The words of the Text follows .

THis Psalm seems to have been penned by some of the Priests , or the Levitical Singers , in the time of the Babylonish Captivity , it being their Office to sing Psalms , and Songs of praise unto God with the voice , and to play on Instruments of musick , to his praise , as ye will see it , 1 Chron . 25 , and something like this of Singing , and using of Harps you have here in the 2 , and 3. verses of this Psalm .

In the first six Verses , you have an account , of the condition and state , they , an● the people of God were in , at this time , and how they were affected therewith ; Where were they ? in Babylon , and Captivity there : and as in the first verse , Sitting by the rivers of Caldea , where there were many , By the rivers of Babylon , there we sat down ; and how are they affected ? why , they weeped , and this grief was ●ot so much , for their own privat particular distress , as on the account of the desolation of the Church , and of the ruine of the State ; It was , when they remembred Zion , in the first verse , and remembred Jerusalem in the 5 , and 6 verses . Yea , so much were they taken up with this , That when they that had carried them away captives , desired them to sing the songs which they used to sing in their own Land , ( whether in mockage , or out of curiosity , I shall not debate ) Yet those good persons , could not admit a thought of joyful songs , in a time , when Jerusalem and Zion was in such distress : They had such an abhorrence , at any thing like mirth at such a time , that they ingenuously , and with great seriousness profess , That ere they forget Jerusalem with its distress , they would rather chuse never to sing with their Tongue , or play with their hand while they live , Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth , and my right hand forget her cunning : Yea so much are they taken up with the welfare of Jerusalem and Zion , that , if it did not fare well with Jerusalem , they valued no joy , they rather wish such things to themselves , ere they forget her , whose welfare they count above their chief joy ; If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy . These last words of verse 6. which I have chosen , for the ground of my following Exhortation , they describe to us , the disposition and temper of a gracious heart , what is that ? They prefer the publick good , the welfare of Church and State , above their own interest , If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy , Let me never have skill or ability to sing or play any more .

These words will be plain , if I shew you , what is meant by Jerusalem ; and what by preferring Jerusalem , to our chief joy . And how shall we better understand what is meaned by Jerusalem , than by a reflection on Psalm 122. where there is a description of this Jerusalem , there is the House of the Lord , verses 1 , 9. The place whither the Tribes go up , to the Testimony of Israel , verse 4. It is then the place of the publick worship . Jerusalem is also the place , where the thrones of Judgment are set , even the thrones of the house of David , verse 5. The seat of publick Justice , Therefore , I may well conclude , That by Jerusalem is meant here , both Church and State , the Church of God where is his Worship , and State where Justice is administrat , this is it 's meant here by Jerusalem , if I prefer not the welfare of Jerusalem , i.e. Of the Church and State , above my chief joy , in the Hebrew , it is , the head of my joy , the highest and chiefest of my joy and comfort , of all my privat concerns and comforts , If I prefer not the publick good of Church and State , to the chiefest of these , let me never have any comfortable day any more .

