their_o child_n for_o ever_o and_o thus_o he_o move_v they_o to_o set_v their_o heart_n unto_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v their_o life_n whence_o we_o have_v this_o doct._n that_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n our_o text_n and_o doctrine_n deliver_v the_o great_a and_o universal_a reason_n of_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o religion_n viz_o because_o it_o be_v our_o life_n religion_n in_o the_o most_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o man_n be_v qualify_v and_o capacitate_v to_o live_v unto_o god_n to_o live_v with_o god_n to_o live_v upon_o god_n to_o see_v and_o to_o enjoy_v god_n in_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a and_o all-sufficient_a author_n of_o life_n and_o object_n of_o blessedness_n and_o happiness_n as_o his_o last_o end_n and_o chief_a good_n religion_n comprehend_v man_n deliverance_n from_o all_o both_o moral_a and_o miserable_a evil_n both_o sin_n death_n and_o hell_n as_o also_o all_o both_o moral_a and_o beatifical_a good_a holiness_n happiness_n grace_n and_o glory_n and_o it_o be_v consummate_v in_o a_o perfection_n of_o beatifical_a vision_n and_o fruition_n by_o the_o light_n and_o life_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o explication_n i_o be_o to_o show_v 1._o that_o religion_n be_v life_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n 1._o religion_n it_o be_v life_n that_o be_v 1._o the_o true_a and_o pure_a religion_n it_o be_v original_o and_o only_o from_o god_n the_o live_a god_n the_o god_n of_o all_o life_n who_o be_v life_n itself_o in_o the_o abstract_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n to_o all_o live_n religion_n it_o arise_v from_o and_o be_v found_v in_o the_o very_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o religion_n religion_n it_o be_v of_o god_n both_o in_o a_o way_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o divine_a operation_n it_o be_v pure_o of_o divine_a revelation_n respect_v both_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o &_o the_o spiritual_a supernatural_a and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o unto_o man_n and_o whereby_o man_n have_v that_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n which_o be_v life_n eternal_a joh._n 17.3_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o god_n have_v command_v light_a to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n and_o by_o the_o enlighten_v power_n of_o his_o spirit_n shine_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 2_o cor._n 4.6_o it_o his_o marvellous_a light_n 1_o pet._n 2.9_o religion_n it_o be_v also_o from_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o divine_a operation_n it_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a effect_n of_o the_o quicken_a power_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o life_n upon_o the_o creature_n hence_o it_o be_v phrased_a the_o life_n of_o god_n eph._n 4.8_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o most_o glorious_a create_v emanation_n of_o spiritual_a heavenly_a and_o divine_a light_n and_o life_n from_o god_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o both_o psal_n 36.9_o for_o with_o thou_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o life_n in_o thy_o light_n shall_v we_o see_v light_n 2._o religion_n it_o be_v also_o from_o christ_n the_o mediator_n it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o person_n office_n and_o work_v of_o christ_n the_o be_v of_o religion_n the_o light_n life_n good_a blessedness_n and_o happiness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v all_o from_o the_o merit_n satisfaction_n and_o intercession_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o from_o the_o power_n and_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n religion_n it_o consist_v in_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o in_o our_o practical_a and_o experimental_a union_n &_o communion_n with_o his_o person_n and_o the_o application_n of_o all_o his_o benefit_n even_o eternal_a life_n thus_o religion_n it_o be_v our_o life_n because_o thereby_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n joh._n 11.25_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n joh._n 14.6_o by_o have_v of_o who_o we_o have_v life_n 1_o joh._n 5.12_o &_o who_o be_v our_o life_n colos_n 3.4_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a patron_n and_o professor_n of_o our_o religion_n he_o have_v confirm_v it_o by_o his_o own_o personal_a profession_n and_o practice_n when_o on_o earth_n and_o be_v himself_o the_o great_a apostle_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n heb._n 3.1_o whence_o it_o be_v most_o proper_o call_v the_o christian_a religion_n 3._o religion_n it_o be_v respect_v the_o principle_n of_o it_o life_n the_o principle_n of_o it_o be_v live_v principle_n principle_n of_o life_n religion_n it_o be_v wrought_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o quicken_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n wherein_o we_o be_v raise_v from_o death_n unto_o life_n wherein_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n unto_o life_n 1_o joh._n 3.14_o religion_n it_o be_v our_o spiritual_a resurrection_n and_o so_o it_o be_v our_o spiritual_a life_n 4._o religion_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o life_n it_o be_v by_o the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n that_o man_n walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n practical_a religion_n it_o be_v the_o narrow_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n mat._n 7.14_o it_o be_v that_o way_n of_o life_n which_o be_v above_o to_o the_o wise_a to_o depart_v from_o hell_n beneath_o prov._n 15.24_o it_o be_v the_o everlasting_a way_n psal_n 139.24_o 5._o religion_n in_o the_o visible_a external_a form_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o religious_a institution_n constitution_n and_o administration_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n so_o it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o life_n that_o whereby_o god_n give_v life_n or_o work_v life_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v say_v