Righteousness Rained from Heaven

_IT is an Observation certain and solemn, that Israel's Holy one is • ont in a peculiar manner to bare witness against the wantonness and sins of his Covenant people, that have been singularly favored and privileged by him, Amos 3.2. You only have I known of all the Families of the Earth, therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities: The disobedient, regardless behavior of his Sons and Daughters carrieth an excess of provocation, Deut. 32 19. When the Lord saw it he abhorred them, because of the provoke • ng of his Sons and of his Daughters: In what awful and tremend • us manner the Lo • ds anger hath been of late in special, made to appear against his wilderness people, is not soon or easily to be forgotten: such an Adversary ( the worst of the Heathen, Ezek. 7.24. brutish m • n, and skillful to destroy, Ezek. 21.31.) stirred up against us▪ the sword gone through the land, and thereby wast • ng and ter • or, de ••• ation and death, carried up and down: how have the mighty fallen, blood and flames abounded unto a fearful consumption in the midst of the earth? The Inhabitants of so many Villages made to cease even in Israel, and some Candlestick: also removed out of their places. Alas for the vineyard that his own right hand hath planted, h • w hath he taken away the hedges thereof, t • at the Boar out 〈…〉 w • od sh • uld waste, and the wild Beasts of the Forest devour it: 〈…〉 d • livered to the Sw • rd, •• p • ivity and Spoil: That the Lord 〈…〉 in all his ways, and holy in all his works, is a truth always to be • cknowledged, however terribl • he is in di • pensati • ns towards the sons of men. Sins more then enough have been found with us to deserve all our sufferings, that we 〈◊〉 no mo • e least a worse thing come to us is the duty incumbent, and earnestly now called for: however ready the Lord our God (whose compassi • ns fail not) hath shewn himself, in wrath to remember mercy, and repent h • m of the evil, yet will our impeni • ency (if st • ll continue • d) without fail make him weary of repenting: Sin not forsaken, we may expect, will be followed with a renewal and increase of judgment, for all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand stretched out still, for the people tu • neth not to him that smiteth them, &c. Isai. 9.12, 13. He hath further, sorer punishments to i • flict on a people, that by a pro • ress in sin carry on the provocati • n, Lev 26 16 &c. for certain our s • ff • rings will be greatened if our sins be not lessened, the former will rise unl • ss the latter fall: nor will anything herein suffice, short of a through work▪ sh • w • will not • 〈◊〉 is it • eet they should) be accepted without the inside Spirit and life of c • n • ersion. It i • • aid to Judah's charge, as no little evil, that sh • tu • ned not with her whole heart, but feignedly, Jer. 3.10 when heart circumcision becomes generally wanting among a professing people, they may look for woe, Jer. 9.25, 26. And yet nothing less then an almighty power can perform the thing that is needf • l for us herein: means have not been wanting ( what could have been done more ) word and work, Law and Gospel, Mercies and Judgments abu • dantly imp • oved, to how little purpose and prevalence, with many, v • ry many, the observing eye may lawfully discover: our help and hope is in heav • n; heart-s •• ng thither for his salvation is eminently the work before us: and therein Solomon's great request in behalf of the congregation of Israel is exceedingly sui • ed to our condition, 1 King. 8.57, 58 The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our Fathers, let him not leave us nor forsake us, tha • • e may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes, and his judgments which he commanded our Fathers: protection all would have but conversion we must want, may this be New-England's mercy we sh •• l liv • : the heart-inc •• ning presence of the God of our Fathers granted and cont • nu • d to us; his Spirit poured out on the seed of his people, and his blessing upon their offspring, that as we are ( through grace ) the seed of the blessed of the Lord, we may also be a seed which the Lord hath blessed; This is of all the mercies we want, the most needful w • ighty and desirable, and accordingly with utmost care, fear and faithfulness to be groaned after and waited for.

To awaken, excite and encourage to this so necessary a work, is the design of the Treatise following: the solemnity of the truth itself therein insisted on, our concernment in it, with its peculiar seasonableness give it abundant commendation. The judicious Author was by a compassionate hand towards us, pointed to this Subject, and wi • h an eminent assistance (some circumstances attending him, in special considered) carried out in the handling of it, to the great satisfaction of them that heard him That it may be not acceptable only but sanctified and made effectually successful to the attainment of the end therein aimed at, by a blessing from heaven, powerfully accompanying it to the minds and hearts of them that read it (as it is here, after some considerable throws of difficulty, delivered to a more public view) is the hearts desire and prayer of him, who is

HOSEA 10.12. For it is time to seek Jehovah until he come and rain righteousness upon you.

_IN the Words foregoing, the Prophet giveth Israel a discovery of the uncomfortable terms on which they stood at this time with God: they had been disobedient, and undutiful in their behavior, as appeareth in the 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 th verses he was grieved and angry with them, as in the tenth [ It is in my heart to chastise them. ]

The way by which he was minded to do this was the Inrode of the Heathen [ And the People shall be gathered against them. ] The God of Israel is the Lord of Hosts. He doth according to his will in the Army of Heaven, and among the Inhabitants of the Earth. He hisseth for the flies that is in the utmost parts of the Rivers of Egypt, and for the Be that is in the land of Assyria , and maketh them to rest in the place where he appointeth, Isai. 7.18, 19. it became Israel therefore when they saw the Nations gathering against them, to eye God who in his anger had mustered and given them a charge so to do. The Assyrian is the rod of his anger, and the staff in their hand is his indignation, they move not ti • l he sendeth, they make no spoil until he giveth the word of command, 2 King. 24 2, 3. And the Lord s • nt against 〈◊〉 bands of the Chaldee • , and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammo • , an • s • nt them against Judah to destroy it . Surely at the commandment of the Lord came this upon Judah .

The Prophet addeth [ When they shall bind them in their two furrows ] here Interpreters are variously minded: some take the words to signify the ground, and some, the event o • the ensuing War; those that incline to the former, conceive the Prophet to compare the people to untamed Bullocks, impatient of the yoke, and disused to plow, that will not keep the fu • row, but tu • n, now on the right hand, and then on the left; so this people, instead of going right forward in the way of truth, w • ich is but one halted betwixt two, balked in their obedience, and perverted their way: their heart was divided, as in the second verse of this chapter, they were crooked in their doings, and fix • d in their frowardness, • herefore God was purposed to chastise them▪ vide Z • nch. in locum.

Others carry the words to d • note the issue of the War, which was like to be sad on Israel's part; fo • t • ough they did 〈◊〉 and bind themselves w • th utmost resolu • ion, to abide in their trenches or furrows, for their own defense▪ yet a • l in vain, God's counsel should stand, and the Heathen • aving a charge from him would certainly tread them do • n So Ca • vin , Their Enemies p • evaili • g against them, would enfo • ce them to miserable bondage and slavery, mak • ng them drudge like Oxen at plough. So Mercer. But why will God do thus b • • is people? It is answered [ Ephraim is a Heifer that is taught, an • •• veth to tread out the Corn ] In those times they were wont to tread out the Corn with the trampling of beasts: and God had command • d concerning the ox, while improved in that service, that he should not be muzzled: this was pleasanter work then plowing: and this Ephraim was for, a cheap Religion pleased him. They were grown sensual, sl • ggish, remiss and wan • on in their Profession, 1 Kin. 12 26, 27, 28. Jeroboam said in his heart, now shall the kingdom return to the house of David, if this people go n • to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem: whereupon he took counsel and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem, Behold thy God's O Israel. If they might pick and choose among God's Precepts, take and leave as they listed, well and good: but to be at so much pains as a conversation commensurate to all God's commands required they could not bear. Thus Pha • a • h The Lord be so with you as I will let you go , Exod. 10.10. I will order the matter, and let Jehovah comply and take up with what I shall see cause to appoint; But God resisteth the proud.

