a_o plea_n for_o the_o life_n of_o die_a religion_n from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v to_o the_o general_z assembly_n of_o the_o colony_n of_o the_o massachuset_n at_o boston_n in_o new-england_n may_v 16._o 1683._o be_v the_o day_n of_o election_n there_o by_o mr._n samuel_n torrey_n pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o waymouth_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 2._o be_v watchful_a and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v which_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v deut._n 30.19_o i_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o record_v this_o day_n against_o you_o that_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v therefore_o choose_v life_n that_o both_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n may_v live_v 20_o that_o thou_o may_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o that_o thou_o may_v obey_v his_o voice_n and_o that_o thou_o may_v cleave_v to_o he_o for_o he_o be_v thy_o life_n hosea_n 6.1_o come_v let_v we_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n 2_o after_o two_o day_n he_o will_v revive_v we_o and_o in_o the_o three_o day_n he_o will_v raise_v we_o up_o and_o we_o shall_v live_v in_o his_o sight_n boston_n in_o new-england_a print_v by_o samuel_n green_a for_o samuel_n sewall_n 1683._o to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v the_o importunate_a solicitation_n of_o many_o and_o more_o especial_o of_o they_o who_o request_n cause_v the_o sermon_n emit_v herewith_o to_o be_v preach_v that_o prevail_v with_o the_o reverend_n and_o worthy_a author_n so_o far_o to_o gratify_v their_o desire_n as_o to_o let_v other_o have_v a_o copy_n of_o what_o he_o deliver_v on_o so_o solemn_a a_o occasion_n leave_v it_o with_o they_o to_o dispose_v of_o as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n i_o have_v peruse_v it_o with_o great_a satisfaction_n find_v it_o to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o affectionate_a and_o awaken_n but_o a_o rational_a and_o judicious_a discourse_n and_o than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o seasonable_a it_o have_v often_o be_v affirm_v and_o true_o that_o the_o distinguish_a character_n whereby_o new-england_n be_v difference_v from_o other_o out-going_n of_o the_o english_a nation_n be_v in_o that_o the_o great_a motive_n induce_v the_o first_o planter_n to_o remove_v themselves_o and_o they_o into_o a_o waist_n and_o howl_a wilderness_n be_v like_o that_o of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n of_o old_a the_o interest_n of_o religion_n which_o their_o soul_n be_v concern_v for_o and_o while_o man_n continue_v faithful_a to_o that_o bless_a design_n as_o the_o prophet_n say_v to_o jehojakim_n it_o be_v well_o with_o they_o they_o that_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n have_v other_o thing_n add_v to_o they_o which_o they_o never_o think_v nor_o can_v in_o reason_n hope_v to_o enjoy_v nor_o do_v any_o weapon_n form_v against_o we_o in_o those_o day_n prosper_v the_o lord_n have_v cause_v we_o and_o all_o the_o world_n about_o we_o to_o see_v that_o religion_n be_v our_o life_n that_o this_o interest_n without_o which_o we_o ourselves_o can_v live_v have_v be_v for_o many_o year_n languish_v and_o die_v be_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o man_n that_o have_v their_o heart_n exercise_v in_o discern_a thing_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o complaint_n be_v that_o n-england_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o n-england_n but_o we_o be_v become_v like_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v grow_v into_o the_o same_o conformity_n to_o the_o world_n with_o other_o plantation_n who_o interest_n and_o profession_n never_o be_v as_o we_o have_v be_v there_o be_v a_o woeful_a decay_n as_o to_o external_o and_o the_o form_n of_o religion_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o hear_v the_o word_n as_o to_o the_o public_a dispensation_n thereof_o prayer_n with_o fast_v and_o other_o religious_a exercise_n which_o reach_v no_o further_a than_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v not_o so_o frequent_a as_o in_o former_a day_n and_o that_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a sign_n that_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v much_o more_o in_o a_o bleed_a and_o die_a state_n it_o be_v not_o then_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o the_o tenor_n of_o divine_a dispensation_n have_v of_o late_a time_n be_v change_v towards_o we_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n have_v be_v heavy_a upon_o many_o place_n in_o the_o land_n he_o have_v smite_v we_o with_o a_o deadly_a destruction_n the_o kill_a sword_n a_o mortal_a contagion_n and_o other_o judgement_n have_v threaten_v life_n itself_o and_o since_o we_o have_v let_v religion_n die_v we_o have_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n than_o ever_o of_o be_v deprive_v both_o of_o our_o political_a and_o ecclesiastical_a life_n let_v we_o not_o be_v high-minded_a but_o fear_n if_o we_o do_v not_o in_o this_o our_o day_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o our_o peace_n so_o as_o to_o recover_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n holy_a severity_n towards_o other_o may_v cause_v tremble_v of_o heart_n lest_o at_o last_o the_o lord_n do_v unto_o we_o as_o he_o have_v do_v unto_o they_o be_v we_o better_o than_o shiloh_n where_o the_o house_n of_o god_n continue_v almost_o four_o hundred_o year_n be_v we_o better_o than_o jerusalem_n the_o perfection_n of_o beauty_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v we_o better_o than_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o among_o who_o there_o be_v once_o a_o gracious_a and_o glorious_a