From this we may learn and Observe , that it is the duty of all , and will be the practice of every good man , to prefer the publick good and welfare of Church and State , to their own privat interest , even to the highest of their privat Comforts ▪ Behold the frame of the people of God , in the Text , If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy , then let my right hand forget her cunning . Ere we do any thing that looks not like preferring of Jerusalem , to all our own privat concerns and comforts , we rather wish we never have a joyful or merry day after , If we prefer not Jerusalem ▪ above our chief joy , see this enjoyned and p●actised . Psal . 122. ver . 6. 7. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem , let them prosper that love thee , for my brethrens sake , I will now say , peace be within thee . Joel 2. 17. Let the priests , the Lord's ministers , weep betwixt the p●rch and the altar , and say , Spare thy people , and give not thy heretage to a reproach . And Jer . 51. 50. Remember the Lord afar off , and let Jerusalem come into your mind . O remember its state ; we will find this temper , and disposition of heart , has possest the Saints of God in all ages ; what an eminent height of it was in Moses , Exod . 32. 11 , 12 , 31 , 32. after the sin of the golden Calf , when the Lord threatens to destroy the people , on that account , how pleads he ? Lord , remember Abraham , Isaac and Jacob , the Egyptians will say , thou hast brought them out for a mischief , pardon this people , if not , blot me I pray thee , out of the book which thou hast written . What a height of a publick spirit was this ? and Nehemiah , though he had all the honour and comforts , the Court could afford , Neh . chap. 1. Yet he fasted and weeped , and took no comfort , so long as Jerusalems walls lay in rubbish , so much did this affect his heart , that the King could not but discern it in his countenance ; why art thou sad , said he ? and here is the cause , ( says he ) The place of my fathers Sepulchre , and the City of Jerusalem lies on heaps ; See it also in Jer . ch . 9. at the beginning , O that my head were waters , and my eyes a fountain of tears , that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people . And what a height of this frame , was in the holy Apostle Paul , Rom. 9. 1. I could even be content to be accursed from Christ for my kinsmen according to the flesh . Time would fail me , to tell you , of Joshua , Uriah and David , and of Daniel , of Mordecai and Esther , and others of the Saints , in former times ; but if we would search the Scriptures , every where ▪ we will find that the condition of Religion , of the Church of God and their Countrey , lay nearer the Saints hearts , than their own particular . Their hearts trembled , when it was in danger ; when it is reproached , it is a burden to them . If it be in distress , they mou●n , they mou●n for Zion and Jerusalem , Isai 66. 10. Rejoyce for Jerusalem , all ye that mourn mou'n for her . 1 Sam . 4. 13. Eli's heart trembled for the Ark of God . Zephan . 3. 18. The reproach of her was a burden . And when in distress , how fervent in Prayer are they ? Psal . 14 7 O that the salvation of God were come out of Zion , when the Lord bringeth back the captivity of his people , Jacob shall rejoyce , and Israel shall he glad . And Psal . 51. ver . 18. Do good in thy good pleasure to Zion , and build up the walls of Jerusalem . Psal . 25. 22. Redeem Israel , O God , out of all his troubles . And how restless are they in this ? Isai . 62 1 , 6 , 7. They will give him no rest , till he establish ●erusalem , and make it a praise in the earth ; So you see the truth of the Doctrine , and there is good reason for it .

First , The honour of God is concerned in it , more than any particular , and this is the great thing lyes near every good man's heart , God's honour . What wilt thou do to thy great Name ? How are they troubled in their hearts , when the Name of God is reproached ?

2ly . Every particular person , is but a member of the society of Church and State , and the part is for the whole , and what is for the good of the Society , their good is wrapt up in it ; they should mind the good of the whole , more than their own privat concern ; hence the Spirit resembles the Church to a Body , Rom. 12. and 1 Cor . ch . 12. Eph. 4. Shewing , If one member suffer , all the rest suffer with it ; so that all is for the Bodies good , and all Gifts are given for the advancing ▪ and edifying of the Body , we live not to our selves , neither die we to our selves , but for God , and serving him in the publick Good ; this much for the proof of the Doctrine .

For Application I might , 1st . Take occasion to lament how little of this publick Spirit is to be seen among us ? Ah! ah ! There is matter to renew that old Complaint , All seek their own things , but few the things of Christ , Phil . 2. 21. Which is contrair to that Precept , 1 Cor . 10. 14. Seek not every one their own things , but every one the things of another . Alas ! too many like that old fat Monk , of whom it is storied , that stroaking down his Breast and his Belly , said , Modo hic sit bene , providing it be well with himself , cared little how the World went about him ; so many care little how it go with Church or State , if it go well with their own particular ; O! but this argues a sordid frame of heart , that if it go well with themselves , and they prosper , they care little how it goes with others about them . Alas ! what a shameful sin is this , and a cause of much sin and wo , and a sin that seminally and causally contains most of other sins ; let us be humbled for it , and afterward beware of this , and that shall be the

