have_v this_o peculiar_a unto_o it_o that_o it_o bear_v the_o style_n and_o inscription_n of_o this_o great_a prophet_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o chap._n 1.1_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o indeed_o it_o bear_v a_o very_a lively_a impression_n of_o his_o image_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o frontispiece_n of_o it_o draw_v out_o to_o the_o life_n by_o a_o twofold_a description_n of_o he_o in_o his_o person_n office_n and_o work_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o &_o ver_fw-la 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o as_o also_o throughout_o the_o whole_a book_n respect_v both_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o delivery_n in_o the_o mystery_n and_o majesty_n of_o it_o it_o have_v also_o this_o peculiar_a eminency_n and_o excellency_n that_o it_o contain_v a_o systeme_n or_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o gospel_n prophesy_v it_o be_v a_o prophetical_a revelation_n of_o all_o mystery_n of_o divine_a dispensation_n in_o the_o whole_a series_n and_o succession_n of_o it_o in_o every_o age_n and_o generation_n and_o in_o every_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n respect_v both_o the_o propagation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n until_o all_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o god_n be_v finish_v and_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o long_o at_o least_o until_o the_o last_o and_o utmost_a prophetical_a period_n it_o be_v the_o last_o great_a and_o general_a prophecy_n which_o do_v complete_a the_o canon_n of_o holy_a writ_n intimate_v chap._n 22.18_o therefore_o bless_v be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n etc._n etc._n chap._n 1.3_o john_n the_o belove_a and_o bosom_n disciple_n and_o last_o apostle_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o this_o revelation_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 1._o therefore_o the_o dedication_n of_o it_o be_v from_o john_n unto_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n chap._n 1._o v._n 4._o john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n this_o general_a or_o indefinite_a dedication_n make_v way_n for_o the_o particular_a inscription_n of_o a_o epistle_n unto_o the_o several_a angel_n of_o those_o church_n in_o the_o 2d_o and_o 3d_o chapter_n our_o text_n lie_v in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o epistle_n inscribe_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n chap._n 2.1_o i_o shall_v not_o detain_v you_o with_o any_o discourse_n concern_v the_o situation_n of_o the_o city_n or_o typical_a relation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n nor_o stay_v upon_o a_o artificial_a resolution_n of_o the_o context_n by_o a_o analytical_a exposition_n of_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v vulgar_a with_o expositor_n the_o way_n to_o our_o text_n be_v easy_a and_o open_a it_o lie_v in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v narrative_a the_o word_n as_o to_o mode_n of_o expression_n they_o be_v monitory_a and_o withal_o high_o imperative_a or_o command_v the_o duty_n command_v it_o be_v to_o labour_v according_a to_o direction_n give_v unto_o a_o full_a and_o through_o restitution_n from_o that_o declension_n and_o defection_n in_o religion_n which_o that_o church_n be_v fall_v into_o in_o order_n hereunto_o three_o thing_n be_v propose_v in_o the_o word_n as_o part_n of_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n command_v to_o be_v do_v 1._o a_o awaken_n sight_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o declension_n and_o defection_n in_o these_o word_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v the_o word_n remember_v here_o it_o import_v a_o awaken_n convince_a remembrance_n it_o be_v often_o use_v in_o scripture_n to_o express_v a_o conscience_n and_o conviction_n of_o sin_n ezek._n 16.61_o 63._o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v or_o elapse_v slidden_a backslidden_a plain_o signify_v backslide_v and_o apostasy_n 2._o a_o penitential_a confession_n of_o and_o humiliation_n under_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o declension_n and_o defection_n in_o this_o word_n repent_v it_o signify_v repentance_n in_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o sad_a and_o solemn_a recognition_n of_o and_o reflection_n upon_o our_o past_a evil_a action_n with_o confession_n and_o humiliation_n 3._o reformation_n in_o these_o word_n do_v the_o first_o werk_n which_o signify_v reformation_n in_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o it_o positive_a practical_a reformation_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n it_o be_v as_o if_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v have_v say_v unto_o this_o angel_n and_o church_n of_o ephesus_n although_o thou_o have_v be_v commendable_a and_o i_o have_v commend_v thou_o for_o thy_o strong_a and_o steadfast_a perseverance_n by_o the_o great_a labour_n of_o thy_o faith_n and_o patience_n in_o the_o sincere_a pure_a and_o powerful_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n respect_v both_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n with_o extraordinary_a zeal_n against_o heresy_n and_o apostasy_n heretic_n and_o apostate_n and_o that_o also_o with_o extraordinary_a courage_n and_o constancy_n under_o many_o great_a temptation_n and_o much_o and_o great_a tribulation_n and_o although_o thou_o have_v be_v extraordinary_o beautify_v and_o bless_v with_o my_o presence_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o my_o kingly_a and_o prophetical_a office_n though_o thou_o have_v be_v eminent_a yea_o excellent_a among_o the_o church_n and_o although_o thou_o do_v yet_o hold_v up_o thy_o profession_n in_o the_o external_a form_n of_o it_o and_o do_v therefore_o still_o deserve_v some_o commendation_n yet_o know_v o_o ephesus_n that_o thou_o be_v fall_v thou_o have_v lest_o thy_o first_o love_n thou_o have_v lose_v thy_o first_o life_n thou_o have_v desert_v thy_o first_o work_n thou_o be_v not_o what_o thou_o have_v be_v thou_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o state_n frame_n and_o way_n of_o backslide_v and_o apostasy_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o labour_n to_o recover_v thyself_o speedy_o from_o thy_o declension_n and_o defection_n and_o to_o retrieve_v thy_o pristine_a and_o primitive_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n unto_o its_o former_a internal_a and_o spiritual_a life_n and_o power_n from_o which_o it_o be_v chief_o that_o thou_o be_v fall_v or_o else_o i_o will_v withdraw_v my_o gracious_a presence_n from_o thou_o and_o come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o in_o my_o wrath_n and_o divest_v thou_o of_o all_o thy_o privilege_n church-order_n ordinance_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o beauty_n yea_o of_o the_o very_o be_v of_o a_o church_n by_o the_o amoture_n of_o the_o candlestick_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v etc._n etc._n the_o word_n thus_o plain_o open_v themselves_o unto_o we_o afford_v we_o this_o doctrine_n doct._n that_o it_o be_v the_o present_a and_o most_o important_a duty_n and_o concernment_n of_o any_o collapse_v or_o backslide_n church_n or_o church_n to_o labour_v under_o a_o awaken_n convince_v sight_n and_o sense_n or_o under_o a_o awaken_n conviction_n of_o their_o declension_n and_o defection_n unto_o a_o full_a and_o through_o restitution_n from_o it_o by_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n the_o text_n itself_o be_v so_o good_a a_o doctrine_n it_o do_v seem_v needless_a to_o invert_v the_o term_n of_o it_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o any_o church_n or_o church_n which_o be_v in_o the_o like_o decline_v and_o decay_a estate_n which_o this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v in_o to_o remember_v from_o whence_o they_o be_v fall_v to_o repent_v and_o to_o do_v their_o first_o work_n it_o be_v the_o present_a instant_a and_o most_o important_a duty_n it_o be_v indeed_o all_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n which_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v commend_v and_o propound_v unto_o and_o press_v upon_o this_o church_n in_o this_o whole_a epistle_n and_o so_o unto_o and_o upon_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o like_a state_n and_o he_o do_v propose_v it_o plain_o and_o full_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o full_a and_o distinct_a understanding_n of_o it_o and_o direction_n unto_o it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v through_o and_o effectual_a in_o the_o pursuance_n and_o performance_n of_o it_o he_o propose_v it_o also_o as_o a_o most_o important_a duty_n and_o concernment_n as_o that_o upon_o which_o depend_v their_o very_a be_v and_o stand_v as_o a_o candlestick_n among_o the_o candlestick_n as_o a_o church_n among_o the_o church_n he_o propose_v it_o as_o a_o work_n and_o duty_n which_o they_o have_v yet_o great_a advantage_n and_o encouragement_n to_o labour_v in_o under_o the_o powerful_a exercise_n of_o his_o kingly_a and_o prophetical_a office_n and_o therefore_o he_o represent_v himself_o unto_o this_o decline_a church_n for_o their_o encouragement_n as_o walk_v amid_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o bold_v the_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n that_o be_v in_o his_o full_a and_o whole_a sufficiency_n to_o uphold_v his_o church_n in_o its_o
