and_o then_o no_o wonder_n if_o blasphemy_n be_v their_o language_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n prevail_v against_o they_o and_o very_o often_o religion_n be_v neglect_v on_o the_o lordsday_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o drink_v or_o game_n and_o waste_v away_o in_o those_o mean_a unprofitable_a entertainment_n but_o since_o our_o law_n more_o direct_o take_v cognizance_n of_o those_o other_o sin_n i_o will_v to_o god_n that_o our_o zeal_n be_v successful_a in_o entire_o suppress_v they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o most_o pernicious_a scandal_n to_o religion_n and_o shall_v therefore_o be_v the_o more_o immediate_a object_n of_o our_o zeal_n and_o be_v no_o swear_v hear_v among_o we_o be_v the_o lordsday_n employ_v in_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n and_o be_v all_o know_a trader_n in_o in_o lewdness_n drive_v away_o what_o a_o holy_a what_o a_o happy_a people_n will_v we_o soon_o become_v how_o glorious_a will_v piety_n appear_v with_o all_o its_o beauteous_a charm_n how_o will_v religion_n prosper_n and_o flourish_v how_o will_v wickedness_n blush_v and_o tremble_v and_o fly_v away_o and_o this_o may_v soon_o be_v effect_v do_v all_o hearty_o join_v in_o it_o who_o be_v under_o particular_a obligation_n so_o to_o do_v which_o bring_v i_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v who_o be_v principal_o oblige_v and_o concern_v to_o be_v zealous_o affect_v against_o those_o dangerous_a sin_n it_o be_v certain_o reason_n sufficient_a why_o we_o shall_v be_v zealous_o affect_v against_o public_a vice_n that_o we_o be_v christian_n professor_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o exact_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n from_o ourselves_o and_o require_v we_o to_o be_v zealous_a and_o industrious_a in_o reclaim_v other_o from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o in_o promote_a religion_n and_o reformation_n of_o manner_n in_o the_o world_n but_o sometime_o particular_a obligation_n arise_v from_o our_o station_n and_o circumstance_n here_o be_v superad_v to_o those_o which_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o we_o which_o must_v be_v various_a as_o our_o capacity_n and_o condition_n be_v i_o shall_v therefore_o mention_v several_a rank_n of_o man_n who_o be_v principal_o concern_v in_o this_o great_a work_n and_o be_v bind_v with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a diligence_n and_o zeal_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o the_o first_o i_o shall_v name_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o religion_n those_o who_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o immediate_a service_n of_o god_n to_o preach_v his_o word_n administer_v his_o sacrament_n and_o attend_v at_o his_o altar_n and_o certain_o we_o who_o be_v ambassador_n from_o christ_n for_o this_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n to_o beseech_v sinner_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n to_o who_o service_n we_o be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o prayer_n we_o who_o be_v messenger_n watchman_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o lord_n title_n of_o great_a dignity_n and_o honour_n and_o expressive_a of_o constant_a diligence_n and_o labour_n we_o i_o say_v shall_v oppose_v vice_n with_o a_o very_a active_a zeal_n and_o with_o unwearied_a application_n shall_v encourage_v all_o proposal_n for_o reformation_n of_o manner_n and_o lead_v the_o way_n to_o other_o in_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n shall_v like_o god_n minister_n in_o heaven_n be_v a_o flame_n of_o fire_n burn_v with_o zeal_n so_o refine_v and_o pure_a that_o like_o they_o it_o may_v never_o fail_v so_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a as_o may_v spare_v indeed_o the_o sinner_n but_o entire_o destroy_v their_o vice_n the_o reformation_n of_o man_n manner_n in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o preach_v and_o all_o our_o labour_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o animate_v those_o good_a man_n who_o have_v avow'd_o enter_v the_o list_n against_o wickedness_n since_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_v that_o thereby_o our_o work_n will_v become_v more_o easy_a and_o delightful_a and_o that_o more_o encourage_v success_n will_v attend_v our_o ministry_n the_o most_o difficult_a obstruction_n such_o public_a vice_n be_v be_v happy_o remove_v nay_o shall_v we_o not_o bless_v god_n for_o exciting_a a_o spirit_n of_o piety_n and_o religious_a zeal_n among_o we_o that_o there_o be_v any_o in_o this_o degenerate_a world_n who_o have_v a_o true_a concern_v for_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o