be_v so_o of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n it_o make_v they_o great_a and_o glorious_a above_o all_o other_o nation_n deut._n 33.29_o happy_a be_v thou_o o_o israel_n a_o people_n save_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o great_a above_o all_o nation_n it_o also_o make_v they_o deut_n 4.7_o for_o what_o nation_n so_o great_a that_o have_v god_n so_o nigh_o unto_o they_o high_a also_o it_o make_v they_o above_o the_o nation_n in_o praise_n in_o name_n and_o in_o honour_n deut._n 26.19_o it_o make_v they_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o a_o royal_a diadem_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o god_n isa_n 62.3_o that_o god_n have_v make_v our_o people_n and_o nation_n at_o least_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n so_o much_o a_o glory_n among_o the_o nation_n and_o so_o much_o the_o bulwark_n and_o defence_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v with_o doxology_n that_o god_n have_v bless_v poor_a new-england_n with_o so_o much_o of_o religion_n plant_v these_o heaven_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o earth_n in_o such_o a_o happy_a subserviency_n thereunto_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o commemorate_v with_o thankfulness_n yet_o not_o without_o some_o yea_o much_o diminution_n of_o our_o joy_n and_o comfort_n under_o a_o sorrowful_a sense_n of_o our_o present_a defection_n therein_o use_v ii_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o admonition_n if_o we_o be_v a_o people_n of_o religion_n if_o religion_n be_v our_o life_n o_o let_v we_o then_o be_v admonish_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o destroy_v our_o religion_n and_o so_o destroy_v our_o own_o life_n destroy_v ourselves_o utter_o and_o most_o miserable_o by_o destroy_v our_o religion_n and_o we_o be_v the_o more_o concern_v to_o give_v most_o diligent_a and_o earnest_a heed_n to_o such_o a_o admonition_n and_o warn_v because_o our_o lord_n jesus_n seem_v to_o speak_v to_o these_o church_n as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n rev._n 3.1_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o vital_a decay_n a_o decay_n upon_o the_o very_a vital_n of_o religion_n by_o a_o deep_a declension_n in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v already_o a_o great_a death_n upon_o religion_n little_o more_o left_a than_o a_o name_n to_o live_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o remain_v be_v ready_a to_o die_v and_o that_o we_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o die_v together_o with_o it_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o awaken_n &_o humble_v consideration_n of_o our_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n oh_o the_o many_o deadly_a symptom_n symptom_n of_o death_n that_o be_v upon_o our_o religion_n consider_v we_o then_o how_o much_o it_o be_v die_v respect_v the_o very_a be_v of_o it_o by_o the_o general_a failure_n of_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n whereby_o only_o it_o be_v that_o religion_n be_v propagate_v continue_v and_o uphold_v in_o be_v among_o any_o people_n as_o convert_v work_n do_v cease_v so_o religion_n do_v die_v away_o though_o more_o insensible_o yet_o most_o irrecoverable_o how_o much_o religion_n be_v die_v in_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o sincere_a christian_n by_o their_o declension_n in_o grace_n holiness_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n how_o much_o it_o be_v die_v respect_v the_o visible_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o partly_o by_o the_o formality_n of_o church_n but_o more_o by_o the_o hypocrisy_n and_o apostasy_n of_o formal_a hypocritical_a professor_n how_o much_o it_o be_v die_v under_o the_o prevail_a power_n of_o those_o sin_n and_o evil_n which_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o and_o destructive_a of_o the_o life_n of_o it_o those_o sin_n continue_v and_o prevail_v religion_n can_v live_v it_o must_v needs_o die_v such_o as_o be_v the_o deep_a and_o general_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o generation_n unprofitableness_n under_o all_o mean_n of_o grace_n unbelief_n &_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n formality_n hypocrisy_n and_o spiritual_a idolatry_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n profanation_n and_o pollution_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n slight_v and_o neglect_v of_o holy_a thing_n interest_n and_o enjoyment_n thereof_o worldliness_n profaneness_n sensuality_n all_o these_o sin_n more_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v become_v the_o very_a spirit_n of_o the_o time_n and_o generation_n when_o they_o be_v penal_a and_o judicial_a