salvation_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n joh._n 4.22_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o live_a water_n the_o water_n of_o life_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o give_v life_n to_o the_o nation_n ezek._n 47.8_o 9_o zech._n 14.8_o rev._n 22.1_o 2._o where_o religion_n be_v there_o be_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o life_n and_o the_o save_a improvement_n of_o those_o mean_n where_o religion_n be_v not_o there_o be_v no_o day_n of_o grace_n no_o mean_n of_o grace_n no_o life_n no_o salvation_n 6._o religion_n it_o be_v that_o wherein_o and_o whereby_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o god_n to_o christ_n to_o god_n in_o christ._n it_o be_v that_o whereby_o we_o do_v know_v god_n acknowledge_v he_o fear_v he_o believe_v hope_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o love_n serve_v worship_n and_o glorify_v god_n and_o whereby_o we_o come_v to_o god_n converse_v with_o god_n have_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o receive_v all_o save_a communication_n from_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v that_o whereby_o man_n move_v and_o act_n towards_o and_o upon_o god_n in_o and_o by_o which_o god_n dwell_v with_o man_n on_o earth_n it_o be_v that_o whereby_o we_o do_v apprehend_v cleave_v unto_o and_o live_v upon_o god_n as_o our_o life_n deut._n 30.20_o that_o thou_o may_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o cleave_v to_o he_o for_o he_o be_v thy_o life_n thus_o religion_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o it_o be_v life_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o life_n in_o the_o visible_a and_o external_a form_n and_o institution_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o life_n and_o respect_v the_o original_a object_n and_o end_v of_o it_o it_o come_v from_o and_o lead_v and_o bring_v we_o up_o unto_o god_n in_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n thus_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v that_o religion_n be_v life_n second_o that_o religion_n be_v life_n to_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n that_o be_v 1._o it_o be_v their_o spiritual_a life_n that_o whereby_o they_o live_v spiritual_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o every_o single_a saint_n live_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v life_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o give_v be_v to_o the_o new_a creature_n rom._n 8.6_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v it_o be_v life_n hence_o religion_n it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o people_n of_o god_n a_o live_a people_n god_n people_n must_v be_v a_o live_a people_n whenever_o god_n take_v a_o people_n to_o be_v his_o people_n he_o quicken_v they_o with_o spiritual_a life_n and_o make_v they_o a_o live_a people_n ezek._n 37.6_o and_o you_o shall_v live_v '_o and_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o
the_o lord_n &_o v._o 14._o and_o shall_v put_v my_o spirit_n in_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v live_v hence_o religion_n it_o be_v life_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o any_o people_n rom._n 11.25_o what_o shall_v the_o receive_v of_o they_o be_v but_o life_n from_o the_o dead_a the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v life_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n by_o a_o general_a and_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o religion_n 2._o religion_n it_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n i._n e._n it_o give_v they_o their_o spiritual_a be_v and_o constitution_n under_o covenant-relation_n unto_o god_n it_o give_v a_o people_n their_o spiritual_a stand_v before_o god_n as_o his_o people_n his_o covenant-people_n it_o be_v the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n heb._n 8.10_o for_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n into_o their_o mind_n and_o write_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v be_v to_o they_o a_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v to_o i_o a_o people_n take_v from_o jer._n 31.33_o religion_n in_o this_o sense_n constitute_v the_o covenant_n and_o be_v the_o spiritual_a constitution_n of_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 2.9_o but_o you_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculior_fw-la people_n it_o follow_v v._o 10_o which_o in_o time_n past_o be_v not_o a_o people_n but_o now_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n without_o religion_n they_o be_v no_o people_n but_o religion_n make_v they_o the_o people_n of_o god_n 3._o religion_n it_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n as_o to_o their_o political_a constitution_n in_o visible_a church-state_n and_o order_n under_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n religion_n give_v a_o people_n their_o visible_a stand_v under_o the_o visible_a dispensation_n of_o god_n covenant_n and_o administration_n of_o his_o kingdom_n as_o in_o our_o text._n for_o it_o be_v your_o life_n and_o by_o this_o thing_n you_o shall_v prolong_v your_o day_n in_o the_o land_n whither_o you_o go_v over_o jordan_n to_o possess_v it_o it_o be_v their_o religion_n which_o give_v they_o a_o stand_v and_o settlement_n in_o that_o land_n the_o land_n of_o promise_n in_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o their_o visible_a covenant_n interest_n and_o enjoyment_n as_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n so_o that_o it_o remain_v a_o manifest_a plain_a truth_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o religion_n be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n the_o application_n follow_v use_v i._o it_o be_v for_o our_o information_n and_o instruction_n in_o divers_a particular_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o only_o true_a real_a religion_n and_o no_o more_o religion_n have_v be_v be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v one_o &_o the_o same_o unchangeable_o and_o because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n one_o spirit_n one_o work_n of_o redemption_n one_o way_n of_o application_n one_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n one_o faith_n one_o obedience_n