presence_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o those_o candlestick_n be_v long_o ago_o remove_v out_o of_o their_o place_n not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o of_o they_o remain_v because_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o religion_n they_o have_v lose_v their_o life_n and_o being_n a_o late_a historian_n who_o about_o twelve_o year_n ago_o be_v in_o those_o part_n say_v that_o horror_n take_v hold_v upon_o he_o as_o he_o be_v view_v the_o doleful_a ruin_n of_o those_o once_o glorious_a church_n fear_v lest_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o place_n which_o as_o yet_o enjoy_v the_o gospel_n may_v in_o time_n expose_v they_o to_o the_o like_a misery_n he_o say_v that_o in_o ephesus_n there_o be_v now_o only_o a_o few_o cottage_n and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o christian_a dwelling_n there_o smyrna_n be_v at_o this_o day_n a_o considerable_a place_n in_o respect_n of_o trade_n but_o no_o settle_a inhabitant_n there_o to_o uphold_v so_o much_o as_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n except_v a_o few_o superstitious_a greek_n in_o pergamus_n there_o be_v but_o fifteen_o family_n of_o christian_n and_o those_o in_o a_o state_n most_o miserable_a both_o as_o to_o spiritual_n and_o temporal_n in_o thyarira_n the_o turk_n have_v eight_o mosches_n but_o very_o few_o christian_n now_o reside_v there_o sardis_n which_o be_v once_o the_o metropolis_n of_o lydia_n be_v now_o a_o beggarly_a village_n earthquake_n and_o war_n have_v bring_v that_o famous_a city_n under_o horrid_a desolation_n there_o be_v nothing_o like_o a_o church_n there_o in_o philadelphia_n there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n call_v themselves_o christian_n than_o in_o any_o of_o those_o asiatic_a church_n except_v smyrna_n for_o in_o that_o city_n be_v two_o hundred_o family_n of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n but_o they_o be_v idolater_n and_o in_o miserable_a slavery_n to_o the_o cruel_a turk_n as_o for_o laodicea_n which_o be_v once_o a_o rich_a and_o populous_a place_n and_o the_o building_n in_o it_o exceed_o magnificent_a it_o be_v now_o utter_o desolate_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o inhabitant_n there_o except_v wolf_n and_o doleful_a creature_n thus_o do_v all_o these_o famous_a place_n and_o church_n by_o lose_v religion_n lose_v their_o own_o life_n and_o being_n time_n be_v when_o in_o africa_n there_o be_v many_o thousand_o of_o church_n but_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v go_v out_o of_o that_o vast_a continent_n thrice_o as_o big_a as_o europe_n what_o but_o death_n be_v to_o be_v see_v there_o let_v we_o look_v near_a home_n in_o the_o land_n of_o our_o father_n sepulcher_n there_o be_v church_n among_o the_o ancient_a britain_n but_o when_o those_o sin_n of_o pride_n drunkenness_n contention_n worldliness_n notwithstanding_o gildas_n and_o other_o faithful_a minister_n do_v zealous_o testify_v against_o they_o become_v common_a and_o prevail_a evil_n god_n first_o send_v a_o sweep_a plague_n among_o they_o and_o when_o that_o besom_n of_o destruction_n can_v not_o reform_v they_o the_o lord_n bring_v the_o saxon_n upon_o they_o who_o root_v they_o out_o of_o their_o land_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n since_o the_o reformation_n successful_o begin_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o luther_n zuinglius_fw-la calvin_n and_o other_o great_a champion_n for_o the_o truth_n
withdraw_a our_o heart_n from_o it_o or_o by_o a_o heart-apostacy_n from_o god_n religion_n always_o die_v by_o the_o people_n heart-apostacy_n they_o set_v not_o their_o heart_n aright_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o psal_n 78.8_o 37._o their_o heart_n be_v remove_v far_o from_o he_o isa_n 29.13_o hence_o god_n complain_v so_o much_o every_o where_o of_o their_o evil_a heart_n their_o hard_a impenitent_a unbelieving_a stubborn_a rebellious_a backslide_a revolt_a whorish_a heart_n whereby_o they_o have_v quite_o destroy_v the_o life_n of_o their_o religion_n again_o that_o we_o do_v not_o desert_a religion_n by_o slight_v neglect_v and_o expose_v the_o visible_a external_a interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o it_o and_o so_o not_o only_o withdraw_v our_o heart_n but_o our_o head_n and_o hand_n also_o i_o mean_v our_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n in_o whatsoever_o ought_v and_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v and_o perform_v for_o the_o support_n uphold_v and_o maintain_v of_o the_o visible_a interest_n of_o religion_n thus_o the_o people_n of_o old_a in_o their_o apostasy_n forsake_v the_o temple_n and_o the_o visible_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o suffer_v all_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n they_o desert_v the_o whole_a interest_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o destroy_v it_o how_o much_o the_o spirit_n the_o sin_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o time_n do_v incline_v unto_o such_o a_o desert_v or_o forsake_v of_o religion_n we_o may_v consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n with_o deep_a humiliation_n for_o the_o more_o close_a application_n of_o this_o admonition_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o when_o religion_n be_v once_o decay_v and_o die_v be_v near_a death_n even_o at_o the_o point_n or_o ready_a to_o die_v as_o rev._n 3.2_o it_o be_v then_o high_a time_n for_o professor_n and_o a_o profess_v people_n to_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v no_o further_o accessary_a to_o the_o death_n of_o it_o when_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o world_n rise_v high_a and_o high_o &_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a and_o religion_n be_v grow_v