Two sermons preached at Northampton at two several assizes there The one in the…Two sermons preached at Northampton at two severall assises there The one in the…

Secondly, The righteous man only will be thoroughly, and universally resolute, for he knows full well, and feels, that he cannot possibly have any higher preferment then JESUS CHRIST, whom he already happily possesseth in the arms of his faith, nor any greater cross then a wounded conscience, and therefore he dare by no means either hurt the one, or hazard the other. Hence it was that Moses casting the eye of his faith upon the recompense of reward, refused to be a favourite in Pharaohs Court, and that Joseph did so invincibly withstand the impure, and impudent solicitations ⟨p. 71⟩of his wicked, and wanton Mistress; he clearly foresaw what horror was like to seize upon his heart, by so sinning against his GOD. Now the reason that the righteous man is so resolute; is the sense of his reconcilement to GOD, and the clearness of his conscience: and the cause that every wicked man is a coward, and will so conform to the current of the time, is his ill conscience. The wicked flee, saith Solomon, when no man pursueth; but the righteous are bold as a Lion, Prov. 28.1. The word in the original signifies a young Lion, which as a Lion fears neither man nor beast, great nor small, he turneth not away for any. Prov. 30. But as young, by the fresh and furious boiling of his abundant, native heat, is more audacious, and undaunted for any adventure then other Lions, so lion-like bold, should every Magistrate be, for he must pull the prey out of the Lions mouth, and rescue the oppressed from the man that is too mighty for him, he must not be afraid either of mortal, or immortal adversaries, he must not fear the face of man, or frowns of greatness, the loss of preferment, present or promised: he must hold to the death, such principles as these: Let Justice be done, and let the heavens fall; if I perish, I perish; Should such a man as I flee, and be faint-hearted? lively-hood, liberty, life, and all for a good conscience, &c. And so bold can a Ruler never be, unless he be righteous, and reconciled unto GOD. It is the comfort of a good conscience alone, which is able by a secret, and sacred influence, ⟨p. 72⟩not only to fill the body with marrow, and fatness, inspire the affections with a calm, and composed sweetness, but also begets in the spirit, that strong, and heavenly vigour, which enkindles, and keeps in life all such true courage, and noble resolution.