do_v it_o all_o such_o deserve_v our_o countenance_n and_o encouragement_n our_o great_a esteem_n and_o tender_a affection_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o cheerful_o partake_v in_o all_o their_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n as_o we_o hope_v to_o share_v in_o their_o reward_n and_o glory_n it_o be_v usual_a to_o complain_v of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n but_o complaint_n hardly_o ever_o work_v a_o cure_n our_o discourse_n may_v be_v passionate_a against_o prevail_a sin_n and_o yet_o those_o sin_n continue_v to_o prevail_v the_o most_o guilty_a be_v seldom_o our_o hearer_n and_o when_o they_o be_v not_o regard_v what_o we_o say_v it_o be_v fit_a then_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o use_v argument_n of_o another_o nature_n and_o punish_v those_o who_o be_v proof_n against_o all_o persuasion_n that_o with_o stripe_n and_o blow_v we_o make_v those_o deaf_a adder_n move_v who_o stop_v their_o ear_n against_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o wise_a charmer_n make_v those_o feel_v the_o coercive_a power_n of_o humane_a law_n who_o impious_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o god._n we_o call_v ourselves_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o such_o undoubted_o all_o lawful_a minister_n be_v and_o shall_v not_o that_o one_o consideration_n inspire_v we_o with_o their_o diligence_n their_o courage_n and_o their_o zeal_n that_o so_o we_o may_v oppose_v profaneness_n as_o elijah_n do_v idolatry_n and_o with_o the_o resolution_n of_o st._n paul_n reason_n of_o righteousness_n temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v but_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o so_o complaisant_a for_o wickedness_n so_o cowardly_a and_o mean_a as_o to_o be_v afraid_a or_o ashamed_a to_o disturb_v it_o in_o its_o ancient_a possession_n must_v they_o not_o blush_v when_o surround_v with_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n of_o their_o own_o order_n of_o apostle_n and_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n who_o be_v not_o only_a preacher_n of_o righteousness_n but_o reformer_n of_o manner_n who_o do_v not_o think_v they_o have_v discharge_v their_o duty_n by_o say_v some_o handsome_a thing_n against_o vice_n buâ—_n be_v act_v by_o a_o holy_a zeal_n be_v particular_a and_o warm_a in_o advice_n vehement_a in_o their_o expostulation_n and_o bold_a in_o their_o reproof_n while_o man_n be_v wicked_a they_o pity_v they_o they_o pray_v for_o they_o but_o never_o make_v they_o their_o intimate_v and_o companion_n they_o treat_v they_o as_o their_o patient_n who_o recovery_n they_o hearty_o endeavour_v but_o never_o by_o flattery_n and_o compliance_n increase_v their_o distemper_n i_o hope_v in_o god_n there_o be_v few_o or_o none_o among_o we_o guilty_a of_o these_o fault_n so_o disagreeable_a to_o their_o character_n and_o prejudicial_a to_o religion_n the_o contrary_n i_o think_v be_v apparent_a that_o those_o who_o be_v most_o remarkable_a for_o their_o piety_n and_o eminent_a for_o their_o station_n in_o the_o church_n do_v further_o and_o encourage_v all_o prudent_a design_n for_o suppress_v vice_n and_o restore_a piety_n to_o its_o just_a glory_n but_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o who_o have_v so_o far_o degenerate_v from_o the_o zeal_n of_o their_o primitive_a predecessor_n as_o to_o be_v negligent_a and_o remiss_a in_o this_o important_a concern_v and_o if_o some_o shall_v be_v so_o among_o so_o many_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o nor_o any_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o our_o church_n for_o such_o this_o address_n be_v intend_v and_o that_o sufficient_o justify_v the_o plainess_n of_o it_o since_o sure_o i_o be_o they_o need_v it_o second_o next_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n the_o great_a obligation_n of_o be_v zealous_o affect_v against_o public_a reign_a vice_n lie_v upon_o magistrate_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v invest_v with_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n with_o great_a courage_n and_o impartiality_n to_o suppress_v and_o punish_v all_o wicked_a practice_n be_v plain_a from_o several_a intimation_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n as_o that_o ruler_n be_v not_o a_o terror_n to_o good_a work_n but_o to_o the_o evil._n and_o if_o we_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a we_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o power_n but_o shall_v have_v praise_n of_o the_o same_o that_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n for_o good_a and_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a and_o be_v a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil._n rom._n 13.3_o 4._o again_o we_o be_v command_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o governor_n who_o be_v
reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o the_o more_o man_n know_v of_o vice_n when_o once_o thorough_o awaken_v from_o its_o charm_n they_o more_fw-mi they_o will_v abhor_v and_o detest_v it_o beside_o it_o be_v wat_fw-mi they_o be_v strict_o oblige_v to_o in_o conscience_n for_o have_v heretofore_o dishonour_v god_n obstruct_a religion_n and_o make_v man_n enemy_n to_o virtue_n they_o be_v bind_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v to_o make_v what_o restitution_n they_o can_v to_o all_o those_o for_o the_o injury_n they_o have_v do_v they_o have_v they_o heretofore_o profane_v god_n name_n or_o his_o word_n or_o his_o day_n then_o sure_o if_o their_o repentance_n be_v sincere_a they_o will_v not_o only_o in_o the_o high_a manner_n honour_v these_o themselves_o but_o be_v very_o assiduous_a to_o procure_v they_o all_o possible_a reverence_n from_o other_o have_v they_o entice_v other_o to_o sin_n and_o be_v but_o too_o unhappy_o successful_a in_o it_o shall_v not_o then_o their_o zeal_n be_v constant_a and_o active_a as_o the_o sun_n and_o light_n and_o bring_v man_n to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v instrument_n of_o save_v more_o than_o they_o have_v be_v the_o fatal_a mean_n of_o destroy_v have_v they_o injure_v religion_n by_o their_o evil_a example_n then_o sure_o their_o life_n for_o the_o future_a shall_v be_v bright_a and_o unspotted_a their_o action_n eminent_o holy_a and_o a_o most_o engage_v pattern_n of_o piety_n they_o shall_v set_v to_o the_o world_n have_v they_o almost_o miscarry_v and_o be_v ruin_v for_o ever_o by_o their_o wickedness_n have_v not_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n miraculous_o interpose_v for_o their_o deliverance_n then_o it_o be_v certain_o their_o duty_n to_o caution_n other_o of_o those_o rock_n whereon_o they_o have_v well_o nigh_o be_v shipracked_a such_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o great_a example_n of_o sincere_a repentance_n holy_a david_n and_o st._n paul_n after_o the_o former_a have_v in_o very_o passionate_a term_n bewail_v his_o sin_n and_o implore_v the_o pardon_n of_o god_n for_o they_o as_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o his_o repentance_n he_o declare_v his_o pious_a resolution_n i_o will_v teach_v thy_o way_n to_o the_o wicked_a and_o sinner_n shall_v be_v convert_v unto_o thou_o psal._n 51.13_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o st._n paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n do_v he_o once_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n he_o afterward_o labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o all_o the_o apostle_n to_o enlarge_v and_o strengthen_v it_o be_v he_o once_o a_o bitter_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n a_o blasphemer_n and_o reviler_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o afterward_o prove_v a_o most_o zealous_a advocate_n for_o the_o one_o a_o most_o successful_a preacher_n of_o the_o other_o do_v he_o hale_v the_o saint_n to_o prison_n be_v he_o consent_v to_o their_o death_n to_o the_o same_o religion_n they_o profess_v he_o adhere_v faithful_o unto_o death_n and_o for_o it_o be_v crown_v with_o martyrdom_n himself_o and_o thus_o shall_v all_o true_a penitent_n behave_v themselves_o whatever_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o their_o soul_n they_o shall_v pursue_v themselves_o and_o recommend_v to_o other_o with_o a_o most_o industrious_a zeal_n then_o will_v their_o repentance_n be_v not_o only_o sincere_a but_o complete_a available_a to_o their_o pardon_n and_o cause_n joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o angel_n four_o and_o last_o they_o who_o have_v enter_v into_o society_n for_o reformation_n of_o manner_n and_o thereby_o avow'd_o engage_v in_o the_o service_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n be_v particular_o oblige_v to_o be_v zealous_o affect_v against_o those_o forementioned_a dangerous_a sin_n my_o argument_n do_v not_o require_v that_o i_o shall_v undertake_v a_o just_a vindication_n of_o such_o society_n and_o prove_v the_o usefulness_n of_o they_o this_o have_v be_v full_o do_v by_o other_o and_o the_o great_a service_n they_o daily_o do_v religion_n sufficient_o proclaim_v it_o yet_o we_o may_v in_o general_n observe_v that_o vice_n be_v too_o potent_a a_o enemy_n to_o be_v defeat_v by_o any_o single_a endeavour_n vice_n which_o too_o often_o baffle_v the_o unite_a labour_n of_o the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v support_v by_o a_o confederacy_n