idolatry_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n sinner_n be_v spâ—â—â—ed_v unto_o and_o with_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n those_o sin_n be_v even_o root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o generation_n as_o jer._n 17.1_o the_o sin_n of_o judah_n it_o be_v grave_v upon_o the_o table_n of_o their_o heart_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o reformation_n except_o we_o make_v we_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n and_o true_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o we_o do_v not_o reform_v that_o we_o can_v reform_v though_o we_o do_v promise_n and_o vow_v reformation_n unto_o god_n deut._n 5.29_o this_o people_n have_v well_o say_v o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o they_o q.d._n the_o great_a thing_n which_o this_o people_n want_n be_v a_o heart_n true_o so_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o new-england_n do_v want_v it_o be_v a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n here_o than_o we_o must_v begin_v and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o 1._o all_o sincere_a christian_n must_v begin_v this_o work_n of_o heart-reformation_n by_o labour_v to_o recover_v your_o soul_n out_o of_o your_o spiritual_a declension_n in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n this_o spiritual_a declension_n it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o and_o most_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n that_o have_v of_o our_o first_o love_n reprove_v in_o the_o context_n and_o therefore_o restitution_n from_o this_o spiritual_a declension_n it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o most_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n do_v of_o our_o first_o work_n commend_v in_o the_o text_n and_o therefore_o sincere_a christian_n be_v first_o and_o most_o proper_o concern_v in_o this_o duty_n of_o do_v of_o their_o first_o work_n how_o general_o and_o deep_o christian_n be_v thus_o decline_v both_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n do_v sad_o testify_v it_o be_v the_o great_a and_o general_a complaint_n of_o all_o sensible_a christian_n o_o their_o decay_n and_o declension_n hence_o little_a of_o the_o life_n and_o activity_n of_o grace_n hardly_o enough_o to_o evidence_n the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o clear_o and_o comfortable_o either_o to_o themselves_o or_o other_o little_a of_o the_o life_n of_o obedience_n either_o in_o duty_n of_o religion_n or_o righteousness_n much_o carnality_n formality_n hypocrisy_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n both_o in_o public_a private_a and_o in_o secret_n in_o all_o their_o converse_n and_o communion_n both_o with_o god_n and_o saint_n their_o soul_n languish_v under_o a_o spiritual_a consumption_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o remain_v even_o ready_a to_o die_v rev_n 3.2_o it_o be_v true_a first_o of_o christian_n then_o of_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n that_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a deadness_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o church_n hence_o great_a unprofitableness_n and_o unfruitfulness_n under_o all_o ordinance_n sin_n more_o unmortified_a then_o ever_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n deep_o corrupt_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n and_o many_o christian_n fall_v into_o a_o very_a dangerous_a way_n of_o communion_n with_o and_o conformity_n unto_o the_o wicked_a world_n and_o all_o this_o appear_v upon_o some_o of_o those_o who_o first_o life_n love_n sincerity_n purity_n and_o eminency_n in_o grace_n and_o godliness_n be_v sometime_o a_o beauty_n unto_o these_o church_n o_o how_o be_v our_o gold_n become_v dim_a and_o our_o fine_a gold_n change_v lam._n 4.1_o how_o be_v our_o silver_n become_v dross_n and_o our_o wine_n mine_v with_o water_n isa_n 1.22_o how_o be_v zions_n nazarite_n change_v in_o their_o visage_n lam._n 4.7_o how_o be_v the_o face_n the_o countenance_n the_o conversation_n of_o many_o christian_n change_v o_o christian_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o yea_o what_o will_v become_v of_o religion_n in_o this_o next_o succeed_a generation_n if_o you_o live_v and_o die_v under_o your_o declension_n as_o true_o many_o christian_n be_v likely_a to_o do_v be_v fall_v into_o such_o deep_a security_n under_o their_o declension_n that_o they_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v awaken_v until_o the_o cry_v be_v make_v at_o midnight_n the_o bridegroom_n come_v and_o must_v bestir_v themselves_o very_o hard_o to_o trim_v their_o lamp_n in_o time_n to_o enter_v in_o with_o he_o o_o christian_n it_o be_v your_o spiritual_a declension_n that_o be_v the_o main_a root_n of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o this_o noble_a vine_n jer._n 2.21_o it_o be_v your_o leave_v of_o your_o first_o love_n which_o do_v make_v way_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o candlestick_n your_o spiritual_a declension_n will_v lead_v the_o way_n unto_o and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n for_o the_o general_a and_o total_a defection_n of_o these_o church_n in_o succeed_a generation_n therefore_o as_o the_o defection_n have_v be_v in_o part_n begin_v by_o your_o declension_n so_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n it_o must_v be_v begin_v by_o your_o restitution_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o ever_o these_o church_n shall_v be_v restore_v unto_o their_o first_o spiritual_a prosperity_n and_o flourish_a state_n unless_o christian_n do_v first_o recover_v their_o first_o love_n life_n sincerity_n fervency_n purity_n activity_n eminency_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n and_o in_o all_o practical_a piety_n both_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n o_o how_o can_v you_o hope_v to_o lie_v down_o in_o your_o grave_n with_o peace_n and_o comfort_n before_o you_o have_v do_v what_o in_o you_o lie_v in_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n how_o can_v you_o die_v in_o peace_n under_o your_o spiritual_a declension_n and_o thereby_o leave_v religion_n decay_v and_o die_v and_o these_o church_n and_o this_o generation_n your_o poor_a posterity_n sink_v under_o a_o general_a and_o total_a defection_n sure_o in_o vain_a and_o frustrate_v will_v be_v all_o your_o prayer_n desire_n hope_n of_o a_o reformation_n except_o that_o you_o christian_n do_v thus_o begin_v and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o work_n in_o your_o own_o heart_n before_o you_o die_v 2._o the_o work_n of_o heart-reformation_n or_o make_v of_o a_o new_a heart_n consist_v in_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n this_o be_v the_o most_o full_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o those_o word_n ezek._n 18.31_o make_v you_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v so_o ezek._n 33.11_o turn_v you_o turn_v you_o for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v it_o be_v a_o call_v to_o the_o unconvert_v when_o god_n do_v restore_v his_o people_n from_o any_o deep_a and_o general_a defection_n and_o renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o they_o he_o do_v promise_n and_o actual_o pour_v out_o abundance_n of_o convert_v grace_n and_o so_o revive_v and_o renew_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n so_o ezek._n 36.26_o a_o new_a heart_n will_v i_o give_v you_o and_o a_o new_a spirit_n will_v i_o put_v within_o you_o i_o will_v take_v the_o flony_n heart_n out_o of_o your_o flesh_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o let_v i_o be_v hold_v to_o say_v if_o ever_o these_o church_n be_v thorough_o recover_v it_o will_v be_v it_o must_v be_v by_o such_o a_o dispensation_n of_o convert_v grace_n unto_o a_o unconverted_a generation_n it_o be_v unregeneracy_n that_o be_v the_o radical_a and_o total_a degeneracy_n of_o any_o generation_n whereby_o it_o be_v whole_o turn_v into_o the_o degenerate_a plant_n of_o a_o strange_a vine_n unto_o the_o lord_n here_o will_v be_v our_o deep_a and_o most_o dangerous_a defection_n and_o that_o which_o will_v prove_v inevitable_o ruine_v unto_o these_o church_n unless_o the_o lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o o_o our_o unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n unto_o the_o gospel_n our_o rejection_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v a_o most_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a sign_n that_o these_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v fall_v into_o a_o irreparable_a irrecoverable_a decay_n that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o of_o the_o generation_n grow_v up_o under_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o mean_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o vnregeneracy_n under_o the_o prevail_a power_n of_o spiritual_a apostasy_n and_o as_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v under_o a_o dreadful_a dispensation_n of_o divine_a justice_n by_o spiritual_a plague_n and_o judgement_n be_v just_o give_v up_o by_o god_n unto_o a_o spirit_n frame_n and_o way_n of_o unprofitableness_n under_o a_o judicial_a ministry_n send_v to_o make_v their_o heart_n fat_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v convert_v as_o isa_n 6.10_o o_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a word_n lest_o they_o shall_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n etc._n etc._n and_o convert_v and_o be_v heal_v observe_v there_o be_v no_o help_n no_o heal_n for_o any_o people_n if_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n cease_v among_o they_o true_o
