and_o reformation_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o when_o god_n have_v give_v he_o a_o opportunity_n more_o than_o once_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n unto_o this_o people_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o head_n and_o representative_n thereof_o he_o have_v deliver_v his_o own_o soul_n by_o give_v warn_v and_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v shall_v turn_v to_o he_o for_o a_o testimony_n it_o be_v a_o hazardous_a thing_n as_o much_o as_o life_n be_v worth_a for_o man_n not_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o whosoever_o or_o to_o whosoever_o speak_v if_o a_o josiah_n regard_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n speak_v by_o a_o pharaoh_n necho_n he_o lose_v his_o life_n for_o it_o and_o so_o do_v zedekiah_n because_o he_o humble_v not_o himself_o before_o jeremiah_n the_o prophet_n speak_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v true_a that_o minister_n in_o these_o day_n have_v no_o immediate_a call_n or_o commission_n from_o heaven_n yet_o if_o they_o deliver_v such_o message_n as_o be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v by_o they_o and_o many_o time_n their_o heart_n be_v incline_v to_o this_o or_o that_o subject_n by_o a_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v with_o his_o servant_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n let_v we_o then_o hear_v that_o so_o our_o soul_n may_v live_v god_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n have_v see_v meet_a to_o dignify_v a_o handful_n of_o his_o people_n who_o be_v separate_v from_o their_o brethren_n with_o the_o chief_a and_o choice_a of_o blessing_n it_o be_v promise_v as_o a_o high_a favour_n jer._n 30.21_o their_o noble_n shall_v be_v of_o themselves_o and_o their_o governors_n shall-proceed_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o we_o have_v have_v these_o over_o we_o who_o have_v be_v as_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o ancient_n be_v nobiles_fw-la genere_fw-la nobiliores_fw-la sanctitate_fw-la we_o can_v be_v thankful_a enough_o for_o that_o blessing_n civil_a liberty_n be_v a_o invaluable_a mercy_n the_o jewish_a rabbin_n have_v a_o say_n that_o if_o the_o sea_n be_v ink_n and_o the_o earth_n parchment_n it_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o write_v down_o the_o praise_n due_a to_o god_n for_o liberty_n but_o what_o then_o shall_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o enjoy_v all_o at_o this_o day_n the_o way_n to_o have_v they_o continue_v be_v for_o we_o to_o approve_v ourselves_o faithful_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n for_o then_o god_n will_v be_v for_o we_o and_o if_o he_o be_v for_o we_o who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o boston_n in_o n._n england_n august_n 31._o 1683._o increase_v mather_n a_o plea_n for_o the_o life_n of_o die_v religion_n deut._n 32.47_o because_o it_o be_v your_o life_n it_o have_v please_v the_o great_a and_o bless_a god_n in_o his_o infinite_a sovereignty_n to_o transact_v with_o man_n about_o the_o everlasting_a concernment_n of_o his_o immortal_a soul_n to_o dispense_v both_o his_o mercy_n and_o justice_n both_o life_n and_o death_n to_o distribute_v eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o to_o govern_v man_n unto_o his_o eternal_a state_n only_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o covenant_n all_o reprobate_a sinner_n be_v destroy_v and_o damn_v under_o the_o curse_n and_o condemnation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n all_o god_n elect_n be_v save_v by_o and_o through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n according_a unto_o and_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n god_n have_v constitute_v the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n in_o his_o own_o eternal_a counsel_n before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o therein_o lay_v the_o foundation_n both_o of_o the_o constitution_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o by_z &_o through_o that_o one_o only_o great_a and_o glorious_a mediator_n jesus_n christ_n who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o bring_v a_o certain_a elect_a number_n of_o sallen_a man_n unto_o god_n concern_v who_o he_o say_v i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n hence_o god_n ever_o have_v have_v and_o ever_o will_v have_v a_o covenant-people_n in_o the_o world_n until_o this_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v consummate_v in_o glory_n and_o when_o the_o most_o high_o divide_v to_o the_o nation_n their_o inheritance_n and_o separate_v the_o son_n of_o adam_n he_o set_v the_o bound_n of_o the_o people_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n for_o the_o lord_n portion_n be_v his_o people_n and_o jacob_n the_o lot_n of_o his_o inheritance_n deut._n 32.8_o 9_o this_o book_n it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o respect_n most_o proper_o call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o it_o contain_v not_o only_o a_o more_o full_a &_o plain_a revelation_n &_o exposition_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o in_o the_o constitution_n way_n manner_z &_o mean_n of_o the_o administration_n &_o confirmation_n of_o it_o &_o of_o the_o all-sufficiency_n of_o god_n unto_o his_o people_n therein_o as_o their_o god_n in_o covenant_n but_o also_o a_o description_n of_o that_o notable_a covenant-transaction_n wherein_o all_o the_o duty_n all_o the_o blessing_n and_o all_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v express_o and_o in_o set_a form_n propose_v and_o the_o people_n move_v unto_o the_o most_o solemn_a restipulation_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o god_n under_o the_o most_o sacred_a and_o indispensible_a obligation_n to_o live_v to_o he_o and_o walk_v with_o he_o by_o religious_a fear_n reverence_n faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n as_o his_o covenant-people_n for_o ever_o and_o this_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o most_o awful_a contestation_n whereby_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v call_v to_o record_v deut._n 30.19_o 20._o i_o call_v heaven_n &_o earth_n to_o record_v this_o day_n against_o you_o that_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v therefore_o choose_v life_n that_o both_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n may_v live_v and_o now_o moses_n have_v thus_o finish_v his_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a ministry_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v accompany_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a presence_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o be_v eminent_o a_o type_n of_o christ_n he_o do_v prepare_v himself_o instant_o to_o take_v leave_n of_o the_o people_n of_o his_o work_n and_o of_o the_o world_n the_o people_n he_o incourage_v by_o a_o promise_n of_o god_n presence_n to_o make_v their_o progress_n unto_o and_o entrance_n into_o and_o full_a possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n his_o office_n and_o work_n he_o resign_v unto_o joshuah_n who_o he_o do_v by_o divine_a appointment_n ordain_v his_o successor_n charge_v of_o he_o with_o the_o