one_o and_o the_o same_o moral_a worship_n one_o covenant_n of_o grace_n one_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n one_o family_n and_o household_n of_o god_n one_o state_n both_o of_o grace_n and_o glory_n one_o life_n one_o heaven_n therefore_o consequent_o but_o one_o religion_n all_o the_o sincere_a people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v be_v and_o ever_o shall_v be_v one_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o one_o religion_n whereby_o all_o god_n elect_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o in_o christ_n and_o perfect_v both_o in_o grace_n and_o glory_n unto_o the_o completion_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o fullness_n of_o he_o who_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o eph._n 1.10_o &_o 23._o true_a it_o be_v the_o apostle_n grant_v 1_o cor._n 8.5_o that_o there_o be_v which_o be_v call_v god_n as_o there_o be_v god_n many_o and_o lord_n many_o so_o there_o be_v that_o be_v call_v religion_n such_o religion_n many_o but_o as_o the_o apostle_n conclude_v v._o 6._o but_o to_o we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o ought_v we_o to_o conclude_v that_o to_o we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n jam._n 1.27_o this_o be_v the_o religion_n without_o which_o there_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o life_n or_o salvation_n 2._o that_o this_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o supreme_a thing_n in_o this_o low_a world_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v in_o all_o respect_n our_o life_n and_o that_o nothing_o else_o be_v so_o religion_n in_o the_o full_a and_o whole_a nature_n and_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v the_o most_o glorious_a effect_n and_o product_v of_o divine_a wisdom_n power_n grace_n mercy_n goodness_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n yea_o of_o the_o whole_a divine_a sufficiency_n and_o efficiency_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o god_n eternal_a counsel_n concern_v his_o own_o glory_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o elect._n religion_n it_o comprehend_v all_o the_o whole_a interest_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n in_o this_o world_n all_o that_o be_v heavenly_a spiritual_a and_o divine_a all_o that_o be_v of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n respect_v both_o state_n interest_n and_o enjoyment_n it_o give_v a_o be_v &_o stand_v to_o all_o saint_n both_o in_o grace_n and_o in_o glory_n oh_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o marvellous_a high_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n all_o the_o real_a worth_n and_o excellency_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v from_o religion_n there_o will_v be_v nothing_o of_o god_n that_o be_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o the_o spiritual_a gracious_a and_o save_a presence_n of_o god_n be_v it_o not_o for_o religion_n those_o who_o be_v without_o religion_n be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n eph._n 2.12_o we_o have_v no_o more_o of_o god_n than_o we_o have_v of_o religion_n again_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o good_a or_o goodness_n in_o the_o world_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o religion_n the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v a_o mere_a vacuum_n of_o all_o good_a nothing_o else_o but_o a_o receptacle_n of_o desperate_a sinner_n a_o very_a hell_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n there_o can_v have_v be_v nothing_o of_o light_n or_o life_n or_o grace_n holiness_n or_o happiness_n there_o will_v have_v be_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n and_o death_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o woe_n no_o news_n of_o heaven_n no_o hope_n of_o heaven_n yea_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o heaven_n unto_o fall_v man_n without_o religion_n religion_n do_v in_o a_o sense_n give_v be_v unto_o heaven_n there_o have_v not_o be_v such_o place_n or_o state_n of_o blessedness_n unto_o man_n neither_o have_v man_n ever_o be_v capacitate_v to_o live_v in_o heaven_n otherwise_o than_o by_o this_o religion_n no_o wonder_n then_o that_o god_n by_o his_o word_n do_v extol_v it_o and_o advance_v it_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a inestimable_a invaluable_a incomparable_a thing_n prov._n 3.15_o she_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o ruby_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n thou_o can_v desire_v be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o she_o and_o it_o be_v advance_v because_o it_o be_v our_o life_n prov._n 4.13_o keep_v she_o for_o she_o be_v thy_o life_n v._o 21_o 22._o keep_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o thy_o heart_n for_o they_o be_v thy_o life_n it_o be_v religion_n that_o do_v make_v the_o poor_a despise_a saint_n of_o god_n the_o excellent_a one_o of_o the_o earth_n psal_n 16.3_o prov._n 12.26_o it_o be_v religion_n that_o do_v make_v the_o church_n of_o god_n beautiful_a the_o perfection_n of_o beauty_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n psal_n 48.2_o lam._n 2.15_o yea_o a_o eternal_a excellency_n isa_n 60.15_o 3._o that_o it_o be_v the_o infinite_a grace_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o any_o people_n that_o he_o do_v give_v they_o religion_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v most_o miserable_a without_o it_o all_o the_o pagan_a and_o popish_a world_n o_o that_o so_o great_a so_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n shall_v so_o lie_v bury_v in_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o atheism_n without_o god_n and_o religion_n 1_o joh._n 5.19_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n so_o much_o the_o more_o be_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n magnify_v to_o such_o people_n and_o nation_n unto_o who_o he_o have_v grant_v religion_n in_o the_o light_n life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o happiness_n honour_n and_o glory_n of_o any_o nation_n or_o people_n it_o
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
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