weak_a and_o weak_a be_v already_o grow_v so_o weak_a that_o it_o have_v not_o life_n strength_n or_o power_n enough_o leave_v to_o recover_v itself_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a question_n to_o such_o a_o people_n whether_o religion_n be_v not_o go_v past_o hope_n of_o recovery_n at_o least_o in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o mean_n whether_o ever_o that_o church_n of_o sardis_n and_o those_o other_o decline_v church_n be_v recover_v or_o no_o by_o a_o resurrection_n of_o religion_n be_v more_o uncertain_a sure_o we_o be_v they_o afterward_o die_v and_o be_v bury_v together_o with_o their_o religion_n in_o their_o own_o ruin_n 2._o when_o religion_n die_v all_o die_v with_o such_o a_o people_n the_o death_n of_o religion_n destroy_v all_o kind_n of_o life_n both_o the_o spiritual_a and_o political_a life_n it_o destroy_v church-constitution_n order_n administration_n yea_o it_o destroy_v the_o be_v and_o stand_v of_o a_o people_n before_o god_n under_o his_o covenant_n when_o religion_n die_v then_o lo-ammi_a and_o lo-ruhamah_a be_v bear_v then_o god_n say_v you_o be_v not_o my_o people_n and_o i_o will_v not_o be_v your_o god_n and_o he_o will_v no_o more_o have_v mercy_n but_o that_o he_o will_v utter_o take_v away_o hose_n 1.6_o 8._o thus_o that_o people_n destroy_v themselves_o by_o destroy_v of_o their_o religion_n and_o remain_v dead_a and_o bury_v in_o their_o grave_n unto_o this_o day_n ezek._n 37.1_o 14._o if_o we_o shall_v destroy_v our_o religion_n we_o shall_v destroy_v all_o our_o public_a weal_n all_o that_o wherein_o we_o have_v be_v peculiar_o happy_a as_o the_o people_n of_o god_n if_o once_o religion_n die_v there_o will_v be_v nothing_o but_o death_n death_n in_o our_o heart_n death_n in_o all_o our_o way_n of_o converse_n we_o shall_v be_v a_o dead_a people_n sin_n and_o death_n do_v always_o reign_v when_o and_o where_o religion_n die_v and_o be_v destroy_v 3._o when_o a_o people_n destroy_v themselves_o by_o destroy_v religion_n they_o perish_v inevitable_o utter_o &_o most_o miserable_o when_o god_n do_v leave_v a_o people_n to_o destroy_v religion_n than_o he_o have_v no_o salvation_n for_o they_o by_o destroy_v religion_n a_o people_n do_v put_v away_o salvation_n from_o they_o and_o render_v themselves_o utter_o uncapable_a thereof_o if_o god_n lot_n such_o a_o peope_n alone_o and_o execute_v no_o outward_a temporal_a judgement_n upon_o they_o they_o will_v soon_o make_v a_o miserable_a end_n of_o themselves_o for_o they_o will_v abuse_v all_o their_o peace_n prosperity_n means_n mercy_n interest_n &_o enjoyment_n unto_o their_o own_o ruin_n and_o incur_v all_o kind_n of_o destroy_v evil_n make_v themselves_o a_o shame_n a_o reproach_n a_o taunt_n a_o curse_n a_o execration_n and_o a_o astonishment_n to_o all_o people_n so_o do_v that_o people_n of_o old_a jer._n 24.9_o jer._n 25.18_o and_o so_o they_o continue_v to_o be_v unto_o this_o day_n no_o such_o vile_a refuse_v people_n under_o heaven_n as_o they_o who_o have_v destroy_v religion_n such_o a_o people_n must_v needs_o perish_v most_o hopeless_o ezek._n 33.10_o if_o our_o transgression_n and_o our_o sin_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o we_o pine_v away_o in_o they_o how_o shall_v we_o then_o live_v observe_v religion_n be_v dead_a and_o go_v they_o cast_v away_o all_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o desperate_o unto_o destruction_n say_v how_o shall_v we_o then_o live_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o produce_v a_o instance_n of_o any_o people_n recover_v when_o they_o have_v destroy_v religion_n by_o a_o general_n and_o total_a apostasy_n from_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a height_n of_o all_o sin_n transgression_n and_o provocation_n which_o move_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o arise_v 2_o chron._n 36.16_o until_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n arise_v against_o his_o people_n till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n or_o no_o heal_n by_o destroy_v of_o religion_n a_o people_n do_v fill_v up_o their_o sin_n always_o till_o wrath_n come_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o utmost_a 1_o thes_n 2.16_o to_o fill_v up_o their_o sin_n always_o for_o the_o wrath_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a furthermore_o to_o destroy_v religion_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n most_o direct_o against_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n because_o religion_n it_o be_v more_o peculiar_o he_o his_o work_n his_o cause_n and_o interest_n therefore_o to_o destroy_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o do_v expose_v a_o people_n more_o direct_o to_o the_o dreadful_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o great_a injury_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v or_o do_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v avenge_v it_o we_o know_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o do_v denounce_v so_o dreadful_o against_o all_o the_o church_n rev._n 2.5_o else_o will_v i_o come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n &_o v._o 16._o else_o will_v i_o come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v fight_v against_o they_o v._n 23._o i_o will_v kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n and_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o he_o which_o search_v the_o reins_o and_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o of_o you_o according_a to_o your_o work_n the_o condition_n of_o a_o people_n or_o churches_n be_v become_v unspeakable_o woeful_a and_o lamentable_a when_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n to_o procure_v all_o both_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a deliverance_n and_o salvation_n be_v turn_v