care_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o people_n unto_o their_o rest_n in_o canaan_n and_o this_o upon_o full_a assurance_n that_o god_n will_v be_v with_o he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v never_o fail_v he_o nor_o forsake_v he_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o deliver_v unto_o the_o people_n contain_v the_o whole_a word_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o so_o their_o whole_a religion_n together_o with_o a_o prophetical_a song_n show_v the_o diverse_a state_n of_o that_o church_n and_o people_n in_o succeed_a age_n under_o the_o successive_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n this_o law_n and_o this_o song_n he_o deliver_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o people_n for_o their_o improvement_n charge_v of_o they_o most_o earnest_o and_o affectionate_o to_o set_v their_o heart_n unto_o it_o because_o it_o be_v their_o life_n these_o word_n because_o it_o be_v thy_o life_n they_o be_v some_o of_o the_o last_o word_n of_o moses_n that_o great_a prophet_n and_o therefore_o they_o contain_v matter_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n they_o be_v together_o with_o the_o context_n his_o last_o his_o farewell_n and_o die_a charge_n whereby_o he_o set_v himself_o in_o a_o sentence_n or_o two_o to_o speak_v all_o at_o once_o to_o deliver_v unto_o they_o the_o sum_n or_o a_o system_fw-la of_o all_o that_o doctrine_n and_o duty_n which_o he_o have_v before_o throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o ministry_n be_v deliver_v unto_o they_o all_o that_o they_o be_v to_o know_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o practice_v the_o whole_a both_o of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n that_o be_v more_o plain_o their_o whole_a religion_n and_o he_o charge_v they_o to_o set_v their_o heart_n unto_o it_o that_o be_v to_o prize_v it_o love_v it_o keep_v it_o cleave_v to_o it_o live_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o sincere_a pure_a powerful_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n with_o all_o their_o mind_n with_o all_o their_o soul_n with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o with_o all_o their_o strength_n from_o generation_n unto_o generation_n themselves_o and_o
their_o child_n for_o ever_o and_o thus_o he_o move_v they_o to_o set_v their_o heart_n unto_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v their_o life_n whence_o we_o have_v this_o doct._n that_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n our_o text_n and_o doctrine_n deliver_v the_o great_a and_o universal_a reason_n of_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o religion_n viz_o because_o it_o be_v our_o life_n religion_n in_o the_o most_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o man_n be_v qualify_v and_o capacitate_v to_o live_v unto_o god_n to_o live_v with_o god_n to_o live_v upon_o god_n to_o see_v and_o to_o enjoy_v god_n in_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a and_o all-sufficient_a author_n of_o life_n and_o object_n of_o blessedness_n and_o happiness_n as_o his_o last_o end_n and_o chief_a good_n religion_n comprehend_v man_n deliverance_n from_o all_o both_o moral_a and_o miserable_a evil_n both_o sin_n death_n and_o hell_n as_o also_o all_o both_o moral_a and_o beatifical_a good_a holiness_n happiness_n grace_n and_o glory_n and_o it_o be_v consummate_v in_o a_o perfection_n of_o beatifical_a vision_n and_o fruition_n by_o the_o light_n and_o life_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o explication_n i_o be_o to_o show_v 1._o that_o religion_n be_v life_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n 1._o religion_n it_o be_v life_n that_o be_v 1._o the_o true_a and_o pure_a religion_n it_o be_v original_o and_o only_o from_o god_n the_o live_a god_n the_o god_n of_o all_o life_n who_o be_v life_n itself_o in_o the_o abstract_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n to_o all_o live_n religion_n it_o arise_v from_o and_o be_v found_v in_o the_o very_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o religion_n religion_n it_o be_v of_o god_n both_o in_o a_o way_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o divine_a operation_n it_o be_v pure_o of_o divine_a revelation_n respect_v both_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o &_o the_o spiritual_a supernatural_a and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o unto_o man_n and_o whereby_o man_n have_v that_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n which_o be_v life_n eternal_a joh._n 17.3_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o god_n have_v command_v light_a to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n and_o by_o the_o enlighten_v power_n of_o his_o spirit_n shine_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 2_o cor._n 4.6_o it_o his_o marvellous_a light_n 1_o pet._n 2.9_o religion_n it_o be_v also_o from_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o divine_a operation_n it_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a effect_n of_o the_o quicken_a power_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o life_n upon_o the_o creature_n hence_o it_o be_v phrased_a the_o life_n of_o god_n eph._n 4.8_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o most_o glorious_a create_v emanation_n of_o spiritual_a heavenly_a and_o divine_a light_n and_o life_n from_o god_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o both_o psal_n 36.9_o for_o with_o thou_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o life_n in_o thy_o light_n shall_v we_o see_v light_n 2._o religion_n it_o be_v also_o from_o christ_n the_o mediator_n it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o person_n office_n and_o work_v of_o christ_n the_o be_v of_o religion_n the_o light_n life_n good_a blessedness_n and_o happiness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v all_o from_o the_o merit_n satisfaction_n and_o intercession_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o from_o the_o power_n and_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n religion_n it_o consist_v in_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o in_o our_o practical_a and_o experimental_a union_n &_o communion_n with_o his_o person_n and_o the_o application_n of_o all_o his_o benefit_n even_o eternal_a life_n thus_o religion_n it_o be_v our_o life_n because_o thereby_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n joh._n 11.25_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n joh._n 14.6_o by_o have_v of_o who_o we_o have_v life_n 1_o joh._n 5.12_o &_o who_o be_v our_o life_n colos_n 3.4_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a patron_n and_o professor_n of_o our_o religion_n he_o have_v confirm_v it_o by_o his_o own_o personal_a profession_n and_o practice_n when_o on_o earth_n and_o be_v himself_o the_o great_a apostle_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n heb._n 3.1_o whence_o it_o be_v most_o proper_o call_v the_o christian_a religion_n 3._o religion_n it_o be_v respect_v the_o principle_n of_o it_o life_n the_o principle_n of_o it_o be_v live_v principle_n principle_n of_o life_n religion_n it_o be_v wrought_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o