of_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n beside_o we_o can_v but_o be_v sensible_a that_o good_a man_n have_v need_n of_o companion_n to_o animate_v they_o to_o a_o work_n of_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n we_o be_v afraid_a to_o appear_v champion_n for_o religion_n be_v afflict_v with_o a_o evil_a shame_n and_o easy_o discourage_v when_o alone_o but_o a_o competent_a number_n when_o join_v in_o a_o society_n advise_v support_v and_o excite_v one_o another_o the_o prudent_a calmness_n of_o some_o restrain_v the_o irregular_a warmth_n of_o other_o who_o vigorous_a zeal_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n like_o fire_n communicate_v heat_n and_o life_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o negligent_a and_o indifferent_a give_v flame_n to_o their_o affection_n and_o enlivens_fw-la their_o soul_n again_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o what_o the_o unite_a council_n of_o many_o resolve_n upon_o and_o what_o be_v prosecute_v by_o their_o joint_a endeavour_n will_v be_v more_o wise_o undertake_v and_o more_o successful_o accomplish_v than_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o union_n either_o in_o council_n or_o in_o action_n so_o that_o a_o great_a many_o good_a man_n who_o will_v otherwise_o be_v of_o little_a use_n to_o religion_n do_v very_o much_o advance_v and_o promote_v it_o by_o thus_o join_v together_o their_o heart_n and_o hand_n for_o that_o purpose_n as_o those_o many_o little_a star_n which_o make_v up_o what_o we_o call_v the_o milky_a way_n in_o the_o heaven_n will_v if_o separate_v whole_o disappear_v but_o by_o their_o conjunction_n afford_v a_o very_a useful_a light_n to_o the_o world_n we_o be_v all_o sufficient_o convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o society_n in_o many_o other_o case_n for_o carry_v on_o any_o design_n of_o importance_n if_o a_o prince_n be_v become_v too_o potent_a for_o one_o neighbour_n who_o he_o be_v likely_a to_o devour_v than_o many_o become_v confederate_n to_o humble_v he_o be_v any_o great_a trade_n to_o be_v undertake_v which_o be_v too_o difficult_a and_o expensive_a for_o any_o private_a fortune_n and_o contrivance_n then_o be_v it_o usual_o accomplish_a by_o a_o society_n or_o company_n our_o common_a safety_n show_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o parliament_n which_o be_v but_o great_a society_n for_o reform_v the_o common_a wealth_n by_o redress_v grievance_n and_o make_v useful_a law_n and_o be_v religion_n the_o only_a that_o either_o do_v not_o need_n or_o do_v not_o deserve_v a_o society_n to_o promote_v and_o secure_v it_o be_v not_o suppress_v public_a impiety_n lewdness_n and_o profaneness_n bring_v those_o who_o be_v open_o wicked_a and_o proud_a of_o be_v so_o esteem_v to_o punishment_n and_o remove_v from_o other_o the_o pestilence_n of_o evil_a example_n be_v not_o all_o these_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n and_o which_o deserve_v the_o most_o serious_a thought_n of_o the_o prudent_a as_o well_o as_o the_o religious_a and_o if_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v better_o effect_v by_o society_n than_o any_o other_o way_n do_v not_o that_o full_o evince_v the_o usefulness_n or_o rather_o great_a necessity_n of_o they_o if_o reformation_n of_o manner_n can_v be_v accomplish_v more_o successful_o by_o other_o method_n than_o these_o of_o society_n it_o will_v do_v great_a service_n to_o religion_n to_o discover_v they_o to_o the_o world_n but_o since_o that_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v do_v it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o person_n of_o piety_n and_o zeal_n shall_v go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n they_o know_v till_o they_o be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o a_o better_a i_o own_o do_v every_o man_n among_o we_o conscientious_o discharge_v his_o duty_n in_o his_o station_n and_o according_a to_o his_o capacity_n be_v there_o no_o negligent_a minister_n nor_o any_o unfaithful_a magistrate_n and_o do_v every_o other_o person_n in_o his_o private_a capacity_n do_v what_o in_o strictness_n he_o ought_v to_o do_v than_o the_o whole_a church_n will_v be_v one_o great_a religious_a society_n and_o that_o will_v supersede_n the_o necessity_n of_o any_o other_o but_o see_v that_o never_o be_v in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n not_o in_o the_o most_o primitive_a and_o pure_a time_n see_v that_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n be_v fall_v so_o very_o low_a that_o church_n censure_n be_v lose_v upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o see_v we_o have_v no_o prospect_n of_o any_o public_a alteration_n for_o the_o better_a but_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v that_o every_o thing_n will_v become_v worse_o unless_o the_o impend_a mischief_n be_v in_o time_n
