IF you please at your leasure to look back into this Pro­phesie, you shall finde the promises that God hath made to his Church turned into the [Page 2]Churches Prayers, and the prayers of the Church bring forth many passa­ges of Gods providence, and the pas­sages of Gods providence to his Church and People, winde up their hearts to the true tune of prayses.

The experience of Gods Provi­dences hath ever provoked Primitive Christians to Gods praises.

When Israel had crossed the Red-seas with dry feet, and the returning waters had drowned the pursuing e­nemies, Moses and the people sang a Song of triumph, and spake saying, I will sing unto the Lord, Exod. 15. V. 1. for he hath trium­phed gloriously, the horse and his rider hath he throwne into the Sea. V. 2. The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: hee is my God, and I will prepare him a habitation; my fathers God, and I will exalt him. V. 3. The Lord is a man of war: The Lord is his Name.

When Deborah had conquered Sise­ra, Judges 5. with his 900 Chariots of Iron, whereby the Land had rest forty yeares, she sang this rejoycing Song to the Lord.

Praise yee the Lord, V. 2 for avenging of [Page 3]Israel; when the people willingly offered themselves.

Heare, oh yee Kings, V. 2. give eare oh yee Princes: I, even I, will sing unto the Lord, I will sing praises to the Lord God of Israel.

When God restored Judah back a­gaine out of Captivity; this Chap­ter was their song of triumph, where­in three things are observeable.

First, the place where it was sung,V. 1. In that day shall this Song be sung in the Land of Judah.

Secondly, the persons rightly fit­ted and qualified for the singing of this joyfull Song, set downe in this Chapter by foure Qualifications.

• 1. They are a righteous Nation,
  V. 2.
  which keep the truth, v. 2.
• 2. They are such whose minde is staid on God, because they trust in God.
  V. 3.
  v. 3.
• 3. They are such who wait for God,
  V. 8.
  and the desire of their souls is to his name. v. 8.
• 4. They are such who seek God ear­ly,
  V. 9.
  with soule and spirit. v. 9.

These are the persons rightly qualified for singing of this song.

Thirdly, the provoking and inci­ting causes, for singing of this Song, are these amongst many.

• 1. Because they had a strong Ci­ty, salvation had God appointed for Wals, and Bulwarks for them. v. 1.
• 2. Because in the Lord Jehovah they had everlasting strength. v. 4.
• 3. Because hee bringeth them downe that dwell on high, the lofty City he layeth it low, even to the ground. v. 5.
• 4. Because he will ordaine peace for his people, & hath wrought all their works on them. v. 12.

But I need not go beyond my Text to seek for reasons why Judah doth sing this Song. For,

When Gods hand is lifted up in a way of mercy for a people and in a way of Justice upon their enemies, and makes them ashamed that envies them, and destroyes them with the fire of his enemies that riseth up against them, then you cannot but grant that there is good ground for singing joy­full Songs of praises.

So that from the course that Gods people here took when they were de­livered [Page 5]out of Captivity, we might by the way draw this Doctrine.

Doct. That the experience of Gods mer­cies in delivering his people calls for their praises to God.

It's Davids argument which he u­seth to stirre up himselfe and others to extoll and blesse and praise his God, because the Lord is good to all, and his tender mercies are over all his workes. Psal. 145.8.

The Psalmist exhorteth the redee­med in praising God to observe his manifold providence, Psal. 107.1, 2. O give thanks unto the Lord, for hee is good: for his mercy endureth for ever: Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the ene­my. Which is the onely argument why we should praise him, because he hath redeemed us out of the hands of our enemies, by two Demonstrations. Reason. 1

• 1. By disappointing their plots.
• 2. By weakning their power.

First, by disappointing their plots and purposes, while the wicked set their wits to devise, and their bo­dies to execute mischiefe, with all the [Page 6]art and craft they can. While the wic­ked are contriving iniquity on their beds, and when the morning is light they purpose to practise it. Behold, while they travaile with this their iniquity,Mich. 2.1 and have conceiv'd their mischiefe, God blasts it, and it proves abortive; They bring forth nothing but a Lye. Psal. 7.14.

A Lye in regard of expectation.

A Lye in regard of intention. For the mischiefe they intended for o­thers, falls on their owne heads. For God delights to catch them in the ima­gination of their owne hearts, and pay them in their owne coine.

1. God doth this that hee might not lose the glory of any of his At­tributes, hee will make them know, that hee is a God onely wise, and knowes how to disappoint the plots of the enemies.

2. In regard of the enemies, whose fiercenesse turnes to Gods praises in disappointing their plots, he lets them know that there is a God that ruleth the earth.

Secondly, 2 his mercies are seen in [Page 7]breaking the power and strength of the enemies; By the blast of God they pe­rish; Job 4.9. and by the breath of his Nostrils are they consumed: therefore with confi­dence David saith; for lo thy enemies, Psal. 92.9. ô Lord, for lo thy enemies shall perish, all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.

When the Lord our God shall send the rod of his strength out of Sion, Psa. 111.2 and rule in the midst of our enemies, then there is cause of loud praises to God for this his mercy.