quicken_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n wherein_o we_o be_v raise_v from_o death_n unto_o life_n wherein_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n unto_o life_n 1_o joh._n 3.14_o religion_n it_o be_v our_o spiritual_a resurrection_n and_o so_o it_o be_v our_o spiritual_a life_n 4._o religion_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o life_n it_o be_v by_o the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n that_o man_n walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n practical_a religion_n it_o be_v the_o narrow_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n mat._n 7.14_o it_o be_v that_o way_n of_o life_n which_o be_v above_o to_o the_o wise_a to_o depart_v from_o hell_n beneath_o prov._n 15.24_o it_o be_v the_o everlasting_a way_n psal_n 139.24_o 5._o religion_n in_o the_o visible_a external_a form_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o religious_a institution_n constitution_n and_o administration_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n so_o it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o life_n that_o whereby_o god_n give_v life_n or_o work_v life_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v say_v salvation_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n joh._n 4.22_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o live_a water_n the_o water_n of_o life_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o give_v life_n to_o the_o nation_n ezek._n 47.8_o 9_o zech._n 14.8_o rev._n 22.1_o 2._o where_o religion_n be_v there_o be_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o life_n and_o the_o save_a improvement_n of_o those_o mean_n where_o religion_n be_v not_o there_o be_v no_o day_n of_o grace_n no_o mean_n of_o grace_n no_o life_n no_o salvation_n 6._o religion_n it_o be_v that_o wherein_o and_o whereby_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o god_n to_o christ_n to_o god_n in_o christ._n it_o be_v that_o whereby_o we_o do_v know_v god_n acknowledge_v he_o fear_v he_o believe_v hope_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o love_n serve_v worship_n and_o glorify_v god_n and_o whereby_o we_o come_v to_o god_n converse_v with_o god_n have_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o receive_v all_o save_a communication_n from_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v that_o whereby_o man_n move_v and_o act_n towards_o and_o upon_o god_n in_o and_o by_o which_o god_n dwell_v with_o man_n on_o earth_n it_o be_v that_o whereby_o we_o do_v apprehend_v cleave_v unto_o and_o live_v upon_o god_n as_o our_o life_n deut._n 30.20_o that_o thou_o may_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o cleave_v to_o he_o for_o he_o be_v thy_o life_n thus_o religion_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o it_o be_v life_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o life_n in_o the_o visible_a and_o external_a form_n and_o institution_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o life_n and_o respect_v the_o original_a object_n and_o end_v of_o it_o it_o come_v from_o and_o lead_v and_o bring_v we_o up_o unto_o god_n in_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n thus_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v that_o religion_n be_v life_n second_o that_o religion_n be_v life_n to_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n that_o be_v 1._o it_o be_v their_o spiritual_a life_n that_o whereby_o they_o live_v spiritual_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o every_o single_a saint_n live_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v life_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o give_v be_v to_o the_o new_a creature_n rom._n 8.6_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v it_o be_v life_n hence_o religion_n it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o people_n of_o god_n a_o live_a people_n god_n people_n must_v be_v a_o live_a people_n whenever_o god_n take_v a_o people_n to_o be_v his_o people_n he_o quicken_v they_o with_o spiritual_a life_n and_o make_v they_o a_o live_a people_n ezek._n 37.6_o and_o you_o shall_v live_v '_o and_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o
the_o lord_n &_o v._o 14._o and_o shall_v put_v my_o spirit_n in_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v live_v hence_o religion_n it_o be_v life_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o any_o people_n rom._n 11.25_o what_o shall_v the_o receive_v of_o they_o be_v but_o life_n from_o the_o dead_a the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v life_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n by_o a_o general_a and_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o religion_n 2._o religion_n it_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n i._n e._n it_o give_v they_o their_o spiritual_a be_v and_o constitution_n under_o covenant-relation_n unto_o god_n it_o give_v a_o people_n their_o spiritual_a stand_v before_o god_n as_o his_o people_n his_o covenant-people_n it_o be_v the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n heb._n 8.10_o for_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n into_o their_o mind_n and_o write_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v be_v to_o they_o a_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v to_o i_o a_o people_n take_v from_o jer._n 31.33_o religion_n in_o this_o sense_n constitute_v the_o covenant_n and_o be_v the_o spiritual_a constitution_n of_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 2.9_o but_o you_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculior_fw-la people_n it_o follow_v v._o 10_o which_o in_o time_n past_o be_v not_o a_o people_n but_o now_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n without_o religion_n they_o be_v no_o people_n but_o religion_n make_v they_o the_o people_n of_o god_n 3._o religion_n it_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n as_o to_o their_o political_a constitution_n in_o visible_a church-state_n and_o order_n under_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n religion_n give_v a_o people_n their_o visible_a stand_v under_o the_o visible_a dispensation_n of_o god_n covenant_n and_o administration_n of_o his_o kingdom_n as_o in_o our_o text._n for_o it_o be_v your_o life_n and_o by_o this_o thing_n you_o shall_v prolong_v your_o day_n in_o the_o land_n whither_o you_o go_v over_o jordan_n to_o possess_v it_o it_o be_v their_o religion_n which_o give_v they_o a_o stand_v and_o settlement_n in_o that_o land_n the_o land_n of_o promise_n in_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o their_o visible_a covenant_n interest_n and_o enjoyment_n as_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n so_o that_o it_o remain_v a_o manifest_a plain_a truth_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o religion_n be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n the_o application_n follow_v use_v i._o it_o be_v for_o our_o information_n and_o instruction_n in_o divers_a particular_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o only_o true_a real_a religion_n and_o no_o more_o religion_n have_v be_v be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v one_o &_o the_o same_o unchangeable_o and_o