four_o to_o offer_v such_o motive_n as_o may_v best_o excite_v and_o confirm_v our_o zeal_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v zealous_o affect_v always_o in_o that_o good_a thing_n about_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v engage_v i._o i_o be_o to_o inquire_v what_o those_o particular_a sin_n be_v in_o suppress_v of_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o zealous_o affect_v it_o have_v already_o be_v observe_v in_o general_a that_o promote_a our_o know_a duty_n undisputed_a piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o best_a thing_n wherein_o we_o can_v be_v zealous_o affect_v for_o these_o be_v the_o essential_o of_o religion_n without_o which_o no_o other_o privilige_v we_o can_v enjoy_v or_o boast_v of_o will_v be_v of_o any_o advantage_n to_o we_o now_o this_o will_v be_v most_o happy_o effect_v by_o suppress_v those_o vice_n and_o impiety_n which_o more_o direct_o dishonour_n god_n and_o weaken_v religion_n and_o such_o undoubted_o be_v blasphemous_a oath_n and_o curse_n profane_v the_o lord_n day_n either_o by_o our_o ordinary_a labour_n or_o scandalous_a diversion_n together_o with_o the_o brutal_a vice_n of_o intemperance_n and_o lewdness_n now_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o zealous_o affect_a against_o these_o than_o other_o sin_n because_o they_o be_v more_o destructive_a enemy_n to_o piety_n there_o be_v more_o of_o leprosy_n and_o infection_n in_o they_o and_o they_o be_v attend_v with_o more_o fatal_a consequence_n other_o sin_n i_o say_v which_o be_v more_o private_a and_o unobserved_a draw_v not_o such_o a_o train_n of_o mischief_n after_o they_o the_o first_o sin_n then_o against_o which_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n to_o be_v zealous_o affect_v be_v profane_a curse_v and_o swear_v that_o horrid_a sin_n which_o dare_v omnipotence_n and_o mock_v avenge_a justice_n which_o affront_v god_n out_o of_o diversion_n and_o play_n with_o his_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n that_o sin_n which_o strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n by_o involve_v man_n in_o frequent_a perjury_n and_o take_v off_o all_o reverence_n for_o a_o oath_n that_o sin_n which_o hurry_v daily_o many_o soul_n to_o hell_n and_o be_v the_o fearful_a of_o language_n of_o that_o place_n of_o impiety_n as_o well_o as_o torment_n and_o where_o the_o damn_a at_o once_o gnaw_v their_o tongue_n for_o pain_n and_o blaspheam_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n that_o sin_n i_o say_v shall_v sure_o stir_v up_o the_o indignation_n and_o zeal_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v any_o honour_n any_o love_n for_o god_n or_o religion_n to_o punish_v to_o destroy_v it_o so_o effectual_o to_o suppress_v it_o that_o it_o never_o may_v again_o triumph_v in_o our_o street_n the_o misplace_a devotion_n of_o the_o athenian_n inflame_v st._n paul_n zeal_n he_o be_v fill_v with_o various_a passion_n of_o anger_n of_o pity_n and_o of_o grief_n to_o see_v the_o city_n whole_o give_v to_o idolatry_n he_o argue_v he_o contend_v with_o their_o great_a philosopher_n and_o even_o hazard_v his_o life_n to_o convert_v they_o and_o shall_v not_o our_o spirit_n be_v move_v within_o we_o to_o hear_v the_o venerable_a name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n impious_o profane_v and_o ridiculous_o invoke_v and_o that_o not_o by_o ignorant_a heathen_n but_o pretend_a christian_n by_o those_o who_o while_o they_o usurp_v that_o sacred_a title_n be_v not_o only_o far_o from_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o with_o their_o very_a lip_n dishonour_v he_o it_o must_v needs_o therefore_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n to_o be_v zealous_o affect_v against_o this_o prevail_a sin_n to_o vindicate_v god_n honour_n and_o bring_v those_o who_o profane_v his_o name_n to_o punishment_n a_o second_o sin_n against_o which_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n to_o be_v zealous_o affect_v be_v the_o violation_n of_o the_o lordsday_n that_o day_n which_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god._n the_o profanation_n of_o the_o lordsday_n have_v so_o fatal_a a_o influence_n on_o religion_n and_o tend_v so_o natural_o to_o deface_v it_o that_o they_o who_o be_v zealous_o affect_v for_o the_o one_o must_v have_v a_o tender_a regard_n for_o the_o other_o for_o the_o concern_v of_o this_o world_n do_v so_o steal_v upon_o man_n mind_n so_o charm_n and_o bewitch_v they_o that_o do_v not_o the_o constant_a return_n of_o the_o lordsday_n relax_v their_o thought_n