than_o they_o will_v certain_o issue_v in_o general_n and_o total_a apostasy_n and_o so_o will_v destroy_v not_o only_o the_o life_n and_o power_n but_o the_o external_a form_n order_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n also_o hence_o how_o be_v religion_n die_v in_o church_n church_n which_o be_v constitute_v on_o purpose_n for_o the_o propagation_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n that_o live_v and_o have_v their_o be_v only_o by_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n how_o little_a be_v there_o of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n leave_v in_o they_o and_o how_o be_v church_n themselves_o languish_v and_o die_v together_o with_o religion_n how_o be_v religion_n die_v in_o family_n through_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o religious_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o religious_a education_n of_o child_n and_o youth_n in_o family_n true_o here_o and_o hereby_o religion_n first_o receive_v its_o death_n wound_n hence_o religion_n be_v die_v in_o all_o other_o society_n among_o all_o order_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n in_o all_o way_n of_o converse_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a o_o there_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v see_v or_o appear_v either_o in_o the_o frame_n or_o way_n heart_n or_o live_v of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o that_o which_o remain_v thereof_o ready_a to_o die_v how_o much_o and_o great_a cause_n have_v we_o then_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o quite_o destroy_v it_o that_o be_v 1._o take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o exchange_v our_o religion_n for_o the_o world_n that_o we_o do_v not_o commit_v that_o heaven-astonishing_a sin_n which_o god_n charge_v his_o people_n with_o jer._n 2.11_o 12_o 13._o but_o my_o people_n have_v change_v their_o glory_n for_o that_o which_o do_v not_o profit_n be_v astonish_v o_o you_o heaven_n at_o this_o &_o be_v horrible_o afraid_a be_v you_o very_o desolate_a say_v the_o lord_n for_o my_o people_n have_v commit_v two_o evil_n they_o have_v forsake_v i_o the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n and_o hew_v they_o out_o cistern_n break_a cistern_n that_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n they_o have_v exchange_v their_o god_n and_o their_o religion_n for_o the_o world_n they_o have_v advance_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o world_n above_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o thereby_o enslave_v themselves_o v._o 14._o be_v israel_n a_o servant_n be_v he_o a_o home-born_a slave_n why_o be_v he_o spoil_v god_n destroy_v they_o by_o that_o worldly_a interest_n whereby_o they_o have_v destroy_v their_o religion_n if_o once_o a_o people_n do_v set_v their_o heart_n upon_o the_o world_n so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o their_o high_a and_o heart-interest_n their_o preponderate_n roll_a interest_n which_o do_v sway_n all_o and_o carry_v all_o before_o it_o when_o the_o spirit_n principle_n counsel_n and_o design_n of_o a_o people_n be_v all_o for_o the_o world_n set_v for_o the_o promotion_n and_o advancement_n of_o their_o worldly_a interest_n when_o the_o interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o religion_n yea_o even_a religion_n itself_o be_v make_v subordinate_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o world_n yea_o prostitute_a by_o worldly_a man_n to_o worldly_a lust_n and_o thereby_o expose_v to_o all_o kind_n of_o abuse_n scandal_n shame_n reproach_n and_o make_v a_o opprobrium_fw-la when_o the_o visible_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o in_o heart_n alienate_v from_o but_o be_v become_v secret_a enemy_n to_o it_o when_o religion_n be_v oppress_v and_o depress_v when_o it_o be_v make_v not_o only_o to_o serve_v but_o also_o to_o suffer_v under_o the_o rise_n roll_a interest_n of_o the_o world_n wo_n than_o will_v be_v to_o such_o a_o people_n for_o they_o have_v exchange_v their_o religion_n for_o the_o world_n therefore_o their_o religion_n will_v die_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o worldliness_n have_v be_v be_v and_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o most_o general_a and_o powerful_a principle_n of_o apostasy_n to_o the_o profess_v people_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v often_o yea_o ordinary_o the_o death_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v always_o so_o when_o &_o where_o it_o prevail_v 2._o we_o be_v admonish_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o desert_a religion_n if_o we_o desert_n it_o it_o will_v certain_o die_v die_v without_o remedy_n that_o we_o do_v not_o desert_v it_o by_o