2d . Use of Exhortation , and here I would with all possible seriousness commend two things to you . 1st . Beware of a narrow selfish Disposition . 2ly . I commend unto you , to labour for a publick frame of Spirit , that like these in the Text , ye may prefer Jerusalem above your chief Joy . 1st . Then beware of a selfish Disposition , that Self be neither your Principle nor End , I the rather urge this , with Earnestness , because First I see this a very common Sin , and yet a Sin we are hardly convinced of . First , Selfishness is the most common Sin in the World , look either to Church or State , to Magistrats or Ministers , to High or to Low , ye may discover much of the prevalent influence of Selfishness . This is matter of Lamentation , Yea , I think it is a sad Truth , that every Man and Woman among us , now since the Fall , is born with a Selfish inclination , and are not easily convinced of the sinfulness of it . Because God hath made Man with a natural love to Self , and made it as a fundamental Principle and Law of nature ; Therefore it is hard to make us sensible , when this love gets out of due subordination to the Love of God , and out of that due correlation , to that Love we ought to have to our Neighbour as our selves . This makes us we are not easily convinced of it , and so hardly recovered from it . Some are so intent on Gain and enlarging their Estates , without regard to Justice or Charity , as if their desire were , that they may place themselves alone on the Earth . Isa . 5. 8. Others so intent on their Honour , and rising in the world , that they care not though they rise by the Blood and Ruine of them that stand in their way ; yea , such is the Deceit of mens hearts in this matter , men may pretend the publick Good , when Self is at the bottom of all . Some will pretend they are for Peace , Order , and publick Good , when it is that they and theirs may possess the fat Benefices of the Church or State . Sometimes Men may pretend to the reforming of Abuses , rectifying or preventing . Disorders , when Envy and Discontent , the casting down others , and raising up themselves acteth them , yea , the honour of God may be pretended , when the exalting our selves and our own Party is designed ; Yea , Ministers , if they watch not , may be led to pray for Self , and preach for Self . This then being so common a Sin , how much need is there , to stir up all of you , to watch against a selfish dispofition .

2ly . I would the rather call to this because , as it is a Common , so it is a great and grievous Sin , a mother Sin ; I may say a selfish Disposition is much of the cause of all the Sin in the World , it is directly opposite to the love of God above all , and to the love of our Neighbour as our Selves , which is the sum of the Law . A man that is Selfish , can with no sincerity pray , Thy will be done , thy Kingdom come , for he exalts his own Interest , more than Gods , and his own Will above and against Gods : And this is the cause of much Iniquity in the World , and this being so great a Sin , and a mother Sin , O hate it , and beware of it !

3ly . This surely is a hurtful evil , hurtful to others , and hurtful to our selves , it is an Enemy to all Societies being contrair to the end of Societie , to wit , the common Good , for it seeks mens privat good above the common Good . And as it divides Interests , so it divides Affections , and makes divifions in the Church and State ; This is contrair to the Disposition and Temper that should be in the members of a Societie , who should be all animat by a common Spirit . There can be no promoting of publick Ends by a privat Selfish Spirit . We cannot promot the publick good without a publick Spirit . This is it which divideth all Societies ; this occasions all jealoufies between King and People , all emulations between Neighbour and Neighbour ; this occasions division in the State , and Schism in the Church , this is a great cause of Warr and Confusion , Fraud , and Oppression , and what a world of Mischief would Selfishness do , if Grace and divine Providence did not put a stop to it ?

4ly . It is hurtful to our selves , men lose themselves , by seeking themselves , with the neglect of the Common good . Men by their Selfishness , they certainly lose not only the peace of their own Mind , which they might have by doing Good , and aiming at the Publick Good , but set all others against them ; And when they divide Interests from all men , all men divide Interests from them , for this is their Principle , that neglect of the Publick , is the way to be best preserved , and the great Safety of their own particular . This is the sure way foolishly to ruine all ; As if when a House is in Fire , a man should think it enough it has not seised yet on my Chamber , or when a Ship is sinking to look only to our own Cabin and Goods , without care to stop the Common Lake , O let me beseech you to beware of this .

2ly . Let me beseech you ( Dearly Beloved ) labour for a Publick frame of Spirit , O imitat these Worthies in the Text , prefer Jerusalem to your Chief Joy , in your esteem , Desire , and Endeavour , prefer the Publick Good of Church and State , above all your privat Concerns , above all your personal & privat Comforts . Is not this a more excellent End , than Selfish Interest , even the pleasing and glorisying of God in the promoting the Publick Good ? O that I could prevail with you in this , it would surely be your great Advantage , and sure if either ye regard the Honour of God , or your own true Interest , you cannot say me nay , let me plead with you from these Reasons .

1st . The Honour of God is concerned in it . It 's more concerned in the publick good of Church and Sate than in your own personal Concern . And O but the Honour of God lyes nigh to the heart of every one that loveth God ; This is the end for which we were made .