It followeth therefore [ But I passed over upon her fair neck, ] God had dealt bounti • ully with Israel , made h • m ride on the high places of the Earth, that he might eat the increase of the field, and he wa • grown fat, Deut. 32.13, 14. but they abused his kindness, waxed proud and unruly, and would serve no further then would serve their own turn, making their own pleasure not God's the rule of their obedience: wherefore God had already pass • d, over their neck, laid afflictions upon them, and had made their glory t • en, and the fatness of their fl • sh lean, if thereby they might have been tamed and reduced unto a thorough subjection to his will: but this did not do; wherefore he addeth [ I will make Ephraim to ride ] inasmuch as lesser chastisements did not avail, God threa • n • th to deal more roughly with them, with a stronger hand, violen • lie to break in upon them, and send them into Captivity. So the word [ Ride ] some • imes importeth, Job 30.21, 22. With thy strong hand thou opposest thyself • gainst me, thou l • ftest me up to the wind, thou causest me to ride, and diss • lvest my substance. Judah shall ploug • , and J • cob shall break his • lods the rest who went not into c • ptivity should see a great deal of hardsh • p and aba • ement, th • ugh not so much as those that rode and were scattered amo • g t • e nations.

Upon this in the 12 th verse, He exhorteth them unto reformation and amendment of their ways [ Some to your selv • s in righteousness ] that their reformation might be sound, and such as would hold, he counselleth to bottom it on repentance, [ Break up your fallow ground ] whatever men may pret • nd at present, or promise for the future, unl • ss they repent, and sorrow after a godly sort for sin past, their reforma • ion proveth like seed scattered on Land that never was brok • n up, which cometh to nothing in the issue.

Reap in mercy ] Though their Repentance and Reformation could merit nothing▪ yet if they would sow in righteousness, and break up their fallow ground. Mourn aright for sins past thorough the forbearance of God, and amend their doings: then they should reap a blessing and inherit prosperity, through the benignity and kindness of God: denoting that they must be beholding to mercy when they had done all they could, Ephes. 2.8. By Grace ye are saved thorough Faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. So we are come to the Text.

For it is time to seek the Lord till he come and rain righteous •• ss upon you. In which words the Prophet ampl • fieth on his former Exhortation, partly directing in it, and partly exhorting to it.

1. He directeth in it, Seek ye Jehovah ; set not about this great work of Reformation in your own strength. Take God along with you, engage him in it; your plowing and sowing will signify nothing unless he rain down a blessing on your endeavors.

2. He exciteth to it, and encourageth in it. It is true, that the way of man is not in himself, neither is it in him that walketh to direct his own steps. You can do nothing without him, but he can do all for you. Although judgment riseth not out of the dust nor doth righteousness spring out of the ground, yet he that rideth in his excellency on the sky can rain it down, Isai. 45.8. Drop down ye heaven • from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness, let the Earth open, and let them bring forth salva • ion, and let righ • eousness spring up together, I the Lord create it. He can by the power of his spirit mightily change; when that is poured out from on high, Judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful fi • ld , Isai. 32.15, 16. Therefore in the sense of our own nothingness, and bel • eving God's power and grace: it becometh us suitably to apply ourselves unto him. So much for the scope of the words: More particularly for their meaning.

For it is time ] The season calleth •• rd: If the Husbandman loseth his season, he loseth all, now is your opportunity; you are chastened but not destroyed, you have a breathing tim • yet left: two things seem to be implied in it. 1. Matter of encouragement, there was yet hope in Israel concerning this thing, in as much as God was willing to be entreated for their help, therefore let them be encouraged: it was not altogether too late. 2. Matter of awakening; It was h • gh time to lo • k about them, no allowance left for sloth or security: now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation; today if ye will hear his voice harden not your hearts .

To seek Jehovah ] Seeking is the use of meet endeavors to find, Mat. 7.7. A • k and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find. Prov 8 34, 35. Blessed is the man that heareth me, wait • ng at the posts of my doors, for whoso findeth me findeth life. So that when the Text saith, it is time to seek the Lord , the meaning is, that it is time to wait on God in the use of all suitable means until he come] He is the most glorious agent, none can do like God, He [ Performeth ] all things for me, Psal. 57.2. you may speak fair, resolve and promise much, when under the dint of some signal providence, Ier 2.20 Thou saidst, I will not transgress, when upon every high hill, and under every green Tree, thou wanderest, playing the Harlot. Others may wish you well strive and labor for your betterment, and yet righteousness not be wrought, Hos. 11.7. They called them to the most high, but none at all would exalt him: but if Jehovah come, he will make work with you, he will do the thing.

Rain ] This implieth, that in Jehovah our righteousness there dwelleth all fullness. He hath abundance of righteousness with him, and he can shed it forth upon us abundantly, Tit. 3 5, 6. according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Righteousness ] This in Scripture Phrase signifieth variously, sometimes it is put for commutative justice, or strict, honest dealing, as opposed to goodness, Rom. 5.7. scarcely for a righteous man will one die, peradventure, for a good man some would even dare to die. Sometimes it importeth conformity to the second Table, especially when joined with, and yet distinguished from holiness, Luk. 1 75. That we might serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. Sometimes it is put more largely, and signifieth the same with Godliness, implying a heart and life evangelically conformable to God's holy Law, Luk. 1.6. and they were both righteous before God, walking in all the Commandments and Ordinances of the Lord blameless: Thus it familiarly passeth when put in opposition to wickedness, and iniquity, Psal. 45.7. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest • ickedness, Psal. 11 5. The Lord trieth the righteous, but the wicked his soul hateth. This sense seemeth to suit he • e, as opposed to wickedness and iniquity in the words immediately following, ye have ploughed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity , ver. 13.

On you ] The posterity of righteous Abraham, Isaac , and Iacoh , the Lord's portion, the lot of his inheritance, least you degenerate into the plant of a strange vine, and be laid wast at last.

The series therefore of the words runneth thus, you have sinned and God hath affl • cted you [ He hath passed over your neck ] moreover you are still threatened [ It is in his desire to chastise you ] But you are not destroyed; he hath not stirred up all his anger, you have yet a space to consider yourselves and recover your st • ength: now therefore it is time to seek Jehovah; O that the Heavens would now drop down from above, and that the skies would pour down righteousness: that which you need, and without which the land is desolate, is the rain of God's power. The effusion of his holy spirit, to accompany and influence word and ordinances, providences, mercies and afflictions unto righteousness. That you may be a repenting, reformed, religious, holy people. That is,

1. That you may cast out the love of all known sin, renounce confidence in your own righteousness and strength, and be righteous by faith, having the merits of Christ's active and passive obedience imputed to you, by the efficacy of the infinite grace of God in the new covenant, Rom. 4.6. Phil. 3.9.

