ifices of wicked men, continuing in
their wickedness; what an abomination that commonly called public
repentance, or ecclesiastical holiness is, when men are visibly unholy and
ungodly in their conversation. And therefore he pleaded always with that
people, that his soul abhorred their external ceremonies, because of the
uncleanness of their hands. He pleaded that he never commanded them,
though indeed he did command them. Yet those were aberrations and
departings from the express rule and command,--to accept or be pleased with
these sacrifices and ceremonies,--when there was no evidence of real
repentance. To this purpose are chap. xxi. 4, 27; Isa. i. 11; and lxvi. 3;
Jer. vi. 20; and vii. 22; Amos v. 22,--all which show that it is but a
mocking of the Lord, and perverting of his law, and profaning of his
ordinances, to accept the profession of repentance in those who walk
contrary thereto, and to count them ecclesiastically holy enough, who say,
they repent, though a thousand actions witness the contrary. Of such the
Lord says, "What hast thou to do to take my covenant in thy mouth, seeing
thou hatest to be reformed?" Psal. l. 16, 17. They have no right to it.
They should not be admitted to it for it is a taking the Lord's name in
vain. The l6th verse tells us, that it had been better to possess our own
land in quietness than to venture what we have for the uncertain conquest
of England, and restitution of the king parallel with Eccl. iv. 8.

Chap. xvi. 7. "When a man's ways please the Lord he maketh even his
enemies to be at peace with him." Can our States(399) way then please the
Lord, seeing they cannot find the way of peace,--they will not walk in it,
and seeing they make the godly in the land to fall out with them, and none
to be at peace but the wicked, who may thereby get opportunity to crush
the godly? Ver. 17 "The highway of the upright is to depart from evil."
This is the highway only, to depart from evil, not carnal policies, nor
advantages. He thinks the stepping aside to any of these is not the
highway. Can then men change their way, and go cross to it and keep the
right way in both? No, the godly have this high way and keep it. Chap.
xvii. 11. "An evil man seeketh only rebellion, therefore a cruel messenger
shall be sent against him." Evil men seek only rebellion, and delight in
no other thing. But the King of kings shall send a cruel messenger, he
arms men with wrath and power against them. Ver. 13, spea