2ly . Mind the Publick Good , more than your privat Interest , for this makes you like God and your Saviour Jesus Christ . God is always doing Good to the Evil and Unthankful . Christ Jesus from the Womb , to the Grave , by his Dying and Suffering teacher us this Lesson , even to mind others , and the Publick Good , He pleased not himself , Rom. 15. 3. Let the same Mind be therefore in you , which was in Christ Jesus , who made himself of no Reputation . Phil 2. 5 , 7. Who gave himself for the good of others , and humbled himself unto Death , even the Death of the Cross . v. 8.

3ly . O but the Advantage of this would be unspeakable , if all of us were brought to this Temper , to mind the Publick Good , more than our own . O how amiable a Creature would Man be ! and what a blessed Condition would the World be in ! and all Societies , Kingdoms , Cities and Churches be in , if Self were denyed , and every one minded the Common and publick Good , above their own privat and personal Interest ! This would prevent neglect of Duties , and doing of hurt to others , there would not be such a thing as Injustice , and Uncharitableness among men , Emulation , Srife and Envy ; no divided Interest , and so no divided Affection , no division in the State : No Jealousie between the Ruler and Ruled , if this were . If there were complication of Interests , there would be an Union of Affections : As we see in Husband and Wife , in Parents and Children . This were a good Policie in States-men , and next to Piety ●owards God , which leadeth to the uniting people to God , and to favour with him , wherein all our Happiness stands ; and indeed what ever the world think of it , it is the greatest Wisdom and Policie . Next I say to this , the greatest point of humane Policie for preservation of Common-wealths and Societies were , that the Governor and Governed have no divided Interest , so that the good or hurt of the one , is the good or hurt of the other , and there is no manner of hope , that the one of them shall thrive by the ruine of the other . Then they would willingly take one another for better and for worse , to stand and fall together . If the Politicians had the Skill and Will , to make such a complication of Interests , betwixt Soveraign and People , Ruler and Ruled , as the Wellfare and hurt of the one might depend on the wellfare and hurt of the other , and make it visible that all might understand it ; Certainly Kingdoms and Commonwealth , might be Immortal , till either the wrath of an offended God , or the power of a Forraign Enemy should dissolve them , for nothing within would do it , if Self did it not ; and Self will not do it where there is such Complication of Interests . O then study to be denied to Self , and to be of a publick frame of Spirit .

2ly . Consider this would be each one of our particular Advantage , the good of your Families and Posterity depends on the good of the Publick , your own Honour is concerned in this . Will you tell me , which of these two were a more desirable Inscription on a man's Tomb ? Here lyes a man that for his Selfish ends , did his out most to ruine both Chruch and State . Or here lies a Man that in all his Consultations aimed at the Publick Good : And beside the Peace , it would minister to mens Consciences in Life and Death , our own temporal Peace and Welfare is wrapped up in the publick Good . O! be like Mordecai . Esth. 10. 3. seeking allways the wealth of his people . And beware as Baruch . Jer . 45. 5. To seek great things for thy self .

4ly . If we neglect the Publick Good for our own particular Concerns , Heathens will rise up in Judgment against us and Condemn us . O what a love to their . Country did they shew ! I shall but give you two Instances out of Plutarch , ( See Plutarch's Politicks , page 39 , 40. in Octavo , ) the one is of Cretinas the Magnesian and Hermias , betwixt whom there was great Animosity , but in the time of the Mithridatick War , Cretinas says , let Hermias have the Government and I shall remove from the City , for I am afraid that Contention destroy the Commonwealth ; but if he will not , let him leave the Country and Government ; and Hermias accepts the Condition , and acknowledgeeth that Cretinas was the more Warlike , and fit for the Government , and so removed himself and his Family . The other instance is of Timesias Clazomenius , an excellent man , yet because he did inhance all the Government , he contracted the Envy and Hatred of the People , of which he was ignorant till one day , as he passed by some Children , who had catched a Bird in a Gin , and one of them bruising the Birds Head , crushed its Brains , the rest said to him , we wish thou had so bruised the Head of Timesias : the Children not knowing that Timesias was hearing them ; but he hearing them , began to consider in himself whence the hatred of the People had arisen , which was now in the Mouths of Children , and finding that his Government was unpleasing to them , immediatly he packs up all and resolves to leave the City and Country . This says Plutarch is a saying worthy of a noble Mind , Amo liberos , sed Patriam magis amo . I say , if we mind not publick Good , Heathens will rise up against us , and Condemn us . Ye may now ask , how shall we attain to this frame of Spirit , and secondly , what shall we do for the Publick Good . 1st . What shall I do to attain this publick frame of Spirit , that I may be of a temper , to prefer Jerusalem to my chief joy ? First , I beseech you , Sirs , meditat seriously on the Motives , I layed before before you , at this time , until you get suitable Affections and Resolutions raised in your Hearts , Consideration is a chief Mean to this .