2. That you may be inherently righteous, putting off the old man which is corrupt, and put on the new, which is created after God in righteousness and true holiness, Eph. 4. 24. that the very God of peace may sanctify you wholly , 1 Thess 5 23.

3. That you may be practically righteous, denying all ungodliness and worldly lusts, living soberly, godly and righteousl • ▪ in this present world; purging yourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. These three go together, and in them consisteth the righteousness commended to us in the Text.

The words thus opened afford us this Doctrinal Conclusion:

Zeph. 2.2▪ 3. Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the Lord's anger came upon you. Seek ye the Lord, seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be you shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger. Ephraim at length found this to be good counsel, Ier. 31.18. Thou hast chastised me and I was chastised, turn thou me and I shall be turned; Lord thou hast made me to know sorrow, to see and taste the bitterness of affl • ction; thou hast taken away my health, my peace, my pleasant things, O take away my sin too: make me to see and know that it is an evil and bitter thing that I have forsaken thee. Thus the Psalmist in behalf of the Church, when her shadow was departed, her hedges broken down, and the Boar out of the Forest laid her waste, Psal. 80. for this he beseeched the Lord thrice, with growing importunity and earnestness, l • ke one in an agony,

Daniel mentioneth it as matter of bitterness in the days of his solemn mourning, that they had failed in this, Dan. 9.13. All this evil is come upon us, yet made we not our Prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth. It is a lamentable thing, for a person or a people to be in great affl • ction, and yet make little of righteousness: This is that King Ahaz , 2 Chron. 28 22.

Reas. 1. May be taken from the great necessity and pre+cious excellency of righteousness:

1. Its necessi • y: Righteousness is the one thing necessary. There is no living for us without it, Prov. 10.2. Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivereth from death. As Job said, we may all say, If I be wicked woe be to me , Job 10.15. for so saith God also, Isai , 3 10.11. Say to the righteous, that it shall be well, but woe unto the wicked. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil, or cut off their remembrance from the earth: Psal. 34.15. The wicked are men of sorrows and death, many sorrows shall be to the wicked. If therefore we be wick • d, no wonder though Blasting and Mildew, sickness and Sword come upon us.

The worst of miseries belong to such, Psal. 9.17. The wicked shall be turned to Hell, with all the Nations that forget God. And it is not parts or parentage, or riches, or worldly bravery. It is not a form of godliness, a name to live, or external Ecclesiastical privileges that can deliver. Nothing but righteousness will do it, If we be godly in Christ Jesus; if we do righteousness and be righteous as he is righteous: this, this will stand us instead in a dark day, Isai. 38.3, 4 Remember now O Lord, I beseech thee, that I have walked b • fore thee in truth, and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight : on the other hand, what is the hope of the wicked? yet a little while and the wicked shall not be, thou shalt diligently consider his place and it shall not be, Psal. 37.10. What a necessity doth this Text put upon Righteousness.

1. Be Righteous, or you will be nothing: yet a little while and the wicked shall not be . Such as take pleasu • e in unrighteousness drink in iniquity like water, are in their element when sinning, live, walk, and love to live in the commission of known sin, they are wicked, 2 Thess. 2.12. and such shall perish and consume away into smoke , Psal 37.20.

2. Thou shalt consider his place, and it shall not be. O the distaste with which the holy God is carried against the wicked. They are an abomination to him, his curse is in their house , Prov. 3.33. the very place in which they live is cursed for their sake, and in danger to be desolate, Psal. 107.33. When righteous Lot with his little company left Sodom , and few or none but wicked were left there, you know what followed, Gen. 19.24, 28. Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and Gomorrah Brimstone and Fire from the Lord out of Heaven, and lo, the smoke of the Country went up as the smoke of a furnace. And if Jerusalem will not be instructed unto Righteousness, she may expect to be desolate, a land not inhabited, Jer. 6.8.

3. A little time bringeth it to this; yet a little while and the wicked shall not be. The triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the Hypocrite for a moment , Job 20.5, 6. He shall flee away as a Dream, yet a little while, and the graceless, unbelieving sinner is damned, Mark 16.16. Yet a little while and a people having a form of Godliness, but denying the power of it, will in likelihood come to nothing.

Moreover, Righteousness is an excellent thing , Prov. 12.26 the righteous is more excellent then his neighbor . If God do persuade you to embrace and receive Jesus Christ offered in the Gospel, to be your Lord and Savior, Joh. 1. 12. If your hearts be clean and m • ngled not with any known sin, Mat. 5 8. If you chose the way of God's precepts, and walk in his fear, you shall be a Treasure , Exod. 19.5. The excellent in the Earth , Psal. 16.3.

But if wicked, you are little worth , Psal. 10.20. Chaff and dross in God's account , and he will deal with you accord • ngly, Psal 1.4. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away , Psal. 119.119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the Earth like dross, therefore I love thy testimonies. Yea the wicked are foolish and simple, vile, and loathsome, Prov. 1.22. How long ye simple ones will ye love simplicity, and fools hate knowledge: The foolish shall not stand in thy sight, thou hatest all workers of iniquity , Psal. 4.5 a wicked man is loath • ome, and cometh to shame , Prov. 13.5. It is well for the land when such are kept down When the Righteous are in Authority the people rejoice, but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn, Prov. 29.2. In a word our persons, our prayers, and all our works are by God much, or little set by, as we have or want righteousness, Gen. 4.4, 5. God had respect unto Abel and unto his offering, but unto Cain and to his offering, God had no respect. The Author to the Hebrews rendereth the reason of this, Heb. 11.4 Abel was righteous but Cain wick • d. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abominatio • to the Lord, but the prayer of the righteous is his delight.

In further demonstration of the excellency of Righteousness, look upon it in that one effect men • ioned, Isai: 3 2:17 : And the work of Righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of Righteousness, quietness and assurance forever: Great peace have they which love thy law, and nothing shall offend , Psal: 119:165: Great peace, multiplied peace: (1) Peace with God. (2) Peace at home, in their own bosoms: (3) Peace with men.