constitution_n and_o in_o the_o pure_a and_o powerful_a administration_n both_o of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o by_o a_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a dispensation_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n to_o restore_v and_o recover_v they_o from_o their_o present_a declension_n and_o defection_n he_o also_o propose_v it_o as_o a_o work_n and_o duty_n require_v present_a instant_a dispatch_n which_o must_v be_v quick_o do_v and_o he_o press_v it_o upon_o penalty_n of_o unchurch_a judgement_n and_o so_o upon_o peril_n of_o gross_a open_a total_a and_o final_a apostasy_n imply_v in_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o candlestick_n and_o final_o move_v of_o they_o hereunto_o by_o a_o great_a and_o most_o gracious_a promise_n of_o perseverance_n in_o case_n of_o obedience_n ver_fw-la 7._o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v i_o will_v give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o full_a both_o the_o text_n and_o the_o context_n be_v of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o this_o be_v also_o the_o great_a work_n and_o duty_n which_o god_n do_v propound_v and_o press_v by_o all_o his_o prophet_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o old_a in_o their_o decline_a and_o decay_a state_n which_o for_o many_o age_n together_o they_o be_v in_o it_o be_v god_n great_a work_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o those_o great_a prophet_n who_o prophecy_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o backslide_n and_o apostasy_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o return_v by_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n the_o general_a word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o those_o prophet_n it_o be_v turn_v o_o backslide_a child_n return_v o_o backslide_a israil_a repent_v and_o turn_v you_o turn_v you_o turn_v you_o for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v etc._n etc._n jer._n 3.12_o 14_o 22._o &_o 4.1_o &_o 18.11_o ezek_n 14.6_o &_o 33.11_o hos_fw-la 12.6_o &_o 14.1_o it_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o those_o prophet_n to_o bring_v back_o this_o people_n unto_o god_n 2_o chron._n 24.19_o yet_o he_o send_v prophet_n to_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o again_o to_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v the_o general_a cry_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n zech._n 1.3_o 4._o turn_v you_o now_o unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o as_o your_o father_n unto_o who_o the_o former_a prophet_n cry_v turn_v you_o now_o observe_v repentance_n and_o reformation_n it_o be_v the_o general_a cry_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o that_o backslide_a people_n whence_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v their_o great_a and_o main_a work_n and_o duty_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v i_o may_v further_o demonstrate_v argue_v and_o prove_v this_o doctrine_n from_o the_o suitableness_n of_o this_o work_n and_o duty_n unto_o a_o back_o slide_a people_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o such_o a_o people_n as_o also_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o and_o from_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o from_o all_o topic_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n but_o it_o be_v of_o undeniable_a and_o therefore_o of_o unquestionable_a verity_n i_o shall_v take_v leave_n for_o brevity_n sake_n to_o pretermit_v what_o might_n or_o aught_o to_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o more_o full_a proof_n and_o explication_n thereof_o and_o proceed_v unto_o application_n wherein_o i_o shall_v apply_v myself_o unto_o the_o church_n and_o unto_o the_o people_n of_o new-england_n so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o they_o may_v be_v speak_v unto_o in_o one_o general_n assembly_n and_o i_o shall_v address_v myself_o unto_o you_o as_o in_o the_o name_n so_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o this_o threefold_a exhortation_n 1._o remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v 2._o repent_v 3._o do_v the_o first_o work_n these_o epistle_n and_o so_o these_o exhortation_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o church_n christ_n require_v and_o call_v for_o the_o attention_n of_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 7._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n i_o be_o embolden_v therefore_o to_o propose_v and_o press_v this_o general_a exhortation_n unto_o and_o upon_o the_o church_n because_o the_o text_n the_o doctrine_n the_o occasion_n and_o the_o opportunity_n do_v lead_v i_o unto_o it_o and_o because_o i_o have_v also_o think_v that_o god_n do_v call_v i_o unto_o it_o in_o the_o improvement_n of_o such_o a_o text_n upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n in_o such_o a_o assembly_n exhort_v i._o remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v let_v this_o be_v a_o awaken_n watchword_n from_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o these_o slumber_a church_n in_o this_o midnight_n of_o deep_a security_n wherein_o the_o generality_n both_o of_o christian_n and_o church_n be_v dispose_v yea_o compose_v of_o themselves_o to_o sleep_v by_o indulge_v themselves_o unto_o carnal_a rest_n and_o ease_n shut_v their_o eye_n against_o all_o awaken_n discovery_n and_o stop_v their_o ear_n against_o all_o awaken_n voice_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o belove_a as_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 5.2_o 3._o i_o sleep_v but_o my_o heart_n wake_v it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o my_o belove_a that_o knock_v i_o have_v put_v off_o my_o coat_n how_o shall_v i_o put_v it_o on_o i_o have_v wash_v my_o foot_n how_o shall_v i_o defile_v they_o sure_o a_o awaken_n watchword_n be_v then_o most_o necessary_a and_o seasonable_a and_o never_o more_o then_o in_o sleepy_a and_o sleep_a time_n when_o judicial_a security_n seem_v to_o be_v both_o one_o of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o plague_n of_o the_o time_n when_o god_n in_o just_a judgement_n be_v pour_v out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o deep_a sleep_n and_o close_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n as_o isa_n 29.10_o and_o give_v a_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n rom._n 11.8_o no_o doubt_n but_o this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v deep_o secure_a under_o her_o deep_a declension_n spiritual_a declension_n do_v incline_v both_o christian_n and_o church_n unto_o security_n whilst_o the_o wise_a virgin_n lamp_n want_v trim_v and_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n lamp_n be_v go_v out_o they_o all_o slumber_v and_o sleep_v mat._n 25.5_o as_o christian_n or_o church_n decline_v so_o they_o grow_v secure_a and_o fall_v asleep_a the_o church_n of_o old_a both_o israel_n and_o judah_n be_v most_o prodigious_o secure_a in_o the_o depth_n of_o their_o apostasy_n the_o prophet_n do_v prophesy_v peace_n and_o the_o people_n do_v promise_v themselves_o peace_n until_o they_o have_v consummate_v both_o their_o apostasy_n and_o misery_n jer._n 4.10_o &_o 6.14_o &_o 8.11_o ezek._n 13.10_o 16._o true_o thus_o it_o be_v too_o much_o with_o we_o the_o more_o sinful_a we_o grow_v the_o more_o secure_a the_o generality_n of_o the_o generation_n grow_v more_o and_o more_o senseless_a supine_n stupid_a sottish_a in_o their_o security_n hence_o although_o we_o hear_v all_o kind_n of_o awaken_n voice_n and_o see_v many_o awaken_n sight_n though_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n do_v cry_n by_o his_o word_n as_o zech._n 1.4_o yea_o though_o it_o do_v roar_v by_o his_o work_n amos_n 3.8_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o awaken_v though_o there_o be_v a_o grievous_a and_o general_a complaint_n and_o cry_n of_o the_o great_a &_o cry_v sin_n of_o the_o time_n yea_o although_o our_o sin_n do_v testify_v against_o we_o unto_o our_o very_a face_n jer._n 14.7_o hos_fw-la 5.5_o though_o our_o own_o wickedness_n do_v correct_v we_o and_o our_o backslide_n reprove_v we_o that_o we_o be_v force_v to_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a thing_n and_o bitter_a that_o we_o have_v forsake_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o that_o his_o fear_n be_v not_o in_o we_o jer._n 2.19_o though_o we_o begin_v to_o labour_v and_o to_o languish_v under_o the_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v sensible_a that_o our_o transgression_n and_o iniquity_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o we_o pine_v away_o and_o be_v likely_a to_o perish_v in_o they_o ezek_n 33.10_o yea_o although_o we_o ourselves_o in_o our_o most_o solemn_a address_n unto_o heaven_n do_v complain_v and_o cry_v out_o unto_o god_n of_o our_o sin_n iniquity_n backslide_n and_o apostasy_n and_o verbal_o and_o formal_o express_v deep_a conviction_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o awaken_v nor_o convince_v but_o senseless_a and_o secure_a still_o our_o public_a solemnity_n perform_v by_o many_o but_o as_o solemn_a formality_n do_v lull_v they_o to_o sleep_v in_o the_o deep_a security_n isa_n 58.3_o true_o the_o more_o mean_n of_o conviction_n the_o more_o a_o secure_a people_n be_v sometime_o harden_v against_o conviction_n security_n it_o be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n both_o unto_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n therefore_o christ_n do_v propose_v this_o as_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o work_n remember_v