2. Pray much to God for this Frame , he is the Giver of all good Gifts , he giveth liberally and upbraideth not , Ja. 1. v. 5 , 17.

3. Labour for more love to God , and love to your Neighbours ; if there were more Catholick Charly , more sincere love to God above all , and more Charity to our Neighbours , it would make us to seek more the Publck Good , than our own .

4. Eye the Example of the Lord Jesus , and his Saints and Servants , Heb . 12. 1 , 2. Mind these things seriously , and seek of God that he would work them in you .

Next you may ask , What shall we do for the Publick Good ? there are some things , that even the meanest , in their most privat Capacity , may do for the publick Good ; other things more incumbent to the Honourable Members of the High Court of Parliament , that they may do for the publick Good .

1 : Some things the meanest in their most privat Capacity may do for the publick Good . The meanest of all may , 1. Pray for the Publick , this is our Duty , Psal . 122. 6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem , peace be within thy walls and prosperity within thy palaces , pray for this ; this is it that all may do , and all ought to do , Isa . 62. 6 , 7. ye that make mention of the Lord , and are the Lord's remembrancers , give him no rest , keep no silence , till he make Jerusalem a praise on the earth . It 's God only that shakes Kingdoms and Churches , and God only can establish Kingdoms and Churches , and he cannot only Stablish , but make them a Praise again upon the Earth . O seek him that he would settle Church and State again , and seek it importunatly , the thing is weighty , and the time dangerous , and give him no rest , he loves a holy Impudence and Importunity in this , Luke 11. 8.

2. I recommend to you , Labour to be at peace with God , or else your Prayers will come no speed , Job 22. 21. Acquaint thy self with God , and be at peace , and so shall good come unto thee : O , peace with God quiets all , tranquillus Dei tranquillat omnia . Job 34. 29. If he give quietness , who then can make trouble ? O therefore make peace with God , this all of us should endeavour after .

3. I recommend to you for the publick Good , turn away every one of you from that which may obstruct the publick Good , every one of you adds Fewel to the Fire , to the common Fire . Remember to turn from your Provocations , your iniquities separat between you and your God , your sins hides his face from you , Isa . 59. 2. your iniquities turns away good things from you , Jer . 5. 25. Therefore turn every one of you from the evil of your way , away with Pride and Vanity , away with Unrighteouness and Ungodliness , away with Filthiness and Drukenness , with Injustice and Oppression , and so iniquity shall not be your ruine .

4. I beseech these in the most privat Capacity , Labour what ye can to get these things that contribute for the Establishing and Settlement of Church and State ; and what is that ? even Righteousness and Holiness : Prov. 14. 34. Righteousness exalteth a nation , but sin is a reproach to any people . Holiness , Mercy and Truth , Righteousness and Meekness , Love , Charity and Justice . Isa . 33. 6. Wisdom and strength is the stability of thy times ; and these are the things that tends to publick Good , and therefore seek after them ; and above all these things , put on charity which is the bond of perfectness , Col. 3. 14. Follow peace , and love all men , especially these of the Houshold of Faith .

Now these things , persons in the meanest Capacity may do . And I would humbly offer in the next place , some things to the Honourable Members of the High Court of Parliament , as more especially incumbent to them , in such a Case as this . And if any should ask , who are you that should give Advice to so high and honourable a Court . I humbly acknowledge my own meanness and unfitness for this Work , and would gladly have declined it if I could , but whatever my meanness be , I am a Servant of a great Master , before whom the greatest on Earth are but as Grashopers ; and if I have Warrand from him to speak , I must not forbear , for fear of you , least he confound me before you , but I hope , I shall deliver nothing , but what is agreeable to his Word , and with all due Humility .