how_o many_o protestant_a church_n in_o saxony_n bohemia_n hungaria_n poland_n france_n and_o other_o place_n have_v be_v dissipate_v and_o unchurch_v and_o that_o because_o of_o their_o decay_n either_o as_o to_o the_o profession_n or_o practice_n of_o religion_n if_o the_o professor_n thereof_o be_v general_o grow_v formal_a and_o lifeless_a it_o be_v a_o sad_a prognostic_n that_o a_o terrible_a persecution_n be_v near_o at_o hand_n upon_o which_o account_n wise_a man_n do_v with_o some_o dread_n behold_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o protestant_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n the_o name_n of_o those_o that_o be_v indeed_o alive_a be_v so_o very_a few_o as_o for_o the_o church_n in_o this_o wilderness_n i_o be_o persuade_v christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v make_v a_o desolation_n as_o yet_o though_o israel_n be_v deep_o revolt_v from_o the_o holy_a way_n of_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o jehoahaz_n it_o be_v say_v 2_o king_n 13.23_o and_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a unto_o they_o and_o have_v compassion_n on_o they_o and_o have_v respect_n unto_o they_o because_o of_o his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o will_v not_o destroy_v they_o nor_o cast_v he_o they_o from_o his_o presence_n as_o yet_o nevertheless_o shake_v trial_n may_v come_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v they_o and_o god_n prepare_v we_o for_o they_o for_o great_a sin_n be_v now_o common_a in_o new-england_n which_o be_v rare_o if_o at_o all_o hear_v of_o but_o thirty_o year_n ago_o profaneness_n grow_v bold_a and_o be_v not_o easy_o suppress_v there_o be_v much_o hypocrisy_n and_o formality_n among_o professor_n nay_o and_o wise_a virgin_n be_v asleep_a too_o it_o be_v beyond_o controversy_n that_o the_o late_a judgement_n which_o new-england_n have_v be_v bleed_v under_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o divine_a anger_n provoke_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o men._n but_o since_o god_n have_v merciful_o remove_v his_o hand_n those_o very_a sin_n the_o lord_n have_v be_v contend_v for_o be_v commit_v as_o much_o nay_o more_o than_o ever_o before_o it_o be_v a_o most_o awful_a and_o tremble_a consideration_n that_o the_o holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_a who_o though_o he_o may_v bear_v long_o will_v not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v abuse_v always_o have_v be_v mock_v and_o dally_v with_o more_o than_o once_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o late_a trouble_n several_a thing_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v provoke_v evil_n and_o reformation_n in_o respect_n of_o they_o confess_v to_o be_v necessary_a which_o since_o be_v make_v light_n of_o austin_n do_v in_o his_o time_n wish_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o synod_n call_v to_o consider_v of_o some_o effectual_a course_n for_o the_o suppression_n of_o that_o sin_n of_o drunkenness_n among_o man_n in_o those_o day_n these_o church_n have_v in_o a_o very_a solemn_a manner_n meet_v together_o by_o their_o representative_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n displeasure_n and_o the_o expedient_n for_o reformation_n there_o be_v a_o gracious_a presence_n of_o christ_n guide_v his_o servant_n in_o those_o inquiry_n but_o what_o do_v it_o all_o come_v to_o more_o than_o to_o leave_v the_o present_a generation_n inexcusable_a before_o the_o world_n and_o before_o posterity_n and_o before_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o plead_n with_o those_o that_o have_v know_v their_o master_n will_n but_o have_v not_o do_v it_o the_o infinite_o patient_a god_n have_v wait_v for_o fruit_n three_o year_n since_o that_o endeavour_n and_o pretence_n to_o reformation_n be_v publish_v our_o english_a historian_n have_v record_v that_o when_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n bring_v heavy_a judgement_n upon_o our_o forefather_n above_o nine_o hundred_o year_n ago_o a_o synod_n do_v convene_v in_o order_n to_o the_o redress_v of_o those_o evil_n there_o be_v thirty_o minister_n then_o find_v faithful_a who_o give_v their_o testimony_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v hearken_v to_o so_o that_o god_n quick_o send_v the_o cruel_a dane_n who_o for_o a_o long_a time_n bring_v the_o land_n into_o miserable_a bondage_n and_o slavery_n what_o hour_n of_o temptation_n may_v come_v upon_o we_o we_o know_v not_o our_o case_n be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a and_o the_o judgement_n impend_v like_a to_o be_v the_o more_o dreadful_a when_o if_o repentance_n prevent_v not_o at_o last_o they_o shall_v fall_v down_o in_o that_o