HEzekiah was a Good Man, a Great Man, a Rare Man, a Praying King. Of all the Three and twenty Kings of Israel and Judah, before, and after the Schisme, Wee find only Nine commend­ed for Good. viz. David, Solomon, Asa, Jehosaphat, Amasiah, Azariah, Jotham, Hezekiah, Josiah: Of the Twenty Kings of Israel after the Rent, Wee find none commended for Good, but only Jehu, commend­ed for cutting off the house Ahab and destroying the Worshippers of Baal [Page 4]2 Kings 9.10. Yet was he reproved for cleaving to the Sins of Jeroboam 2 Kings 10.31.

Hezekiah was a Good King, but not faultless, his Heart was lifted up with Pride, and he Pay'd dear for it, 2 Kings chap. 20. verses 14. &c. Nor did his Goodness exeeme him from Trouble; in the preceeding Chapter he was sore distressed by a seige, and now sick unto Death.

The words contain his fervent Prayer; I shall not trouble you with te­dious Explication, nor Curious Division.

1. He Prays that the Lord would Remember him, not that God is subject to forgetfulness, but he would have the Lord effectually to mind him, according to his promise made to Abraham when he indented with him Gen. 17.1.2. Walk before me, saith the Lord, and he thou perfect, I am God Almighty, And I will make my Covenant between me and thee, and I will multiply thee exceedingly: Now he had in some measure (Human Frail­ty excepted) kept the condition there required. 2. He reflects on his Heart and Way, I have walked before thee; That is, under the awful apprehensions of an Omniscient every-where present God: In truth and with aperfect heart, It's the same on the matter with simplicity and Godly sincerity 2 Cor. 1.12. Mentioned in opposition to Carnal policy, called there fleshly Wisdom; Would he say, I have studied to be sincerely and honestly minded, and am not conscious of gross Exorbitancies in my course, which uses to short­en Mens Days. 3. Wee have the proof of his Sincerity in a Good Conver­sation, I have done that which is good in thy sight. 4. Wee have his present Melancholy temper. and Hezekiah wept sore, for Deaths aspect was not pleasant to him, he would sam have lived a while longer, either to have throughed the begun Reformation, or forseeing what might follow to Church and state upon his removal, especially they being for present in a distracted miserable condition, or probably he Scunnered at Death, as na­ture will do in the best of Saints.

I shall only take up this one point from the words.

Doct. That these who would expect comfort at Death, must make conscience of a sincere Religious walk in their life. Whose Heart condemns them not in this may be very confident of that. I shall speak to those three Branches. 1. of Death. 2. of Uprightness. 3. of a Religious walk.

1. First for Death, I would say these five things. 1. It is certain it is appointed for all Men to dye, and but once Heb. 9.27. All are born with the seeds of Death in their bosom; The prophanest Atheist, who defyes Death, shall not shift it when his day cometh.

2. It is certain Death is uncertain. 1. As to the place where, at home or abroad, by Sea or by Land. 2. As to the manner how, a violent or na­rural Death, sudden or lingering. 3. As to the time when, wee read of no Man who ever got a lease of their time, but this Hezekiah.

3. It's certain Death waits no Mans readiness, if a Man be not prepared, that Messenger when he cometh will not defer one moment.

4. Death cannot properly be said to be a surprize to Believers in Christ, it may be sudden, the Christan not being in that frame and Exercise desir­able, may fall short of Consolation, but his state being sure, his Salvation is secured.

5. It is certain we may have a day better and another worse, in time, but after Death there is no change, Eternal Well or Eternal Wo, where the Tree falls there it Lyes Eccles. 11.3.

Ʋse. 1. Wee shall make some practical improvement of this: And 1. Be convinced, That this Tyrant Death is the indispensible fatality of all Men; Altho' some adjourn the thouh [...]s of it, which is their sin and folly, and they may be refuted from the consideration of the frequent warnings of Mortality and the shortness of time compared to an Hand-breadth Psal. 39.5. To a Vapour Jam. 4.14. to the fading Grass 1 Pet. 1.24. Yet many put that Day far away Amos 6.3. teasing up their thoughts, anent the in­crease of their Riches, the standing of their Family, the advancement of their Honour, the filling of their Cup of pleasure, and before they are aware Death puts in the sickle, and their Breath goes out, they return to their dust, & in that day their Thoughts perish, [...]sal. 14.6, 4, 5. their fair white thoughts as the word is all their designs & endeavours, either for themselves or others. O if people would take leasure but to Commune with their own Hearts, till they had some impression and present Heart-affecting thoughts of Death, then reflecting on their way in the World, for the World, they would conclude, that all their Labour amounted to no more, than what is imported in that Verdict Eccles. 1.2. Vanity of Vanitys, all is Va­nty and Voxation of Spuit; Then should Self-designing-men, & Self-deceivers whose desires, designs and endeavours, did rise no higher then Self, find that they had played the fool and cheat to their own Souls, when their hearts shall overcast, with the confusion of these thoughts and challenges, that they sh [...]ned in due time to intertain,

Altho' death be in the Creed, yet it is not in many peoples belief, such as. 1. The stupid and secure, who are not moved with Terrours and threatnings, like to those of Noah his days, who did eat and drink till [Page 6]the flood came, Math. 24.38.39. 2ly. The worldly minded, whose time and cares are Swallowed up with vanities of this life, as if they were never to separat, like the man Luck 12. 3ly The proud, and Gran­dees of the worldmind not they will be laid in the Dust, where their bones will bear no badge of their Gentility, These, with the worldly, go far in the way to Hell for their honour and profit. 4ly. Those who are carelesse to trim their Lamps, and get interest in Christ and live as never to dye.

I Would press upon you all, frequent and serious thoughts of Death from these considerations 1. Believing thoughts of Death would aquaint you with it before it come, which were your advantage, to make it the easier, & Less terrifying when it comes; Were you Seasoning your Hearts with the Morn­ing and Evening thoughts of it every day. 2ly. It would make you dili­gent in hearing of the word, not knowing but every Sermon may be the Last, the Lord knows, this may be the Last to some who hears me.