And 1st . I recommend to you to be at peace among your selves , and study to unite in sincere Aims and Endeavours , for the publick Good of Church and State . This is the great thing needful in this matter . It is storied of Themistocles and Aristides the Athenians , when sent upon a publick Work , they agreed well , notwithstanding of any privat Animofitie that was betwixt them . Come says Aristides , let us lay aside our Differences , and leave them upon the Borders of the Athenians , tho we should be necessitat to take them up again , when the Work is done . O lay aside Differences , and remember our Saviour's word , Matth . 12. 25. Every Kingdom divided against it self , shall be brought to Desolation ; this is your Adversaries great Strength , therefore take heed of this ; I think Protestants , when Difference grows , should be jealous , least the Church of Rome have a Hand in this Matter , for Divide & Impera , is her Maxime . But surely to Unite in Common Good , is the great Duty of all .

The Second thing I recommend to you . O study by your Example and Authority , to Disgrace and Suppress all Debauchery and Impiety in the Countrie and Armies , remember that Word , 1 Sam . 2. 30. Him that honoureth me I will honour , and he that despiseth me shall be lightly esteemed . Remember it , it 's not enough to profess a Zeal against Arbitrariness in the State , or Popery in the Church , if we continue by Debauchery and Impiety to prophane our Holy Religion ; this is no less offensive to God than Popery ; God expects from us reformation of our Hearts and Lives , that as we profess a more Holy Religion than others , so we may lead more holy Lives , else we cannot expect God will be with us ; but our Sins will provoke God to repent of the Good he thought to have to done , and to return to do us evil after he has done us good , Jer . 18. 10. & Josh . 23. 15. our Sin will be the greater , and the judgment the more heavy , that it is after so wonderful a Revolution : And no Wisdom or Strength will keep off Wrath , if we go on in Sin . Ezra . 9. 14. And there is nothing feareth me more than that : Alas we are not reformed and become better , by all that God hath done . Isa . 9. 13 , 14. Bestir your selves , noble Patriots , O studie by your own Example to disgrace the hatefull Sins of Cursing and Swearing , of Filthiness and Drunkenness , of Pride and of Oppression , and all Injustice , and endeavour to suppress these and such like Sins , as by a due Execution of Laws made , so by a Supplie where there is any defect of such wholsome Laws . And I wish a due care may be taken to suppress Debaucherie in the Army . It is a common regrate that too many in it , I speak not of all , I know the contrair of some , but too many neither fear God nor regard Man . There is need to look to it , that they be men of Skill & Fidelity , & not Impious , for how can they be true to Man , who have no fear of God , the Debaucheries of some , and the irregularities of others , doth much prejudice to the common Cause , and both ought to be restrained . Certainly it is a shame for those , who stand up for a holy Religion , to be leading filthy lives , Cursing and Damming on the Streets ▪ Drinking and Debauching , &c. I beseech you restrain these . Surely at such a time , there is need both People and Souldiers mind that word , Deut. 23. 9 , 14. When the host goeth forth against the enemy , then keep thee far from every wicked thing , for the Lord thy God is among you : and if he see any unclean thing among you , he will leave you to fall ●efore your Enemies : this holy care were the way to Victory and Peace . Psal 81. 13. O that my people had hearkened unto me , and Israel had walked in my ways . I should have soon subdued their enemies , and turned my hand against their adversaries . The haters of the Lord should have submitted themselves to him , but for them they should have remained for ever .