god_n have_v stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o ministry_n full_a many_o a_o time_n and_o with_o great_a earnestness_n to_o protest_v against_o the_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n of_o the_o time_n and_o to_o press_v for_o reformation_n before_o the_o decree_n bring_v forth_o but_o alas_o hitherto_o with_o little_a success_n the_o word_n of_o that_o honourable_a man_n of_o god_n dr._n owen_n in_o his_o late_a sermon_n in_o luk._n 13.1_o 2_o 3._o page_n 77._o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o truth_n and_o weight_n in_o they_o let_v we_o not_o say_v he_o pretend_v that_o the_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n call_v for_o respect_v the_o public_a enormous_a sin_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o atheism_n profaneness_n sensuality_n luxury_n pride_n oppression_n hatred_n of_o the_o truth_n contempt_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o like_a they_o do_v so_o indeed_o but_o not_o only_o they_o respect_v also_o the_o decay_n in_o faith_n love_n zeal_n with_o love_n of_o the_o world_n conformity_n unto_o it_o lukewarmness_n that_o be_v find_v among_o the_o most_o eminent_a professor_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v our_o present_a wound_n here_o lie_v our_o weakness_n namely_o in_o the_o want_n of_o a_o quick_a active_a zealous_a ministry_n to_o call_v and_o stir_v up_o magistrate_n and_o people_n to_o effectual_a repentance_n and_o turn_n to_o god_n unless_o this_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o i_o fear_v we_o can_v be_v save_v if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o if_o we_o have_v a_o ministry_n that_o real_o do_v attend_v unto_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o i_o shall_v think_v it_o the_o most_o pregnant_a sign_n of_o approach_a destruction_n see_v it_o be_v apparent_a unto_o all_o that_o their_o endeavour_n have_v neither_o fruit_n nor_o success_n true_o with_o we_o it_o have_v be_v so_o they_o that_o have_v approve_v themselves_o faithful_a unto_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n in_o this_o matter_n have_v indeed_o inward_a peace_n yet_o they_o can_v but_o be_v sensible_a that_o they_o lose_v the_o good_a word_n and_o good_a will_n of_o some_o man_n and_o be_v expose_v to_o obloquy_n and_o reproach_n for_o as_o the_o excellent_a person_n but_o now_o mention_v say_v page_n 90.91_o the_o hard_a and_o most_o difficult_a service_n that_o ever_o god_n call_v any_o of_o his_o minister_n unto_o except_v only_a jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v be_v in_o the_o endeavour_v the_o reformation_n of_o backslide_v or_o spiritual_o decay_a church_n these_o be_v the_o two_o witness_n which_o in_o all_o age_n have_v prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n such_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o elijah_n which_o bring_v he_o unto_o that_o conclusion_n and_o a_o earnest_a longing_n to_o be_v deliver_v by_o death_n from_o his_o work_n and_o ministry_n 2_o king_n 19.4_o so_o be_v that_o of_o jeremiah_n in_o the_o like_a season_n whereof_o he_o complain_v chap._n 15.10_o john_n the_o baptist_n in_o the_o same_o work_n lose_v first_o his_o liberty_n than_o his_o life_n and_o in_o after_o age_n chrysostom_n for_o the_o same_o cause_n be_v hate_v by_o the_o clergy_n persecute_v by_o the_o court_n and_o at_o length_n drive_v into_o banishment_n where_o he_o die_v most_o man_n care_v not_o how_o little_a a_o share_n they_o have_v in_o such_o a_o work_n as_o this_o who_o reward_n will_v reach_v they_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o engagement_n in_o it_o all_o church_n all_o person_n almost_o will_v willing_o be_v let_v alone_o in_o the_o condition_n wherein_o they_o be_v they_o that_o will_v press_v they_o unto_o due_a reformation_n ever_o be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v look_v on_o as_o their_o troubler_n nevertheless_o god_n have_v give_v a_o spirit_n of_o courage_n zeal_n and_o faithfulness_n unto_o several_a of_o his_o ambassador_n to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o bear_v their_o testimony_n and_o so_o to_o leave_v the_o success_n and_o their_o own_o name_n also_o with_o that_o god_n who_o they_o be_v and_o who_o they_o serve_v and_o in_o special_a this_o worthy_a minister_n of_o christ_n who_o eminent_a accomplishment_n be_v know_v unto_o all_o unto_o who_o he_o himself_o be_v know_v have_v a_o long_a time_n approve_v himself_o singular_o faithful_a unto_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n herein_o the_o strain_n of_o his_o ministry_n in_o that_o congregation_n where_o he_o that_o hold_v the_o star_n have_v see_v meet_a to_o place_v he_o have_v be_v to_o urge_v conversion_n