3ly. It would let you see an end of all perfections Psal. 119 96. That these who call their Lands by their Names, Their honour descends not to the grave with them Psal. 49.11.17. Nor will their Grandure distin­gaish their Dust from the Beggers, Job. 21.26, They all lye down alike in the Grave. 4ly This would stir up to excelent thoughts of God, there be some, God is not in all their thoughts, Psal. 10.4 Because Death is not in them Job, 19. When Job. speaks of the Worms he has exalting thoughts of God. 5ly. It would make People more usefull to others, and better neighbours, It would make meek in passing injuries, watchfull against of­fering of them Phlip 4.5 Let your Moderation be known unto all Men, the Lord is at hand. 6ly. It would rectifie your Judgment, of sin, of Crosses, yea, of things Temporal, Spiritual, and Eternal; Men in health living at distance from the thoughts of Death, Think otherwise of things, than in Sickness, and under the apprehension of Death. 7ly. It will re­gulat your affections you need be very sober, the day is but short Eccles, 1.9. The wise Man laughs at the young Man who Lets his heart Loose Telling him, for all these things he wold come to Judgment 8ly. Believ­ing thoughts of Death, would beat back Temptations to sin, Mortify dols and Lusts Job. 3 [...].13.14. They would say, what should I answer for this when the Lord riseth up; It would make people quit bosom Dalilahs and Lose pleasure in them 1. The proud Man minding Death would account litle of being like Haman, the Second person in the Kingdom. 2ly. The covetous worldling entertaining believing thoughts of Death, would not be so much hunting after rents and profits, Judas-like selling their [Page 7]Master, Math. 26.16. He said, what will you give me, and I will deliver him unto you, And they covenanted for Thrity peices of Silver; Nor like Demas who forsook Christ for the present world 2. Tim. 4.10. 3ly. Beleiv­ing thoughts of Death would mortify pleasures, and all vain delights, They would be als unsavory as the white of an Egg, the Harlot and drunken companion would be an ugly sight; you would be convinced of the truth of that, That these pleasurs Last but for a short Season, and leave a Lasting sting behind them, Heb: 11.25. Prov: 23, 32 Yea be­leiving thoughts of Death, would make you double your diligence in your pace to heaven Eccle. 9.10. And quicken you to those duties, heart­tenderness, and bitterness for sin, as the Text points, Hezekiah wept sore; It would make you earnest in Self-examination 119. Psal. 59.59 And instant in prayer Rom. 12.12. And would be a notable spurre to preparation for Death.

Lay your account with it, Death is inevitable, and will not be put off as Dyvors puts off their Creditors, with fair words, flattery, Suspensions, Cautioury, flight; it will pursue, go where you will, nor will it bebrav'd out with a mans power and Station, and there is none can loose Deaths Arriestment. Therefore wisely reckon your time, and the shortest count is the best. Psal. 90.12. Lord teach us to number our dayes that we may apply our hearts to wis­dom: There was a fool who reckoned on many years and had not a Night before him. Luk, 12, 20. But Job more wisely reckoned Death a dayly door-neighbour, every day waiting his change, Job. 14.14 Know, that your holding here is not property, but Tennent-right, we should alwayes be on a call; O make your reckoning and testament in time, Josiah made a good Testament,, who turned to the Lord with all his Soul with all his heart, with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, 2 Kings 23.25. &c. David made a sweet end who served his Generation according to the will of God, and fell a sleep in Christ. Acts. 13.36. Some great men have made an ill Testament, as Jehojakim who was buried with the burial of an Ass. he lived undesired and died unlamented, none to say, Ah Lord, or Ah his Glory, Jer, 22.18. &c. There are some who dies and none to say, Woe is me for him, but that he is well away, and we are als well quit of him; their Memory Rots, and they are remembred with disdain, Prov, 10.7. But the Memory of the just is blessed, and they shall be had in overlasting remembrance, Psal. 112.6. A good mans name never dyes, they will speak good of him when he is dead; who cared little for him when he lived, they will speak [Page 8]good of Moses and Samuel now, who would have thought meanly of them had they lived in their days.

Herod that proud persecutor, who slew James and put Peter in Prison made an ill Testament, he swallowed down Impious Flatteries, and was eaten of Wormes or Lice, that he died, Act, 12, 2.3.23. Some have made an ill Testament at death, who have used Hellish policy in their Life, as Pharaoh who devised to keep down and crushed the People of God, and would have had his Lust satisfied on them. Exod. 1.10. and 15.9.

I warne you great men who hear me, from the greatest to the lowest; many great men has dyed in Scotland within these sixty years; Charity binds me up from speaking of their eternal state, some of them survived their Honour, and went off the stage as the snuff of a Candle, your Honours will not go under the Turf with you: Many has darr'd and given defiance to death, that when that pale Horse has looked them in the Face, and Conscience awakened on them, changed Colours and quaked as Belshazzer did Dan, 5.5. 6, You who are great men had need to walk so, as death be not terrible to you. 1, Because few such are called and saved. 1 Cor. 1, 26 6. Not, many Noble, &c. 2. Because many great men will be sore put to it at last Rev. 6.16.17. To cry to Mountains and Rocks, Fall on us and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the Throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of his Wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand; Many who hold their head very high now, Mighty men, and chief Captains may be put to it, and some who hears me this day, it may be their case.

I warne Your Grace, and my Noble Lords, and much Honoured Gentle­men, take heed what you do, the judgment is the Lords; there be few Parliaments but some Members dye in the time, or shortly after, God knows within a few dayes where some of you will Land for Etemity: I remember within these thirty four years, of one who rode in Pomp to Parliament but warmed not his Seat, was hurried to his Lodging, took bed, and his Sun set in a dark and stormy cloud, he was a principal con­triver of the overthrow of the Work of Reformation in Scotland. Take heed what you do or design, you must all dye and compear 2 Cor. 5.10. As the word is, Be manifested, discovered, laid open, your deeds your intentions, your Cabin-Counsells, there will be no palliating of foul things with fair Colours.

I will tell you to whom Death will be terrible, and why, 1. It will be terrible to them who have not their aggreement made with God, not found in peace, Them God will meet as an enemy. 2ly. These who has not [Page 9]repented and obeyed the Gospel, As the foolish Virgins Math, 25. Christ threatens the Jews they should dye in their sins unrepented of John 8.24. 3ly. Who ly down in the dust and their bones full of the sins of their youth, Job, 20 11. 4. Who dye in unbelief, to such, God swears they shall not enter in his rest, Psal. 95.11. 5. Who have not their work perfect before God, but rests in an empty name and profession. Rev. 3.1.2. 6. The backslider in heart, Heb. 10.38. 7. These who hears the word and does it not, Matth. 7.26. 8. Who sets their nest on high, as the fool, who said, he had much goods laid up for many years. Luk. 12.19. 9: The persecuter and contemner of Gods People, as Nabal. 2. Sam, 25.10.38. 10. These who dye under the plague of a hard heart as Pharaoh. Exod. 14. 11. Death is terrible to these who are self Cheaters and Deceivers, who cries peace, peace, when sudden destruction is at the door. 1 Thes. 5.3. 12. Who dyes neither to be desired of God nor man. as Jehoram. 2 Chron, 21.20. 13. These who dye embracing Idolatry as Ahaz. 2 Chron. 28.22. He Trespassed yet more against God, and Sacrificed to the Gods of Damascus. 14. These who dies without the experimental knowledge of these three. 1. Without the knowledge of Conversion, except one be converted he can­not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Joh. 3.3. 2. Without the know­ledg of Holiness, without which no man, if he were a King, shall see the Face of God in mercy. Heb. 12.14. 3. Without some knowledg and be­lief of their eternal lodging. 2. Tim. 1.12. I know in whom I have believed says Paul, I know of a house not made with hands, 2. Cor. 5.1.