3. I would humbly offer this as my advice , go forward zealously , in settling the Government of the Church of Christ , according to his own appointment . This is a choice mean to promote Piety , and to suppress Sin . I recommend to you that word of Artaxerxes , Ezra 7. 23. Whatsoever is commanded by the God of Heaven , let it be done diligently for the house of the God of Heaven , for why should wrath come from the God of Heaven upon the Realm of the King and his Sons . I cannot but commend you , and bless the Lord , that with so much Unity and Harmony you have gone some footsteps already , go on , and the Lord be with you , and let none give way to these prejudices , wherewith some endeavour to possess mens minds , against Presbyteriall Government , as an intollerable yoke and rigid , as some Pamphlets now passing would represent it ; for if you give way to such , ye may cast at the Christian Religion ere long , for it hath been evil spoken of by the Adversaries ; and tho there ought to be a due zeal against Error and Vice , yet I am confident there shall be that due moderation , which the Gospel prescribes , used toward all that are Pious and Orthodox , that shall be satisfying and pleasing to every one that loveth truth and holiness : Neither I beseech you impute the irregular practices of some unto the Principles of the whole Party , for these things we do disown . I am sorry for the sufferings of any , but if any had designed a representation of their suffering , I wish it had wanted that Gall and Venome against the Civil Government , wherewith some Pamphlets are filled , and that there had been more Candor , Ingenuity , and Honesty , used in relating matters of Fact , the want of which perhaps may occasion such a search as may discover , that the sufferings of some , has been rather the effect of their own scandalous sins , than of others hands : And tho I have a great Charity to all that are Pious and sound in the Principal Doctrines of the Faith , tho they differ in lesser things ; yet I must crave leave freely to profess before this great Auditory , that ere I did intrude my self , or consent to be obtruded on an unwilling people ( as it was in most places of the West ) I had rather beg my Fraught to have carried me over to America , to Preach to a willing People : And it is an old Canon in the Church , Nemo invitus obtrudatur .

4. As I beseech you to advance Holiness toward God , so endeavour to promove Righteousness toward man , that in all Courts of Judicature , there may be such Judges as are mentioned , Exod . 18. 21. Men fearing God , loving truth , and hating covetousness ; and charge them , as Deut . 1. 16 , 17. That such judge righteously between man and man , and have no respect of persons in Judgment , for they judge for the Lord ; and provide , as much as in you lyeth , that there be no partiality , nor perverting , nor delay of Justice , but that Judgment may run down like a Stream , and Righteousness like a mighty River .

5. I humbly beseech you of that Honourable Court , consider what you may do for the peace and safety of the Countrey ; its case may be better known to many of you , than to me ; yet I must crave leave to represent unto you the case , especially of some Northern parts , some are ravaged and spoiled with some barbarous Highlanders , and others burdened with free Quarter , for want of the pay of the Army , and the cryes of the poor cry for your pity , and call for your speedy help . Ye that settled the Government , will ye not uphold it ? and study the safety of the Countrey under it ? If this ruine fall under your hand , it may ruine Posterity , ruine Religion , and prove a great grief of heart to you , that are wanting of doing your duty , while it is in the power of your hand to do it , Eccl. 9. 10. I presume not to prescribe Methods to you , but humbly plead the Cause of the distrest , and that ye would consider the danger we are in .

6. I recommend to you the care of the Education of Youth , the Visiting and Reforming of Schools and Colledges , and the case of the Children of some Great Ones now abroad , at Popish Schools . It may be worth your Consideration , what may be done , to recover and reduce them , and to prevent the like in time coming .

And lastly , Study to promove Peace in the Nation , of Unity among your selves , and Charity among all : Mind these things seriously , and with these two Qualifications I leave them .

1. What ye do in these things , do it sincerely , from right Principles , as ye would approve your selves to God ; for tho ye do good , if ye do it not in a right manner , you lose your reward of him . Ezra 4. 2. I read of some , when the people were going to build the Temple , said , Come , let us build with you , and yet designed but to marr the work : God forbid that there be any such among you .

2. Time is precious , and what ye do , do diligently an without delay , Eccl. 9. 10. Do it with all your might : Remember you must be Accountable ere long to God , for every Opportunity put in your Hand . Not only will God reckon with you for thee il you do , but for the Good ye might have done , and did it not ; And therefore as ye ▪ would not have grief in your Heart , for neglect of it , at Death and Judgment , improve Seasons and Opportunities for doing good . I leave one Word with you , Esth. 4. 13 , 14. It is Mordecai's Word to Esther , Mordecai commanded to answer Esther , Think not with thy self , thou shalt escape in the king's house , more than all the Jews ; for if thou altogether hold thy Peace at this time , then shall there Enlargement and Deliverance arise to the Jews from another place , but thou and thy fathers house shall be destroyed : and who knoweth , whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this . God bless what hath been spoken , and to Him be Glory for ever . Amen .