1. For Conviction: Let us solemnly consider, and rightly weigh whether or no those words which have been spoken against this Place ⟨p. 179⟩and People on such occasions as this, were not such words as God commanded those that delivered them to come and speak. I must confess, when I seriously look upon this People in their constitution Civil and Ecclesiastical, moulded in the one under wholesome Laws, in the other under strict and sacred Covenants: When I consider that the management of these is under the hands of Pious and Prudent Magistracy, a godly and learned Ministry: When I think how many there are whose hearts are upright with God, and do not wickedly depart from his Covenant: When I mind that by the very confession of unprejudiced strangers, here is more of sobriety and honest conversation, then almost in any place they have occasion to be conversant in: It seems hard to believe that God who is full of Mercy and Pity, who knows this frame of ours, and minds that we are but dust, should declare against us, though many infirmities should appear in the midst of us: And could be willing to think that all the warnings & menaces which have been uttered by these or those, were nothing else but the mistakes of an irregular) though well minded) zeal, or the dumps and night visions of some melancholic spirits, and thus indeed were the Prophets of old censured. But when I throughly weigh all circumstances in an equal balance, I dare not but conclude that the Lord hath sent them to speak all these words. What ⟨p. 180⟩they have spoken is for the most part upon Record, and commended to us in Print: Wherein we are impeached for degeneracy, threatened with the Judgements of God if we amend not; and thence solemnly advised and invited to Repent. If they understood the mind of God, then are we far from being safe and secure from eminent dangers. I know they have been condemned by some, contemned by many more, scarcely believed by any, if we are to take the evidence of mens faith by their works. But if we shall ponder such things as these, they may leave conviction behind them.
1. For Conviction: Let us solemnly consider, and rightly weigh whether or no those words which have been spoken against this Place ⟨p. 179⟩and People on such occasions as this, were not such words as God commanded those that delivered them to come and speak. I must confess, when I seriously look upon this People in their constitution Civil and Ecclesiastical, molded in the one under wholsome Laws, in the other under strict and sacred Covenants: When I consider that the management of these is under the hands of Pious and Prudent Magistracy, a godly and learned Ministry: When I think how many there are whose hearts are upright with God, and do not wickedly depart from his Covenant: When I mind that by the very confession of unprejudiced strangers, here is more of sobriety and honest conversation, then almost in any place they have occasion to be conversant in: It seems hard to believe that God who is full of Mercy and Pity, who knows this frame of ours, and minds that we are but dust, should declare against us, though many infirmities should appear in the midst of us: And could be willing to think that all the warnings & menaces which have been uttered by these or those, were nothing else but the mistakes of an irregular) though well minded) zeal, or the dumps and night visions of some melancholick spirits, and thus indeed were the Prophets of old censured. But when I throughly weigh all circumstances in an equal ballance, I dare not but conclude that the Lord hath sent them to speak all these words. What ⟨p. 180⟩they have spoken is for the most part upon Record, and commended to us in Print: Wherein we are impeached for degenercy, threatned with the Judgements of God if we amend not; and thence solemnly advised and invited to Repent. If they understood the mind of God, then are we far from being safe and secure from eminent dangers. I know they have been condemned by some, contemned by many more, scarcely believed by any, if we are to take the evidence of mens faith by their works. But if we shall ponder such things as these, they may leave conviction behind them.