Quest. But why will Death be terrible to such? Ans. Because then they will get no desire granted; not a drop of cold Water to cool the Tongue, Luke. 16 24. The rich Glutton could not obtain that mean request 2. Then their Carnal propes and confidences are battered down, their hope gives up the Ghost. Job. 11, 20. 3. Because then God will be terrible to them, He will meet them as a Boar bereaved of her Whelps, and rent the Caul of their heart, and devour them as a Lyon Hos. 13.8. Consider, this you that forget God, least he tear you in pieces when none shall deliver. Psal. 50 22. 4 Because then, fear and loss comes at once, and there is no hope, that their case will mend.

Now, would you have death not to be a terrour, but a comfort to you, Then 1. Look to it through the righteousness of Christ, who takes away the Sting, 1 Cor. 15.55. &c. 2 Be Zions friend, and her King Christs friend, and embrace him as thy Souls Beloved, and his terms of peace prescribed. 3. Look on Death as the Vessel, that will take thee off this troublesome [Page 10]Sea to thy eternal rest. 4. Look on death as Christ speaks of it, Our Friend Lazarus sleepeth, John 11.11. 5. Look to it in the promise of his presence, Who will be with thee when thou goes thorow the dark valley, Psal, 23.4.

6, Look on Death as thy God's Servant, that dare not touch thee, but as thy God will. 7. Be prepared for it: Are you ready, and your Lamps Trimmed? I fear the Eccho of conscence in some, is, I am yet to Learn this Great Lesson.

Consider these things, 1. Wishes and would be's will not be taken off your hand, Balaam a Stranger to God, wished to dye the Death of the Righteous Numb. 23.10, O Says the man I would fain be Godly, Thou wilt not come to a Blessed end if thou get no more. Says Christ Blessed is the man whom his Lord finds so doing Matth, 24, 46. Not so wishing that he had been better. 2. Many meet with Death before they be ready, what knows thou, if thou get time at Death; What if the Lord answer thee as Judges 10.13. Go to the Gods whom you have served; Shall I take the worlds, the devils, your Lusts, and sins Leavings? 3. Consider you may be confused at Death; It's harder to dye well than is imagined, Death will try to purpose your Graces, duties, and enjoyments; you have need to be busie, and be as busie as you can, you will have enough to do, to win to patience and assurance. 4. Mind as Death leaves you, Judgement will find you; You will not dye twice, if so you might take a venture, Therefore deferr not preparation, which is of universall and Greatest con­cernment; If peace of conscience, To dye with comfort, To have the Soul bound up in the bundel of life, be of concernment, Then preparation for Death is of concernment; If eternall well and woe; to escape hell, and come to Heaven, be of concernment, Then is preparation for Death of con­cernment.

Quest, But wherein consists this preparation? Ans: 1. In laying up a store, a good foundation for the time to come 1 Tim: 6.19. To be wise as the Ant, that provides in Summer for the Winter storm Prov. 6.8.

2. To live a Righteous holy life, the life of a wrestler with God as Jacob Gen: 32. The life of walking with God, as Enoch Gen: 15. The life of Self­denyed-obedience, as Abrabam Heb: 11.8. He went on a call, not knowing whether, and the life of a pilgrim and stranger, Desiring a Heavenly con­try Heb. 11.13.

3. It consists. in having the Heart Sequestrat from Lusts, Idols, and Crea­ture injoyments, Crucifyed to the world, and the lusts and affections there­of Gal: 5.24.6.14.

4. In being on the watch-tower Psal. 130. Luk 12.37, Blessed are those Servants whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching.

5. In having Graces in Lively exercise, Faith ready for Vision, and Hope for possession.

6. In having thy peace within between God and thy Soul secured, the Spirit witnessing with your Spirits that you are the Sons of God. Rom. 16

7. In dying in the Lord, Rev. 14.13. Found in Christ Phil. 3.9. Unit­ed to Christ John. 17.23. [...] in them, and thou in me; Commiting the Soul to him as a God of truth Psal. 31.5, Trusting Christ as a safe Vessel to to carry the through.

O what an excellent Death is it, to dye in the Faith of these Six things 1. That thou are Elected, called, adopted, justified, and he is thy God, and that thy name is Written in the Lambs Book of life, And thou has no more to doe, but say, Father in thy hands I commend my Spirit, as said Christ Luke 23.46,

2. To dye in the Faith of this, that all his dealings to thee in thy life, have been Mercy and truth, and for good Psal. 25.10 and thou wilt not question his favours; To dye in the Faith of this, that thy Works have been accepted, and to say with old Simeon Now lets thou thy Servant depart in peace, for mine Eyer have seen thy Salvation Luk 2.29.

3. To dye in the faith of the promised Glory, and of the out making of all the promises, that thou can say as Psal. 17.15. When I awake I shall see his face in Righteousnes, and be satisfied as with the likness of God.

4. To Dye in the Faith of this, That Christ hath taken away the Sting of Death, and thou hast interest in his Victories, over Death, Hell, Sin, and the Grave, and that he will be with thee, and measure out thy pain, and make all thy Bed in Thy Sickness.

5. To Dye in the Faith, That God will visit his Church, as did Jo­seph Gen. 50.24.25.

6. To Dye in the Faith, That all the enemies of his Glory shall be brought down, and his Kingdom shall be exalted.

Death will give people experience of these five things, Of the Vanity of the World, of the Truth of the Word, of the Bitterness of Sin, of the Ter­ribleness of falling in the hands of the living God, and of the Sweetness of Gods Service to them that shall rest from their Labours.

Many Dye with strong Terrours, not prepared, and some Stupid, ly down with a Lye in their Right-hand Isai: 44.20. And yet are said to Dye like Lambs; They are like a Man put out at the window of a high Tower [Page 12]in a Dark-night, and falls in a deep Ditch, sad is his Wakning.

Happy are they who are ready, Willing, and desirous to Dye. 1, There is a Childish desire of Death, like Achab, who would Dy in a pe [...]t for Naboths Vineyard 1 Kings 21.4. 2. A passionat desire like Jonahs for the Gourds withering Jonah 4.8. 3. A Rebellious desire, like that of the Isaraelites Numb. 14, 2. 4, A solid and Judicious desire, That is attended 1 with diligence in every duty, knowing that shortly wee must put off this Ta­bernacle 2 Pet. 1.14. 2. With laying up a store that wee may be accepted of him 1 Tim. 6.19. 3 With a constant waiting for a change Job 14.14. Trimming the Lamps, and girding up the Loyns with the wise Virgins, Math. 25.4. 4 With the knowledge of their Well being after Death 2 Cor. 5.1. Wee know if our earthly house of this Tabernacle were dissolved, Wee have a building with God, an house not made with hands; eternal in the Heavens. 5. It's attended with an heart deadness to things here-away using the World as if wee used it not, because time is short 1 Cor. 7.29.31. O for such grounds of desire.

The second thing I would speak to, is, That who would expect favour at Death, would study Uprightness. 1. There is a Moral Uprightness in reference to Mens Actions, which a Graceless Man like Abimeleh may have by restraint Gen. 20.2. an Evangelical Uprightness, that sets the Eye and Heart God-ward, which is not an Act, but a Gracious frame and habit, wrought in the Heart, which is the chief seat of it; Hypocrisy is like a paint that only colours the Skin, This is God's Work, for no Man can make his Heart clean Prov. 20.9. It fits the Soul to walk with, and serve God in the right manner, and to design the Lords Glory as the main end; The upright Man knows no other fountain of Mercy but God's Grace, and no end of duty but God's Glory.

