conscience at this time, and discover what a secret wanton such a one hath been, and what a private Drunkard such a one hath been; if he should in his holy Justice set this upon thy Conscience, thou wouldst have a very Hell in thy bosom: Before God advances the souls of the Saints to heaven, he can bring down heaven to their souls; Note. even so he often makes a hell in wicked mens Consciences, before he condemns them into hell.

[Page 22] And therefore I beseech you, because that a bad Conscience is a pledge, an evidence of greater condemnation; Take heed how you baffle, abuse, break with your Consciences. Give me leave to propose this short Dilemma to you here; Instance in any sin, either you know it to be a sin, or not know it: Sup­pose Drunkenness, or in Swearing, or in Lying, or in Unclean­ness, or in Sabbath-breaking, or in want of love, whoever you are, you know it either to be a sin, or you do not know it; if thou dost know it to be a sin, what a blinde Atheistical Con­science hast thou? if thou dost know it, and wilt still live in it, then what a festred Conscience hast thou? This is plain lan­guage, but it is very wholesom; no danger to hear of it now, but if it be your doom to feel it at that left hand when you come to Judgement, there it will be too late, then you can ne­ver make your peace with Conscience, but art eternally un­done. Too many men do deal with Conscience (very unwisely) as men do with Bayliffs: Suppose an Officer should have order to Arrest such a man, it may be he will give the Officer, Bay lift or Sergeant, or what you call him, five shillings, or ten shillings, and he spares him; but alas, poor man, the debt runs on, and the Creditor will be at the charge of a new Writ: So, you come to a Sermon, and it may be a spark of Truth falls upon your mindes, and you go home a little convinced; and what Never ex­pect to com­pound with consci­ence, unless you first a­gree with God himself will you do? you will go to some company to rub it out, this Sermon came close to me: but you have a jolly way in London, it may be get to a Tavern, and drink away with a pinte of Sack Twenty Sermons, and with a pipe of Tobacco blow them a­way, so you can wear out those strokes that the Word of God hath had upon you: Oh! what call you this? there is a sim­ple bribing of the Sergeant, but the grand debt runs on still: And then it may be God will break thy Estate, and take away Divers in London have a jolly pro­fession, and too great a latitude therein. they wife or children, or thou hast lost so much at sea, but thou dost comfort thy self, I have so much left yet, and though you be sad for the present, yet you may get up again; but then it may be a greater cross comes after this; and if all this break not thy Conscience, it will break thy neck in the conclusion, and send thee packing to Hell, out of whence there will be no Redem­ption: Therefore, I beseech you consider it, if you have a self­condemining [Page 23] Conscience, it argues there is a greater condemna­tion to be expected: Conscience will joyn with God as a Wit­ness and Judge against thee.

Let me adde this is the next place, and endeavor to set it a little more on: Conscience, as it will never be bribed, so it is (indeed) such a worm as never dyes: In Mark 9. 44. you hear there of a worm that dyeth not, and a fire that never will be extinguished. I believe some of you know what the head-ake, or the Tooth-ake, or the Gout, or a fit of the stone means; suppose Eternity should be added to one of these, if you should have an eternal Tooth-ake, or an everlasting fit of the Stone, would not this be a sad thing? Adde eternity to an evil, and it Lessius de perfect Di­vinis, de Dei aeternitate. makes it infinitely evil: What will it be to have an everlasting stinging Conscience? a fire flaming in you that never will be ex­tinguished? Oh! this will be the woful fruit of such a bad Conscience; and therefore take heed of such a self-condemning heart.

If our heart condemn us not, then have we considence to­wards Verse 20. God.

To have a self-approving, a self-absolving heart before Observ. 4. God, is a pledge of our acceptation from God.

When thou shalt come to read over the story of thy life, and finde that God hath wrought this grace in thee, and that God hath likewise taught thee to walk conscionably be­fore him, and to love the Brethren, and to love them in deed and in truth: Oh! here is a pledge of Gods acceptation of thee; for that argues indeed, That God is thy God, if he have given thee a self-approving heart, a self-absolving heart; He hath made some impression upon thy heart, something of him­self Note. there, given something that is an evidence of thy since­rity, and of his accepting of thee in Christ, and that he owns thee in him, who by his blood hath satisfied Divine Justice for thy sin, and then hast thou grounded confidence towards him: Why confidence towards him? He is thy God: For doubtless (as I intimated before) if God hath given thee a self-absolving, a self-approving heart, a heart approving thy self to him, ac­cording to the rule of the Word, God is thy God, and God being thy God, thou hast confidence in him, and mayest go and [Page 24] pray to him, as to the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in him thy Father, and doubt not but God will hear thy Prayers.