from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v so_o to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n rev._n 3.18_o anoint_v thy_o eye_n with_o eye_n salve_n that_o thou_o may_v see_v that_o be_v see_v and_o be_v sensible_a of_o thy_o defection_n god_n have_v make_v it_o the_o work_n of_o divers_a of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n who_o he_o have_v of_o late_o send_v and_o set_v to_o speak_v upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o this_o general_a assembly_n to_o awake_v and_o to_o couvince_v to_o plead_v with_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o conviction_n to_o cry_v aloud_o not_o to_o spare_v to_o lift_v their_o voice_n like_o a_o trumpet_n to_o show_v new-england_n their_o transgression_n and_o this_o people_n their_o sin_n isa_n 58.2_o and_o sure_o until_o we_o be_v thus_o awaken_v and_o convince_v there_o will_v be_v no_o hope_n of_o reformation_n exhort_v ii_o repent_v so_o remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v as_o to_o repent_v it_o must_v be_v a_o penitential_a remembrance_n such_o a_o remembrance_n as_o do_v both_o move_n and_o lead_v to_o repentance_n ezek._n 16.61_o then_o shall_v thou_o remember_v thy_o way_n and_o be_v ashamed_a ver_fw-la 63._o that_o thou_o may_v remember_v and_o be_v confound_v and_o never_o open_v thy_o mouth_n any_o more_o because_o of_o thy_o shame_n so_o ezek._n 6.9_o &_o 20_o 43._o when_o and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o awaken_n convince_a remembrance_n there_o will_v be_v repentance_n sure_o god_n expect_v and_o call_v for_o a_o deep_a thorough_a general_a repentance_n repentance_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o the_o full_a exercise_n of_o it_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o it_o unto_o all_o the_o fruit_n effect_n and_o end_n of_o it_o express_v in_o confession_n contrition_n humiliation_n supplication_n from_o a_o right_a spirit_n of_o repentance_n god_n call_v for_o heart-breaking_n heartrending_a repentance_n jol_n 2.12_o rend_v your_o heart_n and_o not_o your_o garment_n god_n expect_v to_o hear_v new-england_n as_o ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_n jer._n 31.19_o sure_o after_o i_o be_v turn_v i_o repent_v after_o i_o be_v instruct_v i_o smite_v upon_o my_o thigh_n i_o be_v ashamed_a yea_o even_o confound_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v reform_v except_o we_o thus_o repent_v for_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o reformation_n be_v lay_v in_o repentance_n the_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v wrought_v in_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n lay_v the_o burden_n of_o all_o the_o work_n upon_o repentance_n in_o the_o text_n except_o thou_o repent_v exhort_v iii_o do_v the_o first_o work_n so_o remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v as_o to_o do_v the_o first_o work_n that_o be_v reform_v and_o here_o chief_o lie_v my_o present_a business_n viz._n in_o press_v this_o part_n of_o the_o exhortation_n and_o the_o rather_o i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o insist_v a_o while_n upon_o it_o as_o a_o suitable_a and_o seasonable_a word_n because_o we_o have_v be_v original_o a_o reform_v and_o a_o reform_a people_n a_o people_n separate_v and_o set_v apart_o by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o a_o very_a great_a and_o glorious_a work_n of_o reformation_n reformation_n have_v be_v the_o design_n of_o new-england_n and_o therefore_o reformation_n it_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o new-england_n this_o work_n of_o reformation_n it_o have_v be_v especial_o by_o this_o generation_n not_o only_o much_o neglect_a but_o even_o almost_o utter_o desert_v by_o a_o general_a defection_n and_o declension_n which_o we_o be_v fall_v into_o so_o that_o we_o be_v now_o become_v a_o decline_a and_o decline_v people_n there_o have_v be_v and_o there_o be_v a_o general_a complaint_n and_o cry_n for_o want_v of_o reformation_n it_o be_v general_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o speedy_a through_o reformation_n and_o that_o without_o it_o we_o be_v a_o undo_v people_n we_o have_v in_o our_o public_a solemnity_n make_v many_o solemn_a vow_n and_o promise_v of_o reformation_n unto_o god_n wherein_o we_o have_v too_o much_o flatter_v he_o with_o our_o lip_n and_o lie_v unto_o he_o with_o our_o tongue_n whilst_o our_o heart_n have_v not_o be_v steadfast_a with_o he_o there_o be_v yet_o therefore_o a_o utter_a total_a neglect_n and_o defect_n of_o reformation_n no_o kind_n no_o degree_n of_o reformation_n as_o little_a and_o in_o some_o respect_n less_o hope_n and_o probability_n thereof_o then_o ever_o before_o and_o true_o without_o speedy_a reformation_n our_o defection_n be_v likely_a to_o prove_v irreparable_a and_o irrecoverable_a sin_n and_o sinner_n grow_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o incorrigible_a and_o incurable_a and_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o generation_n more_o and_o more_o corrupt_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o profaneness_n and_o apostasy_n and_o so_o bend_v to_o back_o slide_v hos_fw-la 11.7_o insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v too_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a backslide_n and_o that_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o than_o all_o and_o most_o of_o all_o press_a it_o be_v the_o danger_n that_o we_o be_v in_o of_o be_v give_v up_o just_o and_o judicial_o by_o god_n unto_o a_o spirit_n frame_n and_o way_n of_o backslide_n and_o apostasy_n if_o we_o do_v not_o speed_o reform_v have_v 4.16_o ephraine_v back_o slide_v like_o a_o back-sliding-heifer_n ephraim_n be_v join_v to_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o psal_n 81.11_o so_o be_v give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n deut._n 32.20_o i_o will_v hide_v my_o face_n from_o they_o i_o will_v see_v what_o their_o end_n will_v be_v q.d._n i_o will_v have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n i_o will_v leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o to_o finish_v their_o apostasy_n to_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n i_o will_v see_v what_o miserable_a lamentable_a end_n they_o will_v bring_v themselves_o unto_o and_o true_o if_o so_o then_o woe_n unto_o we_o we_o shall_v soon_o destroy_v ourselves_o but_o yet_o god_n be_v in_o mercy_n wait_v that_o he_o may_v be_v gracious_a isa_n 30.13_o and_o therefore_o that_o which_o god_n be_v yet_o call_v for_o look_v for_o yea_o to_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n that_o which_o god_n be_v long_v for_o it_o be_v out_o reformation_n as_o jer._n 13.27_o o_o jerusalem_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v these_o consideration_n may_v move_v our_o attention_n unto_o this_o exhortation_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o speak_v unto_o reformation_n in_o general_n and_o so_o not_o only_o unto_o a_o restitution_n from_o our_o defection_n but_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n god_n expect_v not_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v our_o first_o work_n but_o that_o our_o last_o work_n shall_v be_v more_o than_o our_o first_o which_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n rev._n 2.19_o i_o shall_v therefore_o propose_v some_o general_a duty_n to_o be_v labour_v in_o in_o order_n unto_o reformation_n and_o endeavour_v as_o god_n shall_v help_v to_o suit_v my_o discourse_n herein_o unto_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o this_o people_n and_o these_o church_n first_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o labour_n to_o get_v a_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n this_o be_v the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n ezek._n 18.30_o 31._o repent_v and_o turn_v yourselves_o from_o your_o transgression_n so_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v your_o ruin_n and_o make_v you_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o horse_n of_o israel_n when_o god_n do_v work_v reform_v grace_n and_o renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o his_o people_n upon_o term_n of_o reformation_n he_o do_v first_o take_v away_o the_o corrupt_a hard_a impenitent_a unbelieving_a backslide_a apostatise_v heart_n and_o give_v they_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n jer._n 31.33_o &_o 32.39_o ezek._n 11.19_o &_o 36.26_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n it_o must_v be_v lay_v in_o a_o new_a heart_n because_o the_o original_n of_o our_o defection_n and_o apostasy_n it_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o god_n everywhere_o complain_v of_o that_o backslide_a people_n that_o they_o have_v a_o uncircumcised_a heart_n jer._n 9.26_o a_o whorish_a heart_n ezek._n 6.9_o that_o their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o their_o iniquity_n hos_fw-la 4.8_o true_o so_o it_o be_v the_o very_a heart_n of_o new-england_n be_v change_v and_o exceed_o corrupt_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n there_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o profaneness_n a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n a_o spirit_n of_o worldliness_n a_o spirit_n of_o sensuality_n a_o spirit_n of_o gainsay_v and_o rebellion_n a_o spirit_n of_o libertinism_n a_o spirit_n of_o carnality_n formality_n hypocrisy_n and_o spiritual_a