because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n one_o spirit_n one_o work_n of_o redemption_n one_o way_n of_o application_n one_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n one_o faith_n one_o obedience_n one_o and_o the_o same_o moral_a worship_n one_o covenant_n of_o grace_n one_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n one_o family_n and_o household_n of_o god_n one_o state_n both_o of_o grace_n and_o glory_n one_o life_n one_o heaven_n therefore_o consequent_o but_o one_o religion_n all_o the_o sincere_a people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v be_v and_o ever_o shall_v be_v one_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o one_o religion_n whereby_o all_o god_n elect_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o in_o christ_n and_o perfect_v both_o in_o grace_n and_o glory_n unto_o the_o completion_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o fullness_n of_o he_o who_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o eph._n 1.10_o &_o 23._o true_a it_o be_v the_o apostle_n grant_v 1_o cor._n 8.5_o that_o there_o be_v which_o be_v call_v god_n as_o there_o be_v god_n many_o and_o lord_n many_o so_o there_o be_v that_o be_v call_v religion_n such_o religion_n many_o but_o as_o the_o apostle_n conclude_v v._o 6._o but_o to_o we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o ought_v we_o to_o conclude_v that_o to_o we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n jam._n 1.27_o this_o be_v the_o religion_n without_o which_o there_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o life_n or_o salvation_n 2._o that_o this_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o supreme_a thing_n in_o this_o low_a world_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v in_o all_o respect_n our_o life_n and_o that_o nothing_o else_o be_v so_o religion_n in_o the_o full_a and_o whole_a nature_n and_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v the_o most_o glorious_a effect_n and_o product_v of_o divine_a wisdom_n power_n grace_n mercy_n goodness_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n yea_o of_o the_o whole_a divine_a sufficiency_n and_o efficiency_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o god_n eternal_a counsel_n concern_v his_o own_o glory_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o elect._n religion_n it_o comprehend_v all_o the_o whole_a interest_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n in_o this_o world_n all_o that_o be_v heavenly_a spiritual_a and_o divine_a all_o that_o be_v of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n respect_v both_o state_n interest_n and_o enjoyment_n it_o give_v a_o be_v &_o stand_v to_o all_o saint_n both_o in_o grace_n and_o in_o glory_n oh_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o marvellous_a high_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n all_o the_o real_a worth_n and_o excellency_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v from_o religion_n there_o will_v be_v nothing_o of_o god_n that_o be_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o the_o spiritual_a gracious_a and_o save_a presence_n of_o god_n be_v it_o not_o for_o religion_n those_o who_o be_v without_o religion_n be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n eph._n 2.12_o we_o have_v no_o more_o of_o god_n than_o we_o have_v of_o religion_n again_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o good_a or_o goodness_n in_o the_o world_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o religion_n the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v a_o mere_a vacuum_n of_o all_o good_a nothing_o else_o but_o a_o receptacle_n of_o desperate_a sinner_n a_o very_a hell_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n there_o can_v have_v be_v nothing_o of_o light_n or_o life_n or_o grace_n holiness_n or_o happiness_n there_o will_v have_v be_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n and_o death_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o woe_n no_o news_n of_o heaven_n no_o hope_n of_o heaven_n yea_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o heaven_n unto_o fall_v man_n without_o religion_n religion_n do_v in_o a_o sense_n give_v be_v unto_o heaven_n there_o have_v not_o be_v such_o place_n or_o state_n of_o blessedness_n unto_o man_n neither_o have_v man_n ever_o be_v capacitate_v to_o live_v in_o heaven_n otherwise_o than_o by_o this_o religion_n no_o wonder_n then_o that_o god_n by_o his_o word_n do_v extol_v it_o and_o advance_v it_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a inestimable_a invaluable_a incomparable_a thing_n prov._n 3.15_o she_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o ruby_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n thou_o can_v desire_v be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o she_o and_o it_o be_v advance_v because_o it_o be_v our_o life_n prov._n 4.13_o keep_v she_o for_o she_o be_v thy_o life_n v._o 21_o 22._o keep_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o thy_o heart_n for_o they_o be_v thy_o life_n it_o be_v religion_n that_o do_v make_v the_o poor_a despise_a saint_n of_o god_n the_o excellent_a one_o of_o the_o earth_n psal_n 16.3_o prov._n 12.26_o it_o be_v religion_n that_o do_v make_v the_o church_n of_o god_n beautiful_a the_o perfection_n of_o beauty_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n psal_n 48.2_o lam._n 2.15_o yea_o a_o eternal_a excellency_n isa_n 60.15_o 3._o that_o it_o be_v the_o infinite_a grace_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o any_o people_n that_o he_o do_v give_v they_o religion_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v most_o miserable_a without_o it_o all_o the_o pagan_a and_o popish_a world_n o_o that_o so_o great_a so_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n shall_v so_o lie_v bury_v in_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o atheism_n without_o god_n and_o religion_n 1_o joh._n 5.19_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n so_o much_o the_o more_o be_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n magnify_v to_o such_o people_n and_o nation_n unto_o who_o he_o have_v grant_v religion_n in_o the_o light_n life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o happiness_n honour_n and_o glory_n of_o any_o nation_n or_o people_n it_o