call_v as_o christian_n to_o mourn_v to_o be_v god_n mourner_n zion_n mourner_n o_o how_o much_o may_v you_o do_v for_o god_n and_o these_o church_n in_o this_o frame_n and_o way_n of_o mourning_n more_o especial_o if_o those_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o be_v betrust_v with_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o public_a weal_n of_o the_o people_n and_o these_o church_n be_v such_o mourner_n and_o do_v labour_n in_o their_o work_n mourning_n ezra_n nehemiah_n be_v great_a mourner_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n prosper_v in_o their_o hand_n while_o they_o carry_v it_o on_o mourning_n nehem._n 1.4_o ezra_n 10.1_o 6._o &_o joel_n 2.17_o let_v the_o priest_n the_o lord_n minister_n weep_v between_o the_o porch_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o say_v spare_v thy_o people_n o_o lord_n then_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v jealous_a for_o his_o land_n and_o pity_v his_o people_n 2._o we_o must_v do_v what_o we_o do_v for_o the_o recovery_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n believe_v and_o obey_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o mean_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o it_o have_v be_v preach_v and_o deliver_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o ministry_n those_o particular_a and_o extraordinary_a message_n which_o god_n have_v send_v to_o we_o by_o his_o messenger_n those_o full_a and_o general_a testimony_n which_o god_n have_v give_v by_o they_o against_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n and_o unto_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o time_n amplify_v in_o the_o delivery_n of_o they_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o so_o many_o solemn_a word_n for_o conversion_n whereby_o god_n have_v charge_v we_o plain_o express_o and_o full_o with_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n judge_v and_o condemn_v we_o for_o it_o declare_v and_o denounce_v wrath_n and_o judgement_n against_o we_o in_o case_n of_o impenitency_n yet_o withal_o most_o gracious_o call_v of_o we_o unto_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n by_o many_o general_a instruction_n exhortation_n direction_n motive_n and_o argument_n propose_v and_o press_v by_o promise_n and_o threaten_n apply_v with_o much_o instancy_n and_o importunity_n and_o set_v home_o in_o the_o application_n of_o they_o with_o very_o severe_a admonition_n and_o warning_n for_o our_o awaken_n yea_o god_n have_v make_v application_n of_o his_o word_n unto_o we_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o manner_n viz._n in_o that_o great_a ordinance_n wherein_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v extraordinary_o present_a to_o discover_v and_o to_o declare_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o the_o ministry_n and_o whereby_o all_o the_o church_n have_v declare_v their_o conviction_n and_o publish_v their_o confession_n and_o acknowledgement_n thereof_o thus_o god_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o all_o that_o can_v be_v speak_v suitable_a and_o proper_a to_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n we_o can_v tell_v what_o god_n can_v say_v more_o to_o we_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n than_o he_o have_v do_v but_o alas_o we_o have_v not_o hearken_v nor_o believe_v nor_o obey_v those_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o have_v be_v send_v unto_o we_o so_o that_o god_n may_v just_o complain_v of_o we_o as_o of_o they_o jer._n 7.25_o 26._o since_o the_o day_n that_o your_o father_n come_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n unto_o this_o day_n i_o have_v even_o send_v unto_o you_o all_o my_o servant_n the_o prophet_n daily_o rise_v early_o and_o send_v they_o yet_o they_o hearken_v not_o unto_o i_o nor_o inclean_v their_o ear_n and_o this_o god_n charge_v upon_o they_o every_o where_o as_o the_o great_a cause_n both_o of_o their_o utter_a defection_n from_o religion_n and_o of_o their_o destruction_n viz._n because_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o 2_o chron._n 36.16_o jer._n 25.8_o 4._o &_o 35.15_o zech._n 7.12_o 13._o yea_o god_n tell_v they_o plain_o after_o their_o return_n from_o captivity_n that_o it_o will_v never_o be_v well_o with_o they_o until_o they_o have_v hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o the_o former_a prophet_n zech._n 7.7_o religion_n be_v never_o revive_v and_o raise_v they_o be_v never_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n effectual_o in_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n neither_o do_v god_n work_v saving_o for_o they_o by_o his_o spirit_n until_o they_o have_v so_o do_v neither_o may_v we_o expect_v