against_o they_o and_o become_v their_o enemy_n for_o he_o be_v the_o most_o dreadful_a enemy_n concern_v who_o it_o be_v write_v exod._n 23.21_o beware_v of_o he_o and_o obey_v his_o voice_n provoke_v he_o not_o for_o he_o will_v not_o pardon_v &_o psal_n 2.12_o kiss_v the_o son_n lest_o he_o be_v angry_a and_o you_o perish_v from_o the_o way_n when_o his_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v but_o a_o little_a bless_a be_v all_o they_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o well_o then_o may_v any_o people_n or_o church_n who_o have_v any_o care_n or_o concernment_n for_o their_o own_o salvation_n be_v surprise_v with_o astonishment_n unto_o some_o degree_n of_o horror_n under_o a_o apprehension_n of_o any_o danger_n of_o the_o death_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o new-england_n that_o althô_o religion_n do_v languish_v yet_o if_o we_o be_v admonish_v and_o take_v warning_n there_o be_v still_o hope_v that_o it_o may_v revive_v and_z live_v hence_o the_o iii_o use_v wherein_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v improve_v and_o apply_v in_o a_o way_n of_o exhortation_n if_o religion_n be_v our_o life_n and_o if_o there_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
and_o reformation_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o when_o god_n have_v give_v he_o a_o opportunity_n more_o than_o once_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n unto_o this_o people_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o head_n and_o representative_n thereof_o he_o have_v deliver_v his_o own_o soul_n by_o give_v warn_v and_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v shall_v turn_v to_o he_o for_o a_o testimony_n it_o be_v a_o hazardous_a thing_n as_o much_o as_o life_n be_v worth_a for_o man_n not_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o whosoever_o or_o to_o whosoever_o speak_v if_o a_o josiah_n regard_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n speak_v by_o a_o pharaoh_n necho_n he_o lose_v his_o life_n for_o it_o and_o so_o do_v zedekiah_n because_o he_o humble_v not_o himself_o before_o jeremiah_n the_o prophet_n speak_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v true_a that_o minister_n in_o these_o day_n have_v no_o immediate_a call_n or_o commission_n from_o heaven_n yet_o if_o they_o deliver_v such_o message_n as_o be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v by_o they_o and_o many_o time_n their_o heart_n be_v incline_v to_o this_o or_o that_o subject_n by_o a_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v with_o his_o servant_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n let_v we_o then_o hear_v that_o so_o our_o soul_n may_v live_v god_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n have_v see_v meet_a to_o dignify_v a_o handful_n of_o his_o people_n who_o be_v separate_v from_o their_o brethren_n with_o the_o chief_a and_o choice_a of_o blessing_n it_o be_v promise_v as_o a_o high_a favour_n jer._n 30.21_o their_o noble_n shall_v be_v of_o themselves_o and_o their_o governors_n shall-proceed_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o we_o have_v have_v these_o over_o we_o who_o have_v be_v as_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o ancient_n be_v nobiles_fw-la genere_fw-la nobiliores_fw-la sanctitate_fw-la we_o can_v be_v thankful_a enough_o for_o that_o blessing_n civil_a liberty_n be_v a_o invaluable_a mercy_n the_o jewish_a rabbin_n have_v a_o say_n that_o if_o the_o sea_n be_v ink_n and_o the_o earth_n parchment_n it_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o write_v down_o the_o praise_n due_a to_o god_n for_o liberty_n but_o what_o then_o shall_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o enjoy_v all_o at_o this_o day_n the_o way_n to_o have_v they_o continue_v be_v for_o we_o to_o approve_v ourselves_o faithful_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n for_o then_o god_n will_v be_v for_o we_o and_o if_o he_o be_v for_o we_o who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o boston_n in_o n._n england_n august_n 31._o 1683._o increase_v mather_n a_o plea_n for_o the_o life_n of_o die_v religion_n deut._n 32.47_o because_o it_o be_v your_o life_n it_o have_v please_v the_o great_a and_o bless_a god_n in_o his_o infinite_a sovereignty_n to_o transact_v with_o man_n about_o the_o everlasting_a concernment_n of_o his_o immortal_a soul_n to_o dispense_v both_o his_o mercy_n and_o justice_n both_o life_n and_o death_n to_o distribute_v eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o to_o govern_v man_n unto_o his_o eternal_a state_n only_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o covenant_n all_o reprobate_a sinner_n be_v destroy_v and_o damn_v under_o the_o curse_n and_o condemnation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n all_o god_n elect_n be_v save_v by_o and_o through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n according_a unto_o and_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n god_n have_v constitute_v the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n in_o his_o own_o eternal_a counsel_n before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o therein_o lay_v the_o foundation_n both_o of_o the_o constitution_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o by_z &_o through_o that_o one_o only_o great_a and_o glorious_a mediator_n jesus_n christ_n who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o bring_v a_o certain_a elect_a number_n of_o sallen_a man_n unto_o god_n concern_v who_o he_o say_v i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n hence_o god_n ever_o have_v have_v and_o ever_o will_v have_v a_o covenant-people_n in_o the_o world_n until_o this_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v consummate_v in_o glory_n and_o when_o the_o most_o