them as iron pillars and brazen walls, and as a ſtrong defenced city, in the faithful following of their duty; But, Oh! that there were not too many, who mind earthly things, and are enemies to the croſs of Jeſus Chriſt, who puſh with the ſide and ſhoulder, who ſtrengthen the hands of evil-doers, who make themſelves tranſgreſſors, by ſtudying to build again what they did formerly warrantably deſtroy; I mean prelacy, and the ceremonies and the ſervice book, a myſtery of iniquity that works amongſt us, whoſe ſteps lead unto the houſe of the great whore of Babylon, the mother of fornication; or whoſoever elſe he be that buildeth this Jericho again, let him take heed of the curſe of Hiel, the Bethelite, and of that flying roll threatened, Zech. v. And let all miniſters take heed that they watch, and be ſtedfaſt in the faith, and quit themſelves like men, and be ſtrong; and give faithful and ſeaſonable warning concerning ſin and duty. Many of the Lord’s people do ſadly complain of the fainting and ſilence of many watchmen, and it concerneth them to conſider what God calleth for at their hands in ſuch a day: ſilence now in a watchman, when he is ſo much called to ſpeak, and give his teſtimony, upon the peril of his life, is doubtleſs a great ſin. The Lord open the mouthſ of his ſervants, to ſpeak hiſ word with all boldneſs, that covenant-breaking may be diſcovered and reproved, and that the kingdom of Jeſus Chriſt may not be ſupplanted, nor the ſouls of his people be deſtroyed without a witneſs. I have but a few words more to add; all that are profane amongſt you, I exhort them to repentance, for the day of the Lord’s vengeance haſteneth, and is near; but there is yet a door of mercy open for you, if you will not deſpise the day of ſalvation. All that are maligners, and reproachers, and perſecuters of godlineſs, and of ſuch as live godly, take heed what ye do; it will be hard for you to kick againſt the pricks; you make yourſelves the butt of the Lord’s fury, and his flaming indignation, if you do not ceasſ from, and repent of all your hard ſpeeches, and ungodly deeds. All