When God expresseth his mercies to a people in suppressing the power and pride of their enemies, this calls for loud praises.

Ʋse. 1 To reprove these whose eyes are fill'd with envy, at the prosperitie and proceedings of Gods goodnesse to his people; such a spirit were San­ballat and Tobiah of, who were excce­dingly grieved, because God out of re­spect to the prosperity of his Church, had stirr'd up Nehemiah and others to be repairers of her breaches. that

2 To reprove those likewise man are the worse for Gods mercies, ife­sted to them in particular, or the [Page 8]whole Church in generall, it is a grie­vous thing that the more mercifull God is to us, the more undutifull and unthankfull wee are to him; never was more mercies requited with lesse pity, lesse obedience, lesse practicall praises.

Ʋse. 3 Let every one who hath tasted of Gods goodnesse, (and what man is there which hath not?) who is parta­ker of deliverances, and sees what great things God hath done for us, sing joyfull praises to him for it, and let this praising him be not with our lips only, but especially with our lives Now that you might be fit persons to sing songs of praises, & utter joyfull Hallelujah's to the Lord for his delive­rances, you must have these qualifica­tions following.

First, 1 we must become spirituall, and therefore we are admonished by the Apostle Paul, to bee filled with the Spirit, Ephes. 5.18, 19, 20. if wee will make melody in our hearts to the Lord.

Secondly, 2 we must become penitent, we cannot rightly praise him, till we are restored by repentance: David after [Page 9]he had fallen into those foure grosse sinnes, which hee calls presumptuous sinnes, hee presseth God with argu­ments to give him repentance that his mouth may be opened to praise him. Psal. 51.12, 13.

3 Thirdly, we must become just men, upright men, such that walk upright­ly in their conversations, that walk as in Gods presence, all their actions to God, to man, are done as in the pre­sence of the pure and piercing eyes of the Almighty. Therefore David with confidence sayes, Surely the righ­teous shall give thanks unto thy Name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence, Psalme 140.13.

4 Wee must become Covenant-kee­pers; those religious Vowes which we have made to God in times of trou­bles, and dayes of dangers, must be performed: Offer to God thanks-giving, and pay thy vowes to the most High, Psal. 65.1. Psal. 50.14.

Those that are adorned with these properties may be fit persons for the performance of this dayes duty.

But I feare I have held you too [Page 10]long in the Suburbs of this my unlesse I could promise you the sight of a better City, such that were of curious building, and at unity in it selfe, at least look upon it, enter into it, and God grant it may enter into all our hearts.

My Text is a straine of Judah's joyfull Song for Gods bringing them backe from Captivity, and wee may seasonably make it this day ours; if we apply the next Verse to the Text,V. 12. to our times. For, the Lord hath ordai­ned peace for us, and hath wrought all our works in us. Therefore my desires are, that the God of heaven would give me a tongue of praise, and thanksgi­ving to sing this straine to you; and you hearing ears to understand it, and all of us thankfull hearts to em­brace it.

I pray God my Sermon may be as profitable as it is seasonable.

My Text seems to bee a complaint of the Prophet against a blinde, sha­med and envious enemy, who till the fire of Gods wrath bee destroying them, will not see Gods hand lifted up against them.

Lord when thy hand is lifted up, they will not see; but they shall see, and be a­shamed, for the envie of the people; yea, the fire of the enemies shall devoure them.

The sense, and summe, of my Text is this, among many Expositors, I take this to be the truest:

Ad percutiendos impios elevare se­creto, Oleaster. ne ipsi eam videant nisi cum per­cutiuntur. Esa. 6.16.

Gods hand lifted up to smite the wicked secretly, and they perceive it not till Gods hand is on them, till they feele the very smart of it.

Aut excelsa est manus tua ad elevandos tuos, seu ad benefaciendum illis, sea melius ad eos liberandos, non videbunt eam nunc inimici eorum, sed postea videbunt eos liberatos, & invidebunt illis, quia non solum eos eripies, Esa. 66.5. sed inimicos consu­mes. Oleaster.

The scope of the Prophet is this, Lord thy hand hath been lifted up in much mercy to thy people, in bestow­ing many benefits on them in saving and delivering them. Thy hand hath been lifted up in justice upon thy e­nemies, but they will not see, i.e. thy [Page 12]hand of rescue, thy hand of revenge, thy hand of vengeance on them, they doe not take notice that it is thy hand, but they shall see the successe of thy lift-up hand, they shall see the hand of thy mercy towards thy peo­ple, they shall see the hand of thy Ju­stice towards themselves, and be asha­med when they shall perceive thy hand hath frustrated their hopes, and hath turned all their designes to nought, they shall be ashamed for the envy, the malice and bitternesse they have exprest in word and deed against any people, yea the fire of thine ene­mies shall devoure them.

1. There's a fire of Gods indigna­tion upon his people, but this is a try­ing fire, and not a consuming fire; this is a purging fire, and not a de­stroying fire; this is to purge Jeru­salem with the spirit of Burning, Esa. 4.4.