high_o divide_v to_o the_o nation_n their_o inheritance_n and_o separate_v the_o son_n of_o adam_n he_o set_v the_o bound_n of_o the_o people_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n for_o the_o lord_n portion_n be_v his_o people_n and_o jacob_n the_o lot_n of_o his_o inheritance_n deut._n 32.8_o 9_o this_o book_n it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o respect_n most_o proper_o call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o it_o contain_v not_o only_o a_o more_o full_a &_o plain_a revelation_n &_o exposition_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o in_o the_o constitution_n way_n manner_z &_o mean_n of_o the_o administration_n &_o confirmation_n of_o it_o &_o of_o the_o all-sufficiency_n of_o god_n unto_o his_o people_n therein_o as_o their_o god_n in_o covenant_n but_o also_o a_o description_n of_o that_o notable_a covenant-transaction_n wherein_o all_o the_o duty_n all_o the_o blessing_n and_o all_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v express_o and_o in_o set_a form_n propose_v and_o the_o people_n move_v unto_o the_o most_o solemn_a restipulation_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o god_n under_o the_o most_o sacred_a and_o indispensible_a obligation_n to_o live_v to_o he_o and_o walk_v with_o he_o by_o religious_a fear_n reverence_n faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n as_o his_o covenant-people_n for_o ever_o and_o this_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o most_o awful_a contestation_n whereby_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v call_v to_o record_v deut._n 30.19_o 20._o i_o call_v heaven_n &_o earth_n to_o record_v this_o day_n against_o you_o that_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v therefore_o choose_v life_n that_o both_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n may_v live_v and_o now_o moses_n have_v thus_o finish_v his_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a ministry_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v accompany_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a presence_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o be_v eminent_o a_o type_n of_o christ_n he_o do_v prepare_v himself_o instant_o to_o take_v leave_n of_o the_o people_n of_o his_o work_n and_o of_o the_o world_n the_o people_n he_o incourage_v by_o a_o promise_n of_o god_n presence_n to_o make_v their_o progress_n unto_o and_o entrance_n into_o and_o full_a possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n his_o office_n and_o work_n he_o resign_v unto_o joshuah_n who_o he_o do_v by_o divine_a appointment_n ordain_v his_o successor_n charge_v of_o he_o with_o the_o care_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o people_n unto_o their_o rest_n in_o canaan_n and_o this_o upon_o full_a assurance_n that_o god_n will_v be_v with_o he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v never_o fail_v he_o nor_o forsake_v he_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o deliver_v unto_o the_o people_n contain_v the_o whole_a word_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o so_o their_o whole_a religion_n together_o with_o a_o prophetical_a song_n show_v the_o diverse_a state_n of_o that_o church_n and_o people_n in_o succeed_a age_n under_o the_o successive_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n this_o law_n and_o this_o song_n he_o deliver_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o people_n for_o their_o improvement_n charge_v of_o they_o most_o earnest_o and_o affectionate_o to_o set_v their_o heart_n unto_o it_o because_o it_o be_v their_o life_n these_o word_n because_o it_o be_v thy_o life_n they_o be_v some_o of_o the_o last_o word_n of_o moses_n that_o great_a prophet_n and_o therefore_o they_o contain_v matter_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n they_o be_v together_o with_o the_o context_n his_o last_o his_o farewell_n and_o die_a charge_n whereby_o he_o set_v himself_o in_o a_o sentence_n or_o two_o to_o speak_v all_o at_o once_o to_o deliver_v unto_o they_o the_o sum_n or_o a_o system_fw-la of_o all_o that_o doctrine_n and_o duty_n which_o he_o have_v before_o throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o ministry_n be_v deliver_v unto_o they_o all_o that_o they_o be_v to_o know_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o practice_v the_o whole_a both_o of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n that_o be_v more_o plain_o their_o whole_a religion_n and_o he_o charge_v they_o to_o set_v their_o heart_n unto_o it_o that_o be_v to_o prize_v it_o love_v it_o keep_v it_o cleave_v to_o it_o live_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o sincere_a pure_a powerful_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n with_o all_o their_o mind_n with_o all_o their_o soul_n with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o with_o all_o their_o strength_n from_o generation_n unto_o generation_n themselves_o and_o