be_v so_o of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n it_o make_v they_o great_a and_o glorious_a above_o all_o other_o nation_n deut._n 33.29_o happy_a be_v thou_o o_o israel_n a_o people_n save_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o great_a above_o all_o nation_n it_o also_o make_v they_o deut_n 4.7_o for_o what_o nation_n so_o great_a that_o have_v god_n so_o nigh_o unto_o they_o high_a also_o it_o make_v they_o above_o the_o nation_n in_o praise_n in_o name_n and_o in_o honour_n deut._n 26.19_o it_o make_v they_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o a_o royal_a diadem_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o god_n isa_n 62.3_o that_o god_n have_v make_v our_o people_n and_o nation_n at_o least_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n so_o much_o a_o glory_n among_o the_o nation_n and_o so_o much_o the_o bulwark_n and_o defence_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v with_o doxology_n that_o god_n have_v bless_v poor_a new-england_n with_o so_o much_o of_o religion_n plant_v these_o heaven_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o earth_n in_o such_o a_o happy_a subserviency_n thereunto_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o commemorate_v with_o thankfulness_n yet_o not_o without_o some_o yea_o much_o diminution_n of_o our_o joy_n and_o comfort_n under_o a_o sorrowful_a sense_n of_o our_o present_a defection_n therein_o use_v ii_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o admonition_n if_o we_o be_v a_o people_n of_o religion_n if_o religion_n be_v our_o life_n o_o let_v we_o then_o be_v admonish_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o destroy_v our_o religion_n and_o so_o destroy_v our_o own_o life_n destroy_v ourselves_o utter_o and_o most_o miserable_o by_o destroy_v our_o religion_n and_o we_o be_v the_o more_o concern_v to_o give_v most_o diligent_a and_o earnest_a heed_n to_o such_o a_o admonition_n and_o warn_v because_o our_o lord_n jesus_n seem_v to_o speak_v to_o these_o church_n as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n rev._n 3.1_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o vital_a decay_n a_o decay_n upon_o the_o very_a vital_n of_o religion_n by_o a_o deep_a declension_n in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v already_o a_o great_a death_n upon_o religion_n little_o more_o left_a than_o a_o name_n to_o live_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o remain_v be_v ready_a to_o die_v and_o that_o we_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o die_v together_o with_o it_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o awaken_n &_o humble_v consideration_n of_o our_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n oh_o the_o many_o deadly_a symptom_n symptom_n of_o death_n that_o be_v upon_o our_o religion_n consider_v we_o then_o how_o much_o it_o be_v die_v respect_v the_o very_a be_v of_o it_o by_o the_o general_a failure_n of_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n whereby_o only_o it_o be_v that_o religion_n be_v propagate_v continue_v and_o uphold_v in_o be_v among_o any_o people_n as_o convert_v work_n do_v cease_v so_o religion_n do_v die_v away_o though_o more_o insensible_o yet_o most_o irrecoverable_o how_o much_o religion_n be_v die_v in_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o sincere_a christian_n by_o their_o declension_n in_o grace_n holiness_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n how_o much_o it_o be_v die_v respect_v the_o visible_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o partly_o by_o the_o formality_n of_o church_n but_o more_o by_o the_o hypocrisy_n and_o apostasy_n of_o formal_a hypocritical_a professor_n how_o much_o it_o be_v die_v under_o the_o prevail_a power_n of_o those_o sin_n and_o evil_n which_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o and_o destructive_a of_o the_o life_n of_o it_o those_o sin_n continue_v and_o prevail_v religion_n can_v live_v it_o must_v needs_o die_v such_o as_o be_v the_o deep_a and_o general_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o generation_n unprofitableness_n under_o all_o mean_n of_o grace_n unbelief_n &_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n formality_n hypocrisy_n and_o spiritual_a idolatry_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n profanation_n and_o pollution_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n slight_v and_o neglect_v of_o holy_a thing_n interest_n and_o enjoyment_n thereof_o worldliness_n profaneness_n sensuality_n all_o these_o sin_n more_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v become_v the_o very_a spirit_n of_o the_o time_n and_o generation_n when_o they_o be_v penal_a and_o judicial_a than_o they_o will_v certain_o issue_v in_o general_n and_o total_a apostasy_n and_o so_o will_v destroy_v not_o only_o the_o life_n and_o power_n but_o the_o external_a form_n order_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n also_o hence_o how_o be_v religion_n die_v in_o church_n church_n which_o be_v constitute_v on_o purpose_n for_o the_o propagation_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n that_o live_v and_o have_v their_o be_v only_o by_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n how_o little_a be_v there_o of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n leave_v in_o they_o and_o how_o be_v church_n themselves_o languish_v and_o die_v together_o with_o religion_n how_o be_v religion_n die_v in_o family_n through_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o religious_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o religious_a education_n of_o child_n and_o youth_n in_o family_n true_o here_o and_o hereby_o religion_n first_o receive_v its_o death_n wound_n hence_o religion_n be_v die_v in_o all_o other_o society_n among_o all_o order_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n in_o all_o way_n of_o converse_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a o_o there_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v see_v or_o appear_v either_o in_o the_o frame_n or_o way_n heart_n or_o live_v of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o that_o which_o remain_v thereof_o ready_a to_o die_v how_o much_o and_o great_a cause_n have_v we_o then_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o quite_o destroy_v it_o that_o be_v 1._o take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o exchange_v our_o religion_n for_o the_o world_n that_o we_o do_v not_o commit_v that_o heaven-astonishing_a sin_n which_o god_n charge_v his_o people_n with_o jer._n 2.11_o 12_o 13._o but_o my_o people_n have_v change_v their_o glory_n for_o that_o which_o do_v not_o profit_n be_v astonish_v o_o you_o heaven_n at_o this_o &_o be_v horrible_o afraid_a be_v you_o very_o desolate_a say_v the_o lord_n for_o my_o people_n have_v commit_v two_o evil_n they_o have_v forsake_v i_o the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n and_o hew_v they_o out_o cistern_n break_a cistern_n that_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n they_o have_v exchange_v their_o god_n and_o their_o religion_n for_o the_o world_n they_o have_v advance_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o world_n above_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o thereby_o enslave_v themselves_o v._o 14._o be_v israel_n a_o servant_n be_v he_o a_o home-born_a slave_n why_o be_v he_o spoil_v god_n destroy_v they_o by_o that_o worldly_a interest_n whereby_o they_o have_v destroy_v their_o religion_n if_o once_o a_o people_n do_v set_v their_o heart_n upon_o the_o world_n so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o their_o high_a and_o heart-interest_n their_o preponderate_n roll_a interest_n which_o do_v sway_n all_o and_o carry_v all_o before_o it_o when_o the_o spirit_n principle_n counsel_n and_o design_n of_o a_o people_n be_v all_o for_o the_o world_n set_v for_o the_o promotion_n and_o advancement_n of_o their_o worldly_a interest_n when_o the_o interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o religion_n yea_o even_a religion_n itself_o be_v make_v subordinate_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o