I must forbear the further Confirmation and Explication of this, this being the third Exercise, and the season hot, and di­vers Applic. ancient Citizens present, whose chearful patience should not be discouraged.

And the first Use that I will make of it, is this:

You may please to look back to the former Observation, be­cause we shall have occasion (they having so great affinity) to Use 1. link them both together a little in the Application: A self-condemning heart, that argues undoubted condemnation from God; A self-absolving heart does intitle us to acceptation with God.

1. Take heed then (in the first place) that you do not rest in such a condition, wherein you have not your own hearts to ap­prove you, and to absolve you. And not to instance in any other particular, or to return to those generals we mentioned be­fore, I will keep to that that seems to be the Apostles inten­tion here principally, speaking of their heart condemning of them for want of love to the Brethren.

As you profess your selves Christians, take heed that you be not found such, that your heart does not condemn you, as in­deed not loving one another in truth, not loving one another in reality. This day, it is an Uniting day, as well as a Praying day (so far as I understood the intent of it) it was in part as to seek God, so to prevent and remove all Jealousies, and all Obstructions, or whatever might hinder a happy Union be­twixt the Court of Aldermen, and Common-Councel, that you might preserve Love and Peace in the City. Oh! therefore, I beseech you, Take heed of any thing that may give occasion to your own hearts to condemn you.

I have some Arguments to prove (I should be glad if you will be well able to answer them) that some are in a guilty con­dition; and that however you may complement and bear it out, that your hearts are full of self-condemning, even in this par­ticular, that there is no more true love among you. My two Reverend Brethren and Fellow-Laborers have commended [Page 25] Stedfastness, Activity and Unity; Give me leave now to adde Mr. Calamy on 1 Cor. 15. 58. Mr. Authony Burges on Psal. 122. 3, 4, 5. a plain Emphasis to all that, to endeavor, as God shall enable me, to drive this Nail to the head, that it may be fastened in every one of your hearts, and to put you upon a self-examining, and self-considering, whether you are able now to approve your selves thus to God, That you have Spirits settled and composed, and effectually combined in this happy Unity; that this might be the glory of London, to be a City compact within it Psal. 122. 3. self, which was the beauty of Jerusalem.

You have had Zeal for the Publique, and have let go your Money (blessed be God that hath put it into your hearts to be so zealous) yea, have lost much Money, and many of your Friends, and God forbid now you should lose your selves for want of love.

A great Politician saith, That England is a huge mighty A­nimal; (he tells you also what he thinks of France and Spain) but he gives this Character of England, That England is such an Animal, that will never dye, unless it kill it self: Truly, I hope the same of London, that it will never dye (to speak as men) unless it kill it self; And I know no more compendious method to stifle and undo your selves, then for want of love: Oh! what a victory would this be to the Blood-thirsty Adver­saries? when all their plots could not break you, you should break one another through your Divisions: What a triumph would there be at Oxford? how would they insult? if that when they could not reach you, you should bite and tear one another: Blessed be the Lord, that hath put it into your hearts to extinguish what sparks there are, before they come to Gal. 5. 15. flame.

Too many Citizens (I doubt) herein do over much resemble Some Argu­ments, that there is much want of this sweet flower of brotherly love in the Garden of London. their Gardens, which are full of goodly Tulyps, beautiful to the eye, but neither good for pot or smell; so they have a pompous love, a specious kindeness, in exchanging some Visits and Invi­tations, but little or no conference to the good of one anothers souls, little or no usefulness to one another in reference to the Publike. This appears,

1. Because there is so much Envy in the City: Now certain­ly Envy proceeds from want of love; for if you did love one [Page 27] another indeed, you would heartily rejoyce in one anothers good. Discovering Arguments of want of love. But, alas, that such a one should have a Place rather then I, and such a one should have more Power, and more Influence then I have, Oh! many men cannot bear it: What call you that, truly it is want of love; such a man wants love to his Neighbor that 1. Envy ar­gues want of love. he envies; and he wants also love to the Publique, if he envies another man that is abler to do the Service of the Publique then he is: were there love to the Publique, if there were any man in the City more active, and fitter for the work of the Pub­lique then he is, he would rejoyce that such a one is called to it; this would argue love indeed.

And then, that there is such a deal of censuring: Oh! that argues defect in love too. How do Brethren censure and 2. Censuring one another argues want of love. tear one another: The Lord knows it is too much amongst Ministers; I wish All whom it concerns may be humbled for it: And people censure their Minister, and one another, be­cause they do not all concur and comply; some are of dif­ferent Judgements, some are of one minde, some of another; in things of lesser consequence, who condemn one another, I'le not say as much as Papists and Protestants, but truly it is in danger to grow to it: As it is abroad now, Lutherans and Calvinists both pretend to be for Religion and Reformation, but it is a cause among them, that Religion much suffers, and the progress of the Gospel is very much obstructed by it. Take heed of censuring; this is want of love.