For confirming the point. 1. It is the paremptor will of God, which is the highest of Reasons: God remits from the first Covenant with Adam of absolute personal perfection but requires a second Cove­nant perfection Gen: 17. 1, Uprightness, Truth in the inward parts Psal. 51.6. Which is the highest Believers can attain while on Earth. 2. It is highly well pleasing to God 1 Chron. 29.17. I know O Lord, saith David, thou takes pleasure in Uprightness; O how well pleased was Christ with Nathaniel an Israelite indeed in whom there was no guile John 1.47. His countenance doth behold the upright Psal. 11.7. they get a good look of God; Wee should imitat Christ if wee would do what delights God John, 8.29. He did alwayes those things that pleased his father, who has no pleasure in sin Psal. 5, 4. [...], This is the great and characteristical distinction [Page 13]that puts a difference between the Saint and Hypocrite in point of duties, as between the Publican and the Pharisee Luk. 18. Between Cain and Abel Gen. 4.4. It is that without which a man cannot be a true Christian, under the highest profession, and with which a man is a true Christian with Less profession; It is the very standart of every Grace and duty, Grace without it, is but hypocrisy, and duty without it is but iniquity: A Saint cannot want it to Season all his Graces and duties, it qualifies all, It's like the blood that runs through all the veins, the very life of the Christian 1. Faith most be unfeigned 1 Tim, 1.5, There werea sort of people seemed to trust in God, but were not sincere, they thought not as they spoke the Lord could not abide them Psal, 78.35.36.37. 2. Repentance must be sound, the Lord challenges feigned turning to him Jer. 3.10. Wee have need to pray, Lord wish our Teares from hypocrisy.

3, Love to God must be sincere, or elss wee are cursed Eph: 6, 24, 1. Cor: 16.22. There were some who pretended great respect to God, and un­dertook fair Jer. 42, 2.3.6.20.21. but stood not by it, they were false dissemblers in their hearts, they never kept a word. Jer. 44.16. They down right gave themselves the Lye, and declared they would not do as they had said. 4. Love to our neighbour must be sincere, wee must love him with a pure Heart fervently 1. Pet, 1.22 5. Prayer to God must be sincere 1. Tim. 2, 8. Wee must lift up pure hands. 6, preaching must be as of fincerity, in the sight of God 2 Cor. 2.17. In a word wee have so much grace in good earnest, as we have sincerity, and no more. Last reason none. else can expect Heavens glory, and who wants Hope of Heaven cannot dye with comfort Math. 5.8. Blessed are the pure in heart, they shall see God. Psal. 140.13. The upright, and only such, shall dwell in his presence Psal. 15.1.2, Only these who walk uprightly, shall dwell in his holy Hill, With­out Faith, repentance, love, we cannot be saved John. 3, 18. 1. Cor. 13 Luk. 13.3 And without uprightnes we have none of these; All depends on this one thing, both in point of present comfort, and everlasting happi­ness without this, the soul is lost when we have done all we can.

There is great need to try it, for both Sincerity and Hypocrisy lyes deep in the heart, & both may be over-looked: A Gracious Soul may be I ealous he wants it on mistakes 1. Because of decays in Grace; To remove this, con­sider 1. Peter had his decayes, yet his heart was right in the main, a while wee are here the best have some remainders of corruption to molest them. There is none perfect Rom, 7.20. Honest Paul complains of an ill Neighbour. Sin dwelling in him. 3. a decay may be apprehended, and appear to be where it [Page 14]is not, there may be a growing at the root in humility, as in winter, the sap goes to the root of the tree, and keeps life in it,

2. Some question their uprightness because of Severe rods, Thy witnesses are against me saith Job, 10.17. I answer, this were to question that Gold were Gold, because put in the fire to be refined and purged of its dross, the best Saint on earth has some dross of corruption to be purged away by the Cross Isai. 27.9 In heaven the Saint is all Grace and no sin, in hell the sinners is all sin and no Grace.

3. Some Iealous their sincerity because of distracting vain thoughts in duty, I answer, this is dangerous, for thus you condemne the generation of the righteous; There should be none sincere on earth, if this did hold; There be none who wants these; but are these thoughts thy burden, art thou striving against them, and hates them Psal, 119.113. Thou does not cherish them, Its well.

4. Say some, my Self-love fears me: I Answer there is a Self-love in Sub­ordination to the Glory of God, whereby a man aims in the first place at God's glory, and then his own happiness, That is Lawful. There is again a self-love in competition wherein a man regards Self more then God's glory, that is unlawfull, and a ground of Jealousie when a man puts himselfe in Gods room.

Ʋse. For trial 1. The upright man his great work is about his heart to purge it, He knows sin in the heart is worse than sin in the life: Sin in the life may proceed from weakness of grace, sin in the heart from strength of corrup­tion Psal. 66.18. If I regaird inquity in my heart no hearing of prayer. There be two things the Sincere looks most to, His God that he may be Honour­ed, and his heart that it may be reformed; Hypocrits are most upon out­wards, and justifies their hearts by venture. The upright man neglects not his outward work, he knows as to neglect the heart argues Hypocrisy, so to neglect the life argues profanity; He looks to both, but most to the heart.

2. The upright Man has a two-fold universality, one as to sin, another as to duty. 1. For sin, his heart is carried out against all sin, secret as well as open because it is against the Lord, as Jospeh Gen. 39, 9. and David Psal: 1912, The hypocrits fails here, he refrains from sin obvious to the world only, The upright man sets himself against small sins as well as great; It's true as sin is against God, and his holy Law, there is no sin small, but there are degrees of sins, the upright man setts himselfe against his own sin, his predominant, The sin of his constitution Psal. 18.23. Yea, he hates every false way Psal. 119.104. There be some goes over the belly of known acknow­ledged [Page 15]principles intheir sin; Some say a man should not commit adultery, who will commit adultery, some will abhore Idols, that will commit Sacrilege Rom. 3.22. Some will abhore swearing, Thieft, whoredome, who will debauch time and person with tipling and drunkenness, this is to be guilty of the Breach of the whole Law, because it is a despising that authority that is stamp­ed on all the commands Jam: 2.10, 11,

2. The upright man his heart is carried out to all duty, to esteem all Gods commands concerning all things to be right Psal. 119.128, To have a good Conscience in all things Heb: 13, 18, Who obeyes one command for Gods sake will obey what ever he commands,

3. Uprightness presses the Mans heart to reach the highest attainments of Grace, the hypocrites obedience is stinted, but Paul forgets things be­hind and presses forward Phil. 3.12.13.14.

4. The upright Man baulks no duty for suffering, some come out of Great tribulation washing their Garments in the Blood of the Lamb, Rev. 7, 14.