world_n yea_o prostitute_a by_o worldly_a man_n to_o worldly_a lust_n and_o thereby_o expose_v to_o all_o kind_n of_o abuse_n scandal_n shame_n reproach_n and_o make_v a_o opprobrium_fw-la when_o the_o visible_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o in_o heart_n alienate_v from_o but_o be_v become_v secret_a enemy_n to_o it_o when_o religion_n be_v oppress_v and_o depress_v when_o it_o be_v make_v not_o only_o to_o serve_v but_o also_o to_o suffer_v under_o the_o rise_n roll_a interest_n of_o the_o world_n wo_n than_o will_v be_v to_o such_o a_o people_n for_o they_o have_v exchange_v their_o religion_n for_o the_o world_n therefore_o their_o religion_n will_v die_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o worldliness_n have_v be_v be_v and_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o most_o general_a and_o powerful_a principle_n of_o apostasy_n to_o the_o profess_v people_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v often_o yea_o ordinary_o the_o death_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v always_o so_o when_o &_o where_o it_o prevail_v 2._o we_o be_v admonish_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o desert_a religion_n if_o we_o desert_n it_o it_o will_v certain_o die_v die_v without_o remedy_n that_o we_o do_v not_o desert_v it_o by_o
withdraw_a our_o heart_n from_o it_o or_o by_o a_o heart-apostacy_n from_o god_n religion_n always_o die_v by_o the_o people_n heart-apostacy_n they_o set_v not_o their_o heart_n aright_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o psal_n 78.8_o 37._o their_o heart_n be_v remove_v far_o from_o he_o isa_n 29.13_o hence_o god_n complain_v so_o much_o every_o where_o of_o their_o evil_a heart_n their_o hard_a impenitent_a unbelieving_a stubborn_a rebellious_a backslide_a revolt_a whorish_a heart_n whereby_o they_o have_v quite_o destroy_v the_o life_n of_o their_o religion_n again_o that_o we_o do_v not_o desert_a religion_n by_o slight_v neglect_v and_o expose_v the_o visible_a external_a interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o it_o and_o so_o not_o only_o withdraw_v our_o heart_n but_o our_o head_n and_o hand_n also_o i_o mean_v our_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n in_o whatsoever_o ought_v and_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v and_o perform_v for_o the_o support_n uphold_v and_o maintain_v of_o the_o visible_a interest_n of_o religion_n thus_o the_o people_n of_o old_a in_o their_o apostasy_n forsake_v the_o temple_n and_o the_o visible_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o suffer_v all_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n they_o desert_v the_o whole_a interest_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o destroy_v it_o how_o much_o the_o spirit_n the_o sin_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o time_n do_v incline_v unto_o such_o a_o desert_v or_o forsake_v of_o religion_n we_o may_v consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n with_o deep_a humiliation_n for_o the_o more_o close_a application_n of_o this_o admonition_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o when_o religion_n be_v once_o decay_v and_o die_v be_v near_a death_n even_o at_o the_o point_n or_o ready_a to_o die_v as_o rev._n 3.2_o it_o be_v then_o high_a time_n for_o professor_n and_o a_o profess_v people_n to_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v no_o further_o accessary_a to_o the_o death_n of_o it_o when_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o world_n rise_v high_a and_o high_o &_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a and_o religion_n be_v grow_v weak_a and_o weak_a be_v already_o grow_v so_o weak_a that_o it_o have_v not_o life_n strength_n or_o power_n enough_o leave_v to_o recover_v itself_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a question_n to_o such_o a_o people_n whether_o religion_n be_v not_o go_v past_o hope_n of_o recovery_n at_o least_o in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o mean_n whether_o ever_o that_o church_n of_o sardis_n and_o those_o other_o decline_v church_n be_v recover_v or_o no_o by_o a_o resurrection_n of_o religion_n be_v more_o uncertain_a sure_o we_o be_v they_o afterward_o die_v and_o be_v bury_v together_o with_o their_o religion_n in_o their_o own_o ruin_n 2._o when_o religion_n die_v all_o die_v with_o such_o a_o people_n the_o death_n of_o religion_n destroy_v all_o kind_n of_o life_n both_o the_o spiritual_a and_o political_a life_n it_o destroy_v church-constitution_n order_n administration_n yea_o it_o destroy_v the_o be_v and_o stand_v of_o a_o people_n before_o god_n under_o his_o covenant_n when_o religion_n die_v then_o lo-ammi_a and_o lo-ruhamah_a be_v bear_v then_o god_n say_v you_o be_v not_o my_o people_n and_o i_o will_v not_o be_v your_o god_n and_o he_o will_v no_o more_o have_v mercy_n but_o that_o he_o will_v utter_o take_v away_o hose_n 1.6_o 8._o thus_o that_o people_n destroy_v themselves_o by_o destroy_v of_o their_o religion_n and_o remain_v dead_a and_o bury_v in_o their_o grave_n unto_o this_o day_n ezek._n 37.1_o 14._o if_o we_o shall_v destroy_v our_o religion_n we_o shall_v destroy_v all_o our_o public_a weal_n all_o that_o wherein_o we_o have_v be_v peculiar_o happy_a as_o the_o people_n of_o god_n if_o once_o religion_n die_v there_o will_v be_v nothing_o but_o death_n death_n in_o our_o heart_n death_n in_o all_o our_o way_n of_o converse_n we_o shall_v be_v a_o dead_a people_n sin_n and_o death_n do_v always_o reign_v when_o and_o where_o religion_n die_v and_o be_v destroy_v 3._o when_o a_o people_n destroy_v themselves_o by_o destroy_v religion_n they_o perish_v inevitable_o utter_o &_o most_o miserable_o when_o god_n do_v leave_v a_o people_n to_o destroy_v religion_n than_o he_o have_v no_o salvation_n for_o they_o by_o destroy_v religion_n a_o people_n do_v put_v away_o salvation_n from_o they_o and_o render_v themselves_o utter_o uncapable_a thereof_o if_o god_n lot_n such_o a_o peope_n alone_o and_o execute_v no_o outward_a temporal_a judgement_n upon_o they_o they_o will_v soon_o make_v a_o miserable_a end_n of_o themselves_o for_o they_o will_v abuse_v all_o their_o peace_n prosperity_n means_n mercy_n interest_n &_o enjoyment_n unto_o their_o own_o ruin_n and_o incur_v all_o kind_n of_o destroy_v evil_n make_v themselves_o a_o shame_n a_o reproach_n a_o taunt_n a_o curse_n a_o execration_n and_o a_o astonishment_n to_o all_o people_n so_o do_v that_o people_n of_o old_a jer._n 24.9_o jer._n 25.18_o and_o so_o they_o continue_v to_o be_v unto_o this_o day_n no_o such_o vile_a refuse_v people_n under_o heaven_n as_o they_o who_o have_v destroy_v religion_n such_o a_o people_n must_v needs_o perish_v most_o hopeless_o ezek._n 33.10_o if_o our_o transgression_n and_o our_o sin_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o we_o pine_v away_o in_o they_o how_o shall_v we_o then_o live_v observe_v religion_n be_v dead_a and_o go_v they_o cast_v away_o all_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o desperate_o unto_o destruction_n say_v how_o shall_v we_o then_o live_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o produce_v a_o instance_n of_o any_o people_n recover_v when_o they_o have_v destroy_v religion_n by_o a_o general_n and_o