1 Peace with God, Rom: 5:1: Being justified by faith, we have peace with God : The righteous God loveth R • ghteousness, his countenance doth behold the upright, Psal: 11:7 ▪ He and they are good friends; his secret is with the righteous , Prov: 3:32: But there is no peace to the wicked, saith wy God. Isai: 57:21: He is sat from them , Prov: 15:29▪ and they may thank their own naughtiness for it; He is the very God of peace, but the ungodliness, and un • ighteousness of men kindleth his wrath, Rom: 1.18: They will not meet him in the thing that is right: And truly if Israel will none of him, Psal: 81:11 : None of his wisdom to guid th • m, bu • lean to their own understandings: None of his Authority to rule them, but walk in the way of their own hearts: None of his goodness to satisfy them; but go to broken cisterns, change him for husks, carnal contentments: Slight his favor, despise his loving-kindness, forget him, put away the remembrance of him, say to him, depart from us, we desire not the knowledge of thy name, like not to retain him in their knowledge; hate the light, hold down the truth in unrighteousness; love pleasures more than God; are studious to be seen of men, but careless to be accepted of Jehovah; seek not his kingdom and righteousness, but worldly things and to suit their senses in the first place: do not love, fear and obey him as God, but in their hearts set up another as their chief good; rob him, break in upon his prerogative, profane his Sabbaths, call not upon his name, do his work negligently, not as they do their own; carry their hearts with them when they go into their shops, and fields; leave them behind them when they go to his house and worship; fight against him with his own goodness; turn the edge of his kindness against him, not serving him with joyfulness and with gladness of heart in the abundance of all things, (but as much as in them lieth) make his power and providence, 〈◊〉 • own • y and care to serve with their iniquities; no wonder though • gh on these terms, the holy God will not be at peace with them. If thou dost well shalt not thou be accepted , Gen: • :7: But these things are not well, they are not right, they are iniquity, there is no fairness, no equity in them: Wisdom and truth will not, cannot own them, M • c. 2:7: O thou that art named Jacob, is the spirit of the Lord stra •• ened, are these his doings? no, no, let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous his thoughts, let him turn to the Lord. Wash you, make you clean, put away the evil of your doing • , cease to do evil, learn to do well, seek j •• gement and God will reason with you , Isai: 1:17, 18:

It is true, there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good and sinneth not. The best at their best fall exceedingly short of that love and obedience which the Law in its perfection requireth: But yet the delibe • ate fixed desire and choice of their hearts; the settled bent of their endeavors is to be righteous, Psal. 109 5, 30, 80 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes. I have chosen the way of truth, thy judgment • have I laid before me, let my heart be sound in thy statutes , Psal▪ 139:23▪ 24 Search me O God, and know my h • art, try me and know my thoughts and see if there be any wick • d way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting . How ea • nestly doth Paul in hi • desires and end av •••• reach after righteousness, Phil. 3, 12, 13: Not as though I were already perfect, But I fo •• ow after, reaching forth unto those things that a • e before.

Now as a Father pitieth his child, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him, owneth them weak, but knoweth they are not wicked, reckon • th them a • cording to the better (which is also the rising, prevailing) put, and will in time drive out the other, accepteth them according to what they would and can do. They having a glorious Advocate at his right hand, who maketh their welfare his business, Ro • : 8:34. Who is he that condemneth? it is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, w • o also maketh intercession for us.

It is his woe • k, he is always at it, anticipating compla • nts, supplying defects, answering for, and rectifying what is amiss; so that as long as Jesus liveth, the peace of the righteous shall live also, Eph: 2:14 : He IS our peace▪ and as long as he IS. their peace will be. This man doeth the deed, M • ch: 5:5 : He holdeth the Father and all the Saints together, so that nothing can separate them and the love of God, Rom: 8:3 • ▪ They are complete in him, Col. 2:20 : so that being considered • n what Christ hath done, and will do for and in them, behold there i • nothing wanting: but they are without spot or wrinkle or any such thing • Glory to God in the Highest .

2 Peace at home, inward contentment and quietness: This is another fruit of righteousness, Isai: 32:17, 18: and the effect of righteousness shall be quietness and assurance forever: It is one of the woes of the wicked, to be like the troubled Sea, when it cannot 〈◊〉 , Isai 57 20 In the fullness of his sufficiency to be in straits, Joh 20 22 So that though he knoweth not well what to desire more, yet he is not contented. It was wicked Haman • complaint, when he had told his F • iends of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things where •• the King had promoted him, Esther 5 13 yet all this availeth m • nothing. Whereas godliness in the vigorous lively exercise of it, leadeth the soul home to God the fountain of goodness, in whom there is enough of that which is ad • quate and very suitable: Hence cometh satisfaction, as with marrow and fatness. Godliness with contentment is great gain, 1 Tim: 6:6. The Lord shall satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones and thou shalt be like a watered garden, Isai. 58 11. But the rebellious dwell in a dry land , Psal. 68.6. they fall short of God in Christ, who is all in all, and hence in the midst of all their Havings, indeed possess nothing.

According to the method of the Gospel, Grace prepareth the way to peace , Rom 17. 1 Cor. 13. Grace be unto you, and peace. No grace no true peace; not but that wicked men (while carnal contentments flow in upon them) may like Benhadad and his complices, 1 King. 20.16 drink themselves drunk in their tents, and ruffle awhile: But it is not peace for all that, while Conscience is asleep, they may be secure to their cost: But God and an enlightened, awakened Conscience that speaketh after God, saith, Peace only to the Righteous . The truth is, when a wicked man's case is searched to the bottom, he will be found not to be at peace with himself, or on good terms with his own heart: To the wicked there is no peace , their own thoughts and hearts will fall out with them, accuse and condemn them, in that day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, Rom. 2.15, 16 Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, terro • s are upon him , Job 20 20 But mark the perfect man, and beh • ld the upright, the end of that man is peace , Psal 37 37 It is God that justifieth him, who is he that condemneth. As soon therefore as the tumult is over, and the righteous man can hear what God saith, Psal 85 • his heart will be quiet, and there is one anointed to preach glad-tidings to the meek, who will not fail in his trust, in whose hand it is to speak down all trouble, and create the fruit of the lips, peace, peace.

3 Outward prosperity, peace one with another, Isai 32 17, 18 and the work of righteousness shall be peace, and my people shall dwell in a p • aceable Habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places: Unrighteousness is the great trouble of Israel, and indeed the Achan of the world, 2 Chron 15 3, 4, 5 When I •• ael had forsaken the t • ue God, there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the Inhabitants of the countries, and Nation was destroyed of Nation, and City of City, for God did vex them with all adversity. If God will vex a people they shall be vexed. They therefore that vex his Holy Spirit, shall have trouble enough. He can create darkness and evil for them: but if a people's ways please the Lord, he maketh even their enemies t • be at peace with them, Prov. 16.7.

There are two happy effects of the rain mentioned, Psal. 69.9, 10. It settleth the Earth, and enricheth the land, both these are eminently true of this spiritual rain, Isai. 33.6. and wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and the fear of the Lord his treasure. O how would a soaking shower of righteousness settle our shaking times, repair our losses, and restore the years which the Caterpillars, the Sword, and the Mildew have taken from us. This would establish Zion, and make it a praise in the earth. We need not than fear our enemies, God would soon subdue them: this would also mend our peace one with another; Unrighteousness maketh a 〈◊〉 Isai. 5.7. He looked for judgment and behold oppression, for righteousness but behold a cry : the less righteousness the more complaining there will be in likelihood among us, and until we can obey the truth in doing right each to other, is it to be expected that contention will cease, Rom. 2.8. To them that are contentious, and obey not the truth, indignation and wrath.