confound_a shame_n and_o scandal_n unto_o this_o generation_n of_o new-england_n christian_n before_o the_o world_n if_o have_v have_v religion_n transmit_v to_o we_o by_o our_o father_n who_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n uphold_v it_o in_o so_o much_o of_o the_o power_n and_o purity_n of_o it_o while_o they_o live_v and_o be_v still_o privilege_v with_o all_o religious_a interest_n and_o enjoyment_n as_o the_o high_a advantage_n and_o encouragement_n to_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v notwithstanding_o through_o our_o carelessness_n slothfulness_n unfaithfulness_n suffer_v to_o decay_v languish_v and_o die_v away_o yea_o and_o by_o our_o own_o declension_n therein_o give_v it_o a_o mortal_a wound_n sure_o if_o religion_n die_v christian_n will_v in_o this_o respect_n be_v more_o inexcusable_o guilty_a of_o the_o death_n of_o it_o than_o other_o o_o let_v this_o be_v consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o general_a exhortation_n speak_v also_o to_o church_n as_o such_o religion_n in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n of_o the_o text_n and_o doctrine_n be_v most_o proper_o the_o life_n of_o church_n it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v they_o be_v and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o their_o be_v god_n have_v constitute_v church_n both_o by_o religion_n and_o for_o religion_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o great_a design_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o church_n to_o propagate_v and_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o it_o that_o be_v recover_v and_o maintain_v holiness_n &_o purity_n in_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n union_n communion_n administration_n both_o of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n by_o religious_a fear_n reverence_n sincerity_n and_o solemnity_n in_o all_o religious_a assembly_n attendancy_n performance_n and_o church_n transaction_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o zeal_n courage_n faithfulness_n in_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o the_o whole_a interest_n of_o religion_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n the_o exhortation_n speak_v also_o unto_o family_n parent_n master_n head_n of_o family_n to_o move_v you_o to_o keep_v religion_n alive_a in_o your_o family_n by_o be_v true_o religious_a yourselves_o in_o all_o your_o family_n converse_v by_o train_v up_o your_o child_n and_o servant_n religious_o unto_o and_o for_o religion_n by_o exercise_v and_o uphold_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o life_n spirit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o your_o family_n hereby_o religion_n shall_v live_v in_o family_n thus_o abram_n gen._n 18_o 19_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o exhortation_n speak_v to_o all_o who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n though_o you_o may_v at_o present_a have_v no_o save_a knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o or_o interest_n in_o religion_n and_o therefore_o no_o heart_n engagement_n to_o it_o or_o hearty_a care_n or_o concernment_n for_o it_o but_o be_v in_o your_o present_a state_n and_o way_n enemy_n unto_o it_o yet_o o_o remember_v that_o religion_n be_v your_o life_n also_o you_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o breed_v up_o under_o the_o visible_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o beligion_n and_o therefore_o if_o you_o have_v any_o care_n of_o your_o soul_n or_o hope_v of_o salvation_n if_o you_o will_v not_o be_v cast_v off_o for_o ever_o as_o a_o reprobate_a generation_n a_o generation_n of_o god_n wrath_n o_o apply_v yourselves_o to_o religion_n approve_v yourselves_o religion_n labour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o make_v religion_n your_o own_o in_o a_o save_a work_n of_o conversion_n prepare_v yourselves_o to_o undertake_v and_o uphold_v a_o pure_a and_o sincere_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o that_o you_o may_v not_o only_o keep_v it_o yourselves_o but_o transmit_v it_o to_o succeed_a generation_n then_o religion_n shall_v be_v your_o life_n also_o then_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n will_v be_v with_o you_o as_o he_o be_v with_o your_o father_n he_o will_v not_o leave_v you_o nor_o forsake_v you_o 1_o king_n 8.57_o and_o now_o o_o that_o all_o who_o do_v understand_v and_o believe_v any_o thing_n either_o concern_v god_n or_o their_o own_o soul_n concern_v good_a or_o evil_n life_n or_o death_n heaven_n or_o hell_n may_v at_o lest_o so_o far_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o bear_v this_o exhortation_n as_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v move_v thereby_o no_o more_o to_o slight_a or_o set_v light_n by_o religion_n but_o to_o have_v high_a and_o appreciate_a thought_n of_o religion_n most_o serious_o and_o solemn_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o your_o own_o immortal_a soul_n therein_o in_o the_o be_v life_n and_o continuance_n of_o it_o as_o that_o whereby_o you_o may_v live_v spiritual_o live_v eternal_o and_o without_o which_o you_o will_v most_o certain_o perish_v inevitable_o utter_o and_o everlasting_o may_v we_o not_o ought_v we_o not_o all_o in_o the_o conclusion_n to_o reinforce_v this_o exhortation_n upon_o our_o soul_n by_o that_o vehement_a contestation_n whereby_o moses_n do_v in_o a_o most_o solemn_a and_o awful_a manner_n as_o it_o be_v conjure_v that_o people_n unto_o faith_n and_o obedience_n deut._n 30.19_o i_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o record_v against_o you_o this_o day_n that_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v therefore_o choose_v life_n that_o both_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n may_v live_v that_o thou_o love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o obey_v his_o voice_n and_o cleave_v to_o he_o for_o he_o be_v thy_o life_n when_o god_n do_v thus_o set_v life_n and_o death_n before_o his_o covenant_n people_n and_o put_v they_o to_o their_o full_a trial_n as_o to_o final_a choice_n o_o then_o it_o be_v their_o most_o important_a duty_n and_o interest_n to_o choose_v life_n that_o both_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n may_v live_v may_v we_o not_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a apprehend_v ourselves_o even_o these_o church_n and_o this_o whole_a people_n new-england_n as_o it_o be_v stand_v before_o god_n upon_o our_o great_a trial_n for_o life_n and_o death_n o_o that_o we_o understand_v that_o the_o great_a case_n of_o life_n and_o death_n be_v now_o depend_v between_o god_n and_o new-england_n