Further, here is another Argument, not onely from Envy, 3. Oppressing others argues want of love to them. not only from Censuring, but indeed from your oppressing others in Taxes and Levies, and such kinde of ways, when things are carried on with extreme partiality, and with unjust indulgence to some, and severity unto others; what call you this now? it is want of love: Because, didst thou love thy Neighbor as thy self, thou wouldst do nothing to thy Neighbor, but what thou wouldst have thy Neighbor do to thee, in the same po­sture, in the same juncture and concurrence of circumstances, which our Savior makes the rule and expression of real love. Mat. 7. 12.

And then likewise, when you are so selfish in your designs and undertakings, and so far prefer your self-ends before the Pub­lique; this is still want of love. The Apostle was a Prophet, [Page 26] in 2 Tim. 3. beginning, In the last day shall be perillous times; Why? Men shall be lovers of themselves. I know not any thing that this day does indanger the Parliament party in En­gland, the City party, those that are hearty for God and his Cause, then the predominancy of self-love; for men now love themselves better then the Kingdom, better then the Church, better then the State, love their own Estates, their own advan­tages more then all; and this exposes them to abundance of snares, because they love themselves inordinately; O therefore, 1 Tim. 6. 9. steer all Publique Councels even according to this very rule. I beseech you, you that are of the Court of Aldermen, and Common-Councel-men, consider, That the less self-love you Note for Citizens. bring with you to your City Transactions, the better you are to manage all your Affairs: Oh! it were a happy thing, that every time you come to appear in your Senate-house, you could leave self-love behinde you, and say, I will go now, not as such a man, and such a man, and as I am at home, but I'le go as one of the City, and as one of the Representative Body; and if Self would step up, and put in it self, Stand by Self, the City must first be concerned, and the Publique must first be minded: The Lord put this into the hearts of them in Government, thus in­deed to prefer the Publique good before themselves; we should have more cause to rejoyce in that, then for any Victory that ever yet the Citizens had: And I am confident in this, If the Lord would help Parliament, and Kingdom, and Assembly, and Armies to conquer this Bosom Enemy, this that leads the Faction here, this predominant self-love, it would be a greater cause of triumph, then ever we had yet for any Victory (though we have had many glorious ones) as long as ever you are full of Envy, or full of Oppression, or full of Censuring, or full of Selfishness, it argues you want love.

Then give me leave in the next place, to bespeak your love; it is the work of the day: and as you would Approve your selves indeed to God, and as you would have confidence in God, and as you would expect acceptation to God, and would be welcom to the Throne of Grace, when you go to Prayer, and finde favor with God; Then, labor to take out this Lesson, get a self-ab­solving heart in this particular, that you are sure you have love to the Brethren.

[Page 28] If there were more love amongst all persons of quality; if Common-Councel-men, and those in place of Power, did often meet together, not to nourish prejudices one against another, nor foment differences, these things would be signs of love, and incentives to it: You have heard sometimes talk of differences between the Houses, Oh! what a sad thing were this? as that the House of Commons, may be, should have some jealousies of the Peers, and the Peers sometimes of the House of Commons; if there have been any such jealousies, or misunderstandings, then you know Publique things have not gone on so well: And now truly men begin to speak of the City, you had better hear of it in this place, then from other men who love you not: There is difference so between the Court of Aldermen, and Common-Councel-men, and now they begin to dispute about their Priviledges, and there grows Debates and Contentions: The Lord, if it be his good will, hear our Prayers this day; Oh! that there might be a spring opened this day, that might wash away all prejudices, and jealousies, and suspitions, that both Court and Councel might be made one, in reference to the Publike. I know not any thing would joynt you, and soder, and cement you together better then a Spirit of Love: If there were but a Spirit of Love to act the Common-Councel, and to act the Court of Aldermen, you would sweetly imbrace one another. And I beseech you take a word (though it be out of my Sphaere) yet from a Minister of the Gospel take it, who de­sires to be faithful to your souls, and to the City; It is plain and wholesom advice: When there was some small divisions betwixt the Houses of Parliament, Oh! says one Citizen, would to God they would leave disputing of their Priviledges, and joyn against the Common Enemy: And when there hath been any clashing in the Armies, Oh! would the Comman­ders would let them alone till they come to their Garisons in the winter, and then let them debate it, onely now let us go on vigorously against our Enemies. I beseech you (worthy Citi­zens) do so too: If there be any disputes about your Court and Councel, let them sleep; God forbid you should betray or prostitute any of them, onely be so wise, as to take the season­ablest time to dispute them, if your disputing of them in this [Page 29] nick should set all on fire; when you should joyn purses and hands, and all against the common Enemy, for you to fall all to pieces amongst your selves, surely you will disparage your selves, and deceive the world, that expects so much wisdom, and zeal, and courage, and faithfulness to the publique Cause from London, that if now jealousies and misunderstandings should creep in, and scotch the wheel, how would people be frustrated of their expectations, that have such thoughts of London! Be pleased to suffer these things to enter into your most serious thoughts, and make it appear that love does spring, and that you do not over-love your own Priviledges, or any thing that is your own, when it comes in competition with the Publique. I love every man should love that that is to be loved, in a due proportion, according to its share, with reference to Christ and his Cause: There are now great things on foot, and (blessed be God) we have heard some welcom news this day; Is not this very comfortable, to hear good news in our worshipping of God, and seeking for peace, as if God would in­courage us to pray, and endeavor more after it? What news is it? Seven thousand persons in Taunton relieved, where were so many precious souls of the countrey got together, and that now when Heaven was besieged with Prayers of the Saints, God himself hath been pleased to be overcome, and to raise the Siege of the Enemy. Here is rich encouragement for the Psal. 14. 6. Generation of true Jacobites.