Reas. 2. Because it is God's prerogative to help in this case, Jer. 14.22. None of the gods of the Heathen can cause this rain, neither can the Heavens give it: Art not thou He O Lord our God, therefore we will wait on thee : Job 37.16. Does • thou know the ballancings of the Clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge. Godliness is a great mystery, 1 Tim. 3 18 the f • unda • ion of it is laid in hidden wisdom, 1 Cor. 2 7. how great and costly a work is it to make a generation of s • nners righteous. It is far easier to call in the treasures of the snow, dissolve the ice, and renew the face of the earth, then to make judge • meant dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. The d • ffi • ulties which lie in the way of it, taken from the strength of the law, and divine revenging justi •• , the sub • ilty, power and rag • of the Aposta • e Angels, the wor •• less, strengthless, dead estate in sins and trespasses, in which we all lie naturally, are even to amaz • meant. Hence until infinite power set a work by free g • ace, influenced with the merit of the precious blood and obedience of the Son of God steppeth in, it will not be done. A mass of miracles meet together in it. The blind is made to see, the deaf to hear, the leper is cleansed, and the dead quickened. Eph: 2.1, 2. & 1:19, 20 He that raised up the World out of nothing by the word of his power, must create it, or it will not be; you are his workmansh • p created in Christ Jesus unto good works, Eph. 2 10. Isai 45.10. It is in the day of God's power that sinners are made willing to turn to Jesus Christ, Psal. 110.3. and until that day cometh, Paul, Apollos and Cephas are nothing. Chang • s of men, and gifts avail not, Jer. 7 25. Since the day that your fathers came out of Egypt unto this day, I have sent unto you all my servants, the Prophets rising early and sending, yet they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ears.

2. Mercies melt not; Let favor be shown to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: • hat could have been more in this way then was done to Jese • on , Deut 32.15. but he grew worse under all.

3. Corrections amend not Jer. 5.3. O Lord thou hast smitten them but they have not grieved, thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction , Dan 9 13 all this is come upon us, but we have not made our Prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our in • quities; their captivity was almost ended, but the work of righteousness and reformation needed to be begun.

3. Because the way which God in his wisdom and good pleasure hath appointed for us, to obtain his helping hand in this weighty case, is to seek him , Mat 7.7 Ask and have, seek and find , Zech 10.1 Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain, so the Lord shall make bright Clouds, and give them showers of rain . But he will be inquired of by the house of Israel to do this for them, Ezek 36:37 :

1 Not that God needeth to be told our indigent state; no, he knoweth us quite thorough, and round about, Psal 139.1, 2, 4▪ 7▪

2 Or that he is slow to help: No, he is very pitiful, and of tender mercy, James 5.11. ready to save, Isai : 38:20.

3 Or that we can merit any good by our seeking and striving, Rom: 9:16. It is not of him that willeth, or of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.

4 But he is minded that we in the sense of our own weakness should acknowledge him in all our ways, and be trained up in a constant dependence upon him, Prov: 3:5, 6.

5 This honor also he is willing to put upon man, to employ and improve him as far as may be in working out his own welfare Phil : 2:12, 13.

The Use that we should make of what hath been said, is to Exhort, and Perswade us to take the counsel given in the Text, Seek we Jehovah until he come and rain righteousness upon us : Till he make us a religious, godly, righteous people. That he would not only continue, but powerfully influence the means of grace, by his good spirit, for the turning of our hearts unto himself: that we may be a God-omnifying, Christ-admiring, Sin-hating, Self-denying, World-despising People.

That the Vine brought from far and planted here, may still retain its anci • nt Nobility: even the same Spirit of Holiness which came after God into this Wilderness when it was a land not sown That we lose not our first love, our first heavenly-mindedness, our first purity, our first peaceableness, humility and seriousness; but may grow up in godliness and honesty as those to whom the Gospel hath come, not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance: That we may not only name the name of Jesus, but depart from all iniquity, and converse as becometh the Gospel. The Lord God of our Fathers even the God of all grace say so too: Seek him, O seek him, that it may be thus: To persuade to this,

1 Consider whether it be not time to seek him on this account; this argument is urged by the Prophet in the Text: doth not the season ca • l aloud? what think you, is it not time to ask this rain of God?

(1) Is not the old generation almost gone? when the old stock is sp • nt, unless God visit the Earth and water it, sending a fresh supply, there is no living: what a critical day was it with Israel of old, when Joshua and the Elders that out-lived Joshua and all that Generation, which had seen all the great works of the Lord, were gathered unto their Fathers, Judges 2.7, 10: and [ This rain failing ] there arose another generation that kn • w not Jehovah, and then ho • soon did their prosperity and welfare fail also. They did evil in the sight of the Lord, and they forsook the Lord God of their Fathers, and the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel , Mich. 7.1. Woe is me, for I am a • when they have gathered the Summer fruits, as the grape gleanings of the vintage, there is no cluster, the good man is perished : Time was, that good men grew in this land by clusters, but now how thin; Lord visit the Earth, and water it.

2. Doth not our 〈◊〉 mourn for the want of this? how long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither for the wick • dness of them that dwell therein, Jer. 12.2. How long shall we be smitten with Sickness, Drought, Caterpillars, Blasting and Sword. How many Villages are already forsaken of their Inhabitants, their High ways unoccupied? how many chosen young men are fallen upon the high places of the field? how many Widows left solitary among us, with their tears on their cheeks? how many mothers in Israel , weeping for their children, and refuse to be comforted? because they are not: shall the sword devour forever, shall it not suffice? Is it not time therefore to seek righteousness, that desolation and spoil may come to an end.

3. Hath not a great deal of cost and precious pains been laid out upon us, that we might (if p • ssible) be righteous? When the principal Wheat is cast into the Earth, and Seed time over, Rain will soon be needed, and if it come not, the Husbandman looketh out earnestly; for alas, all is gone if God send not rain. We have been instantly preached to for a long time: eminent favor also hath been shown us; what a long day of bounty and patience have we enjoyed. At sundry times also, and in divers manners we have been afflicted, especially in later years: now shall all this be in vain? truly, if there come no rain, if God send not his spirit to water, word and Providences all will be lost. And if we be preached to, but without profit, favored but not taught righteousness, chastened but not amended, what shall we do in the end thereof?

If a man setteth at a high Rent, and hath no increase, but his crop faileth him year after year, he breaketh at the last: truly unless the rain cometh, and righteousness springeth up in the wilderness, considering at what a Rent we set, we cannot exp • ct to hold it long: to be barren under so much bounty, undutiful notwithstanding so many corrections and fatherly chastisem • nts: To have so many Sabbaths, Counsels, Instructions, Warnings, the labor and lives of so many of God's p • ecious servants to answer for, will surely sink us at last, Isa • . 5 4, 5. therefore wh • n I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes, and now go to , I will tell you what I will • o • o my Vineyard, I will take away the Hedges thereof, and it shall be eaten up ?

2. Consider yourselves who you are, and of what consequence it is, that righteousness be rained down on you ;]

Have you not Abraham to you Father? are you not the offspring of the righteous, and will you degenerate into a strange plant? dare you continue wicked? will you not be l • ke your Fathers? It is noted of Nabal , 1 Sam 25 3. that he was chu • lish, and evil in his doings, and he was of the house of Caleb. Alas, alas, of the house of Caleb ; he was a man of another, of an excellent spirit; what a fool and of the house of Caleb ; a son of Belial and of the house of Caleb ; On that such a branch should spring out of such a Stock • Shall the faithful City become an Harlot, it was full of judgment, righteousness lodged in it, now Murderers, Isai. 21.