2. There's a fire of GOD from HEAVEN which consumes them, which falls upon the VVicked as upon a Company of Enemies, and this hee calls the fire of his [Page 13]enemies; with this he devoures them up as Stubble, and Briars, and Thornes. This seemes to be the mea­ning of the words; from which wee may gather these three naturall Do­ctrines.

Doct. 1 That there is a time when the Lords hand is lifted up.

Doct. 2 That when the Lords hand is lifted up, there are some that will not see it.

Doct. 3 That those that will not see Gods hand lifted up at first, shall feele it at last, with shame and confusion; for the fire of thine enemies shall devoure them.

Ordine quidque suo.

But first, of the former.

Doct. 1 That there is a time when the Lords hand is lifted up.

In handling hereof we shall use this Method to shew you,

First, How Gods hand is lifted up.

Secondly, When it is lifted up.

Thirdly, Why it is lifted up. And then wee shall labour to presse the practise of all by application.

How is Gods hand lifted up? 1. Quo­modo.

For the understanding hereof, we must know that hand applyed to God, signifieth,

1. Either Gods eternall & effectu­all purpose of things to be done, Acts 4.28. where the people of Israel are said to be gathered together, for to doe whatsoever Gods hand and his Counsell determined before to bee done.

2. Or Gods actuall power wor­king all things which be done accor­ding to his purpose. Therefore David saith,Ps. 118.16 The right hand of the Lord is exal­ted, the right hand of the Lord doth vali­antly. Solomon blesseth the Lord God of Israel, who hath with his hands fulfilled that which he spake with his mouth to his Father David, 2 Cron. 6.4. and the like in v. 15.

3. It signifies Gods blessing, pro­tection, and deliverance. Thou openest thy hand, and fillest them with good; it is the language of the Prophet David in Psalme 104.28.

[Page 15] 4. Likewise Gods heavy displea­sure manifested by punishing the wic­ked and chastising the godly.Judg. 2.11.15.

When the Children of Israel did evill in the sight of the Lord, and ser­ved Baalim, then whensoever they went out, the hand of the Lord was a­gainst them for evill.

David in his great strait desireth,2 Sam. 24. v. 14. rather to fall into the hand of God, then man, into Gods correcting hand, then mans cruell crushing hand; and gives the reason of it; for Gods mercies are great.

God hath blessing and protecting hands, correcting, and scourging hands, angry and revenging hands, to fall into these hands it is a fearefull thing.

I confesse Gods hand is in every worke, there's not a Sparrow that falls to the ground, but he hath a hand in it: but Gods lift up had ap­peares not in every thing; for the lift up hand of God, is some proper, and peculiar worke of God, wherein much of God is seene, and little of man.

[Page 16] 1. Which may bee either a worke of mercy; as when the Lord brought backe Judah's Captivity, was a work of mercy; the subduing our enemies, and freeing us from their slavery, was a work of Gods mercy, wherein his lift-up hand appeared.

2. Or Gods lift-up hand may ap­peare in a worke of justice, when God thereby brings down them that dwell on high, as in verse 5. of this Chapter, when God doth drive downe his peo­ples enemies, and manifests his wrath and vengeance on those that are his adversaries.

When is Gods hand thus lifted up? 2. Quan­do.

1. When his people are lifted up in praying, then is Gods hand lifted up in delivering, and protecting them: when we lift up the hands of fervent prayers, then God lifts up the hands of sweet mercies to his people. When Moses on the hill lift up his hands, then Gods were lifted up, and Israel prevailed; but when Moses grew weary, and let them downe, Gods [Page 17]were so, and then Amalek prevailed.

When Gods people make a great noyse at heaven gates.

When God can have no rest night nor day for them,Esa. 62.7. when they will not keep silence.

When with a Jacob-like importu­nity they wrastle with God, lay vio­lent hands on him, (if I might say so) and will not let him goe, till hee have lift up the hand of favour for them; for God regardeth the prayers of the destitute, Psal. 102.17. and not de­spise their prayer.

When Gods enemies sinne with a high hand,2. Signe. then it's Gods time to lift up his hand against them.

When they lift up a high hand of finning against God, he lifts up a heavy hand of vengeance against them, when their sinnes are come to their full height, and come to their growth, and full ripenesse and matu­rity.

When they sinne daringly, pre­sumptuously, malitiously: when they commit sinnes of bloud and blasphe­mies, as if they would dare the [Page 18]God of Heavens to doe his worst.

Then God can endure no longer, hee can suffer no longer this at their hands, Shall not I visit for these things, saith the Lord? Ps. 68.21. God shall wound the head of his enemies: and the hairy Scalpe of such a one as goeth on stil in his trespasses.

Signe. 3 God lifts up his hand of Provi­dence, power, protection for his peo­ple, when hee sees his people hear­tily lifting up their thankes in a Covenant with their God, for refor­ming their waies; 2 Chron. 15.12, 13, 14. when Judah and many of Israel had entred into a Covenant to seeke the Lord God of their Fathers, with all their heart,V. 12. and with all their soul.

That whosoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel should bee put to death, V. 13. whether small or great, whether man or woman. V. 14. And they sware unto the Lord with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with Trumpets, and with Cornets.

And all Judah rejoyced at the Oath; V. 15. for they had sworne with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire, and he was found of them, and the Lord gave them rest round about.

Asa and Judah's times were like these of ours, there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in; for Nation was destroyed of Nation, and City of City, and God did vexe them with all adversity; but other they entred into Covenant to seek the God of their Fathers, with all their hearts and soule: the Lords hand was lifted up for them, and gave them rest round about, rest from feares, rest from troubles, from war, and adversity: For there was no more war unto the five and thirtieth yeare of the Reigne of Asa. V. 19.

Signe. 4 When Gods enemies lift up a hand of rage and bloud, in wrath and fu­ry against the Church and peo­ple of God: then God lifts up the hand of his Justice upon them, of re­scue and revenge: when they shew themselves most malicious, then God shewes himselfe most gracious, and mercifull to his people, by the lift-up hand of his Justice, and judgements upon their enemies; when they come to a height of cruelty of burning, and depopulating, then is Gods time [Page 20]to act his part; what saith God, will they plunder, and burne, and destroy all before them, and thus use my peo­ple before my face, and shall I lift not my hand against them, but sit still and let them alone? When David saw the enemy in this fury and madnesse, see what arguments hee useth to move God, to lift up his hand against them, Psalme 74.10. Oh God, how long shall the adversary reproach, shall the enemy blaspheme thy Name for ever? why with­drawest thou thy hand? plucke it out of thy bosome.

And when God sees the wrath of wicked men break forth into blasphe­mies and cruelties, and heares the im­portunate arguments of his people, to stretch out his hand against them; then he cannot let them alone long. The enemy said, Exo. 15. V. 9. I will pursue, I will over­take, I will divide the spoyle, my lust shall be satisfied upon them: I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.

Thou didst blow with thy winde, the Sea covered them, V. 10. they sank as lead in the mighty waters.

Who is like unto thee, V. 11. oh Lord, amongst [Page 21]the Gods, who is like thee glorious in ho­linesse, fearefull in prayses, doing won­ders?

Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, V. 12. the earth swallowed him.

Quare 3 Why, or wherefore is Gods hand lift up?

Reason 1 In regard of Gods tender affecti­on towards his people, and that neare relation between him and his peo­ple. Therefore it is, that he takes a time to lift up his hand for them.

He is their God, Father, Husband, Master, Head; they his People, Chil­dren, Spouse, Servants, Members: Now what is done to any of his, hee takes it as done to himselfe. He that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye, Zech. 2.8. The eye is tender, and will not suffer to bee por'd at, and what hurt is done to the eye is pre­sently at the heart, and the tongue complaines. Saul, Saul, why persecu­rest thou me? was our Saviours words; Christ was in heaven, and Saul on earth, yet Saul could not tread on the [Page 22]least Toe of Christs, hee could not persecute the meanest Member of Christ, but he was sensible of it. Chri­stus loquitur, Christus patitur, quia in Corpore Christi, Christus est.

He speakes because he suffers; he is in all his Members: so that though he be free from passion, hee is full of compassion, in regard of that affection he hath to his people: in a word, wicked men cannot hate the godly, but God must needs be sensible of it: They cannot lift up their hands a­gainst them, but they will bee found fighters against God, and God hath a time to reckon with them; hee will take a time to lift up his hand against them, that lift up their hands against his people; in regard of that tender affection hee beares to his people, and that neare relation that is be­twixt him and them: And this is the first Reason.

Reas. 2 The Lords hand is lifted up for his people; because their hands are lifted up for the Lord.

They are ingaged in Gods quar­rells, and interested in Christs cause. [Page 23]The Lord usually takes their parts that takes his, and will not suffer the Rod of the wicked to rest al­wayes on the backs of those that are righteous in his eyes, hee beholds their sufferings, and will not suffer them to suffer long. Can God (who is rich in mercy, full of mercy) see his Servants, his Sonnes and Daugh­ters smitten down to the ground, and stand by, and not take their parts, and right their wrongs, and revenge their quarrell? and if God owne us, and stand for us, wee need not feare who comes against us; if wee get but him on our side, wee need not feare the fraud and force of the most subtile and strongest enemies.

Reas. 3 Gods hand of Justice is lifted up a­gainst the enemies of Gods Church and people, those that envy them, and rise up against them, because they are the disturbers of their peace, and hin­derers of their prosperity.

Whilst Gods hand lets them alone, they are as thornes in their eyes, and therefore the fire of his enemies doth devoure them.

If God should let his hand rest in his bosome still, and seeme to sleepe still: then the Jesuites, and Papists, and Atheists, and all the Devills in­struments would make most mise­rable havock in the Church of God, how would they persecute, and de­stroy, and teare in pieces the people of God, as so many Beares, and Ly­ons, and Wolves, and Tigers? These wild Boares would speedily root up the prosperous estate of the Church of God.