You have an Army on foot, and a great deal of prudent and speedy care is required, to consider how it should be main­tained, and how to manage these publique Affairs most dexte­rously: when there comes a winter season, when there is no such time, nor need for such vigorous motion in these Enter­prizes, then dispute your Priviledges, and then write Books, and then debate what is between the Common-Councel and Court of Aldermen; and then enter as serious and deliberate consultation as you will, and set the saddle upon the right horse, and let every man have his due; but take heed now you let not in your Enemy, by making a Breach amongst your selves; when you keep Court of Guards that costs you so many thou­sands a year, neglect not the Guard of Peace and mutual Love: [Page 31] If you give up the City, this famous flourishing City, into their hands by your division, how will Rome, and Spain, and all the World (that are Enemies to the Cause of God) Triumph, that they have got a Victory over those that they counted their greatest Enemies to their grand Design? Where is your love, worthy Citizens! get this self-absolving heart: The Lord grant this may be such a Uniting day, that this Church may be a grave to bury all the beginnings of Division, and that you may go out of Gods presence glewed together. And why should not we expect it, though there be so many defilements that may provoke God to blast all, he being a God hearing Prayers? but all our work is not done when our prayers are done; we will observe what good fruit is come of our prayers: Psal. 65. 2. you will have it in every Book, The City had such a meeting, and they met together; And for what? some will say, For to humble themselves, and to pray to God that they may be United: Then the next week the question will be, What news of it? how we bless God for it? If now the Court of Al­dermen, and Common-Councel might joyn as one man, then they should conclude, God hath heard their Prayers, and ac­cepted of their endeavours: Certainly, this is a blessed design, and most proper for this days work.

It will not be unseasonable to acquaint you with the prudent carriage of Menenius Agrippa, who by a witty Parable (no wonder our blessed Savior delighted so much in Parables, they being so prevalent to perswade) composed the great Distractions amongst the Romans, The chief Magistrates were agrieved, Livy Histor. Decad. 1. Book. 2. thinking the inferior Commons had too many advantages: Up­on a time (saith he) the other parts of the [natural] body com­plained, that all their care and industry must be to make provi­sion for the stomack, whilest that sits quiet, enjoying the plea­sures we bring in to it: Hereupon the other party combine to tame the stomack by hunger, so that the hand would not reach meat to the mouth, nor the mouth receive it, which suddenly brought the whole body to an extreme Consumption: Hence the necessary use of the stomack did most clearly appear, that as it received strength from their care, so by a reciprocal influx, it helped to convey nourishment to the whole. There needs no Ap­plication. [Page 30] In the Body Politick, whether of City or King­dom Note., mutual Help is as necessary, let it be as acceptable, lest by your jarring you breed a Consumption in the whole.

Give me leave to subjoyn that which I thought of, that in that holy man Ezra, He proclaims a Fast at the river Ahava, Ezra 8. 21, 22, 23. that they might seek of God a right way for themselves and their little ones, and all their substance. And what was his reason? A very pious and worthy one, and I would gladly think so well of this worthy City, that you had as good a reason for this meet­ing; Because we (says he) had spoken to our King, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him: I was ashamed to require of the King a band of soldiers, and horsemen to help us against the enemy. Here was a good man had spoke great things of his God; and now, if he should have gone and desired the King, that was but a Heathen, Pray Sir, let us have Note his care not to scandalize an Heathen Prince. a party to guard us through the Countreys, what would he have thought of them? what, have you said such great things of your God, that he hath sought you out, and what need you my men to guard you? He thought this would blemish them, and therefore he seeks God, that they might finde out a way, and not bring a scandal upon him, nor give advantage to the bloody enemy that stood watching against them.

