Babylons downfall a sermon lately preached at Westminster before sundry of the honourable House…

In this case,¹ let him put himself upon the exercise of his authority in the execution of Justice. For it is with the Magistracy herein, as with the Ministry, the way to preach, is to preach; the way to prayer, is prayer. Iter ad gratiam est gratia, The way to grace is grace. God is pleased sometimes to come in with fresh strength, and to give new assistance ⟨p. 21⟩in the heat of preaching. So in the acts of Magistracy, God comes in also in the dispensation thereof.

In this case,¹ let him put himselfe upon the exercise of his authority in the execution of Justice. For it is with the Magistracie herein, as with the Ministerie, the way to preach, is to preach; the way to prayer, is prayer. Iter ad gratiam est gratia, The way to grace is grace. God is pleased sometimes to come in with fresh strength, and to give new assistance ⟨p. 21⟩in the heat of preaching. So in the acts of Magistracie, God comes in also in the dispensation thereof.

1. 1Answ.

2. In that case, present your souls with that great trust that is committed to you, & put upon you. If a Minister when he is banding away his precious hours between this, and that play-book; or when he is most prodigal of his peoples time (for it is theirs not his) if then I say when he is most idle, and indisposed to those great services, he could but realize a Congregation, and present before him the many souls that depend upon him, and as it were hear them calling out unto him; O Sir, study, study for our souls, study for our eternity; certainly this would awaken, move, and put life into him. So if those that are in authority, and place of Magistracy, would but present themselves with those many thousands that have entrusted them with their liberties, estates, lives, I had almost said consciences, and eternities, surely it would be exceeding quickening, and helpful.