But God who loves his Church with his lift up hand breakes their power and strength, that thereby his Church might have rest, and quiet­nesse. When the host of Sisera fell up­on the edge of the sword, then there was rest round about, which was good ground for Deborah to sing, So let all thine enemies perish, oh Lord, Judg. 5. last verse.

Till the Besome of destruction sweeps these Church and State troub­lers out of the Land, wee must never look for peace.

Davids Prayer might seasonably be [Page 25]inserted here, out of Psalme 104.35. Let the sinner bee consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more.

Ʋse. 1 1. Since there is a time, when Gods hand is lift up for his people, then let us examine, whether Gods hand hath been lift up for us.

Certainly every eye that is not blind may see wee have had Gods hand lift up for us, in the great works and tur­nings of these times.

Let our reasons speak, and Re­ligion be silent, this last yeare hath been mirabilis ille annus, the yeare of Gods wonders; hath not the pro­ceedings of every week, spoke won­der-working God?

1. Was it not the lift-up hand of God that gathered this pious Parlia­ment together at first, and hath pre­serv'd them together to this moment of time?

2. Who was it that could discover so many secret, Antichristian, subtile, DiabolicallFor they were hatcht in hell, before they were acted on earth. Plots against both Hou­ses of Parliament, since they first be­gan, but the lift-up hand of God?

[Page 26] 3. Who is it that could cause an Army to stand for Englands Parlia­ment, Englands Laws, Englands Religi­on, when there was but a handfull, but a remnant in comparison of the whole peece and people of the Land?

4. Who was it that hath cleared our County, and driven out our ene­mies, broken their power, abated their pride, and put them to shame & confusion that mocked us, and rose up against us, was it not the lift-up hand of God?

If so much of God hath been seene in the work, then the work is Gods: And as Moses said to Israel, so say I to England, Deut. 4.32 Aske from the one side of Heaven to the other, whether there hath beene any such thing as this great thing is, or hath been heard like it.

I shall not now lead you abroad to behold a sight of the lift-up hand of God, protecting, and prospering our Armies both by Sea and Land; but I shall keep me within the Con­fines of this County.

1. Looke back into the Infancy of these bloudy times by our unnatu­rall [Page 27]wars, and consider the unskilful­nesse of Commanders and Souldiers, being bread in a Land of peace, and were ignorant in the policies and stratagems of Warres: but Gods lift-up hand, which put the worke into their hands, put skil into their hands, and courage into their hearts, at the very first assault of Manchester, at which time there appeared such mirth and majesty, in our Souldiers, such valour and courage in their counte­nances, and all their actions, that it did speak aloud to me, that God was with them, and his lift-up hand for them.

2. Look upon the number of our Souldiers at that time, not above five hundred fire-men; against thousands that came against that then naked and unfortfied Towne of Manchester, yet prevailed not, but were driven backe with losse and shame, and would not see Gods lift-up hand against them, though he caused the heavens at that time to weep for them, who could not weep for themselves.

3. Look upon the little Elbow-roome, [Page 28]wee then had in the County; for when Gods lift-up hand had ap­peared gloriously in Saltford Hun­dred, Blackebourne Hundred was the onely other Hundred in the Countie that was most forward, and next ap­peared in the same cause; then our Enemies commanded all the Castles in the County, had foure Garri­sons for one, four parts of the Coun­ty to command two parts, and could command as many adjacent Coun­ties for their assistance. And was it not Gods lift-up hand which hath driven them out of all?

Look upon their many meanes; and advantages; they had many roa­ring, thundering, terrifying Can­nons, we but one small Peece:Mr. An­geer. one said well of them, theirs did but play, but did no worke; whilst the lift-up hand of the God of the Seas was working with the Windes to bring a Dunkirke ship, a man of War, that came from Spaine, furnished with one and twenty Peeces of Brasse and Iron Ordnance fit to sup­ply our present wants, and to carry [Page 29]them soTwire­foot. neare our strongest Ca­stle, which had no Cannon at all: was not this Digitus Dei, pointing at the place where they should bee pla­ced?

5. And shall wee not remember the hand of GOD, in preserving the Castle of LANCASTER, af­ter the Cannons were hastily con­veyed thither; the envy of our E­nemies was presently encreased, and therefore with much fury, and with all their Forces, came against the Towne and Castle, and were so hot that they quickly fired the Towne, and thought thereby to have fired or frighted us out of the Castle, and so have gained that which Gods hand had lately given unto us. Yet unwilling to fight with our For­ces that came to relieve us, fearing thereby they should lose their Plun­der wherewith they were loaden, re­treated, and took the opportunity to prevaile against Preston, which suc­cesses surprised the spirits, and discou­raged the hearts of the chief Comman­ders in the Castle, that they thought [Page 30]the safest way for themselves was to march towards Manchester, and quit the Castle. And when souldiers were left discontented, and without Com­manders here, yet did Gods hand ap­peare in moving their hearts to de­fend that place, and those Canons, which Gods providence had given unto them. Might I speak out with­out offence, or without the censure of arrogating any thing to my selfe, I am confident, I could cause every Christian present to confesse, that at this time the Lords hand was mighti­ly lifted up for us.