it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o sad_a consideration_n unto_o we_o that_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n do_v fail_v and_o be_v fail_v more_o and_o more_o in_o many_o if_o not_o in_o most_o congregation_n although_o we_o have_v cause_n with_o thankfulness_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o far_o with_o his_o ministry_n that_o there_o be_v yet_o some_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n appear_v in_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n but_o alas_o not_o with_o proportion_n unto_o the_o great_a increase_n of_o the_o generation_n o_o how_o rare_o do_v we_o hear_v of_o a_o sound_a work_n of_o conversion_n hold_v forth_o with_o full_a and_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o o_o how_o few_o such_o convert_v be_v there_o as_o do_v evidence_n their_o conversion_n by_o a_o powerful_a practical_a profession_n of_o religion_n multitude_n there_o be_v grow_v up_o in_o their_o ignorance_n atheism_n unbelief_n and_o profaneness_n who_o receive_v no_o impression_n at_o all_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o many_o other_o who_o do_v receive_v some_o degree_n of_o common_a grace_n who_o yet_o fall_v away_o by_o spiritual_a apostasy_n who_o prove_v either_o vain_a profane_a professor_n or_o close_a hypocrite_n or_o gross_a apostate_n true_o unless_o god_n be_v infinite_a mercy_n revive_v and_o uphold_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n there_o will_v be_v no_o hope_n we_o shall_v perish_v under_o this_o our_o spiritual_a apostasy_n which_o be_v begin_v for_o if_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n fail_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n will_v be_v multiply_v and_o aggravate_v and_o unconvert_v sinner_n will_v be_v in_o just_a judgement_n give_v up_o to_o god_n unto_o the_o power_n of_o those_o sin_n so_o that_o our_o sin_n will_v become_v our_o plague_n and_o those_o incurable_a o_o that_o all_o unconverted_a sinner_n may_v be_v move_v to_o wait_v earnest_o upon_o god_n in_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o mean_n for_o convert_v grace_n and_o bemoan_v themselves_o before_o god_n under_o their_o unregeneracy_n impanitency_n unbelief_n than_o there_o will_v be_v hope_n in_o our_o end_n jer._n 31.17_o 18._o there_o be_v hope_n in_o thy_o end_n say_v the_o lord_n it_o follow_v i_o have_v sure_o hear_v ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o thus_o turn_v thou_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v the_o only_a hope_n which_o be_v and_o which_o yet_o remain_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o people_n it_o arise_v from_o the_o revive_n of_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n among_o they_o this_o shall_v be_v their_o resurrection_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o that_o glorious_a dispensation_n of_o convert_v grace_n which_o shall_v be_v effectual_a unto_o their_o last_o conversion_n this_o hope_n there_o be_v yet_o in_o our_o end_n that_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n shall_v yet_o have_v a_o powerful_a progress_n in_o these_o church_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v return_v and_o revive_v as_o the_o corn_n and_o grow_v as_o the_o vine_n hos_fw-la 14.7_o second_o in_o order_n unto_o the_o promotion_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n we_o must_v renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o covenant_n here_o understand_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o it_o be_v constitute_v and_o confirm_v and_o save_o dispense_v in_o by_z and_o through_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a mediator_n thereof_o together_o with_o all_o the_o mean_n both_o of_o the_o visible_a and_o spiritual_a dispensation_n thereof_o in_o a_o way_n of_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o saint_n that_o covenant_n whereby_o god_n be_v our_o god_n and_o we_o his_o people_n now_o this_o covenant_n it_o be_v always_o in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o violate_v and_o break_v by_o defection_n and_o apostasy_n and_o therefore_o god_n call_v it_o forsake_v of_o his_o covenant_n jer._n 22.9_o break_v of_o his_o covenant_n jer._n 31.32_o transgress_v of_o his_o covenant_n hos_fw-la 6.7_o hence_o when_o god_n do_v reject_v any_o people_n for_o their_o apostasy_n he_o be_v say_v to_o break_v his_o covenant_n with_o they_o zech._n 11.10_o hence_o also_o we_o read_v that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v always_o perfect_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n by_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n 2_o king_n 11.17_o &_o 23.3_o and_o when_o god_n give_v reform_v grace_n he_o always_o renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o his_o people_n jer._n 31.33_o god_n single_v out_o our_o father_n and_o separate_v they_o unto_o himself_o in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n as_o a_o people_n with_o who_o he_o do_v particular_o &_o as_o it_o be_v personal_o renew_v his_o covenant_n and_o more_o ample_o and_o explicit_o confirm_v it_o that_o in_o renew_v of_o it_o he_o may_v more_o full_o reveal_v it_o and_o restore_v it_o unto_o the_o more_o pure_a and_o primitive_a way_n of_o administration_n according_a to_o his_o own_o institution_n we_o can_v say_v when_o where_o or_o with_o who_o god_n have_v in_o more_o special_a grace_n and_o favour_n renew_v his_o covenant_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o special_a people_n unto_o himself_o above_o all_o people_n as_o deut._n 7.6_o therefore_o if_o we_o hope_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o we_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n after_o our_o defection_n to_o renew_v it_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o sincere_a christian_n who_o be_v actual_o and_o personal_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n who_o yet_o have_v by_o the_o omission_n of_o covenant-duty_n and_o by_o the_o commission_n of_o covenant-breaking_a sin_n walk_v loose_o remiss_o unconstant_o unsteadfast_o and_o in_o all_o respect_n very_o unworthy_o under_o god_n holy_a covenant_n to_o renew_v your_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o the_o renew_a stipulation_n of_o your_o soul_n unto_o god_n under_o the_o soul-binding_a obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o renew_v your_o covenant-engagement_n unto_o god_n under_o the_o renew_a sense_n experience_n power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o new-covenant_n grace_n by_o which_o you_o have_v have_v the_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o god_n covenant_n in_o the_o save_a mystery_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o it_o as_o a_o covenant_n of_o life_n as_o in_o psal_n 25.14_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n and_o whereby_o god_n do_v put_v his_o covenant_n write_v his_o covenant_n in_o your_o heart_n jer_n 31.33_o thus_o renew_v your_o covenant_n by_o faith_n with_o a_o holy_a resolution_n to_o cleave_v unto_o god_n full_o and_o firm_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n close_o and_o constant_o in_o his_o holy_a covenant_n with_o fear_n and_o reverence_n holy_o humble_o cheerful_o joyful_o thankful_o faithful_o and_o fruitful_o in_o a_o way_n of_o communion_n with_o full_a and_o abundant_a satisfaction_n in_o your_o interest_n in_o and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n as_o a_o god_n in_o covenant_n as_o david_n 2_o sam._n 23.5_o for_o this_o be_v all_o my_o salvation_n and_o all_o my_o desire_n o_o christian_n it_o be_v your_o work_n to_o uphold_v god_n covenant_n in_o the_o life_n spirit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o and_o unto_o all_o the_o spiritual_a and_o save_a end_n of_o it_o as_o a_o covenant_n of_o life_n in_o these_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o save_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n actual_o personal_o and_o profess_o to_o take_v hold_n upon_o the_o covenant_n god_n covenant_n it_o must_v be_v thus_o renew_v with_o his_o church_n in_o every_o age_n of_o it_o in_o order_n unto_o the_o continuation_n and_o succession_n of_o it_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n and_o thus_o to_o renew_v the_o covenant_n be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o this_o generation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o covenant_n by_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a mediates_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o god_n in_o covenant_n with_o you_o and_o so_o by_o give_v up_o yourselves_o into_o god_n under_o the_o bond_n of_o his_o covenant_n to_o walk_v with_o he_o and_o to_o live_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o way_n of_o faith_n and_o gospel-obedience_n as_o his_o covenant_n people_n thus_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o god_n covenant_n and_o actual_o personal_o and_o profess_o to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o your_o be_v and_o stand_v before_o god_n as_o his_o people_n and_o indeed_o of_o your_o whole_a religion_n o_o how_o many_o be_v there_o of_o this_o generation_n grow_v and_o grow_v up_o in_o these_o church_n under_o the_o visible_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o do_v rest_n and_o trust_v and_o boast_v in_o their_o visible_a covenant_n relation_n and_o all_o the_o while_n live_v without_o save_a covenant-relation_n unto_o