Ʋse. 1. For exhortation, O Study uprightness 1 Because its rare, and ill looked on in the world, Micah. 7, 2, there are none upright among men. Psal. 12, 1, The faithfull fails from among the Childeren of men Job, 12, 4. The just upright Man is laughed to scorne; It is for a Lamentation, that sincere Soules are thin sown in this generation, if there be any more sincere than another, they are like the speckled bird Jer. 12.9. That all the birds of the Field gazeth on Isaiah. 8.18. I and the Children whom the Lord has given me, are for signs and wonders in Israel, the World cannot abide such Prov. 29, 27, He that is upright in his way is an abomination to the wicked; So much the more study uprightnes. 2. Consider there is nograce like it, and no grace without it, it denominats a man a Christian, and a Blessed man Psal 119.1. 3. It gives confidence before the Lord in prayer 1 John 3 21. Prov. 15.8. The prayer of the upright is his delight, such are wel­come to God in their adresses, that is a Rich Blessing Jâm 4.8. 4. Such shall be made glad and Glory in the Lord, who are upright in their hearts Psal 64.10. 5. The Upright Man shall keep his feet when false­hood will fail Prov. 10 9 He walks surely Isai 28 17. The refuge of Lyes shall be sweeped away, the Upright may have many Enemies, but God Almighty is on his side Gen. 17.1. Psal. 55.16.18. Many are with me says Da­vid, they shall get their feet on the Neck of all their Enemies Psal. 49.14, The Upright shall have dominion in the Morning. 6, Uprightness supplies [Page 16]many defects, when one can appeal to God anent the sincerity of his Heart as Paul did Acts 23.1.7. The Upright have room in the Saints Prayers Psal. 125.4. Do good O Lord to them that be good, to them who are up­right in their hearts. 8. Sincerity Crowns all Grace with perseverence, Hy­pocrisy withers, sincerity holds out in the worst of times, like the good ground, It's fruitful notwithstanding of scorching heat, Luke 8.15.9. Without this all duties are a Lye Psal. 78.34. &c. They prayed and flate­red God, and Lyed with their Mouth, for their Heart was not right with God. 10. The upright man has comfort in the greatest Extremity and storm of his Life, a bosome friend: Paul, when he had the sentence of Death against himself and others, said, this is our rejoycing, the Testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and Godly sincerity we have had our Conver­sation in the World 2 Cor: 1, 9, 12. This makes the Man's Face to shine, and makes quietness within Prov. 14.14, Whereas an ill conscience is like a gnawing worm, a heavy load above a burden. Then sincerity gives comfort in the last Extremity of Death, Mark the persect, behold the upright the end of that man is peace, tho' he Dye in Warr Psal. 37.37. O that is sweet when the Heart does not reproach in a Dying-hour Job 27.6. and God not a terrour to the Man. Lastly that Man has interest in that promise, that's of a wide compass Psal. 84.11, The Lord God is a Son and a shield, to direct Comfort and defend, he will give Grace and Glory, and withold no good thing from him that walks uprightly.

Quest. How shall wee win to this lovely desirable thing? 1 Be con­vinced of heart unfoundnes, make an errand to God for it Psal. 119.80. Let my Heart be Sound in thy statuts. Psal 51.10, Creat O Lord in me a clean heart a study much the attributes of God, especialy his omnisciency Heb. 4.12.13. All things are vaked & open before him with whom we have to doe keep God in your Eye, that is injoined Gen. 17.1 Walk besor me and be upright; This keeped Joseph right Gen, 39.9. You will never prove steel to the back if God be out of sight; this keeped David right Psal. 16, 8, & 25.15. Keep upon your hearts the perswasion of his Alseeing-Eye, what makes many so unstable, they for­get God, 3, keep Heaven in your Eye, this keeped Moses right amidst many temptations and snares, he had respect to the recompence of reward Heb, 11, 26. This keeped Paul right, that he fainted not, he minded the exceed­ing and eternal weight of Glory 2 Cor: 4, 16, 17, You will faint and give over if your Hearts be fastned on things that are seen, you will take to the nearest shore, so has been seen of an apostat generation.

The last branch of the point, they who would have comfort in Death, must [Page 17]have a Religious walk in their Life, and do what is good in the Lords sight Walking is a progressive motion, not like that of the door on the hinges that moves oft, but goes not foreward.

Consider these things for clearing this point, 1. Wee are commanded to walk in the Lords way, and that constantly Deut. 19.9. Walk ever in his ways. 2. The Saints have resolved this as Psal. 119, 112, and are injoyned to make inquiry after the Lords way for this end Jer. 6.16.3. The Lord commends those who make conscience of their walk, as Zachari­as and Elizabeth Luk. 1.6. Whose commendation will never die. 4. The Lord threatens them sore who looks not to their walk Jer. 9.14. Lev: 26.21. &c. he will heat the furnace seven times more for them. 5. It is one of the precious promises of the New Covenant, that the Lord will give us his spirit to cause us walk in his way, Ezek. 36.27. 6. The Lord calls for it as a chief evidence of a Souls sense of Kindness that wee walk humbly with our God, Mitah. 6.8. 7. The Lord's people sensible of kindness have iu­gaged thenselves to this Psal. 116.12, &c. What shall I render to the Lord? I will walk before the Lord. 8. You will find the Lord quarrels no people so much for their words as for their walk Deut. 5.28.29. They had well spoken, O! says the Lord, that there were such a heart in them to fear me, and keep all my Commandements, the Man is only blessed in his deed. Jam. 1.25. Many are strangers to a Christian Walk. 1. some will not so much as give God fair words for all his favours, but Sacrifices to their own Net Hab. 1.16. 2. Some complement God in words, and little af­fected in their hearts Psal. 106.12.13. They sung his Praise but soon for­got his Works, and waited not for his Counsel. 3. Some with some kind of sense will commend God in words, who never came the length of a Christian Walk; profess they know God, and in Works deny him. Tit. 1, 16, these are Self-cheaters.

Question, Why are most people pleased with a profession without a Christian walk, 1, From Ignorance of God, as if he would be put off with fair words and bare acknowledgment, this is a mocking of God. 2 It flows from undervaluing of his Mercies, as if they were worth no more. 3. Because there is not so much difficulty in profession and words, as in a walk; It is Grace that must dispose to this, the Devil cares not how much you complement God with Words, if the heart be not toward God, and your walk commend you not to him.

1. As ever you would shew a sense of the Lord's kindness in your life, and expect his kindness at Death make conscience of a Religious walk: I [Page 18]press it with these Arguments. 1. It is your Christian walk that will put to silence the ignorance of foolish men and convince others 1 Pet. 2.15. 2. Its the walk that will best secure peace of conscience in the worst of times Psal. 119.165. Great peace have they which love thy Law: and nothing shall affend them. 3. It is your walk that will keep the passage open to God in all your necessities, the man is barr'd out who hears and does not, Ezek. 33.31. he will not be inquired of such, but set his face against them Ezek. 14.2.8. The slanderer and Adulterer what ever he profess, he is not wel­come to God, Psal. 50, 16, &c. 4. It is your walk that will difference you from the World, not a common gift or profession Luk, 18 In these a Hy­pocri [...]e may go beyond a Gracious Man. 5. There is nothing sweeter for a Man to reflect on when the Eye-strings are breaking, than for a Man to have that to say, that he has Exercised himself always to keep a Conscience void of offence toward God and Man in his walk, and in this Hezekiah had ground of Comfort, but it was not the ground of his Considence; that was placed in Christs Righteousness.