and_o call_v they_o off_o from_o business_n and_o diversion_n to_o religion_n and_o devotion_n not_o only_o the_o power_n but_o form_n of_o godliness_n will_v be_v lose_v not_o only_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o very_a name_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v banish_v the_o world_n whereas_o the_o religious_a observation_n of_o the_o lordsday_n do_v often_o awaken_v those_o good_a thought_n which_o all_o the_o week_n have_v lie_v bury_v under_o care_n and_o pleasure_n and_o many_o who_o at_o first_o go_v to_o church_n out_o of_o decency_n and_o custom_n will_v at_o length_n go_v out_o of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n and_o indeed_o our_o join_n in_o devout_a prayer_n and_o heavenly_a praise_n hear_v the_o holy_a scripture_n read_v and_o our_o duty_n affectionate_o recommend_v all_o these_o preserve_v spiritual_a life_n keep_v conscience_n sensible_a and_o tender_a and_o the_o more_o strict_o the_o lordsday_n be_v keep_v the_o better_a will_v it_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o its_o institution_n the_o more_o effectual_o promote_v piety_n and_o secure_a religion_n whereas_o if_o only_o a_o part_n of_o it_o be_v allow_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rest_n take_v up_o in_o sport_n and_o diversion_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o our_o morning_n thought_n will_v soon_o pass_v away_o and_o that_o the_o evening_n pastime_n will_v deface_v all_o the_o good_a impression_n of_o the_o day_n now_o shall_v we_o not_o do_v excellent_a service_n to_o religion_n by_o rescue_v the_o lordsday_n from_o scandalous_a abuse_n and_o hinder_v those_o practice_n which_o must_v if_o not_o prevent_v destroy_v it_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v inseparable_o unite_v to_o that_o of_o his_o day_n and_o religion_n must_v languish_v and_o decay_n when_o that_o day_n be_v neglect_v or_o profane_v public_a worship_n must_v be_v disuse_v and_o private_a fall_n of_o consequence_n of_o this_o our_o governor_n be_v sensible_a and_o therefore_o good_a law_n have_v be_v enact_v to_o hinder_v it_o which_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n unless_o vigorous_o execute_v this_o sure_o then_o deserve_v and_o call_v for_o our_o most_o active_a zeal_n to_o put_v the_o law_n in_o execution_n against_o the_o prophaner_n of_o the_o lordsday_n since_o the_o preservation_n or_o ruin_n of_o religion_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o it_o three_o they_o who_o be_v zealous_o affect_v against_o sin_n must_v labour_v to_o suppress_v lewdness_n and_o uncleaness_n and_o make_v those_o wretched_a creature_n feel_v the_o just_a severity_n of_o the_o law_n who_o set_v up_o factory_n for_o wickedness_n and_o make_v prostitution_n their_o trade_n christianity_n be_v a_o undefiled_a religion_n 〈◊〉_d ja._n 1.26.3.17_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o wisdom_n from_o above_o be_v pure_a or_o chaste_a it_o prohibit_v all_o lascivious_a practice_n and_o lay_v restraint_n on_o our_o thought_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o country_n where_o this_o holy_a religion_n be_v public_o profess_v and_o divine_a law_n enforce_v by_o temporal_a punishment_n where_o there_o be_v christian_a minister_n to_o persuade_v and_o christian_a mgistrate_n to_o correct_v offender_n in_o which_o notwithstanding_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o so_o long_o wink_v at_o as_o almost_o to_o plead_v prescription_n and_o toleration_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v seminary_n for_o uncleaness_n and_o yet_o unpunished_a unregarded_a thus_o it_o have_v be_v heretofore_o among_o we_o and_o these_o vice_n be_v still_o not_o only_o too_o common_o commit_v but_o glory_v in_o to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o reproach_n of_o religion_n that_o then_o must_v be_v a_o excellent_a zeal_n which_o dare_v check_v and_o oppose_v these_o abominable_a sin_n which_o inspire_v we_o with_o courage_n to_o rescue_v our_o christianity_n from_o contempt_n by_o bring_v the_o scandal_n of_o it_o to_o just_a punishment_n and_o shame_n without_o be_v move_v at_o their_o insolence_n or_o afraid_a of_o their_o revenge_n there_o be_v many_o other_o very_o common_a very_o dangerous_a sin_n against_o which_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n to_o be_v zealous_o aflect_v particular_o common_a drunkenness_n and_o excessive_a game_n for_o these_o be_v not_o only_o great_a sin_n in_o themselves_o but_o often_o the_o unhappy_a cause_n of_o those_o i_o have_v already_o name_v game_n inflame_v the_o passion_n fill_v the_o mouth_n with_o curse_n and_o the_o whole_a man_n with_o rage_n drunkenness_n dive_v man_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o put_v every_o irregular_a desire_n into_o a_o ferment_n