6. Lastly, look upon their persons, as well as their actions, who rose up against us, (who were weake and an unworthy people of any protection from God) they were Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen of great personage, whose personages were promoted to great places, whose places were of great power: but now where are the persons, where are their places, where is their power? all vanished: by this time they may bee ashamed for their envy at us, & for firing our habitati­ons, [Page 31]the fire of Gods enemies hath met with them, and destroyed many of them. For, Lord, when thy hand was lifted up they would not see: but they shall see, and be ashamed for their envy of the people, yea, the fire of thine ene­mies shall devoure them.

Thus much for the first Use, being a Use of examination.

Secondly, suffer a word of Exhor­tation.

Is Gods hand lifted up for us? hath he extended the lift-up hand of mercy to us?

Ʋse. 2 Then let us be lifted up in duties to our God: shall God do all this for us, and shall we doe nothing for our God? Hath hee performed his pro­mises to us, and lift up the hand of his providence for us? let us then la­bour to performe our duties to God. I might herein urge lex talionis, the Law of taliation, which will re­quire the discharging of our duties to God, answerable to the measure of mercies received from God. Thus in generall, but that I might not speak confusedly, and unprofitably, I shall [Page 32]digest this Exhortation into these foure branches, for your better re­membrance.

The duties are these foure, which I urge.

• 1. Lift up your Confidence in God.
• 2. Lift up your Courage for God.
• 3. Lift up your Prayers to God.
• 4. Lift up your Praises of God.

Duty. 1 The first Duty I presse you to is Confidence in God; we have experi­ence of him, let us put more confi­dence in him, and trust in him and to him. We have had plaine experience of his providence towards us, his mercies to us, his power for us. Lift up the hand of Faith, now God hath lift up the hand of favour to us; what a shame is it for us Christians, not to trust God further then wee see him? most of us could not believe, that God would lift up his hand for us, till they saw what his hand had mightily brought to passe for us.

We will beleeve in, and put trust to man, and shall we not fix our faith [Page 33]on God? wee will say of man, he is my old friend, and hee never deceiv'd me, I dare trust to him, he hath pro­mised me, and I am sure he will not deceive me: and tell me, what man can be found, or ever was heard of, that could say, I have trusted in God, and he deceived me? hath God pro­mised thee protection, and shall hee not performe it? hath he said it, It is easier for heaven and earth to passe, Luk 16.17. e then that one little of his Word should faile. 1 Kings 8.56. And what the Lord said to his Ser­vant Joshua, he seems to speak to all his faithfull people, Josh. 1.5. I will be with thee, I will not faile thee nor for­sake thee.

It is a sad thing, that though Gods promises have been made good in his providence to us, he hath performed his word in his works; yet our faith is so weak, that it is not able to carry us from one County to another; nay from one Towne to another, from one miracle to another, his hand is not weakned, nor arme shortned, but it may, it can, it will help another County as well as this. Let Davids [Page 34]arguments move you to put your con­fidence in God, Psalme 37.3. Trust in the Lord and doe good; so shalt thou dwell in the Land, and verily thoushalt be fed: and look the last Verse, see how hee heapes up arguments in few words to urge and force us to trust in God; for the Lord shall helpe them and deliver them: V. 40. he shall deliver them from the wic­ked and save them, because they trust in him.

I'le say no more of this, but with the same Prophet, They that know thy Name will put their trust in thee; for thou Lord hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Psalme 9.10.

Since God hath not forsaken us, but, we must confesse, hath lift up his hand for us, let us make it appeare to the world that wee know him, by putting confidence in him; which is the first duty required of us.

Duty. 2 Lift up your courage and resoluti­ons for God, for Gods hand is lifted up for us in our deliverance and pre­servation.

Shall our Spirits be downe, when [Page 35]God is up for us? It's a shame that so great and mighty a cause, which is prosperously carryed on by the high God, should bee managed with such poore low spirited men as we are: a good cause, and a good courage should alwayes be companions.

• 1. This is Gods precept.
• 2. This is his peoples practice.

For the first see Josh. 1.9. Have not I commanded thee, be strong and of a good courage, be not afraid, neither be thou dis­mayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee, whithersoever thou goest? Deut. 31.6 Consider Christians who are our enemies that wee should feare them, since we see Gods hand is against them. Why should one feare them that feare not God? they have lifted up their hands against God, therefore Gods hand is lifted up against their power, plots, policies, and all their preparations.

2. This is Gods people practice. Neh. 6.11. When Sanballat and To­biah, (both grand enemies to Refor­mation) practised by craft, by rumors, by hired Prophesies to terrifie Nehe­miah, and hinder his good worke of [Page 36]Reformation, yet lifts up his courage; Shall such a man as I flee? As if he had said; shall such a man as I, who have so many promises made to me by my God, I that have so many experiences of Gods providences, I that have seen so often times Gods hand lifted up for me, shall I flee? I will not.