Ʋse. 2. I would offer these things by way of Advice. 1. If you would walk so as to commend God, and expect comfort at Death, set your Face to the right Airt to Zion Jer. 50.5. To Glorify God in all your Actings. 2. Have your Salvation much in your Eye, as preferable to all things, Many forget they have immortal Souls; all their care is for things below Heaven. 3. Study much acquaintance with the word as the Rule Gal. 6.16. He that walks according to that Rule, peace shall be upon him and Mercy, as upon thee Israel of God. 4. Eye Christ much as your patern and absolute copy 1 John 2.6. Walk as he also walked. 5. Look farther than Grace within Psal. 71.16. saith David I will go in the strength of the Lord God; you will miscarry if you take on upon your own heads. 6. Be oft taking account of your self, that you may better recover a lost step Hag. 1.7. Consider your ways Psal. 119.59. I thought upon my ways, and turned my feet to thy testimonies.

Ʋse. 3 There be seven sort of people reprovable. 1. These who walk in black Ignorance and have no perswasion of things in their own minds, only receive such and such things from custom or practice of others, these cannot keep a straight course. 2. The prophane carnal walker Ezek. 16.27. The Philistines were ashamed of what the Israelites did; Wee are all shamed in this Generation, and Heathens if they were among us, would be ashamed of us: How many of all Ranks, walks in Drunkeness, Lying, Swearing, Whoredome, Sabbath-breaking, Living a Prayerless Life [Page 19]bringing forth the Fruits of Atheism, which excluds people out of Heaven and brings on the wrath of God 1 Cor. 6.9.10. Eph. 5.6. I am affraid there is a storm of Wrath and Vengance coming on the Land, if matters mend not, if Mercy and Repentance prevent not. 3. Some are inconside­rat in their walk, some mistake, placing all their Religion in Zeal, and it may be bastard Zeal without knowledge, people nor knowing what spirit they are of, Rom. 10.2. Luk. 9.55. and such have a kind of heart abhorrence of pru­dence, others place too much in prudence, and gives no kindly way to Zeal, such will not commend God, nor are on their guard against Temptations and Snares. 4. Some consult more their wit than their conscience, in all their actings, but it is not right if conscience have not a vote in the matter, such will go a black gate readily in an hour of Temptation, and so at length be taken in their own craftiness 1 Cor. 3.19. 5. The timerous walker, altho' he have good inclinations and meanings, yet he is easily scarred from the most necessary duties Prov. 29.25. the fear of man is a snare, such will make a Slave of their Conscience, and lay their Soul in pawn to rescue themselves from danger. 6. the unconstant walker will never Glorify God, all his Religion lies in starts, his Goodness wears off like the Morning Cloud and early Dew, Hos. 6.4. 7. The Lazy Christian, who makes no progress, going from strength to strength Psal. 84.7. The motion of some is so slow that it is hard to guess whether they be bound for Heaven or Hell; Be more serious and diligent.

I know not how you will take it, but if ever your Religion pass current before God, Its your walk will bear the stress of its commendation.

I would add a few things shortly by way of Caution, in reference to your walk 1. Beware you be not in League with any known Sin, Unmortified Lusts, unrepented of Idols, you will never have a day to do well if you re­gard Iniquity in your Heart, for then you have no access to God Psal. 66.18. 2. Beware of misbehaving to the spirit of God, by whose influence and assistance alone, you can move in the way of God, Tempt him not as Annantas and Saphira did Act. 5.9. Vex him not as these Rebelli­ous persons did, who made God turn their Enemy Isai, 63.10 Resist him not as these stiff-naked, and uncircumcised in heart did, Act. 7.51. Quench not his motions 1 Thess: 5, 19. Grieve him not Eph: 4, 30, if you adventure thus to miscarry, you will not step a right step. 3. Beware of needless, familiar, frequent haunt and converse with persons perverse in principles, that you receive not of their [...]lagues, Rev, 18, 4, and with persons perverse in practices, that you learn no their ways, and [Page 20]get a snare to your Souls Prov: 22, 24, 25, For bold adventures in this has been the ruine of this Generation, Prov: 13.20. A companion of fools shall be destroyed: You may have a bad Acquaintance and Relation to whom you must no ways mis-behave by incivility, and you may buy and sell with a Turk, But touch with them in a point as a ball on a plain that soon rolls off, but chuse no wicked Companion. 4. See that you be not glutted with excessive Love of the World, 1 John 2, 15, If any man love the World, the love of the Father is not in him; This Love and excessive care of the World, stiffles and choaks good motions Matth. 13.22, As it was with the young man in the Gospel Matth: 19 22, And Demas imbracing the present World, turned his back upon the way of God 2 Tim: 4.10. if you advert not to these things, you can never walk in truth and with a per­fect heart.

I would addresse my selfe to this Honourable Court; I know not if ever I shall preach more, or some of you hear more, 1. You have many Eyes of men on earth on you, and his Eyes that are like a flam of fire Rev. 1.14, 2. You bear a great figure by office, called Gods Psal. 82, 1, and Fathers to the people Gen. 45, 8, Isai 45, 19, and many other stiles of great import, 3. God severely threatens Magistrats if they misbehave, who are neither above instruction, nor without correction, if they fail Job, 12, 21, He poures contempt upon Princes, and weakens the strength of the mighty. 4. You are lyable to many difficulties and dangers, which many see not, who will readily observe your defects, 5. Your task is great, to hear the plaints of the poore, to represse the insolencie of the proud, and Minister justice to all. Altho' God has exalted you above others, you are servants to Subjects to watch for their well Rom. 13.1. 2. Therefore take heed, beware, 1. Of unseasonable undue contendings, that ye con­sume not one another Gal. 5, 15, unite in what is true and good 2. Beware of Tyrranny and oppression, Fathers of the republick, should not provoke people to wrath, no more nor Natural Parents should provoke their Children Eph. 6, 4.9, No mans power on earth is absolut, but Limited, Kings must have revenues to put them in better capacity Ezra. 4 13, And they should have more in time of warre than in time of peace, then our Hearts must be inlarged without grudge, to make a liberal offering; better venter much then Losse all: I hope the Lord will help this Honour­able Court, to shun what may grind the faces of the poore, and what is heavy to widows and Fatherless, or may break credit in the Nation, but none will misconstruct to require what tends to the honour of the King, [Page 21]to whom we ow so much, and seeks nothing for himselfe, but what is for the safty and security of the Nation 3, Beware of pride, and upliftedness of Spirit, which overthrew Pharaoh and Haman. 4, Beware of persons, and things that may prove dangerous to Kirk, or State. 5, Bewarre of Crudulity, try before you trust that ye be not imposed on, Sathan may borrow Peters Tongue to give [...]ad advice to his Master Matth. 16, 22, 6 Beware of Self-seeking, the plague of the gen­ration, it's a brand of infamy, especialy in Great men, where it is, it's a deep Large gulf, in which some Mens motions all center, as did Judas, who be­trayed Christ, and Pilat's, who to please the people, and gratify Cesar, crucified Christ, over the Belly of his Concience, and warning of his wife; He made a foul hinder end; We have oft smarted by men of that temper: We may cry out as its in Phil. 2, 21, All Seek their own things, not the things which are Jesus Chrisis. such, whatever fruit they bring forth, being to Selfe they are reckoned empty Hos: 10, 1, There be three ill pro­perties some have, which come all to one, Time-serving, Man-pleasing, Self-seeking; A Self-seeker will serve the humor of any time, whom he harrasses this year, he will carresse the next, if the wind blow so, and it may serve a turne He will study to please men (to the venture of his Soul) if they command him this day to doe, he is ready, and if the nex day, to undo, he is alwayes at command, such are not unlike that Rust [...] Ecclesiastick in England, of whom its storied, he would stand with all, but fall with none, As Protestant or Papist had the ascendant, accordingly he moved, and when asked, how he came to stand so? He answered, he keept still one principle, and that was to hold his Living.