what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n as_o for_o our_o life_n how_o we_o approve_v ourselves_o upon_o this_o great_a trial_n that_o god_n have_v set_v life_n and_o death_n before_o we_o all_o the_o world_n be_v witness_n heaven_n &_o earth_n may_v be_v call_v to_o record_v against_o we_o that_o he_o have_v do_v it_o god_n have_v set_v life_n before_o we_o by_o set_v the_o whole_a way_n of_o life_n before_o we_o his_o law_n his_o gospel_n his_o covenant_n his_o kingdom_n all_o both_o temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a he_o have_v set_v religion_n before_o we_o and_o exhibit_v himself_o unto_o we_o through_o his_o son_n as_o our_o life_n god_n have_v also_o set_v death_n and_o curse_v before_o we_o by_o set_v all_o our_o whole_a way_n of_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n before_o we_o the_o whole_a way_n of_o death_n and_o destruction_n which_o we_o have_v be_v walk_v in_o as_o also_o by_o set_v both_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a judgement_n before_o we_o in_o those_o threaten_n which_o have_v be_v denounce_v against_o we_o this_o proposal_n of_o life_n and_o death_n have_v be_v make_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o manner_n by_o the_o concurrent_a voice_n and_o cry_v of_o the_o ministry_n more_o especial_o by_o such_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o he_o have_v make_v eminent_o able_a and_o faithful_a who_o have_v finish_v their_o testimony_n and_o be_v remove_v god_n have_v also_o make_v this_o discovery_n and_o proposal_n of_o life_n and_o death_n general_a to_o all_o sort_n order_n and_o degree_n to_o all_o the_o church_n to_o all_o the_o people_n in_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o god_n continue_v thus_o to_o set_v life_n and_o death_n before_o we_o by_o all_o season_n and_o opportunity_n but_o more_o plain_o express_o full_o and_o general_o upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o in_o such_o general_n assembly_n as_o these_o and_o that_o with_o extraordinary_a solemnity_n it_o have_v be_v god_n great_a work_n of_o late_a to_o set_v life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v before_o we_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o he_o be_v so_o do_v unto_o this_o day_n wherein_o god_n be_v yet_o in_o infinite_a mercy_n cry_v unto_o we_o choose_v life_n that_o both_o you_o and_o your_o seed_n may_v live_v by_o this_o word_n god_n be_v once_o more_o call_v
after_o this_o generation_n of_o vnconverted_a sinner_n you_o who_o be_v yet_o in_o your_o sin_n in_o a_o state_n and_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n remain_v secure_a and_o senseless_a therein_o who_o have_v heretofore_o and_o hitherunto_o slight_v neglect_v and_o reject_v all_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o ministerial_a offer_n of_o eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n after_o all_o the_o proposal_n of_o life_n after_o all_o the_o call_v command_n and_o persuasion_n that_o you_o have_v be_v under_o to_o move_v you_o to_o choose_v life_n you_o be_v now_o this_o day_n once_o more_o call_v command_v persuade_v yea_o entreat_a beseech_v and_o pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o choose_v life_n our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v most_o gracious_o please_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o word_n to_o exhibit_v himself_o in_o all_o his_o fullness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n all_o a_o alsufficient_a saviour_n and_o be_v cry_v in_o this_o general_n assembly_n unto_o new-england_n sinner_n to_o choose_v he_o to_o come_v to_o he_o that_o they_o may_v have_v life_n as_o once_o he_o do_v by_o his_o own_o personal_a ministry_n in_o a_o general_n assembly_n of_o that_o people_n far_o great_a than_o this_o john_n 7.37_o in_o the_o last_o and_o great_a day_n of_o the_o feast_n jesus_n stand_v and_o cry_v if_o any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o drink_n he_o that_o believe_v on_o i_o etc._n etc._n you_o have_v be_v set_v and_o have_v be_v continue_v under_o a_o extraordinary_a improvement_n of_o all_o mean_n in_o this_o your_o day_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v continue_v and_o protract_v beyond_o the_o ordinary_a date_n of_o divine_a patience_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a protraction_n of_o long-suffering_n in_o a_o way_n of_o probation_n and_o trial_n god_n have_v be_v try_v and_o prove_v of_o you_o and_o wait_v upon_o you_o a_o great_a while_n but_o know_v that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v gen._n 6.3_o he_o have_v limit_v a_o certain_a day_n beyond_o which_o he_o will_v not_o wait_v heb._n 4.7_o and_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o god_n have_v so_o limit_v a_o certain_a day_n whereby_o he_o have_v date_v his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_n and_o the_o period_n of_o the_o present_a day_n of_o grace_n unto_o this_o generation_n of_o sinner_n you_o may_v sad_o conclude_v that_o you_o live_v under_o the_o late_a and_o last_o the_o final_a and_o farewell_n call_v and_o cry_v of_o mercy_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n that_o god_n will_v not_o much_o long_o call_v and_o cry_v after_o you_o nor_o strive_v with_o you_o therefore_o you_o be_v warn_v to_o flee_v from_o the_o wrath_n which_o be_v to_o come_v mat._n 3.7_o 12._o and_o now_o also_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n therefore_o every_o tree_n that_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n you_o be_v in_o extreme_a danger_n under_o the_o power_n and_o work_n of_o that_o spirit_n of_o unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o time_n and_o whereby_o the_o generation_n that_o be_v the_o generality_n of_o sinner_n be_v so_o strong_o incline_v and_o carry_v