I hope this was the Design of the Right Honorable, the Lord Major, and the Common-Councel, and whoever were Agents in this business; you begin to be afraid of some heart­burnings, and jealousies, and you thought if it should break out, how the enemy would triumph, therefore you will seek God by Fasting and Prayer, for a right way to unite you: The Lord be blessed for putting this into your heart; surely the Scripture­way is the best way to conquer all those jealousies that have been among you, namely, Real love one to another: and, I hope you will have a good fruit of this days prayer, in some more sweet harmony of Spirits, in the two grand points of Difference amongst you;

• 1. In Church matters.
• 2. In Civil matters.

First, for your love in Church matters; there is a great deal [Page 32] of need to preach this Doctrine to London, you have had much said to you already concerning unsetledness in Opinion: truly, it Vnity in Church mat­ters lovely. is a sad condition, yet I would not have people discouraged at it, for it was always so in Reformation-time, in Luthers time and others: As when the Sun arises in its lustre, there are drawn up a great many fogs and vapours; so it is when the Sun of righ­teousness arises, there is a great deal of liberty many take to themselves, and many wanton and wicked Opinions there are abroad; there are in Gods garden many unsavoury weeds (The Lord who knows it remove them) What should we do? Oh! let us improve our utmost, how we may bring things to a happy Union. And for the Church, I have but two things to say to compose all the Differences:

1. You have heard already many seasonable hints concerning Unity, and the commendation of it; it is a work like God him­self, to be a Reconciler: God was in Christ reconciling the world 2 Cor. 5. 19. to himself. And I desire heartily, that Ministers, and Citizens, and that all ranks and sorts of people now were Reconcilers: There are too many Incendiaries, and I fear, not any one plot of the Jesuits against the City more then this (and I am confi­dent, if you have Jesuits among you) you have their Plots and Designs, to raise up Divisions about Church-government. A great deal of talk there is about Differences between those you call Presbyterians, and Independents, and men use all their wits to heighten the Difference to the utmost; and if there were but half the pains to lessen, as there is to greaten them, I should hope we might joyn heads and hearts, and all without any such for­midable breach, as some think. What do people think? Surely, one party must be absolutely broken, if God gives us the wisdom and sobriety that is from above, first pure, and then peaceable; Jam. 1. 27. I hope there may be a Reconciliation of both, without the Destruction of either: Certainly (though there are, I believe, extremities on both sides) yet both too good to be con­founded. Now I would have this considered, many drive on this Design, and God knows there is a great deal of animosity in it; some Presbyterians, I doubt, would be willing to destroy the Independents, though they ruine the Publique in it; and, I fear, some Independents would do so for them: Doubtless, [Page 33] there is too much rigor at least in divers of both parties. There is no such difference, for ought I know, between the sober Inde­pendent, and moderate Presbyterian, but if things were wisely managed, both might be reconciled; and by the happy union of them both together, the Church of England might be a glorious Church, and that without persecuting, banishing, or any such thing, which some monthes are too full of. I confess, it is most desireable, that Confusion (that many people fear by Indepen­dency) might be prevented: And it is likewise desireable, that the Severity that some others fear, by their rigour of Presby­tery, might be hindred; Therefore let us labor for a prudent Love, and study to advance an happy Accommodation. Give me leave to say two or three words to this purpose:

Is it not a sad thing, that when learned and godly men (for so you will allow them to be on both sides) I say, First, When they shall agree in the Doctrinal part, in the Confession of Faith; I hope you will hear of little or no difference there.

2. When they shall agree likewise in the Practical part of Worship; for that you see by the Directory, all have in a maner agreed there.

3. When they shall agree likewise in the Destructive part; as, for the ruine of Episcopacy, and removing of the Ceremo­nies, and all that trash.

Here are Three wonderful steps: and I believe five years ago here is not a man in this Congregation, did expect so much as God hath already granted us: At the beginning of the Par­liament God hath done much for us in Reformation our hopes were but low, and modest in regard of what we have; and yet because all things come not upon a sudden, we wrangle, and quarrel with this man, and that man, yea and with Divine Providence; but let us look back and see what a Sea we have got over, Your Common Prayer book is gone, and your Ceremonies and Episcopacy hath its deadly blow.