It was an aggravation of their sin, Judge. 2.17. that they turned qui • kly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the Lord; but they did not SO; your Fathers were a humble, holy, obedient people, and will not you be SO: your Fathers did Justice and Judgment, and will not you do SO: Your Fathers wa • k • d with God, kept their seasons of reti • ement to their close •• , to pray and seek God, do you do SO? your Fathers called the Sabbath honorable, the Holy of the Lord, and were conscientiously careful not to do their own ways, nor find their own pleasure, nor spe • k their own words,: are you for any manner of talk when the Sabbath is come? do you say, what a weariness is it? and account it the burden of the Lord of Host, did your Fathers do SO? were the Sabbaths wonted to be spent in the houses where you dwell as you spend them? shall the holy example of those that have beaten the way to Zion before you, be of no account in your eyes, in a Land of uprightness; will you deal unjustly and not behold the Majesty of the • ord, Isa. 26:10 : Verily, we had need to seek the Lord till he come and • ain righteousness on us. That when he shall look into our houses, he may not say, what have I here? Isai. 52.5. Is this the house of such a precious godly man? are these his child • en? is this the Nation that I gathered out of the midst of a Nation, with a mighty hand, and a stretched out arm? Is this the people for whose sake I rebuked the Heathen, saying, (when they were few in number, and strangers in the land) Touch not mine Anointed, do my Prophets no harm . Were they a proud, idle, intemperate, unmerciful Generation of men, were not their faces set for Heaven, their language the language of Canaan ? was not holiness to the Lord written on their ways? and will you be worldly and profane, drink and swea • , riot and be wanton, deride Religion; scoff at the ways or servants of God: O take heed, take heed, lest the names you bear, the houses you dwell in, the estates you inherit, the places you sustain, rise up in judgment against you, and increase your condemnation at the last.

Believe it sirs; tis a dangerous, a very dangerous thing to forsake the ways of truth and holiness, when sweetened, and in a manner naturallized, by the p • actise and example of godly Patents, 2 Chron. 21.12 and there came a writing to Jeboram from Elijah the Prophet , saying, Thus saith the Lord God of David thy Father, because thou hast not walked in the ways of Je • osaphat thy Father, nor in the ways of Asa King of Judah, &c. Behold with a great Plague will the Lord smite thy People, and thy Children, and thy Wives, and all thy Goods; and thou shalt have great sickness by disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels fall out, by reason of the si • kness day by day.

3. If God rain not righteousness on you, it may be expected that he will rain something else: Seek this gentle rain, that the storm of his wrath fall not on you, Psal. 11. Upon the wicked be shall rain Snares, Fire, Brimstone, and on horrible tempest , this shall be the portion of their cup.

4 Weigh the advantage that cometh by righteousness, that is much every way; Godliness is profitable for all , 1 Tim 4.8. having the promises of this life, and that which is to come : it will stand you instead while you live, when you die, and to eternity.

(1.) While you liv • Mat 6.33. First seek the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness▪ and all these things shall be added : If God give you righteousness he will give you all, Rom. 8 32. Psal. 37 27. Depart from evil and do good, and dwell for evermore , i. e. live as long as life is good, God doth not grudge, but delight in the prosperity of the righteous, Psal. 35.27

(2.) When ye die; the sting of death is sin , when that is out there is no danger. Hence Righteousness delivereth from death, the death of the righteous is scarce worthy the name of Death, Psal. 22 26. they shall praise the Lord that se • k him, your heart shall live forever. Death (though an enemy to nature) shall thorough grace in Jesus Christ do them no harm, but fu • there their good and welfare, l • fting them home to their Fathers house, where there is fullness of joy and pleasure for evermore , Rev. 14 13. Blessed are the dead which dy in the Lord, that they may rest from their labors and their work • follow them.

(3.) Righteousness is profi • able to eternity, Mat. 25.46. These shall go into eve • lasting punishmen • , but the righteo • s • nto life eternal : God will never a done showing kindness to the godly man.

How many are the good ways and the comfortable words which he hath spoken concerning such.

1. He loveth them dearly, and that the world shall know before all be done, John. 17.23. That the world may k • ow that thou hast loved them as thou hast loved me : he loveth to see their faces and hear their voice, Cant. 2.14. when he speaketh of righteous Noah , how doth he repeat his Name over and over, as if it were sweet to him, and he loved to have it in his mouth, Gen. 6.8, 9. Noah was a just man and perfect in his generation, and Noah walked with God, and Noah, &c. why might not once naming of Noah have served thorough that short discourse, but to declare that his name is sweet. Noah, Noah , O Noah , I love Noah, Noah is a godly man, a good, holy man: God hath set apart him that is godly for himself, Psal. 4.3. when he mak • th up his Jewels men shall return and see a difference, Mal. 3.17, 18.

2. God will bless them greatly, Psal. 5.12 For thou Lord wilt bless the righteous with favor, wilt thou compass him as with a sh • eld .

1. He will take care of their persons, Psal. 121 7.8. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil, he shall p • eserve thy soul, the Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in, from this time forth and even for evermore.

2. He will bless their substance: The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked, but he blesseth the habitation of the just , Prov. 3 33. A little that a righteous man hath is better then the riches of many wicked , Psal 37.16.

3 He will not forget their names, Psal. 112 6. The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance.

4. He will show k • ndness to their relations also, Psal. 128.2, 3, 4. Blessed is everyone that feareth the Lord, it shall be well with thee, thy wife shall be as a fruitful • ine, thy c • ildren like olive plants: the seed of the righteous shall be delivered , Prov. 11.21. The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting, upon them that fed him, and his righteousness unto children's children.

5. He will shine on their endeavors, Psal. 1.3. All that he doth shall prosper , but one sinner destroyed much good: wicked Ahab having a share in Jehoshaphat's ships spoiled the voyage, 1 King 22 48, 49.

6. He will make them blessings, Gen. 12.2. I will bless thee and thou shalt be a blessing. If you be righteous many shall be the better for you: your counsel, your company, you example will now be all precious; your tongues shall be as choice silver, and your lips feed many, Prov 10.20, 21. your prayers will avail very much, I am. 5.16. your fellowship will now be desirable; a godly man is a companion for a Prince. Psal. 119.63. I am (saith King David) a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precept • , and good reason, for their fellowship is with the Father and the Son , 1 Joh. 1.3. He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous, b • t with Kings are they on the throne , Job 36.7. moreover righteousness will advantage you for places and employment of trust, Neh 7.2. I gave my Brother Hanani charge over Jerusalem, for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many. The integrity of David's heart did greatly meliorate the skilfulness of his hand, and was the main thing in God's eye, when he took him from the sheep-folds to be King in Israel , 1 Sam 16 7. In a word, the only true foundation of universal blessedness is laid in righteousness, Prov. 10 25. As the whirl-wind passeth, so is the wicked no more, but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.

