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
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
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