4. Nay further, Another step is taken, and if any thing re­concile disputing Brethren, this is a very probable means, and it hath past the Assembly a long time since, and the House of Lords a great while ago, and now hath almost the House of Commons (the Vote of it, as I hear, is past) name­ly, An Ordinance, taking care for removing of Offences in [Page 34] Congregations, of ignorant and scandalous persons, who sad the souls of the Saints by their Divisions, that do pollute the things of God; and that there shall be an intrinsecal power in every Congregation to keep away such: What would you have more? if this be granted, set aside the word Independency (for who will own it) it is a word neither fit for Creatures; nor for Chur­ches, we must be all dependent, an absolute Independency is no where to be allowed; but call it Classical and Congregational. Let us begin in the right method, Every Congregation shall have its power, there shall be a Pastor, and Elders with him; and they shall have a power put into their hands, to enquire who are Scandalous and Ignorant in every Congregation, and they shall An happy step. be kept from joyning with them at the Lords Table, till they have exprest Repentance, and got competent knowledge, and given satisfaction for their scandal: And this is the thing the Inde­pendents contest for, and the Presbyterians concur in; and if this be granted, is not this a good step towards our Agree­ment? But this is not all.

5. Here is somewhat more to gratifie the Presbyterians: When there are six Congregations, more or less, though every one hath an intrinsecal power within themselves, to order things that are proper and peculiar to them, yet they may at least advise with a Presbytery; and things of difficulty and con­sequence, and common concernment; may be transacted with Com­mon Councel: As suppose a Congregation have Excommuni­cated a person, it may be he findes himself agrieved, he will com­plain to the Consociation of those neighbor Churches in that Clas­sis: Those Ministers will require the Pastor and Elders of that Congregation, to give them an account why they did Excom­municate such a man? they will hear it; and when they have heard it, they will finde they did well or ill; and if well, they will confirm it by an accumulative power, and say, You have done nothing but what we would have done, and according to the word of God; and here this confirmation comes to strengthen This accom­modation is much nearer then when this Sermon was preach▪ what the Congregation hath done: or if they finde they did in rashly and incogitantly, and out of a spirit of Revenge, they will say, You are bound to reverse this, and you had no ground to Excommunicate him; you must recal the Sentence, other­wise [Page 35] we cannot maintain fellowship with you: Will not here be a sweet communion together, and blessed conjunction, and (I hope in time) a mutual satisfaction; and certainly, it were the best complexion, and would shew a great deal of real love. I wish I had such a temper, as not to be so far obliged to an Inde­pendent, as to close with him in any thing that is not good; or so far engaged to any Presbyterian, to close with him in any thing that is evil▪ but that we might with unprejudiced mindes and se­vere consciencces, go with them both, so far as is agreeable to the Word of God, and here is a blessed way to a firm and lasting Union. And now, that this is not my own notion and fancy onely, for I know nothing I have said, but is past the Assembly long since: For in the Paper, if I very much mistake not, con­cerning Accommodation, the power of Excommunication is so allowed to the Congregation, and that he may be Excom­municated by the Eldership therein: What would you have more? Here you do harmoniously link Congregational and Clas­sical power both together. And therefore away with all Jesuiti­cal plots, to dis-sever those that are in such a probable way of union. And indeed there were Two things that made the breach at first: Why did our Brethren go to New-England, or a­broad to other places? Either there was a form of Prayer im­posed, or Ceremonies they could not submit to (blessed be God that is turned out at the back door, and there is a Directory for that) or else mixt Communion: And the Parliament hath given evidence, That they will take order for such a power in every Congregation, that an honest heart may with much com­fort there sit down, and so purge and refine his own Congrega­tion, that he may with much honor to Jesus Christ, and satisfa­ction to his own Spirit, enjoy the Ordinances of God in much pu­rity. Therefore I beseech you, stir up your selves, and one an­other, that we study how to lessen the differences, and do not give way to passionate dividing invectives. God forbid there should be any such in Pulpits, or in Corners, or at Tables: Let us all get reconciling Spirits, and speak uniting language in our Sermons, in our Books, and upon all occasions, that if it were possible, they that are like to dwell in one Heaven hereafter, might now dwell in one England, and might serve God together, [Page 36] and joyntly advance Jesus Christ together in the purity of his Ordinances, and live in sweet peace and harmony together.