any_o recovery_n of_o religion_n or_o salvation_n from_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n until_o we_o have_v hearken_v to_o that_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v that_o word_n those_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o send_v to_o we_o and_o which_o he_o be_v still_o send_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o servant_n and_o therefore_o o_o that_o unconvert_v one_o will_v hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v send_v to_o they_o for_o their_o awaken_n conviction_n humiliation_n and_o conversion_n believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n that_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n may_v have_v a_o general_a and_o prosperous_a progress_n than_o religion_n will_v revive_v and_o live_v and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v the_o sincere_a people_n of_o god_n will_v also_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o have_v be_v speak_v unto_o you_o to_o awaken_v and_o convince_v you_o to_o bring_v you_o to_o a_o humble_v sight_n and_o sense_n of_o your_o own_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n and_o of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o yourselves_o and_o against_o this_o people_n and_o these_o church_n as_o also_o to_o move_v and_o stir_v you_o up_o to_o quicken_v and_o strengthen_v you_o unto_o duty_n the_o duty_n of_o the_o time_n the_o work_n of_o christ_n church_n you_o see_v all_o the_o general_a sin_n and_o evil_n of_o the_o time_n grow_v and_o prevail_v you_o see_v religion_n decay_v and_o die_v you_o see_v this_o people_n and_o these_o church_n sink_v and_o in_o great_a danger_n of_o perish_v in_o this_o defection_n and_o apostasy_n you_o hear_v god_n threaten_v dreadful_o and_o have_v see_v his_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o execution_n and_o you_o sit_v still_o do_v nothing_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o you_o be_v unable_a weak_a and_o feeble_a as_o other_o man_n unto_o and_o in_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n you_o fail_v utter_o in_o all_o your_o essay_n to_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o you_o do_v not_o hear_v and_o obey_v the_o word_n of_o god_n believe_v it_o christian_n you_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o exercise_v your_o faith_n hope_n or_o confidence_n in_o god_n or_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o good_a earnest_n you_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o engage_v your_o heart_n in_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n you_o will_v never_o find_v yourselves_o quicken_v sanctify_a and_o strengthen_v thereunto_o and_o assist_v therein_o until_o you_o have_v obey_v and_o subject_v your_o very_a soul_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o do_v engage_v and_o labour_v in_o his_o work_n under_o the_o power_n of_o his_o word_n there_o be_v none_o fit_a to_o intermeddle_v in_o religious_a reformation_n but_o those_o who_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ezra_n 9.4_o then_o be_v assemble_v unto_o i_o every_o one_o that_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n ezra_n 10.3_o now_o therefore_o let_v we_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o our_o god_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o my_o lord_n and_o of_o those_o that_o tremble_v at_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n o_o christian_n do_v you_o but_o once_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n of_o god_n you_o will_v find_v your_o soul_n wonderful_o raise_v in_o love_n zeal_n and_o courage_n unto_o and_o for_o his_o work_n more_o especial_o such_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v any_o peculiar_a betrustment_n for_o other_o and_o for_o the_o public_a be_v more_o than_o other_o concern_v to_o subject_v their_o soul_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o they_o will_v find_v themselves_o extraordinary_o spirit_v to_o their_o work_n and_o assist_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n then_o they_o will_v prosper_v in_o their_o work_n ezra_n 6.14_o and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o jew_n build_v and_o prosper_v through_o the_o prophesy_v of_o haggai_n the_o prophet_n and_o zechariah_n hag._n 1.12_o then_o zerubbabel_n and_o joshua_n obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o the_o word_n of_o haggai_n the_o prophet_n ver._n 14._o and_o the_o lord_n stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o zerubbabel_n etc._n etc._n o_o that_o we_o general_o and_o full_o understand_v how_o much_o we_o be_v concern_v thus_o to_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n god_n have_v magnify_v his_o word_n to_o new-england_n he_o have_v wrought_v powerful_o and_o glorious_o for_o this_o people_n by_o his_o word_n as_o for_o