open_a and_o profess_v enemy_n unto_o pure_a church_n worship_n and_o ordinance_n be_v arisen_a unto_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o bold_a presumption_n among_o we_o and_o that_o notwithstanding_o they_o know_v that_o public_a authority_n be_v by_o good_a and_o wholesome_a law_n and_o so_o by_o oath_n and_o so_o by_o conscience_n and_o by_o divers_a obligation_n both_o civil_a and_o sacred_a engage_v against_o they_o i_o be_o no_o casuist_n in_o the_o great_a case_n of_o toleration_n neither_o shall_v i_o undertake_v either_o to_o state_n dispute_n or_o decide_v that_o question_n what_o be_v in_o itself_o or_o in_o divers_a respect_n or_o case_n at_o divers_a time_n and_o place_n either_o tolerable_a or_o intolerable_a in_o matter_n disputable_a but_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v undeniable_a that_o gross_a bold_a scandalous_a presumptuous_a transgression_n of_o any_o one_o or_o more_o or_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o first_o table_n perpetrate_v and_o persist_v in_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n notwithstanding_o all_o due_a mean_n of_o conviction_n use_v and_o against_o clear_a light_n hold_v forth_o and_o manifest_o under_o the_o prevail_a power_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o error_n with_o malignity_n in_o open_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n the_o true_a church_n worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n i_o say_v i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o such_o transgression_n it_o be_v intolerable_a such_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o transgression_n of_o those_o who_o do_v gross_o and_o scandalous_o profane_v any_o of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o they_o presume_v to_o offer_v strange_a fire_n but_o much_o more_o of_o those_o who_o do_v both_o profess_o and_o practical_o deny_v most_o if_o not_o all_o fundamental_o both_o of_o faith_n and_o order_n and_o be_v know_v and_o acknowledge_v so_o to_o do_v by_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v in_o their_o way_n of_o corrupt_a worship_n no_o less_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n than_o those_o in_o rev._n 2.9_o now_o i_o say_v if_o such_o transgressor_n and_n transgression_n shall_v after_o the_o long_a labour_n and_o patience_n of_o these_o church_n in_o a_o strong_a and_o steadfast_a encounter_n and_o conflict_n with_o this_o temptation_n at_o last_o prevail_v to_o break_v open_a a_o door_n unto_o corrupt_a worship_n by_o teach_v seduce_v tempt_v and_o entice_a other_o unto_o corrupt_a communion_n with_o they_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n to_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o rev._n 2.14_o i_o say_v if_o this_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v our_o case_n will_v be_v exceed_o dangerous_a especial_o this_o come_n upon_o we_o in_o our_o decline_a and_o languish_a state_n when_o we_o have_v lose_v so_o much_o of_o our_o first_o life_n and_o love_n that_o we_o have_v soarce_o strength_n enough_o leave_v to_o reinforce_v our_o former_a zeal_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o encounter_n yea_o and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o the_o generation_n be_v lamentable_o expose_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n which_o be_v all_o tempt_a unto_o a_o compliance_n with_o such_o a_o temptation_n and_o be_v too_o much_o without_o grace_n to_o resist_v it_o and_o in_o a_o very_a unsettle_a state_n as_o to_o their_o stand_n before_o god_n under_o his_o covenant_n even_o stand_v upon_o the_o dangerous_a precipice_n of_o a_o gross_a apostasy_n the_o very_a opportunity_n for_o satan_n to_o over_o throw_v we_o by_o such_o a_o temptation_n sure_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o or_o likely_a to_o be_v thus_o then_o there_o be_v very_o great_a need_n of_o watchsulness_n against_o this_o temptation_n neither_o let_v it_o be_v slight_v or_o account_v a_o light_a thing_n for_o such_o profanation_n and_o abomination_n if_o indulge_v will_v become_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o they_o will_v lie_v and_o fall_v exceed_o heavy_a upon_o the_o land_n in_o a_o day_n of_o wrath_n o_o they_o will_v pull_v down_o wrath_n upon_o this_o land_n and_o upon_o this_o people_n and_o the_o filth_n of_o they_o will_v pollute_v and_o defile_v the_o land_n it_o will_v be_v such_o pollution_n as_o will_v not_o be_v purge_v away_o without_o fire_n the_o guilt_n and_o filth_n of_o corrupt_a worship_n be_v not_o purge_v away_o without_o the_o fire_n and_o the_o furnace_n and_o that_o which_o be_v most_o perilous_a it_o be_v the_o universal_a diffusion_n of_o the_o corruption_n and_o contagion_n of_o corrupt_a worship_n by_o the_o subtle_a and_o insensible_a infusion_n and_o influence_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o libertinism_n a_o spirit_n and_o principle_n it_o be_v of_o all_o other_o most_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a unto_o pure_a church_n and_o will_v soon_o open_v a_o wide_a door_n unto_o all_o kind_n of_o abomination_n for_o all_o false_a worship_n although_o they_o seem_v in_o themselves_o to_o be_v contrary_a extreme_n yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o principle_n of_o libertinism_n and_o will_v break_v in_o at_o that_o door_n it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a for_o we_o to_o hope_v for_o or_o promise_v ourselves_o security_n from_o gross_a superstition_n and_o ceremony_n if_o we_o will_v leave_v open_a this_o door_n or_o admit_v of_o a_o contrary_a extreme_a in_o corrupt_a worship_n and_o true_o if_o we_o shall_v give_v way_n unto_o any_o kind_n it_o will_v be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o give_v we_o up_o judicial_o unto_o all_o kind_n of_o corrupt_a worship_n and_o let_v i_o add_v that_o a_o spirit_n of_o libertinism_n if_o it_o prevail_v will_v in_o the_o end_n bring_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o licentiousness_n and_o profaneness_n for_o it_o be_v a_o womb_n big_a with_o all_o kind_n of_o abomination_n for_o corruption_n in_o worship_n and_o conruption_n in_o manner_n do_v always_o grow_v and_o go_v together_o see_v at_o large_a ezck._n 22._o beginning_n although_o libertinism_n do_v promise_v much_o liberty_n yet_o it_o bring_v into_o bondage_n to_o corruption_n 2_o pet._n 2.19_o it_o do_v gender_n altogether_o unto_o bondage_n o_o that_o these_o church_n may_v recover_v their_o first_o zeal_n against_o libertinism_n both_o the_o spirit_n principle_n and_o practise_v of_o it_o and_o so_o against_o all_o corrupt_a worship_n which_o have_v be_v the_o common_a destruction_n of_o reform_a church_n and_o will_v most_o certain_o be_v of_o these_o church_n if_o it_o shall_v break_v in_o upon_o we_o o_o let_v we_o consider_v we_o have_v be_v hither_o unto_o a_o people_n extraordinary_o privilege_v with_o immunity_n from_o corrupt_a worship_n we_o be_v yet_o free_a from_o any_o foreign_a or_o forcible_a temptation_n thereunto_o we_o have_v yet_o all_o advantage_n and_o encouragement_n to_o withstand_v it_o and_o to_o keep_v it_o out_o if_o we_o admit_v of_o will-worship_n we_o shall_v lose_v all_o the_o glorious_a work_n of_o reformation_n which_o our_o father_n labour_v in_o which_o consist_v chief_o in_o separation_n from_o corrupt_a worship_n we_o shall_v at_o once_o reze_n the_o foundation_n and_o ruin_v the_o superstructure_n of_o these_o church_n which_o in_o the_o very_a constitution_n be_v set_v up_o and_o stand_v in_o a_o way_n of_o opposition_n unto_o corrupt_a worship_n such_o church_n will_v not_o can_v bear_v any_o degree_n of_o corrupt_a worship_n will-worship_n it_o will_v even_o destroy_v our_o very_a religion_n and_o reduce_v this_o wilderness-people_n unto_o a_o kind_n of_o heathenism_n o_o woe_n unto_o we_o if_o we_o admit_v of_o will_v worship_v we_o shall_v soon_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o judgement_n even_o wrath_n to_o the_o utmost_a o_o woe_n unto_o new-england_n if_o ever_o god_n be_v provoke_v to_o revenge_v this_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n upon_o we_o according_a to_o that_o threaten_v leu._n 26.25_o if_o we_o admit_v of_o will-worship_n new-england_n will_v become_v the_o shame_n and_o scandal_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o all_o reform_a church_n the_o reproach_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n the_o scorn_n and_o triumph_n of_o antichrist_n and_o in_o all_o respect_v a_o most_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a people_n thus_o we_o be_v to_o do_v our_o first_o work_n in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 4._o labour_n unto_o the_o promotion_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n by_o the_o full_a and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o duty_n to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n multiply_v and_o grow_v up_o under_o the_o covenant_n in_o those_o church_n under_o how_o great_a and_o general_a omission_n of_o duty_n towards_o they_o we_o have_v cause_n serious_o and_o sad_o to_o consider_v and_o to_o lament_v true_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o we_o shall_v so_o long_a doubt_n and_o dispute_v the_o interest_n and_o right_n of_o fuch_n child_n and_o controvert_v and_o neglect_v our_o duty_n towards_o they_o