I would advise you to these things in your walk. 1. Labour for a good foresight in things, be not head strong in what may endanger, As David in an humour, would number the People, 2 Sam, 24, what tends direct­ly to Gods glory, constancy in that is a commendation. David never changed his purpose of building the house of the Lord, Psal, 132, 4.5. And of paying his Vows, Psal, 66, 13, 14 2. Be well acquaint with the word, The word of the Lord to some is a reproach, they have no delight in it, they mock it, Jer, 6, 10. Such are the plague of their Generation, in the word the rules of Government are insert, the sins and snares of Rulers are related, the examples of good, and bade are proposed, for imitation and caution: You would examine all instructions of Men, by the injunctions of the word, and steer your course by this compass, if you would Land fair when you go off the stage of time. 3. Have a good care of the state, it will never be well with the Kirk if it be not well with the state Psal [...] [Page 22]last, the wicked walk on every side, when vilest men are exalted; Some endangers crowned heads, and runs them on precipices; Kings should make choice of Favorites, men fearing God, loving truth, hating covetousnes, Exod, 18, 21. Psal, ioi, 2, &c. I will behave my self wisely in a perfect way, O when wilt thou come unto me: I will walk within my house with a perfect heart; he looked well to his Court and his Family, he abandoned the de­ceitfull workers, and made choise of the Faithfull of the land. 4. Be care­full to make good Laws, conform to the word of God, the law of laws, and that there be vigorous execution of good Laws, made, or to be made which is the life of the Law, Laws are not for Theory, but for Practice, the best practice on the Peoples part, is obedience, on the Magistrats part, is execution, duly and impartially applying rewards and Punishments. Cruel were these Laws Daniel. 3, and 6, Chapters, and Act 4, and 5, Chap­ters, forbidding Preaching, prayer, and worship to God; we have smarted under some such grievous Laws; the vigorous execution of cruel Laws, broke the work of Reformation, God forbid the slack or none execution of good Laws, should ruine it once more. I must warne you all who hears me, if any of you has had a hand in the l [...]te Per­feution, directly or indirectly, in less or in more, in Fining, Confin­ing, Imprisonment, Banishment, Torture, Intercommuning, Shedding of Blood, Repent or dear shall you buy it. 5. Your chief care would be about Religious concerns, to advance Zions welfare, as David by vow and Oath shews his concernment Psal, i32. 1. Let not what concerns Zion be reckon­ed a by-work, so did not David, Psal. 137, 4. He preferred Jerusalem to his chief joy, and, as with a curse, wished that he might neither have Skill nor power to Act, if he should forget or slight Zion 2: Mind how God resents and speaks with contempt, of those who postponed the building of the Temple (which was the principal fruit and end of their deliverance,) to the building of their own houses, and tells plainly, they should not thrive the better of it, what they earned, they should put it in a bag with holes, Mag, 1.6.3. Mind the example of the Jews, when they were stirred up to build the Temple, Ezra. 5, i, 2. They say not, we must first build the Walls of Jerusalem. to hold out the enemy, but they began to build the house of God; happy these who are so disposed to promot the publick inte­rest of the Church more than their own. 4 For your own sakes be con­cerned in the Lords interests, and he will be concerned in you in these five Respects. i. He will be concerned in your honour; The Lord resents the indignity done to Magistrats, and Stigmatizeth these who despise Domi­nions, [Page 23]and speak evil of dignities Jude 8 These that honour me, I will honour, who despiseth me shall be lightly esteemed. 1 Sam, 2, 30, 2. He will be concerned in your house and Family, 1. Chron, 1, 13 14. The Lord blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that he had, because of the Ark of God; And the Lord promises. 2 Sam, 7. To build David a sure House, because of his respect to his house. 3. The Lord will be concerned in your thriving Psal, i22 6. They shall prosper that love Jerusalem, so did Moses, Joshua and others prosper upon this Account. 4. The Lord will be concerned in your safety in a dangerous time; when the Lord threatned old and young by a Destroying Angel, he allows a mark of providential preservation to be set on such, Ezek, 9.4, 5 The Lord will be concerned in your Consolation, Isai. 66 10, Such Persons shall share of Jerusalems joy. 5, Lose not a Season of doing service to the Church, and easing her of what is grievous; There is a hazard in this Eccles: 10, so, what thy hand finds to do, do it with all thy might, for there is no work nor device in the grave; you wot not if ever another opportunity be put in some of your hands: Some are off the stage, who losed a Season, you may rue it out of time, do what remains, and is needfull to be done for advancing the work of God; remember what Mordecay says to Esther Esth. 4.14. If thou hold thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargment and deliverance come to the Jews from another place, but thou and thy Fathers House shall be destroyed, and who knows whether thow art come to the Kingdom for such a time as this; If you be inconcerned in his matters, he will be als inconcerned in you, and break you if you prefer your own house to his 6, In order to this, promote piety, [...], By your commands as Asa 2. Chron 14.2.4, He did that which was good and right in the Eyes of the Lord his God, and commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their Fathers, and to do the Law and commandement: And Josiah 2, Chron. 34. Covenanted the people to walk after the Lord. 2 By the example of your persons and Families, as did 'David and Joshua sal. 101, and Joshua 24, For this end strive to get divine principles, according to these, will your actions be, Let God's Statues be the men of your Council, and his Glory, the end of your actions; Constantius, the Father of Conslantine, tried his Courtiers wisely; who adhered to truth, he honoured them; who fore-sook Christ them he degraded & said, who were false to God, would never be true to him: Much depends on Magistrats their personal carriage and their Courts; Lead­ers of people easily causes them to erre [...]sa [...] 9.16, One wicked man in au­thority destroyes much good, Eccls 9, 18, Their example is so powerfull [Page 24]3, Encourage and strengthen the hands of painfull, faithfull Ministers; men according to Gods own Heart, 4, Discountenance what smels of super­stion and Jdolatry; Wee are glad that course has been taken, and will be far­ther taken by his Majesties Honourable Privy Council, to ease the Land of Jesuit Priests, the Grand trafficquers, who infuse the Venome of cruel and damnable principles, the fopperys of superstitious and unscriptural conceits and have been, and are the principal abetters of horrid cruelties; Such have been too much carressed by many 4. Have a fervent care to look well to seminaries of Learning; It's an old trick of Rome to poison the fountains that the streams may be mudded; Much depends on the piety, principles, and example of Masters, young ones may soon get a wrong set that will not easily cure; It's dangerous to suck in poyson with milk. 5. Be carefull of the established Government of the Church, which we own as founded on the word of God, in which these five things are expresse. 1 Anent its Officers as ye have them distinguished Eph. 4.11, 1 Thes. 5.12. 1 Tim. 5.17. Act. 6, And not a Prelat among them all. 2. Its Courts and Judicatories Matth. 18, 16.18, It was no civil Courts meant there. 3. Subordination of Lesser Judicatories to Greater Acts 15.4. Wee have the order of pro­cedure in relation to censure Matth 18.16. 5. The naturall kind of these censures, not Bodily but Spiritual; And there is a Charge to observe all these things inviolable untill Christ second coming 1 Tim. 5.21.1. Tim. 6.14 Wee most say, that the Scots soil could never agree with Pre­latick nor Erastian domination: This government was owned by Ambassa­dours from most of the reformed Churches of Europe at the synod of Dort and subcrived by them all save two; it was solemnly sworn to be persons of all ranks in this Nation an Hundered yeares ago; It is most adapted to the ends of an Established Ministry to edify Souls and to guard against vice and errour Eph. 4.11.12.