his_o people_n of_o old_a hos_fw-la 12.13_o true_o god_n have_v do_v all_o in_o new-england_n by_o his_o word_n as_o long_o as_o we_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o prosper_v if_o we_o will_v now_o hearken_v all_o will_v be_v well_o 2_o chron._n 20.20_o 3._o that_o we_o do_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o recovery_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n with_o holy_a religious_a lively_a spiritual_a devotion_n to_o god_n in_o his_o worship_n more_o especial_o in_o his_o house_n the_o loss_n of_o which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v one_o great_a if_o not_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o religion_n for_o religion_n live_v much_o by_o such_o devotion_n to_o god_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o be_v keep_v alive_a by_o it_o religious_a devotion_n it_o be_v much_o of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o will_v then_o recover_v and_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v our_o soul_n raise_v unto_o a_o very_a high_a and_o dear_a esteem_n of_o and_o love_n unto_o a_o most_o sincere_a and_o fervent_a zeal_n for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o interest_n and_o enjoyment_n thereof_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o understand_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o blessedness_n and_o happiness_n of_o those_o who_o have_v not_o only_o visible_a but_o a_o real_a spiritual_a interest_n and_o stand_v therein_o we_o must_v give_v up_o and_o devote_v ourselves_o our_o very_a soul_n unto_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o holy_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o his_o house_n in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o uphold_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o life_n spirit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o we_o must_v have_v our_o heart_n enlarge_v to_o take_v in_o a_o fullness_n of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o gracious_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o raise_v unto_o live_a apprehension_n of_o that_o presence_n with_o spiritual_a pleasure_n delight_n soul-solace_n and_o satisfaction_n therein_o that_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v draw_v forth_o more_o &_o more_o after_o it_o with_o long_a desire_n &_o earnest_a prayer_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o saint_n of_o old_a be_v psal_n 27.4_o &_o 36.7_o &_o 42.1_o 2._o &_o 63.1_o 2._o &_o 84.1_o 2_o 10._o we_o must_v labour_v to_o keep_v the_o house_n of_o god_n pure_a and_o holy_a and_o all_o the_o service_n and_o administration_n of_o it_o and_o to_o obtain_v a_o spiritual_a soul-settlement_n therein_o psal_n 92.13_o those_o that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v flourish_v in_o the_o court_n of_o our_o god_n if_o we_o will_v have_v religion_n live_v we_o must_v real_o dwell_v in_o the_o house_n for_o there_o and_o therein_o religion_n live_v by_o nothing_o have_v we_o more_o endanger_v and_o destroy_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n than_o by_o withdraw_v our_o heart_n from_o god_n in_o his_o worship_n in_o his_o house_n by_o our_o formality_n hypocrisy_n and_o spiritual_a idolatry_n therein_o by_o slight_v neglect_v profane_v and_o pollute_v thereof_o and_o by_o sin_v away_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n from_o it_o these_o evil_n be_v deadly_a they_o be_v death_n to_o religion_n so_o long_o as_o these_o evil_n remain_v and_o so_o long_o as_o we_o remain_v so_o estrange_v to_o the_o house_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n there_o will_v be_v no_o hope_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n neither_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n effectual_o for_o the_o recovery_n and_o preservation_n of_o it_o 4._o that_o we_o do_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o recovery_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n with_o the_o special_a presence_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n religion_n live_v only_o by_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o life_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o we_o have_v by_o our_o sin_n and_o miscarriage_n move_v our_o lord_n jesus_n to_o withdraw_v and_o withhold_v so_o much_o of_o his_o presence_n and_o power_n from_o we_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o suffer_v such_o a_o privation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o unless_o we_o obtain_v a_o return_n thereof_o religion_n will_v die_v quite_o away_o that_o we_o