be_v so_o much_o danger_n of_o the_o death_n of_o religion_n o_o then_o let_v all_o who_o love_n and_o desire_v life_n both_o temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a life_n and_o who_o fear_n death_n so_o great_a a_o death_n be_v move_v to_o labour_v with_o all_o our_o heart_n mind_n soul_n might_n and_o strength_n by_o all_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o recover_v and_o save_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v our_o own_o life_n this_o exhortation_n propose_v and_o press_v all_o the_o great_a and_o general_a duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n people_n of_o god_n at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o we_o be_v moses_n apply_v all_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n at_o once_o to_o the_o people_n by_o this_o one_o word_n of_o exhortation_n set_a your_o heart_n unto_o all_o the_o word_n etc._n etc._n because_o it_o be_v your_o life_n it_o be_v also_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o which_o our_o lord_n jesus_n propound_v to_o the_o decline_a church_n rev._n 3.2_o be_v watchful_a and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v i_o be_o though_o most_o unworthy_a call_v forth_o this_o day_n and_o set_v in_o this_o general_n assembly_n to_o speak_v for_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n to_o plead_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 for_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n to_o plead_v for_o the_o life_n of_o die_a religion_n oh_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o n-engl_n right_o and_o full_o prepare_v resolve_v and_o set_v for_o the_o recovery_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n god_n will_v then_o most_o gracious_o make_v clear_a and_o full_a discovery_n of_o our_o whole_a way_n and_o work_v therein_o and_o of_o all_o the_o mean_n thereunto_o yea_o god_n himself_o will_v soon_o bring_v all_o to_o pass_v for_o we_o to_o this_o end_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o and_o deep_o humble_v even_o unto_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o decay_a die_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o withal_o charge_n judge_n condemn_v loath_a and_o abhor_v ourselves_o for_o all_o that_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n whereby_o we_o have_v bring_v religion_n into_o such_o a_o state_n under_o such_o conviction_n and_o humiliation_n we_o must_v set_v ourselves_o to_o labour_n unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o with_o extraordinary_a zeal_n courage_n faith-fulness_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o mean_n with_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n as_o one_o man_n even_o as_o for_o our_o life_n and_o more_o than_o for_o our_o life_n still_o acknowledge_v that_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v religion_n must_v be_v revive_v not_o without_o the_o great_a miracle_n of_o divine_a power_n grace_n and_o mercy_n by_o god_n himself_o ezek._n 37.12_o o_o my_o people_n i_o will_v open_v your_o grave_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o great_a promise_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a 1._o that_o we_o do_v under_o a_o humble_v heart-breaking_a sense_n of_o our_o present_n absolute_a and_o extreme_a necessity_n of_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o sovereign_a grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n labour_n unto_o a_o extraordinary_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n for_o it_o plead_v and_o improve_v his_o covenant_n and_o all_o his_o promise_n to_o that_o end_n we_o have_v great_a encouragement_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v hos_fw-la 6.1_o 2._o come_v let_v we_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n after_o two_o day_n he_o will_v revive_v we_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 if_o we_o can_v thus_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o faith_n he_o will_v revive_v we_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o dangerous_o symptomatical_a than_o when_o a_o people_n grow_v senseless_a secure_a stupid_a sottish_o supine_n in_o the_o depth_n of_o apostasy_n none_o of_o the_o decline_a church_n so_o irrecoverable_o go_v as_o that_o of_o laodicea_n and_o that_o because_o utter_o senseless_a and_o secure_a rev._n 3.17_o because_o thou_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o know_v not_o that_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a so_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n i_o mean_v the_o ten_o tribe_n when_o they_o be_v sink_v in_o their_o apostasy_n past_a recovery_n