until_o the_o holy_a seed_n will_v be_v whole_o corrupt_v and_o the_o purity_n if_o not_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o church_n be_v great_o endanger_v if_o not_o lose_v it_o be_v sad_a to_o consider_v how_o much_o many_o church_n be_v already_o corrupt_v by_o the_o licentiousness_n and_o profaneness_n of_o many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o youth_n which_o be_v many_o of_o they_o some_o of_o the_o most_o flagitious_a sin_n of_o the_o time_n be_v become_v the_o sin_n of_o church_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o do_v lie_v heavy_o upon_o church_n with_o this_o heavy_a aggravation_n that_o they_o be_v commit_v through_o the_o neglect_n of_o duty_n towards_o they_o by_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n if_o yet_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n in_o israel_n concern_v this_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o a_o very_a difficult_a point_n of_o reformation_n ezra_n 10.2_o i_o say_v if_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o must_v be_v by_o a_o holy_a religious_a save_v education_n of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o both_o in_o private_a and_o in_o public_a doubtless_o there_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a obligation_n upon_o covenant-parent_n to_o train_v up_o their_o child_n for_o god_n and_o a_o great_a motive_n it_o be_v unto_o all_o care_n labour_n and_o diligence_n unto_o such_o religious_a family-education_n for_o such_o parent_n to_o consider_v that_o their_o child_n be_v child_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o this_o fence_n god_n child_n as_o ezek._n 16.20_o 21._o and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n act_v 2.39_o and_o so_o under_o a_o special_a promise_n of_o save_a grace_n and_o blessing_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a and_o lamentable_a consideration_n unto_o any_o religiouâ—â—â—ent_n to_o consider_v that_o his_o child_n shall_v through_o his_o neglect_n 〈◊〉_d education_n be_v instrumental_a by_o their_o profaneness_n and_o wickedness_n 〈◊〉_d corrput_n pollute_v and_o defile_v the_o church_n of_o god_n o_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o recovery_n and_o propagation_n of_o these_o church_n labour_v herein_o the_o corruption_n of_o church_n do_v begin_v in_o family_n and_o it_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o family_n reformation_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o church_n reformation_n it_o be_v indeed_o sad_a to_o consider_v how_o many_o family_n be_v already_o grow_v incorrigible_a and_o incurable_a labour_v to_o imitate_v faithful_a abraham_n gen._n 18.19_o but_o that_o which_o i_o chief_o intend_v in_o this_o particular_a be_v public_a eaucation_n if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v it_o sure_o church_n do_v owe_v much_o duty_n unto_o the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n common_o style_v the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v doubtless_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o especial_a care_n and_o industry_n of_o the_o presbytery_n to_o be_v watch_v over_o warn_v instruct_v admonish_v both_o private_o and_o public_o church_n also_o be_v to_o own_v they_o and_o acknowledge_v they_o visible_o as_o they_o do_v gradual_o grow_v up_o unto_o maturity_n and_o capacity_n unto_o church-watch_n and_o privilege_n if_o they_o be_v in_o any_o wise_a under_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v under_o his_o rule_n and_o government_n which_o be_v no_o way_n right_o administer_v but_o by_o the_o regular_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o institute_v church_n o_o they_o have_v be_v very_o unhappy_a controversy_n to_o these_o church_n whereby_o the_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n unto_o these_o have_v be_v so_o long_o demur_v and_o delay_v that_o very_o many_o of_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o unto_o such_o a_o height_n and_o strength_n in_o profaneness_n that_o they_o have_v even_o break_v and_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n government_n in_o his_o church_n and_o be_v grow_v incorrigible_a and_o incurable_a by_o discipline_n and_o true_o this_o neglect_n be_v grow_v so_o great_a and_o general_a at_o least_o in_o some_o church_n that_o there_o be_v very_o little_a hope_n of_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o vigorous_a effectual_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n towards_o they_o so_o that_o the_o current_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o generation_n be_v likely_a to_o break_v in_o like_o a_o flood_n upon_o the_o church_n at_o this_o breach_n and_o in_o short_a time_n to_o carry_v all_o before_o it_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o fatal_a sign_n which_o be_v upon_o these_o church_n that_o this_o one_o evil_a be_v likely_a to_o prove_v both_o ruine_n and_o remediless_a and_o be_v the_o more_o sad_o signal_n because_o we_o be_v no_o more_o sensible_a of_o it_o and_o no_o more_o concern_v by_o our_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n to_o reform_v it_o let_v i_o say_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o propagation_n of_o church_n the_o preservation_n of_o church_n under_o their_o deep_a defection_n in_o their_o low_a condition_n it_o must_v be_v by_o the_o succession_n of_o a_o holy_a seed_n isa_n 6.13_o so_o the_o holy_a seed_n shall_v be_v the_o substance_n thereof_o if_o we_o vnchurch_n they_o either_o doctrinal_o or_o practical_o by_o the_o general_a and_o total_a neglect_n of_o they_o and_o our_o duty_n towards_o they_o we_o do_v thereby_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostasy_n both_o of_o these_o church_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a generation_n 5._o labour_n unto_o the_o promotion_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n by_o a_o full_a faithful_a and_o religious_a improvement_n of_o your_o christian_a liberty_n there_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o principle_n of_o liberty_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o sincere_a christian_n who_o christ_n have_v make_v free_a indeed_o joh._n 8.36_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v there_o be_v liberty_n 2_o cor._n 3.17_o there_o be_v a_o very_a large_a and_o necessary_a use_n and_o exercise_v of_o this_o spirit_n and_o principle_n of_o liberty_n in_o our_o whole_a christian_a conversation_n especial_o in_o all_o our_o religious_a converse_n with_o god_n and_o man_n gal._n 5.13_o for_o brethren_n you_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n our_o christian_a liberty_n be_v regulate_v most_o exact_o and_o strict_o by_o rule_n and_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o complete_a directory_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n jam._n 1.25_o our_o habitual_a conformity_n to_o this_o law_n of_o liberty_n be_v the_o chief_a principle_n of_o liberty_n and_o our_o practical_a subjection_n to_o the_o law_n of_o liberty_n be_v the_o chief_a practice_n or_o exercise_n of_o our_o liberty_n this_o liberty_n be_v always_o act_v under_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o divine_a truth_n joh._n 8.22_o you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a jam._n 2.12_o so_o speak_v and_o so_o do_v judge_v by_o the_o law_n of_o liberty_n this_o christian_a liberty_n do_v not_o give_v man_n leave_v to_o believe_v profess_v and_o practise_v what_o they_o will_v as_o libertine_n do_v vain_o suppose_v and_o from_o thence_o plead_v for_o a_o licentious_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o a_o boundless_a latitude_n both_o of_o profession_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n true_a christian_a liberty_n hold_v conscience_n fast_o bind_v to_o the_o rule_n there_o be_v privilege_n and_o immunity_n common_o call_v christian_n liberty_n in_o and_o about_o which_o our_o christian_a liberty_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v as_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o this_o liberty_n those_o we_o must_v hold_v keep_v and_o stand_v fust_v in_o gal._n 5.1_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v you_o free_a and_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o exercise_v our_o christian_a liberty_n in_o a_o way_n of_o gospel-order_n liberty_n and_o order_n be_v inseparable_a in_o the_o conversation_n of_o a_o christian_a it_o be_v the_o liberty_n of_o order_n our_o liberty_n be_v lay_v out_o and_o limit_v by_o order_n those_o therefore_o that_o do_v plead_v for_o liberty_n unto_o the_o subversion_n of_o order_n be_v libertine_n and_o dangerous_a enemy_n unto_o liberty_n we_o must_v also_o exercise_v and_o improve_v our_o christian_a liberty_n in_o a_o way_n of_o full_a subjection_n unto_o the_o power_n rule_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n ministerial_o exercise_v in_o his_o church_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o his_o ordinance_n as_o the_o free_a subject_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n those_o who_o rise_v up_o in_o a_o way_n of_o opposition_n unto_o or_o rebellion_n against_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n regular_o exercise_v in_o his_o church_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o liberty_n be_v no_o true_a friend_n to_o true_a liberty_n we_o