5 Consider the sweet and inviting terms on which God standeth with us in this matter, Mat 7▪ 7 Ask and have , Jam 1.5 If any man lac • w • sdom▪ 〈…〉 God▪ who givet •• be all to to all, and i • shall be given him, Luk. 11 13. How much mo • e shall your heavenly Father give h • s Holy Spirit to though • e tha • ask

Quest. But how may we so seek God as to find him, and a supply of righteousness from him?

Answ. 1. Seek him heartily and sincerely, Isai. 26 9. With my soul have I desired thee in the night season, with my spirit within me will I seek thee , Jer. 29.3. And ye shall seek me and find me, when you shall search for me withal your heart. God will not be mocked in any case, much less in this which is of such high importance. It was Israel's folly of old, Psal. 78.36.37. when he slew them then they • ought him, they inquired early after God, nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth: they lied unto him with their tongues: take we heed least we fail here. It is time to make righteousness our design, to Preach for this, Pray for this, Hear for this sincerely, heartily; least while in show we seek • his, but with our hearts go after other things, we lose this and other things too, Mat. 6.33. Blessed are those that hunger and thirst after righteousness : for such will be beyond complement, and seek in truth.

2. Seek seasonably, early, speedily, 2 Cor: 6:2: Behold now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation; today if you will hear his voice hard • n not your hearts. Lose not you • day, while God calleth, while his spirit moveth, while life lasteth, while you have liberty, means, helps and advantages about you, before the decree come forth, seek righteousness least the Clouds return after rain; least your Sabbaths be again turned into days of labor, and weariness, hazard and hardship: lest instead of the voice of the Turtle, you have the noise of War, least you come too late to be accepted, Numb: 14 :6, 7: The Spirit of God strove earnestly by Joshua and Caleb , to persuade Israel to go forward, but in vain, for in their frowardness and fit, they let up their spirits, and would not hearken.

Wherefore in the 28: and 29: verses, God giveth forth his decree, As truly as I live , saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you, your carcases shall fall in the wilderness : after this they changed their mind, ver : 39, 40: The People mourned greatly, and they rose up early in the morning, and gat them up into the top of the mountain , saying, Lo we be here,, and we will go up unto the place which the Lord hath promise • d ; but their motion take not. Though they rose early, though they mourned, and went up to the mountain.

Obj. But hath not God said that those that seek him early shall find him , Prov. 8.17.

A. True: but man's early is many times God's late, Prov. 1.28 Because I have called, and ye refused, I have stretched out my • and and no man regarded, but ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof : I also will laugh at your calamity, they shall seek me early but they shall not find me .

3. Seek him earnestly: Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, with that intention and height of desires, which becometh the worth, excellency and necessity of the thing sought. Righteousness is the principal thing life is in it: win it and you win all, miss it and all is lost; O therefore seek importunately, not only with your hearts sincerely, but with all your hearts strongly. Warm your spirits with the consideration forementioned, realize them, mix them with faith, meditate much on them, that you may be suitably raised in your desires and endeavors after righteousness.

4. Seek him humbly, with a heart broken down and abased in the sense of sin and misery, weakness and unworthiness. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a cont ••• e heart he will not despise , Psal. 51.17. He forgetteth not the cry of the humble , Psal. 9▪12. but until our fallow ground be broken up, it will not be God's time, to come and rain righteousness upon us. It behooveth us therefore, to remember the Wormwood and the Gall, and to have our souls humbled within us: to sit alone and put our mouths in the dust, if there may be hope for us, accepting the punishment of our iniquity: for our des •• uction is of ourselves, our own sword hath devoured our children: we have procured these things unto ourselves: but our help is not in our own hand. Be it that eternal salvation, the welfare of our whole man, the preservation of the land, our lives, our little ones, our peace, our liberty, all good depend upon our unfeigned • urning to God in Christ, and being righteous; yet this is wholly beyond our power, we have no might for it, Turn thou me , Jer. 31.18. herein appeareth the •• etchedness of a natural man. Should God pass by all former provocations, and say to him, do but this one thing and all shall be well, love the fountain of goodness, who is also thy life: although nothing can be more rational then this, yet he is unto nothing more impotent and averse, Rom. 8.7. The carnal mind is enmity unto God, is not subject nor can it be.

Moreover we cannot deserve that God should turn us, we are ungodly and enemies as well as without strength, Rom. 5.6, 10. If therefore after many other judgments which have come upon us for our sins, God should now give us up to a blind mind, and a hard he • t, fill us with our own devices, leave us to a reprobate sense, make the heavens over us to be brass, command the clouds that they rain not on us, withhold his free spirit, send a dry wind not to fan, nor to purge, but to blast all means, making his word and ordinances, changes of mercy and affliction to be a savor of death unto death. He would be righteous, tis true, without righteousness we perish. It is as true that nothing but infinite grace, working without, ye • against deserts of ours can make us righteous. When therefore we pray for righteousness, we may well take David's words, Psal. 9 1. Have mercy upon us O God of our righteousness, and hear our prayer.

5. Seek him believingly, with a holy dependence upon the mercy, power, truth and faithfulness of God in Jesus Christ. Remember James His BUT, Jam. 1.6. But let him ask in Faith.

(1.) Our sins are indeed many, and our iniquities very great but there is merit enough in the blood of Jesus to redeem them from all, 1 Joh. 1.7.

(2.) Though all means are of themselves, weak, and utterly insufficient to subdue our corrupt and rebellious wills, yet with the Lord Jehovah there is everlasting strength; if he will he can convince, enlighten, humble, persuade, sanctify, quicken and enlarge uncontroleably, when he will work none can let. It is nothing with him to save, 2 Chron. 14.11.

(3) You have the countenance of God's command to encourage in going to h • m for righteousness: so the Text before us: thus Zeph. 2.2. Seek righteousness, Mat. 6.33. now let us improve this word, not only to awe conscience, but to strengthen and annimate faith, Mark 10.49. Be of good comfort, arise, he calleth thee.

(4.) You have the shadow of the promise to sit in and wait Luk 11 13. how much more wi • l he give his Sp •• it to them that a • k him.

(5.) Consider the example of poor needy sinners that have gone before you: what happy welcome found Ephraim , Jer 31 19 surely I have heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus, Thou hast chaste • sed me and I was chaste • sed, turn thou me and I shall be turned , Is Ephraim my dear child? It is unto God a most acceptable request, to ask of him the rain of righteousness: He had rather we should seek him for the meat which endureth to eternal life than for that which perisheth.

Let it be to him for a name and a praise forever. Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and love of God, who knowing our frame, and how eager we are, in our pursuit of inferior things, maketh a bait of them, wherewith to draw us to him for such as are infinitely better, even his Kingdom and Righteousness • , Mat. 6.33.

6. Seek him unanimously: The stress lieth here, therefore life together. We in New-England are a poor and an affl • cted people: It is not for us to rejoice with other Nations in ou • number o • our strength; but that mattereth not, if God be with us we shall do well enough, notwithstanding our poverty, our littleness, and mean outward esta • e. Past experience proclaimeth it, that our hazard lieth not in these things. If the mun • tion of Rocks be our defense we are safe: Can we desire greater serenity peace, and safety, then we have enjoyed in years past. Jehovah's arm is not shortened, there is no shadow of turning with him. If we be righteous he will love us, and we shall dwell safely by his side. If anything undo us it will b • sin, ou • un • ighteousness our want of the fear of God, our want of love to Jesus Christ, our forsaking the fountain of living waters, our undutiful and provoking carriage to the Angel that leadeth us by the way: but if righteousness be rained on us all will be well. It is enough, O therefore let everyone put in for that with all the strength he can make.