out_o to_o refuse_v life_n and_o choose_v death_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o many_o if_o not_o the_o most_o have_v already_o so_o do_v and_o be_v according_o in_o dreadful_a judgement_n give_v up_o by_o god_n unto_o that_o fatal_a choice_n psal_n 81.12_o so_o i_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n etc._n etc._n o_o it_o be_v high_a time_n then_o now_o now_o if_o ever_o because_o you_o may_v fear_v now_o or_o never_o to_o choose_v life_n to_o choose_v spiritual_a temporal_a and_o eternal_a life_n to_o make_v that_o great_a comprehensive_a unchangeable_a eternal_a choice_n upon_o which_o depend_v not_o only_o the_o salvation_n of_o your_o own_o soul_n but_o even_o the_o deliverance_n and_o salvation_n of_o this_o people_n and_o these_o church_n if_o you_o do_v thus_o choose_v life_n all_o will_v be_v well_o with_o new-england_n but_o if_o you_o shall_v refuse_v general_o to_o choose_v life_n you_o will_v be_v likely_a not_o only_o to_o destroy_v yourselves_o but_o all_o posterity_n it_o will_v be_v fearful_o signal_n if_o any_o sinner_n shall_v be_v so_o prodigious_o harden_v and_o heighten_v in_o their_o impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n as_o to_o be_v raise_v unto_o that_o presumptuous_a and_o desperate_a resolution_n with_o those_o in_o the_o prophet_n isai_n 22.13_o 14._o let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o shall_v die_v i_o have_v no_o other_o word_n to_o leave_v upon_o such_o but_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n and_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o my_o ear_n by_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n sure_o this_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v purge_v from_o you_o till_o you_o die_v god_n be_v also_o by_o this_o word_n call_v upon_o his_o own_o servant_n to_o choose_v life_n though_o you_o have_v already_o make_v the_o great_a and_o most_o happy_a choice_n of_o life_n for_o your_o own_o soul_n last_o speak_v of_o yet_o you_o be_v further_o to_o choose_v life_n that_o be_v all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o life_n whatsoever_o may_v any_o way_n conduce_v unto_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o the_o progress_n of_o reformation_n the_o recovery_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n choose_v indeed_o that_o be_v choose_v it_o practical_o make_v a_o practical_a choice_n of_o it_o that_o be_v choose_v it_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o your_o work_n you_o be_v in_o this_o respect_n not_o only_o to_o choose_v life_n for_o yourselves_o but_o for_o other_o choose_v life_n for_o your_o family_n for_o your_o child_n and_o servant_n josh_n 24.15_o choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v a_o time_n wherein_o all_o the_o people_n be_v put_v to_o their_o choice_n and_o joshuah_n choose_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o house_n again_o choose_v life_n for_o the_o church_n it_o be_v with_o a_o few_o of_o the_o sincere_a servant_n of_o god_n to_o choose_v life_n for_o the_o church_n o_o choose_v the_o way_n and_o work_v of_o church_n reformation_n and_o all_o mean_n and_o help_v thereunto_o life_n and_o death_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n set_v before_o church_n if_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o they_o choose_v life_n for_o they_o the_o church_n will_v choose_v life_n final_o choose_v life_n for_o the_o people_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o station_n according_a to_o their_o betrustment_n aught_o to_o choose_v life_n for_o the_o people_n choose_v all_o thing_n that_o do_v conduce_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o this_o people_n in_o all_o the_o forementioned_a respect_n o_o it_o be_v a_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v charge_v and_o betrust_v with_o the_o life_n of_o a_o people_n the_o visible_a people_n of_o god_n the_o public_a weal_n the_o life_n of_o a_o people_n have_v great_a dependence_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o those_o who_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o choose_v life_n and_o blessing_n for_o they_o thus_o god_n have_v set_v new-england_n between_o ebal_n &_o gerazim_n he_o have_v life_n and_o blessing_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n death_n and_o curse_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n &_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o trial_n what_o we_o will_v choose_v it_o be_v god_n way_n and_o work_v with_o we_o so_o to_o do_v by_o all_o his_o dispensation_n what_o the_o issue_n will_v be_v what_o exit_z we_o shall_v make_v upon_o this_o trial_n be_v awful_a considerable_a o_o that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o holy_a will_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n to_o choose_v life_n and_o blessing_n for_o we_o and_o enable_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n to_o choose_v it_o for_o ourselves_o and_o not_o suffer_v we_o to_o run_v upon_o our_o own_o ruin_n by_o the_o fatel_n woeful_a choice_n of_o death_n wherein_o we_o shall_v make_v ourselves_o most_o inexcusable_o both_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a because_o we_o have_v be_v warn_v according_a to_o the_o charge_n that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o watchman_n ezek._n 33.3_o 8._o the_o trumpet_n have_v be_v blow_v and_o the_o people_n have_v be_v warn_v it_o have_v be_v the_o great_a care_n and_o concernment_n of_o those_o of_o god_n faithful_a watchman_n who_o have_v have_v full_a discovery_n of_o our_o extreme_a danger_n both_o by_o sin_n and_o judgement_n so_o to_o discharge_v themselves_o as_o to_o deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v themselves_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o man_n hence_o all_o