to_o be_v reprove_v by_o he_o and_o who_o will_v answer_v all_o his_o grave_a advice_n with_o scorn_n and_o rage_n but_o then_o that_o man_n ought_v if_o he_o have_v any_o zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n to_o inform_v the_o magistrate_n of_o what_o he_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o show_v his_o own_o zeal_n by_o give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n of_o exercise_v they_o he_o ought_v without_o any_o by-regards_a to_o interest_n or_o friendship_n to_o acquaint_v those_o who_o bear_v the_o sword_n with_o the_o crime_n that_o have_v be_v commit_v before_o he_o that_o the_o guilty_a may_v feel_v how_o they_o bear_v it_o not_o in_o vain_a this_o be_v what_o many_o among_o we_o have_v of_o late_o do_v with_o very_o great_a success_n and_o therefore_o what_o i_o can_v but_o recommend_v to_o all_o as_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o entire_o root_n out_o all_o gross_a immorality_n and_o public_a vice_n especial_o those_o more_o heinous_a one_o i_o have_v so_o often_o name_v and_o since_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o give_v we_o some_o good_a magistrate_n who_o want_v neither_o zeal_n nor_o courage_n to_o put_v the_o law_n in_o execution_n what_o remain_v to_o accomplish_v a_o through_o reformation_n of_o manner_n but_o that_o we_o contribute_v our_o endeavour_n to_o it_o by_o give_v constant_a and_o impartial_a information_n against_o offender_n it_o be_v true_a a_o informer_n have_v be_v general_o esteem_v a_o name_n of_o imfamy_n and_o reproach_n and_o in_o many_o case_n not_o without_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o employment_n have_v be_v sometime_o take_v up_o by_o man_n of_o blast_v reputation_n upon_o the_o base_a motive_n and_o manage_v in_o the_o most_o disingenuous_a manner_n when_o we_o see_v a_o man_n accuse_v other_o of_o a_o crime_n whereof_o he_o be_v himself_o more_o guilty_a and_o that_o not_o out_o of_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n or_o zeal_n to_o have_v criminal_n punish_v but_o in_o hope_n of_o favour_n and_o money_n from_o those_o in_o power_n when_o we_o see_v inform_v make_v a_o trade_n and_o man_n get_v bread_n by_o perjury_n mix_v much_o falsehood_n with_o a_o little_a truth_n when_o we_o see_v all_o the_o law_n of_o hospitality_n and_o friendship_n violate_v and_o thing_n speak_v with_o freedom_n and_o without_o design_n tell_v with_o aggravation_n to_o a_o jealous_a government_n when_o i_o say_v inform_v be_v such_o a_o employment_n as_o this_o no_o wonder_n if_o it_o be_v scandalous_a to_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o but_o the_o inform_v i_o be_o recommend_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o to_o catch_v at_o a_o unwary_a expression_n which_o malice_n may_v wrest_v to_o a_o ill_a meaning_n or_o when_o speak_v under_o the_o seal_n of_o friendship_n but_o it_o be_v acquaint_v our_o governor_n and_o magistrate_n with_o those_o blasphemy_n and_o oath_n which_o be_v often_o vent_v in_o public_a and_o those_o other_o instance_n of_o lewdness_n and_o immorality_n which_o be_v overtact_n of_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god._n in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o we_o shall_v reckon_v it_o our_o glory_n to_o be_v informer_n since_o god_n himself_o at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v increase_v our_o honour_n for_o be_v thus_o instrumental_a in_o vindicate_a his._n it_o be_v true_a the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v very_o loud_o in_o their_o clamour_n against_o this_o practice_n and_o do_v with_o great_a industry_n throw_v a_o odium_n on_o those_o who_o make_v conscience_n of_o inform_v against_o they_o but_o they_o have_v especial_o raise_v a_o mighty_a cry_n of_o injustice_n against_o that_o manner_n of_o inform_v which_o be_v find_v necessary_a to_o restrain_v profane_a curse_v and_o swear_v that_o be_v when_o the_o guilty_a person_n know_v not_o his_o accuser_n i_o shall_v therefore_o at_o present_a endeavour_n to_o vindicate_v both_o these_o and_o show_v that_o to_o inform_v against_o vice_n be_v every_o man_n duty_n and_o that_o private_a information_n be_v not_o only_o just_a and_o reasonable_a but_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v judge_v no_o digression_n since_o it_o tend_v to_o confirm_v we_o in_o one_o of_o the_o most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a expression_n of_o our_o zeal_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o we_o be_v strict_o oblige_v in_o point_n of_o duty_n to_o inform_v against_o profaneness_n and_o vice_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o