2. As in Church matters, so I beseech you, shew your love likewise in all your Transacting Civil and City Affairs, manage all your meetings, your negotiations with love: Let all things be done in love (says the Apostle) walk in love, not onely now 2 Cor. 16. 14. Eph. 5. 2. and then, and speak in commendation of love, you hear a Ser­mon of love, with approbation, but do all things in love; give counsel in love, and reprove in love, and tax with love; and whatsoever affairs you are to transact, let all still be done in love: when you come abroad in the streets, there you will meet a company of poor people, a proper object for love of pity; it were worthy of this City to consider them: Your love is principally intended, I confess, to the Saints, to wit, a love of complacency; but love all, love your Enemies: Love should be of a diffusive overflowing disposition. Love poor fatherless Children, so as to bring them up at School (blessed be God that you have so many Schools here) and I hope the City will both wisely and conscionably still cherish those Nurseries, that yong Children may be bred to write and reade, and so after­wards bound Apprentices, that they may be set to good Cal­lings, or fitted for the University, those that have parts; and look to your poor. It would be a project worthy the wisdom of this renowned City, that is famous for many things: Many decayed Tradesmen there are, and many that were good house­keepers before, are fain to go a begging, which they do in the night, being ashamed to appear in such an habit in the day: What if you should choose some one relieving Committee, to One Com­mittee for relief of the poor, very desireable. give money to the poor, you have many ready enough to take it from them; to consider how you should finde out some way for the poor to get their living, men, women, and yong chil­dren, men that live idlely; better give six pence to one that is working, then a peny to one that is idle; you nourish them up in a trade of temptation, as long as you nourish them up in idle­ness. For maimed Soldiers, let your love be shown to them; but for those that are able to work, take care to keep them in employments, but rather relieve them working, then begging: This were like true love indeed, a Fasting-days fruit; as you [Page 37] heard a word of it before out of Isa 58. what a Fast would you have? such a Fast as there the Prophet speaks of.

Is not this the Fast that I have chosen, to loose the hands of wic­kedness, Isa. 58. 6. to undo the heavy burthens. If the Lord would shew that mercy, to crown this Fast with success, that if you have been too rigid in your Taxes, too severe and partial in your Impositions, and put it into your hearts to loose burthens, and to let the op­pressed go free, and ease every yoke, though you have sown in tears, you would reap in joy. Psal. 126. 5.

And is it not likewise to deal bread to the hungry, and that Ver. 7. thou bring the poor that are cast out, to thy house; when thou seest the naked, that thou coverest them; and that thou hide not thy self from thine own flesh: Here is work for a Fasting-day; and say not, It is putting up so many Prayers, and hearing so many Ser­mons: The question is, whether you will act over your own Prayers, and the Sermons you have heard this day; will you take out this Lesson? Oh! how will you rejoyce the heart of your praying servants, the hearts of all the City, the wrestlers with God, if such visible fruits should spring up after this days exer­cise, it would incourage others to creep into corners upon such an occasion.

Here is a special promise, Then shall thy light break forth as Verse 8. the morning, and thy health spring forth speedily. There is dark­ness in the City, in many particulars now, sad darkness: how know you but light may break forth, the light of comfort every way, if there were such real fruit of your Fasting and Prayer: Then shall thy health spring forth speedily, God might heal your Distempers, and keep you in a heavenly frame. It is an admirable mercy (I am glad God hath brought it to my minde) which the God of Salvation hath shewn to you since the Parliament be­gan, in preventing the Plague from spreading in London, one Troop of destroying Angels might have done that, that all the Armies against it could not have done: you have had it lingring amongst you divers Summers, but God hath given you the com­fort of your Prayers, and health hath sprung exceedingly in the City; and who knows but God may give an answer to this days poor prayer, and health may yet spring more plentifully: And thy righteousness shall go before thee, the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. I know when the City hath been called Traytors, [Page 34] and black aspersions have been cast upon you; The Lord knows how to clear you; and no doubt, stick close to God, and watch with your prayers, and act as well as pray, and trust God with your credits and liberties, doubt not but he will make it good: Thy righteousness shall go before thee, and the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. The Lord may take away your dross, and your tin; whereas it was said of Jerusalem, Thy silver is be­come dross, thy wine is mixt with water; therefore 'Ile ense me of Isa. 1. 22, 34, 16 mine adversaries, saith the Lord. There was a sad Judgement upon Jerusalem, when they were in a degenerating condition: But I hope God will rather turn your dross into gold, and you will become a City of righteousness, where God might delight to dwell, and to shew himself: Let there be but a good fruit of your Fasting and Prayer, and see what you may expect from God.

And further, Then thou shalt call upon me, and the Lord will answer; Here is the very thing in my Text now, you have this Ver. 9. confidence, if you love one another, that whatsoever you ask you shall receive: Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer, then shalt thou cry, and he shall say, Here I am. Oh, what an obligation is here, that you have Gods ear, and Gods hand thus far ingaged to you; that if you do but Fast and Pray as God re­quires, no sooner shall you go and pray, but God shall say, Here I am; What, would you speak with me? Would you knock at Heaven gate, Ile be found of you! And truly, you Londoners have often had proof of it, most gracious returns of your prayers: what evils others have felt, you have heard of; what miseries poor Bristol and Exeter have undergone, that you heard related, and it hath been coming towards you; when some have come and told you, The Kings Army are coming to Lon­don, you have gone to your prayers, and God hath said, They shall not come hither, but here I am. And yet this is not all, though I think I have said enough (if God please to concur with weak pains, to leave somewhat upon your, hearts) yet here is more behinde: If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity. Be pleased, worthy Citizens, my Lord Mayor, and Aldermen, and Com­mon-Councel, consider, what speaking of vanity there is, what putting forth of the finger, where is any yoke that pinches poor men? Let us enquire in all our transactions, where is any Tax [Page 35] pinches any man? where is any Sequestration Officer that op­presses any man? And what follows?