When the children of Ammon and the Syrians came against Israel, David puts on courage, and encourageth the people; Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the Cities of our God: and the Lord doe that which seemeth him good, 2 Samuel 10.12.

That Ironicall speech of the Pro­phet Isaiah is very pregnant to this place, Isa. 8.9, 10. Associate your selves, ô yee people, V. 10. and yee shall bee broken in pieces, and give eare all yee of far Coun­treyes; Gird your selves, and yee shall bee broken in pieces: gird your selves, and ye shall be broken in pieces, take counsell to­gether, and it shall come to nought: speak the word and it shall not stand, for God is with us. Is it not manifest God is with us, by his hand lifted up for [Page 37]us? Therefore let our courage be lifted up for God; which is the second duty required of us.

Duty. 3 Let us lift up our hands, and hearts to God in Prayers: for our God hath his hands lifted up for us in his Pro­vidences, hee hath heard our Prayers, and granted our requests, let us bee encouraged to pray continually. I am perswaded that prayers have done as much as weapons in subduing our e­nemies: The Churches prayers have been as prevalent as our Souldiers Swords.

The praying people in the Land have done best service in the cause of God.

Worthy Commanders, I confesse you have done couragiously, and deserve much for your fidelity and magnani­mity, but assume nothing to your selves, but ascribe all to the lift-up hand of God.

Valiant Souldiers, I confesse you have plaid the men for your Country, and the Cities of our God, but take nothing to yourselves, though you [Page 38]deserve much; but give all to the lift-up hand of God; and let all our hands and hearts bee lifted up to God in prayers, who hath lifted up his hand for us in Providences.

Prayers are powerfull with God, able to bring the promises of God in­to gracious performances.

Prayers have a power to undermine all the plots, and break in pieces the power of our enemies;Esth. 4.16. Esther, Morde­cai, and the Jewes prayed, and they prayed Hamans Plot to confusion,Esth. 7.10. and his person to the Gallowes.

Let us therefore with a Jacob-like importunity wrastle with God in Prayer, and resolve not to let him go, till he blesse us with the perfecting of all our works in us, and for us.

Let us keep no silence; let the Lord have not an houres rest, till hee have given rest to England, and deliverance out of all her troubles.

What the Prophet spake to Gods Remembrancers,Esa. 62.6. his Messengers, I speak to all my hearers; Never hold your peace day nor night, keep not silence, give the Lord no rest till he establish, and [Page 39]till he make our Jerusalem a praise in the earth.

This is the third Duty required of us.

Duty. 4 Let us bee lifted up in praises to God, for God is lifted up in provi­dences to us.

Let us lift up the voyce of praises to God, he hath done great things for us, whereof our hearts this day are glad; let us praise him for it with lift-up tongues, with lift-up hands, with lift-up hearts.

1. The tongue is made to inter­pret the meaning of the heart, the lips are the Trumpet, but it is the heart that gives it breath to sound out Gods praises; therefore David saith, With a loud voice will I praise thee, Psal. 48. and with the voice of triumph: let our tongues talke of Gods righteousnesse all the day long. Psal. 89.

2. The hands must play their parts in this dayes duty, or else our pray­ses are spoiled: praising God in words is little worth, without we praise him in our works.

Therefore the Jewes when they [Page 40]dedicated dayes of thankesgiving to God,Est. 9.22. gave gifts to the poor.

3. Let our hearts be chiefe in dis­charging this dayes duty, make melo­dy in your hearts to the Lord this day, for if our hearts be not in tune, we shall make no harmony in Gods eares this day, it must be homo cordis, the man of the heart, that must make us thankful men: when wee are about this duty, let our resolutions be that of Davids, I will praise thee with my whole heart, Psal. 138.1.

Let us not only this day performe this duty, but let our lives al the days of our life praise God, which is the life of praises: it is a poore praising of God with our lips, when our lives dispraise our God. Gods hand is lifted up in multiplying his mercies upon us. God enable us to multiply our duties to God, by trusting in him, being couragious for him, praying to him, praysing of him.

I have dwelt long on this first Do­ctrine, but shall therefore bee very briefe on the next.

Doct. 2 That when the Lords hand is lifted up, [Page 41] there are some that will not see it. They see by the eye of sence and reason; but not as it is the hand of God, they may see the worke, but they know not it to be the worke of God. The Lord labours by the Prophet Isaiah to convince the people,Esa. 48.6, 7, 8. of their fore­known obstinacie, in these words.

Thou hast heard, see all this: and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.

Yea thou heardest not, V. 8. yea thou knewest not, yea from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldst deale very treacherously, and was called a transgressor from the womb.

But we shall lay you downe briefly some grounds of this Doctrine.

Reas. 1 Why some will not see the Lords Lift-up hand; because they want a spirituall eye: for the things of God are spiritually discerned. A carnall man cannot discern Gods hand, hee cannot perceive the passages of Gods providence,1 Cor. 2. v. 14. he is blind in things of God. He may be quicke sighted in na­turall things, but as blinde as a beetle [Page 42]in spirituall things;V. 15. for he that is spiri­tuall discerneth all things.