Beware of what may give a Back-set to this Government & is grievuees to it for I may venture to say in Scotland there is so strong a twist in the present establishment bet wixt Kirk and State that they may reckon heart friends & foes together that who are Heart-friends to the State will be freinds to the Kirk as now established for I Judge it will be found, friends to this interest will be found in Scotland, His Majesties best Friends if not His only Friends whatever others pretends for their own safety advantage or advance­ment, Our readines to venture and offer in a dangerous Juncture is not unknown: I may say in Scotland if King William had a strait they would make but a small Batalion of trusties that would be found on the other side; [Page 25]I neither think nor speak so of England, how many there of the Episcopal perswasion, have given, and do give pregnant proofs of their Loyaltie, & good affection to The King, beyond all exception.

There has been a great work about taking in of Conformists in Scotland to the Government, but how have they slighted the condescendency of Par­liament, to make application and qualify themselves? Yea they are imbold­ned by the forbearance of Church and State; nor have wee taken the ad­vantage allowed, not that we are for Cruelty, but for Charity, which we have extended to some for their supply, and inclines yet to do so, wishing that the most needy and best affected might share of the Charity of all, yet are wee not fond of medling with them, knowing their temper; There are a number taken in by us, I deny not, there may be some more sober, Serious, and deserves more incouragement than others; I judge we are through the throng of them, and wishes they be all sound at the heart: For those we received in the North, if there be truth in Men, wee had ground to think, they would be true to their trust: For others in the North, we found their pulse, that they were neither Friends to Kirk nor State; In stead of Application, they rushed in on the Committee, unmannerly, being neither cited nor called, and gave in Protestations disowning the Autho­rity of the Church, and spitting in the face of the Law for our establishment, altho' under the colour of a fair complement to the State; A meer pretext, no more to be trusted then Joabs simulat complement to Amasa 2 Sam. 20.3. [...]0. Who, under the covert of a fair Brotherly Salutation, intended a deadly wound, which he gave him under the fifth Rib, and shed out his Bowels to the ground; Some of these are declared Intruders, illegally setled, some of them Lybelled for Scandals. And its known from the North especially, there were offers in a Formula, repeated Addresses to His Majesty, Petiti­ons to the last Session of Parliament, declaring themselves ready and willing to joyn with the present Church Government; Yet in their Protestations, they pretend to give Reasons, why in conscience they cannot do it; where is their ground of Trust? Judge how well contrived they are, made up of Contradictions; Now if such Men who Savour of Tobia's and Sanballat's com­plexion, should offer to feign Subjection, with a mind to undermind the work it were no wonder we were shy to deal with them: And for those who at best declare their indifferency for any Government the State appoints especially considering how guilty they are of coutradictory Oaths subversive of the Government; Who can trust they will support it; and not subvert if? A cold and feigned friend may soon turn an Enemy; can we be blamed [Page 26]being convinced they are generally Enemies to Kirk and State to decline ce­menting, with them: A King would be thought ill advised, to take and keep in his bosom, Men whose disaffection and inclinations, subversive of his Government and interest, might be evidenced to a demonstration: For some of us, before wee closed with such, we would rather chuse to take our old venture to seek our Bread with the peril of our Lives.

I will crave your pardon and patience, in all Soberness to represent a few grievous things. 1. That those who neither comply with Kirk nor State meet in pre [...]ended Presbytries and Synods, and act as Legal Jud [...]catories, and obtrude Men of their way on vacant Churches: 2, Many of them who refuse to own the Government of Kirk and State, take on them to preach irregularly, Baptize Children, and even of Scandalous persons, without re­gard to the removing of the Scandal; And Marry persons claudestinly, without knowledge or consent of Parents: Who are secure of their Chil­dren at this rate? And they Marry some persons, within forbidden degrees, and some whole former Mariages are not disolved; some of them anti­date Testimonials, and absolve persons in whom they have no interest, some of them have likeways brought in innovations in worship, never used under any Government of Protestants in Scotland: And farther, contrair to all order and in manifest contempt of Church Censures, several deposed for gross in moralities, Conturnacy, & Supine-negligence, continue in all the parts of the Ministerial function, which in some places breeds a great dale of confu­sion and disorder; these things we can instruct if need be; From all which flows and a bounds prophaness, Irreligion, and Atheism, notwithstanding of all the excellent Laws made against them.

Now it's in the power of your hands to order remedies for all these things, by applying the Laws made, and to be made in Church-matters, and incouraging the Church in her Liberties, and all her Assemblies: I would exhort all the Members of this Honourable Court, As ye would prove your selves to walk in truth and with a perfect heart, in your Spheres and Capaciti [...]s, prove your selves Nursing Fathers to the Church, and guard against those who would poison or starve the Flocks, and overthrow the Government of the Lords house.

I do here declare, I did not intend to irritat any Man; I dare not be a Man-pleaser, for then I should not be the Servant of Christ, Gal. 1.10. But I resolved to exoner my Conscience in the fight of God, who is your Master and mine, if I should never Preach more; Now, as you will all answer before Him, consider what I have said, for there is a day of Compt and Reckoning coming.

My hearty Prayer to God is, That His Majesties high Commissioner, and all the Members of this Houourable Court, may be helped by Grace so to behave, As in that Great Day, You may all meet with that sweet welcome, Well done Good and Faithful Servants, enter into Your Masters Joy▪ The Lord grant You understanding in all these things, To His name be Praise.