god_n by_o the_o prophet_n elijah_n put_v they_o upon_o the_o utmost_a trial_n by_o that_o great_a proposal_n 1_o king_n 18.21_o how_o long_o halt_v you_o between_o two_o opinion_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n follow_v he_o if_o baal_n then_o follow_v he_o and_o the_o people_n answer_v he_o nor_o a_o word_n observe_v the_o people_n answer_v he_o not_o a_o word_n which_o signify_v plain_o that_o although_o they_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o their_o apostasy_n and_o manifest_v by_o their_o silence_n that_o they_o be_v judge_v and_o self-condemned_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o stupid_a and_o sottish_a under_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o careful_a nor_o concern_v about_o it_o nor_o willing_a to_o trouble_v themselves_o their_o mind_n or_o thought_n with_o it_o god_n grant_v it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o with_o we_o 2._o that_o we_o do_v careful_o and_o very_o curious_o observe_v and_o labour_v to_o understand_v the_o time_n the_o way_n the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o and_o wherein_o he_o be_v gracious_o willing_a and_o work_v to_o revive_v and_o raise_v up_o yield_v up_o ourselves_o unto_o he_o as_o the_o subject_a of_o so_o great_a a_o work_n it_o be_v the_o greatunhappiness_n and_o misery_n of_o any_o decline_a people_n not_o to_o understand_v when_o and_o how_o god_n be_v labour_v with_o they_o to_o revive_v and_o raise_v they_o hos_n 11.3_o i_o teach_v ephraim_n also_o to_o go_v take_v they_o by_o their_o arm_n but_o they_o know_v not_o that_o i_o heal_v they_o hence_o it_o be_v they_o abuse_v all_o both_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a mean_n and_o mercy_n unto_o their_o own_o deep_a defection_n and_o utter_a destruction_n as_o hos_n 7.1_o when_o i_o will_v have_v heal_v israel_n than_o the_o iniquity_n of_o ephraim_n be_v discover_v and_o the_o sin_n of_o samaria_n the_o more_o god_n labour_v with_o they_o to_o heal_v they_o the_o worse_o they_o be_v until_o at_o last_o they_o become_v wilful_o unwilling_a to_o be_v heal_v and_o even_o desperate_o resolute_a in_o their_o apostasy_n jer._n 2.25_o but_o thou_o say_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n no_o for_o i_o have_v love_v stranger_n and_o after_o they_o i_o will_v go_v so_o jer._n 18.12_o isai_n 30.15_o this_o make_v the_o prophet_n to_o lament_v to_o doleful_o without_o hope_n jer._n 8.18_o 20._o when_o i_o will_v comfort_v myself_o against_o sorrow_n my_o heart_n be_v faint_a in_o i_o the_o harvest_n be_v past_a the_o summer_n end_v and_o we_o be_v not_o heal_v for_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o my_o people_n i_o be_o hurt_v i_o be_o black_a astonishment_n have_v take_v hold_n upon_o i_o that_o which_o break_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o hope_n be_v they_o have_v not_o know_v nor_o improve_v the_o time_n and_o mean_n of_o their_o heal_n and_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o now_o their_o case_n be_v hopeless_a and_o remediless_a this_o make_v our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n to_o weep_v out_o the_o bowel_n of_o his_o compassion_n over_o jerusalem_n in_o that_o doleful_a lamentation_n luk._n 19.41_o 42._o and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v near_o he_o behold_v the_o city_n &_o weep_v over_o it_o if_o thou_o have_v know_v even_o thou_o at_o least_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o thy_o peace_n but_o now_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o thy_o eye_n verse_n 44._o because_o thou_o know_v not_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o visitation_n so_o mat._n 23.37_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n etc._n etc._n and_o you_o will_v not_o behold_v your_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a when_o a_o people_n do_v not_o will_v not_o observe_v nor_o understand_v the_o time_n way_n and_o work_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o refuse_v to_o be_v heal_v and_o save_v god_n do_v then_o give_v they_o up_o as_o a_o reprobate_a people_n jer._n 6.29.30_o the_o bellows_o be_v burn_v the_o lead_n be_v consume_v of_o the_o fire_n the_o founder_n melt_v in_o vain_a for_o the_o wicked_a be_v not_o pluck_v away_o reprobate_a silver_n shall_v man_n call_v they_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v reject_v they_o ezek._n 24.13_o because_o i_o have_v purge_v thou_o and_o thou_o be_v not_o purge_v thou_o shall_v not_o be_v purge_v
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
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
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