pose; and it also exhibits to our view the cruelty of sin and satan; and it also shews us what zeal and love the christian hath for his Lord and master; and it also shows us that their love and attachment to his cause is stronger than death. But still, by what hath been mentioned concerning the three holy children, we see by this that God can deliver us from the burning flames when he pleaseth; and he also can bring the cruel, proud, boastful spirit down, and lay it as low as the beasts of the field. And thus it was by the king Nebuchadnezzar. See Dan. iv, 30. But at first, when he saw the mighty work of God display itself in the burning fiery furnace, he seemed to be somewhat humbled. But again, after all this, it appears that his proud spirit was lifted up at that time when he said, is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty? And the same hour he was driven from men, and did eat grass 28 oxen, till his hairs are grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws. Dan. iv, 33. But at the end of those days the Lord had mercy upon him, and convinced him of his wicked error, and his understanding and reason returned unto him, and he praised and extolled and honored the King of Heaven, and confessed that his works are truth and his ways judgment, and those that walk in pride he is able to abase. Dan, chap. 5. But to see more of the goodness of God towards these three holy children, see my little Book, “God's care for his People." And concerning the King of Babylon, see my little Book, The Power of God against the Wicked." And again, look and behold how Job sets forth the character of the cruelty of the wicked. Job. chap. 24. And now we are come to the New Testament, and there we see the cruelty of Herod the King. The Wise Men of the East it appears, by a.star, had some token of the birth of Christ, and they made it known to Herod the King. But when the wise men had found the child Jesus, they did not return to bring the king word again, according to his desire, because they was wayned of God in a dream that they should not, therefore, they departed into their own country another way. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and so cruel that he sent forth and,

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slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. Matt. ii, 16. Oh, my readers, we hear and feel of great distresses, troubles, adversity, and afflictions in our days. But ours is but little in comparison to what we read of in the Holy Scripture. For how severe, sharp, keen, and cutting it must be in a case like this, that is, for the poor dear infants to be snatched from the breast, or from the hands of their fathers and mothers and then to be slain as it were before their eyes. Surely, methinks that it was like tearing off the flesh from their dear parents boues. But, again, it may be probable that he was afraid of some revival or opposition or competition against himself or his house. Concerning the King of the Jews, so it appears to me that his intent was this, that is to say, by slaying all those poor infants of Bethlehem he thought that he should be sure to kill the child Jesus, which was represented the King of the Jews. But, bless the Lord, O my soul, for thou delivered thy beloved son out of his hands, until his days were accomplished, so that he should be the propitiation for our sins, and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 Epistle of John, ii, 2. Oh, thou cruel monster if thou never repented, surely then God will bring you into judgment for these things, and that he will require the blood of these dear infants at your hands. But, my readers, as I have no comment to go by, that is upon a subject like this, I would advise you to see what the com mentators say upon it, for it appears to me that he was a very cruel and wicked King, and I think, perhaps, that he died an infamous death, and so departed without being desired. But still let us leave this subject to the will of God, for we know that the Judge of all the Earth will do right because he is righteous. And again, we read of John the Baptist, and he was a good man, which set forth the Gospel, justice and the truth, the things which God loves. Now Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done. Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison. Luke ii, 20. And when Herod's birth-day was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced be

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fore them, and pleased Herod, Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatever she would ask. And her mother it appears was lifted up with too much lust and pride, and cruelty; instructed her daughter so that she asked for the head of John the Baptist in a charger. And so to satisfy her proud lustful heart, and sinful appetite, this holy man John, he was bebeaded in the prison. And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel; and she brought it to her mother. Matt, xiv. 6. Oh, what a proud, cruel, revengeful act was this. Oh, how will this stand in the day of judgment, if this holy man's head appears unto them in like mauner, as it did when they executed him upon the earth. Surely, methinks that they will appear with horror, fear, and shame, if his blood shonld be required at their hands. And again, in another place we see that by cruel hands how they stoned holy Stephen, who testified unto the people the truth which is of Jesus out of the holy scripture. But great was his faith, and the glory which he saw, and he commendeth his soul to the care of his Lord, and at his death prayed for his enemies; and his soul ascended up into Heaven, and no doubt but what his station is in the heavenly mansions of love. Acts, c. 7. And now, my readers, if you observe and take notice of what hath been mentioned in the Book of Whoredom, and in this of the Cruelty of the Wicked, then you will see that it plainly appears and shews us that through the pride and lust that is in the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies, and these are the things, saith our Lord, which defile a man. Matt. xv, 19. And now, my fellowsinners, I must speak plain, for by Grace I have searched the Holy Scriptures, and by Grace I have somewhat found out the corrupt depravity of the heart of may; and I cannot find any thing that is more cruel nor worse in the sight of God than the proud, wicked, whorish, lustful desires of the sinful and depraved heart. Behold, it is said, and in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. Rev. xviii, 24. And there is a day of judgment coming on in which he shall have judgment without love or mercy, who hath shewed po mercy. But where there hath been love and mercy, then

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the same shall rejoice against judgment. James ii, 13. Because the christiau knows by happy experience that Christ dwelleth in him, and it fills bis soul with such high degrees of love and mercy both to man and beast. Therefore, by faith, he knows that he shall at the Day of Judg ment obtain mercy through bis blessed Lord and Redeemer. For God sees his tears, and knows what he feels concerning those that are opprest by the cruelty of the wicked. Therefore, let us all look to the Bleeding Lamb, and pray for mercy and for grace, and repent, so that we may be delivered from this great and sore evil before it be too late. And now, my readers, I must leave this little Book to your consideration, and by the Grace of God, I intend to lead your minds on to some of my other Books of more important and consoling comforts, which are of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. And may they prove a blessing to all your souls for his name and mercy's sake. Amen.

END OF THE FOURTH BOOK.

AYLESBURY:

PRINTED BY WILLIAM WOODMAN,
1837.