And if thou wilt draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfie Ver. 10. the afflicted. Many a hungry soul there is come up to London, and blessed be God that you have the honor to be the Grainary now for a great part of England; and the Lord hath with ad­vantage paid you, for you have relieved others with your Temporals, and they have relieved you with their Spirituals: For their lights that did shine forth in the West, and in other Note. parts of England, are now translated and set up in London. And whereas you have been kinde, and let others your Tables, and afforded them comfort, God will not be behinde hand with you: Go on therefore and shew more love; then shall thy light rise as in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day. What, encourage­ments are here one upon the neck of another? Thy light shall rise in obscurity; it lies sometimes under a cloud, and darkned with aspersions, and it is true, a great disparagement lies upon you: Here are (say they) many Heresies and Schisms, and the like, and I know not what to call them: if you would take out but that lesson I named before, if the Lord would be pleased to unite them they call Presbyterians and Independents, I doubt not but the rest would in time fall off and wither; Anabaptism, and the like, that take shelter under Independency, and that live by o­ther Divisions and Fractions, they would never stand, if the other were but accommodated, and light of truth would arise in ob­scurity; and amongst the many staggerings that are in the City, a glorious light of comfort would arise, and thy darkness be as the monday: And what follows? And the Lord shall guide thee con­tinually, Ver. 11. Hebr. and satisfie thy soul in drought: Suppose droughts should come, any hard times, the Lord will satisfie thy soul, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of waters, whose waters fail not. Here is rich comfort indeed. Go into a garden when you have watered it, and if you will tomorrow morning, first, it looks more amiably, secondly, smells more sweetly, thirdly, springs more fruitfully. What a blessed thing were it to see London in this posture after a day of Praying; that London might look more beautiful in unity and purity then before. If a man went to draw the picture of London now, to make it look more lovely, I would desire these three [Page 40] colours, Purity in Religion, Equity in the administration of Ju­stice Londons beautiful picture. and Unity, A sweet combination of your Spirits in both: This would make you look more amiably, and smell more sweet­ly. If a man come into a shop to buy any Commodity, He hath it as cheap as I can afford it, and a little good counsel to the bur­gain; no oathes, no lying or deceiving: this would make the reputation of London very like a precious pot of oyntment at home and abroad.

And then spring more fruitfully, all London all over green; go into the streets, you shall not see a beggar there; go into the Hospitals, in one there are poor fatherless-Children brought up for the Universities or Trades, and go to another, there are all maimed soldiers taken care for: This were worthy of such a City as you profess your selves to be, and after such an Extraordinary day as this is professed to be: We look not onely for a Co­venant, and the like; but as the day is Extraordinary, so we pray, and hope (surely God expects it) that there should be some extraordinary fruit, some Monument erected after this. When the Court of Aldermen and Common-Councel come together, they should say, We were such a day met together, and upon a praying day, and when we were praying, we heard news of Taunton relieved. Oh! let us do somewhat, and set up some Marble Pillar of Reformation, to record such a mercy, endeavor to bring forth some good lasting fruit.

There is one thing more, and that is the end of the Chapter, and so I have done: The Argument is so seasonable, that I hardly know how to break it off; but I must consider my self and you: And they that shall be of thee, shall build the old waste places, and thou shalt raise up the founda­tions Ver. 12. of many generations, and thou shalt be called the repairer of breaches, the restorer of paths to dwell in.

I thank my God, I come not here to flatter you, yet I must speak the truth, I know no Society (next the Parliament) I am sure no City in En­gland bath so great a share in the Reformation, as London bath had; and if you will but now act your Prayers, God will intail this honor upon you: For here he says, They that be of thee shall build the old waste places, and thou shalt raise up the foundation of many generations. And truly, the Courage of London, and the Purses of London, the Piety of London, the Fidelity of London (blessed be God, whose grace it is) I desire to honor God, and not to flatter you in it: Blessed be God, you have had a very great share in it already, and there is more to come, And thou shalt be called a repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in: What ever others say, London is a rebellious City, a den of thieves, and the like a yet if you put your prayers As of Jerusa­lem, Neh. 4. 12. The re­bellious and bad City. into action, God will put this honor upon you, you shall be called The repairer of the breaches: Let others have this brand. They would make a breach in the Houses, in the Assembly, in the City, they would break all to pieces, but they themselves shall be broken in the conclusion, and God will make them that are faithful to him, Repairers of the breaches.