1. Fathers, Ancient Christians, ye have been at the beginning of the woe • k of God in this Country, and you are greatly concerned in the progress of it: lose not the things ye have wrought, for which ye have prayed, and wept, and travelled, and ventured so much: you have in some measure experienced the worth of Righteousness, labor as for life that it may live when you are dead: your Glass is even out, you are almost at home, strengthen the feeble knees, brighten your example, shine in the fear of God, let not your sun go down in a cloud, your prayers avail very much, O sp • ak yet again unto God for this poor land in which you sojourn, least he b • ing evil upon it by slaying your Sons.

2. Young men, ye are strong, let not sin overcome you: consider the price that is in your hands; Religion privileged as sometimes it hath been, and thorough grace still is in this L • nd, is a costly Leg • cy, t • ke heed you do not forfeit it: let not the fear of God die as long as you live: shall it be said in time to come, that godliness dwelt in the land until you arose, but then failed: shall this ruin be under your hand; O seek the Lord till • e come and rain righteousness on you

3. Ye Masters of Families, will not you and your houses serve the Lord? surely it is time for you to seek him also: The foundation of all societies is laid in families; you therefore who are Leaders in them, and have the fi • st seasoning of young ones had need look to yourselves. If the Foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? If the Springs be corrupt what will the Streams be: consider the grea • t • ust which God hath committed to you, and command your children and Household after you to keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon them that which he hath spoken of the righteous: see that your example be good, that • hose who come after you, and tread in your steps may walk • afely. Let not your vain conversation be a stumbling-block in the way to Heaven, least your children rise up and call you cursed at the last, for the irreligion and profaneness which you have taught them.

4. Ye house of Aaron , this matter belongeth in a special manner unto you; Ye are the Lord's Ministers, O weep betwixt the Porch and the Altar, and say, Rain down Righteousness on thy People Lord; and give not thine Heritage to reproach; wherefore should the Heathen say, where is their God ?

It is your Office to teach Jacob God's Judgments, and Israel his Law: Tak • heed therefore to the Ministry which ye have received in the Lord that ye fu • fil • it. Preach Righteousness • • o your Congregations, plainly declare and powerfully p • ess that Grace of God which bringeth Salvation: M • ke it y • ur work to watch for Souls, as those that must give an acc • unt: Be instant in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort, wi • h all long suffering and doctrine. S • ke your Sermons in p • air, print them in your practice and conversation. Follow the example of the Baptist, who was the voice of one crying in the wilderness , Joh 1.23. (all voice) his word and his works, his language and his life spake this, make strait the way of the Lord, go ye, and do likewise .

5. Ye also who are Judges in the Land, the Lord make you higher then the rest of the people from the shoulders and upward in wisdom and holiness: the Lord give you an open mouth for righteousness, Prov. 31. 8, 9. Let your eyes be upon the righteous in the Land to encourage them, promote Religion, bear up against sin, suppress iniquity; put life into your wholesome Laws by vigorou • execution; thus do in the fear of the Lord • ai • hfully, and with a perfect heart. Be it that the Battle is against you before and behind, yet be of good courage and play the men for your people, and for the Cities of our God, and the Lord do what seemeth him good.

7. Seek him pers • veringly, mind the language of the Text Seek the Lord (until) he come ; then shall we know if ye follow on to know the Lord, Hos. 6 2. pray always with this prayer, and do not faint, Luk 18.1. ye therefore which make m • ntion of the name of the Lord, give him no rest till he • ain down righteousness on the land.

To Conclude, Seek God by all means, in all his own ways:

1. Maintain a high esteem of the Word and • rdinances of God: woe be to you if your souls loathe the Manna, or call i • a light food

2 Take heed you be not overcharged with the love of the world, and the cares of this life, these choke the Word. Be clothed with the Sun, and let the Moon be under your feet.

3. Study the method of conversion held forth in the Word and fall in with the good spirit of God breathing in the same, to the wonderment of men and Angels, life and immortality are come to light, thorough the Gospel. There is a sure way to save sinners opened thorough Jesus Christ: admire it, study it, labor to know it: set your hearts to it, and follow it: let wisdom enter, and understanding be pleasant: love the light, but on a humble teachable frame of spirit, entertain conviction kindly. Be content to know the worst of sin, look upon it in that peculiar, direct opposition in which it standeth to the wisdom and goodness, authority and holiness of God in the c • mmand: see it in its sad effects; the end of these things is death. Behold it thorough the bloody glass of Christ's sufferings; look on it from a death-bed, and as it will lo • k on you at the last. Give that honor to God, to believe that he hath good reason for all that he hath said against sin in his word, concluding that at length sin will prove to be as he hath spoken, and if God and you can be of one mind about sin, the g • eat difficulty is over Fall in love with Jesus Christ, let him have a name in your hearts above every name that is named in this world or that which is to come, Cant. 5.10, 16. Hate all the pleasures of sin, let all external privileges, personal performances, and worldly imploym • nts, be dung and dross in comparison of winning him and being found of God in him. Do duty with conscienti • u • ca • e and dil • gence, but say not to the works of your own han • s, Ye are our God's . Go not about to establish a righteousness of your own, but submit yourselves to the r • ghteousness of God. Abraham fou • d by experience that the Hand-maid taken into Sarah's place brought with her great vexation, insomuch that at length he was put upon it to cast her and her Son quite out of doors.

But least I be tedious let me shut up all with this word:

Be not discouraged: To the Lord belongeth righteousness and salvation, although to us confusion of face. The residue of the spirit is with him, who knoweth • ut he may return and make his work appea • to his servants, and his glory to their children? Jerusalem was greatly fallen, Isai. 1.21. when of a faithful City she was become a Harlot, and from being full of righteousness and judgment to be full of Murderers: But God lifted her up again, Jer. 31.23. Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, as yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah, and in the Cities thereof, The Lord bless thee O habitation of justice, and mountain of holiness. He can strengthen the things that remain, which are ready to die.

There was a time mentioned, Mark 9 14, 15. in which Christ being withdrawn to the mount, his Disciples were hard put to it below. The poor man brought to them his Son wh • ch had a dumb Spirit, but they could not cast him out, at length Jesus came down, took to himself his mighty power, rebuked the soul Spirit, healed the Child comforted the Father, and sent the multitude away amaz • d, and wondering at all the things which he did. Truly we have had a time wherein to experience the naughtiness of our own he ••• how bent we are to backslide and go off from God, as also the weakness and utter insufficiency of all means in themselves considered to keep us with God, or reduce us to him when turned • way▪ But it may be Christ will shortly come down, and then all will be mended, Jer. 17:14 Save us O Lord and we shall be saved, heal us and we shall be healed, fo • thou art ou • praise . Let us seek him therefore till he come, for he loveth Righteousness, and hath not forsaken them that seek him.