Reas. 2 This may bee in respect of God, withdrawing the spirituall sense of discerning the wayes of his providen­ces, and judgements. God may deny it to many.

What Moses said of many in Israel, I may say of many in England.

Ye have seen all that the Lord did be­fore your eyes in the Land of Egypt unto Pharaoh,Deut. 29.2 4. and unto all his servants, and unto all his land.

The great temptations which thine eyes have seen, the signes, and those great Mi­racles: yet the Lord hath not given you a heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and eares to heare unto this day.

Because God in his just judgement may give them over to the God of this world,3. Reas. that Prince of darknesse, to be blinded to their destruction: of such the Apostle Paul speaks,Eph. 2.2. which were amongst the Ephesians, who wal­ked according to the course of this world, according to the Prince of the power of the aire, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. So that they [Page 43](in a just judgment) are blinded, that they cannot discerne the wayes of God. Of all judgements these spiri­rituall judgements are heaviest, and this judgement is mentioned by the Apostle Paul, Rom. 9. v. 8. according as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber; eyes that they should not see, and eares that they should not hear un­to this day. The Apostle here hath re­ference to the Prophet Isaiah his pro­phesie of the obstinacy of the people unto their desolation. And he said,Esa. 6.9, 10. Goe and tell this people, Heare ye indeed, but understand not: and see yee indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this peo­ple fat, and make their eares heavy, and shut their eyes, lest they see with their eyes, and heare with their eares, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be hea­led.

The Lord open our eyes, and boare our eares, and touch our hearts, with his gracious Spirit, that wee may never fall into these worst of his judg­ments.

Ʋse. 1 This informes us of a blinde gene­ration in the world who cannot see, [Page 44]and will not see Gods hand lifted up, that will not take notice what God is doing in England.

They are a churlish dogged peo­ple, that bark and snarle at the works of God, that speake the language of Sanballat and Tobiah, Neb. 4.2, 3. What doe these feeble Jewes do? will they forti­fie themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heapes of the rubbish which are burnt? So these say, What wil these brain-sick Puritanes, and Round-heads doe? will they presently build a new Religion, will they have a new Discipline? &c.

It's these our blind Britaines, which makes our Parliament Worthies stand in Nehemiah's posture, working, con­sulting with the one hand, and hol­ding their weapons in the other.

Ʋse. 2 These wilfull blinde miserable men being discovered to you, in the next place I might thunder terrour to them, that oppose the hand of God lifted up for the Churches cause.

Wilt thou goe on to fight against God now his hand is lift up against [Page 45]thee? thou wouldst bee ashamed, if thou didst perceive and understand what thou art doing; thou layest a­bout thee, and knowest not who thou smitest; thou knowest not what thou dost. If God in mercy would open thine eyes, thou wouldst see & plain­ly perceive, that thou art opposing Gods worke, that thou hast lifted up thy hand against God, and buffeted him, and wounded through the sides of his servants, God himselfe. Couldst thou see this, thou wouldst be asha­med. Did Pharaoh see that none of his devices prospered against Israel, and that hee could not worke wisely e­nough to destroy them: Did hee see that the more violent hee was, the more God took their part, and fol­lowed him with Plagues, so that his servants askt him,Exo. 10.7. If hee would see all Egypt destroyed before hee would let them goe; yet he would not see, but runnes on in mischiefe, till the fire of Gods enemies had devoured him.

Ʋse. 3 Suffer a word of Exhortati­on, and then I shall close: it lookes (beloved) on you whose eyes have [Page 46]seen the great things God hath done for these parts, how mercifully Gods hand hath been lifted up for this County: You ought now to blesse God that you have eyes, that have seen; oh blesse God that you were not blinded to your owne destruction: therefore now learn to feare the Lord, & serve him with all your hearts, all your dayes. It's the lift-up hand of God that hath crowned this poore County with his blessings, in inlar­ging the borders of our tranquillity; so that as Moses said of Israel, so may I say of Lancashire, Happy art thou, oh LANCASHIRE,Deu. 33.29 who is like unto thee, ô people, saved by the Lord, the shield of thy helpe, and who is the sword of thy excellency? and thine enemies shall bee found lyars unto thee, and thou shalt tread upon their high places.

We must all of us confesse with the Prophet David, Psal. 40.5. That many are the won­derfull workes which God hath done for us; and his thoughts which are to us wards, they cannot be reckoned up in order: If I would declare and speak of them, they are more then can bee numbred. So that I [Page 47]must conclude this Text at this time with Samuels counsell, 2 Sam. 12.14. Onely feare the Lord, and serve him in truth, with all your heart, for consider how great things hee hath done for you: Which counsell (if it please God to give us grace to follow it) will bee a meanes to move God to lift up the hand of his Protection over us, and destruction upon our enemies: and bring them to shame that envy us, and cause the fire of his enemies to devoure them.