of_o israel_n who_o offer_v themselves_o willing_o to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o time_n of_o general_a defection_n and_o sure_o this_o be_v the_o great_a trust_n that_o we_o repose_v in_o you_o and_o therefore_o the_o high_a hope_n expectation_n confidence_n and_o dependence_n that_o we_o place_n upon_o you_o as_o our_o ruler_n governor_n leader_n public_a benefactor_n and_o father_n that_o you_o will_v by_o the_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o your_o power_n and_o interest_n advance_v and_o establish_v the_o true_a pure_a and_o holy_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v you_o not_o suffer_v these_o church_n no_o not_o this_o people_n to_o be_v corrupt_v no_o not_o this_o land_n to_o be_v pollute_v and_o defile_v with_o will-worship_n a_o religious_a reform_a magistracy_n have_v hither_o unto_o be_v our_o crown_n mercy_n if_o god_n set_v you_o over_o we_o in_o mercy_n he_o will_v make_v you_o such_o a_o magistracy_n and_o therefore_o our_o prayer_n for_o you_o shall_v ever_o be_v that_o he_o that_o be_v the_o light_n of_o israel_n will_v be_v a_o light_n unto_o you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v as_o the_o light_n of_o israel_n unto_o we_o and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v abundant_o influence_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o government_n from_o he_o who_o all_o government_n be_v that_o you_o may_v receive_v a_o large_a portion_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o rest_v upon_o he_o even_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n a_o spirit_n of_o counsel_n and_o of_o may_v a_o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o may_v be_v of_o a_o quick_a understanding_n in_o his_o fear_n and_o that_o in_o your_o measure_n also_o righteousness_n may_v be_v the_o girdle_n of_o your_o loin_n and_o faithfulness_n the_o girdle_n of_o your_o reins_o that_o so_o you_o may_v feed_v and_o lead_v this_o people_n both_o in_o the_o skilfulness_n of_o your_o hand_n and_o the_o integrity_n of_o your_o heart_n we_o also_o shall_v pray_v that_o you_o may_v be_v keep_v and_o carry_v above_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o provocation_n of_o our_o murmur_n dissension_n and_o rebellion_n that_o god_n may_v never_o be_v angry_a with_o you_o for_o our_o sake_n and_o that_o it_o may_v never_o go_v ill_a with_o you_o for_o our_o sake_n as_o also_o above_o all_o your_o own_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n that_o god_n may_v never_o be_v provoke_v by_o our_o sin_n to_o suffer_v you_o to_o fall_v as_o once_o he_o do_v holy_a david_n that_o he_o may_v punish_v israel_n we_o wish_v you_o all_o the_o blessing_n which_o those_o who_o be_v just_a rule_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n may_v expect_v that_o we_o may_v behold_v you_o as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o morning_n when_o the_o sun_n rise_v a_o morning_n without_o cloud_n that_o the_o anniversary_n revolution_n of_o this_o government_n by_o our_o annual_a election_n may_v be_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o rise_a sun_n by_o which_o we_o may_v receive_v influence_n of_o divine_a blessing_n which_o may_v cause_v we_o to_o grow_v up_o as_o the_o tender_a grass_n by_o the_o clear_a shine_a after_o rain_n that_o in_o your_o day_n the_o righteous_a may_v flourish_v and_o abundance_n of_o peace_n that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v prosperity_n and_o tranquillity_n under_o this_o magistracy_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o peaceful_a and_o prosperous_a succession_n of_o it_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n that_o god_n continue_v unto_o we_o our_o judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o our_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n we_o may_v remain_v to_o be_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n and_o a_o faithful_a city_n ii_o i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o propose_v this_o exhortation_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o these_o church_n next_o concern_v as_o public_a reformer_n in_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n it_o be_v propose_v in_o the_o text_n direct_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v particular_o direct_v unto_o and_o charge_v with_o this_o work_n in_o the_o several_a church_n the_o first_o ministry_n of_o these_o church_n it_o be_v eminent_o a_o reform_a ministry_n extraordinary_o qualify_v unto_o and_o improve_v in_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n god_n make_v they_o great_a reformer_n and_o wrought_v a_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n by_o they_o and_o they_o live_v faithful_o labour_v in_o that_o work_n unto_o the_o death_n though_o not_o without_o some_o discouragement_n and_o some_o diminution_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n from_o a_o praeapprehension_n yea_o from_o some_o present_a appearance_n of_o the_o sad_a sign_n of_o the_o defection_n of_o these_o church_n before_o their_o departure_n that_o ministry_n those_o minister_n they_o be_v general_o depart_v some_o few_o here_o and_o there_o one_o only_o of_o that_o ancient_a old_a england-ministry_n remain_v with_o we_o as_o the_o crown_n and_o ornament_n of_o our_o new-england-presbytery_n and_o true_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o departure_n of_o that_o ministry_n with_o the_o signal_n circumstance_n and_o say_v consequence_n thereof_o may_v just_o move_v lamentation_n they_o be_v divers_a of_o they_o carry_v away_o as_o it_o be_v in_o chariot_n of_o sire_n i_o mean_v by_o a_o anticipation_n of_o their_o translation_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n and_o when_o in_o the_o strength_n and_o travail_n of_o their_o ministerial_a labour_n for_o these_o church_n and_o with_o this_o generation_n bear_v a_o full_a clear_a testimony_n unto_o the_o great_a duty_n and_o against_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o time_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n before_o god_n to_o turn_v away_o impend_a judgement_n their_o praise_n be_v yet_o fresh_a and_o flourish_a in_o these_o church_n be_v legible_a in_o live_a epistle_n of_o commendation_n write_v not_o with_o ink_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o live_a god_n they_o have_v a_o live_a memory_n and_o a_o last_a monument_n in_o every_o godly_a heart_n who_o have_v experience_v the_o convert_n quicken_a comfort_a presence_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o ministration_n they_o be_v depart_v and_o we_o have_v weep_v over_o their_o face_n with_o that_o lamentation_n my_o father_n my_o father_n the_o chariot_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o horseman_n thereof_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o so_o of_o this_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n in_o these_o church_n it_o now_o rest_v upon_o you_o who_o be_v the_o present_a stand_a ministry_n this_o new-england_n ministry_n which_o be_v coaevall_n and_o coaetaneous_n with_o this_o new-england_n generation_n among_o who_o i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v mention_v as_o one_o though_o with_o the_o utmost_a expression_n of_o diminution_n as_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v call_v forth_o to_o take_v a_o part_n of_o this_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o most_o unmeet_a and_o unworthy_a thus_o to_o speak_v unto_o you_o yet_o i_o be_o bold_a to_o beseech_v you_o to_o bear_v this_o exhortation_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o name_n i_o speak_v and_o say_v o_o labour_n to_o be_v a_o reform_a ministry_n although_o there_o have_v be_v a_o change_n of_o minister_n in_o most_o of_o the_o church_n yet_o we_o hope_v there_o be_v not_o a_o change_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o that_o the_o same_o ministry_n be_v still_o remain_v that_o be_v a_o ministry_n of_o the_o same_o constitution_n spirit_n principle_n mind_n judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o these_o church_n a_o ministry_n which_o have_v receive_v not_o only_o the_o mantle_n but_o a_o portion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o elijah_n and_o therefore_o you_o be_v engage_v to_o undertake_v to_o uphold_v and_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o to_o labour_v unto_o 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