command_n and_o example_n which_o in_o holy_a scripture_n require_v it_o second_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n first_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o command_n and_o example_n which_o in_o holy_a scripture_n require_v it_o and_o can_v any_o command_n be_v more_o positive_a express_a and_o clear_a that_o what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o 13_o the_o of_o deut._n from_o the_o 6_o the_o to_o the_o 12_o the_o verse_n if_o thy_o brother_n the_o son_n of_o thy_o mother_n or_o thy_o son_n or_o thy_o daughter_n or_o the_o wife_n of_o thy_o bosom_n or_o thy_o friend_n which_o be_v even_o as_o thy_o own_o soul_n entice_v thou_o secret_o say_v let_v we_o go_v and_o serve_v other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v thou_o nor_o thy_o father_n thou_o shall_v not_o consent_v unto_o he_o nor_o hearken_v unto_o he_o neither_o shall_v thy_o eye_n pity_v he_o neither_o shall_v thou_o spare_v he_o neither_o shall_v thou_o conceal_v he_o but_o thou_o shall_v sure_o kill_v he_o thy_o hand_n shall_v be_v first_o upon_o he_o to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o afterward_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o all_o israel_n shall_v hear_v and_o fear_n and_o shall_v do_v no_o more_o any_o such_o wickedness_n as_o this_o be_v among_o you_o from_o which_o word_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o to_o inform_v against_o dangerous_a infectious_a sin_n such_o as_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o destroy_v religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v so_o in_o dispensable_a a_o duty_n that_o no_o consideration_n of_o blood_n or_o friendship_n can_v excuse_v we_o from_o it_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n cancel_v all_o obligation_n to_o man_n and_o nothing_o must_v be_v allow_v any_o compitition_n in_o his_o love_n those_o who_o lie_v near_a our_o heart_n our_o brother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o our_o best_a friend_n must_v be_v tear_v thence_o when_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n call_v when_o his_o service_n require_v it_o who_o be_v our_o most_o indulgent_a father_n our_o true_a friend_n and_o our_o most_o generous_a benefactor_n but_o idolatry_n be_v not_o the_o only_a sin_n the_o israelite_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o suppress_v by_o inform_v against_o it_o curse_v and_o blasphemy_n be_v to_o undergo_v the_o same_o just_a severity_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o israelitish_n woman_n son_n leu._n 24.11_o 12_o 14._o who_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o curse_v those_o who_o hear_v he_o be_v not_o trouble_v with_o that_o nice_a honour_n some_o now_o a_o day_n pretend_v to_o and_o think_v it_o no_o reflection_n upon_o they_o to_o acquaint_v moses_n and_o aaron_n with_o his_o crime_n though_o nothing_o less_o than_o his_o death_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o their_o information_n the_o witness_n be_v command_v to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o his_o head_n and_o all_o the_o congregation_n to_o stone_n he_o with_o stone_n till_o he_o die_v and_o yet_o though_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o a_o small_a sum_n of_o money_n be_v all_o the_o penalty_n inflict_v among_o we_o for_o the_o profane_v oath_n and_o curse_n how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o have_v zeal_n and_o courage_n to_o exact_v even_o that_o who_o do_v not_o let_v that_o sin_n be_v often_o commit_v in_o their_o presence_n and_o yet_o be_v afraid_a or_o ashamed_a so_o much_o as_o to_o reprove_v it_o nor_o be_v the_o sabbath-breaker_n treat_v more_o gentle_o than_o the_o blasphemer_n by_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n they_o who_o find_v the_o man_n gather_v stick_n upon_o the_o sabbath-day_n immediate_o bring_v he_o to_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o he_o be_v stone_v with_o stone_n till_o he_o die_v numb_a 15.32_o have_v these_o man_n live_v among_o we_o how_o will_v they_o have_v be_v hate_v and_o deride_v as_o officious_a informer_n who_o meddle_v in_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o at_o all_o belong_v to_o they_o but_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o stand_v neuter_n when_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v public_o violate_v and_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n every_o own_o shall_v esteem_v his_o own_o and_o espouse_v and_o promote_v it_o with_o the_o same_o warmth_n and_o resentment_n but_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o inform_v against_o profaneness_n and_o vice_n will_v far_o appear_v if_o we_o