may_v obtain_v the_o return_n of_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v be_v sensible_a of_o and_o humble_v for_o those_o sin_n and_o evil_n whereby_o we_o have_v grieve_v and_o provoke_v he_o our_o unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n not_o subject_v to_o his_o spiritual_a rule_n and_o government_n and_o to_o the_o ministerial_a exercise_n of_o his_o power_n therein_o unfaithfulness_n to_o his_o cause_n interest_n and_o work_n dissension_n disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o church_n the_o loss_n of_o our_o first_o love_n and_o life_n and_o the_o great_a dishonour_n to_o his_o holy_a name_n these_o evil_n must_v be_v repent_v of_o and_z removed_z unconverted_a sinner_n must_v receive_v he_o and_o give_v themselves_o to_o he_o by_o faith_n in_o a_o way_n of_o gospel-obedience_n christian_n must_v awake_v and_o rouse_v up_o their_o sleepy_a soul_n out_o of_o carnal_a ease_n and_o rest_n follow_v he_o and_o seek_v he_o until_o you_o have_v find_v he_o and_o repossess_v your_o soul_n of_o he_o with_o a_o fullness_n of_o spiritual_a joy_n pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o your_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 3.4_o the_o church_n must_v give_v he_o free_a full_a and_o open_a entrance_n and_o entertainment_n in_o the_o great_a fullness_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o power_n recover_v their_o first_o life_n and_o love_n do_v their_o first_o work_n in_o maintain_v integrity_n of_o love_n peace_n union_n purity_n of_o communion_n regularity_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o order_n within_o themselves_o cleave_v to_o his_o cause_n interest_n and_o work_n full_o steadfast_o and_o faithful_o manage_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o a_o way_n of_o sincere_a soul-subjection_n to_o he_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o name_n and_o glory_n o_o if_o christian_n and_o church_n can_v thus_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v themselves_o unto_o the_o return_n of_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n they_o will_v soon_o feel_v themselves_o enable_v thereby_o to_o perform_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o recovery_n and_o preservation_n of_o religion_n the_o sad_a cause_n why_o we_o have_v hitherto_o fail_v in_o all_o our_o undertake_n be_v the_o want_n of_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n o_o there_o be_v woeful_a evidence_n of_o the_o want_n of_o it_o until_o christ_n return_v it_o nothing_o will_v or_o can_v be_v do_v the_o return_n of_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n will_v instant_o infer_v a_o happy_a resurrection_n of_o religion_n o_o let_v we_o seek_v it_o pray_v and_o cry_v for_o it_o under_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o our_o extreme_a necessity_n of_o it_o and_o of_o our_o woeful_a condition_n without_o it_o let_v we_o be_v move_v hereunto_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o gracious_a disposition_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n to_o return_v it_o be_v yet_o his_o voice_n to_o these_o as_o it_o be_v to_o those_o decline_a church_n after_o he_o have_v reprove_v charge_v threaten_v they_o very_o sharp_o and_o severe_o he_o conclude_v all_o rev._n 3.20_o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v come_v in_o by_o open_v to_o christ_n we_o shall_v do_v all_o and_o obtain_v all_o salvation_n 5._o that_o we_o do_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o recovery_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n quick_o there_o must_v be_v a_o sudden_a quick_a dispatch_n of_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n it_o must_v be_v do_v present_o instant_o without_o delay_n as_o we_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o our_o life_n when_o in_o utmost_a and_o extreme_a danger_n if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v what_o we_o have_v to_o do_v quick_o it_o may_v be_v quick_o too_o late_o and_o true_o it_o will_v be_v god_n infinite_a mercy_n if_o it_o be_v not_o already_o too_o late_o as_o it_o be_v to_o they_o luk._n 19.42_o mat._n 23.37_o o_o we_o have_v linger_v and_o delay_v upon_o utmost_a peril_n already_o it_o be_v now_o high_a time_n more_o than_o time_n if_o we_o mean_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n hos_fw-la 10.12_o it_o be_v time_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n till_o he_o come_v god_n be_v now_o cry_v to_o day_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n after_o so_o long_a a_o time_n psal_n 95.7_o heb._n 4.7_o god_n call_v for_o present_a haste_n he_o be_v every_o way_n hasten_v of_o we_o the_o die_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o