total_a apostasy_n from_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a height_n of_o all_o sin_n transgression_n and_o provocation_n which_o move_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o arise_v 2_o chron._n 36.16_o until_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n arise_v against_o his_o people_n till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n or_o no_o heal_n by_o destroy_v of_o religion_n a_o people_n do_v fill_v up_o their_o sin_n always_o till_o wrath_n come_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o utmost_a 1_o thes_n 2.16_o to_o fill_v up_o their_o sin_n always_o for_o the_o wrath_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a furthermore_o to_o destroy_v religion_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n most_o direct_o against_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n because_o religion_n it_o be_v more_o peculiar_o he_o his_o work_n his_o cause_n and_o interest_n therefore_o to_o destroy_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o do_v expose_v a_o people_n more_o direct_o to_o the_o dreadful_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o great_a injury_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v or_o do_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v avenge_v it_o we_o know_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o do_v denounce_v so_o dreadful_o against_o all_o the_o church_n rev._n 2.5_o else_o will_v i_o come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n &_o v._o 16._o else_o will_v i_o come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v fight_v against_o they_o v._n 23._o i_o will_v kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n and_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o he_o which_o search_v the_o reins_o and_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o of_o you_o according_a to_o your_o work_n the_o condition_n of_o a_o people_n or_o churches_n be_v become_v unspeakable_o woeful_a and_o lamentable_a when_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n to_o procure_v all_o both_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a deliverance_n and_o salvation_n be_v turn_v against_o they_o and_o become_v their_o enemy_n for_o he_o be_v the_o most_o dreadful_a enemy_n concern_v who_o it_o be_v write_v exod._n 23.21_o beware_v of_o he_o and_o obey_v his_o voice_n provoke_v he_o not_o for_o he_o will_v not_o pardon_v &_o psal_n 2.12_o kiss_v the_o son_n lest_o he_o be_v angry_a and_o you_o perish_v from_o the_o way_n when_o his_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v but_o a_o little_a bless_a be_v all_o they_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o well_o then_o may_v any_o people_n or_o church_n who_o have_v any_o care_n or_o concernment_n for_o their_o own_o salvation_n be_v surprise_v with_o astonishment_n unto_o some_o degree_n of_o horror_n under_o a_o apprehension_n of_o any_o danger_n of_o the_o death_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o new-england_n that_o althô_o religion_n do_v languish_v yet_o if_o we_o be_v admonish_v and_o take_v warning_n there_o be_v still_o hope_v that_o it_o may_v revive_v and_z live_v hence_o the_o iii_o use_v wherein_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v improve_v and_o apply_v in_o a_o way_n of_o exhortation_n if_o religion_n be_v our_o life_n and_o if_o there_o
be_v so_o much_o danger_n of_o the_o death_n of_o religion_n o_o then_o let_v all_o who_o love_n and_o desire_v life_n both_o temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a life_n and_o who_o fear_n death_n so_o great_a a_o death_n be_v move_v to_o labour_v with_o all_o our_o heart_n mind_n soul_n might_n and_o strength_n by_o all_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o recover_v and_o save_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v our_o own_o life_n this_o exhortation_n propose_v and_o press_v all_o the_o great_a and_o general_a duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n people_n of_o god_n at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o we_o be_v moses_n apply_v all_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n at_o once_o to_o the_o people_n by_o this_o one_o word_n of_o exhortation_n set_a your_o heart_n unto_o all_o the_o word_n etc._n etc._n because_o it_o be_v your_o life_n it_o be_v also_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o which_o our_o lord_n jesus_n propound_v to_o the_o decline_a church_n rev._n 3.2_o be_v watchful_a and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v i_o be_o though_o most_o unworthy_a call_v forth_o this_o day_n and_o set_v in_o this_o general_n assembly_n to_o speak_v for_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n to_o plead_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n to_o plead_v for_o the_o life_n of_o die_a religion_n oh_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o n-engl_n right_o and_o full_o prepare_v resolve_v and_o set_v for_o the_o recovery_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n god_n will_v then_o most_o gracious_o make_v clear_a and_o full_a discovery_n of_o our_o whole_a way_n and_o work_v therein_o and_o of_o all_o the_o mean_n thereunto_o yea_o god_n himself_o will_v soon_o bring_v all_o to_o pass_v for_o we_o to_o this_o end_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o and_o deep_o humble_v even_o unto_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o decay_a die_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o withal_o charge_n judge_n condemn_v loath_a and_o abhor_v ourselves_o for_o all_o that_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n whereby_o we_o have_v bring_v religion_n into_o such_o a_o state_n under_o such_o conviction_n and_o humiliation_n we_o must_v set_v ourselves_o to_o labour_n unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o with_o extraordinary_a zeal_n courage_n faith-fulness_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o mean_n with_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n as_o one_o man_n even_o as_o for_o our_o life_n and_o more_o than_o for_o our_o life_n still_o acknowledge_v that_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v religion_n must_v be_v revive_v not_o without_o the_o great_a miracle_n of_o divine_a power_n grace_n and_o mercy_n by_o god_n himself_o ezek._n 37.12_o o_o my_o people_n i_o will_v open_v your_o grave_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o great_a promise_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a 1._o that_o we_o do_v under_o a_o humble_v heart-breaking_a sense_n of_o our_o present_n absolute_a and_o extreme_a necessity_n of_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o sovereign_a grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n labour_n unto_o a_o extraordinary_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n for_o it_o plead_v and_o improve_v his_o covenant_n and_o all_o his_o promise_n to_o that_o end_n we_o have_v great_a encouragement_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v hos_fw-la 6.1_o 2._o come_v let_v we_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n after_o two_o day_n he_o will_v revive_v we_o in_o the_o three_o day_n he_o will_v raise_v we_o up_o and_o we_o shall_v live_v in_o his_o sight_n if_o we_o can_v thus_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o faith_n he_o will_v revive_v we_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o dangerous_o symptomatical_a than_o when_o a_o people_n grow_v senseless_a secure_a stupid_a sottish_o supine_n in_o the_o depth_n of_o apostasy_n none_o of_o the_o decline_a church_n so_o irrecoverable_o go_v as_o that_o of_o laodicea_n and_o that_o because_o utter_o senseless_a and_o secure_a rev._n 3.17_o because_o thou_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o know_v not_o that_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a so_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n i_o mean_v the_o ten_o tribe_n when_o they_o be_v sink_v in_o their_o apostasy_n past_a recovery_n god_n by_o the_o prophet_n elijah_n put_v they_o upon_o the_o utmost_a trial_n by_o that_o great_a proposal_n 1_o king_n 18.21_o how_o long_o halt_v you_o between_o two_o opinion_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n follow_v he_o if_o baal_n then_o follow_v he_o and_o the_o people_n answer_v he_o nor_o a_o word_n observe_v the_o people_n answer_v he_o not_o a_o word_n which_o signify_v plain_o that_o although_o they_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o their_o apostasy_n and_o manifest_v by_o their_o silence_n that_o they_o be_v judge_v and_o self-condemned_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o stupid_a and_o sottish_a under_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o careful_a nor_o concern_v about_o it_o nor_o willing_a to_o trouble_v themselves_o their_o mind_n or_o thought_n with_o it_o god_n grant_v it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o with_o we_o 2._o that_o we_o do_v careful_o and_o very_o curious_o observe_v and_o labour_v to_o understand_v the_o time_n the_o way_n the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o and_o wherein_o he_o be_v gracious_o willing_a and_o work_v to_o revive_v and_o raise_v up_o yield_v up_o ourselves_o unto_o he_o as_o the_o subject_a of_o so_o great_a a_o work_n it_o be_v the_o greatunhappiness_n and_o misery_n of_o any_o decline_a people_n not_o to_o understand_v when_o and_o how_o god_n be_v labour_v with_o they_o to_o revive_v and_o raise_v they_o hos_n 11.3_o i_o teach_v ephraim_n also_o to_o go_v take_v they_o by_o their_o arm_n but_o they_o know_v not_o that_o i_o heal_v they_o hence_o it_o be_v they_o abuse_v all_o both_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a mean_n and_o mercy_n unto_o their_o own_o deep_a defection_n and_o utter_a destruction_n as_o hos_n 7.1_o when_o i_o will_v have_v heal_v israel_n than_o the_o iniquity_n of_o ephraim_n be_v discover_v and_o the_o sin_n of_o samaria_n the_o more_o god_n labour_v with_o they_o to_o heal_v they_o the_o worse_o they_o be_v until_o at_o last_o they_o become_v wilful_o unwilling_a to_o be_v heal_v and_o even_o desperate_o resolute_a in_o their_o apostasy_n jer._n 2.25_o but_o thou_o say_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n no_o for_o i_o have_v love_v stranger_n and_o after_o they_o i_o will_v go_v so_o jer._n 18.12_o isai_n 30.15_o this_o make_v the_o prophet_n to_o lament_v to_o doleful_o without_o hope_n jer._n 8.18_o 20._o when_o i_o will_v comfort_v myself_o against_o sorrow_n my_o heart_n be_v faint_a in_o i_o the_o harvest_n be_v past_a the_o summer_n end_v and_o we_o be_v not_o heal_v for_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o my_o people_n i_o be_o hurt_v i_o be_o black_a astonishment_n have_v take_v hold_n upon_o i_o that_o which_o break_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o hope_n be_v they_o have_v not_o know_v nor_o improve_v the_o time_n and_o mean_n of_o their_o heal_n and_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o now_o their_o case_n be_v hopeless_a and_o remediless_a this_o make_v our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n to_o weep_v out_o the_o bowel_n of_o his_o compassion_n over_o jerusalem_n in_o that_o doleful_a lamentation_n luk._n 19.41_o 42._o and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v near_o he_o behold_v the_o city_n &_o weep_v over_o it_o if_o thou_o have_v know_v even_o thou_o at_o least_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o thy_o peace_n but_o now_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o thy_o eye_n verse_n 44._o because_o thou_o know_v not_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o visitation_n so_o mat._n 23.37_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n etc._n etc._n and_o you_o will_v not_o behold_v your_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a when_o a_o people_n do_v not_o will_v not_o observe_v nor_o understand_v the_o time_n way_n and_o work_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o refuse_v to_o be_v heal_v and_o save_v god_n do_v then_o give_v they_o up_o as_o a_o reprobate_a people_n jer._n 6.29.30_o the_o bellows_o be_v burn_v the_o lead_n be_v consume_v of_o the_o fire_n the_o founder_n melt_v in_o vain_a for_o the_o wicked_a be_v not_o pluck_v away_o reprobate_a silver_n shall_v man_n call_v they_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v reject_v they_o ezek._n 24.13_o because_o i_o have_v purge_v thou_o and_o thou_o be_v not_o purge_v thou_o shall_v not_o be_v purge_v
the_o dangerous_a state_n of_o this_o people_n and_o of_o these_o church_n thereby_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o further_a delay_n god_n be_v hasten_v in_o his_o way_n and_o work_v zeph._n 1.14_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v near_o it_o haste_v great_o christ_n have_v threaten_v to_o come_v against_o we_o quick_o except_o we_o repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_v quick_o rev_n 2.5_o 16._o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o people_n must_v be_v quick_a numb_a 16.46_o 47._o and_o moses_n say_v unto_o aaron_n take_v a_o censer_n and_o go_v quick_o to_o the_o congregation_n and_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o they_o and_o aaron_n take_v as_o moses_n command_v he_o and_o run_v o_o it_o be_v well_o for_o the_o poor_a people_n of_o israel_n in_o that_o instant_n of_o their_o extreme_a and_o distress_a danger_n that_o moses_n and_o aaron_n who_o have_v the_o care_n and_o charge_n of_o their_o public_a weal_n be_v so_o quick_a in_o do_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o their_o public_a safety_n and_o salvation_n wherefore_o let_v the_o general_a exhortation_n be_v humble_o propose_v to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o magistracy_n much_o honour_a it_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o most_o solemn_a manner_n bespeak_v your_o utmost_a help_n and_o your_o very_a heart_n and_o soul_n therein_o for_o the_o recovery_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o die_a religion_n it_o be_v your_o great_a honour_n that_o you_o be_v betrust_v with_o so_o much_o of_o the_o care_n and_o charge_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o civil_a concern_v of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v both_o your_o and_o our_o happiness_n if_o god_n shall_v make_v you_o instrumental_a saviour_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o of_o the_o life_n of_o this_o people_n and_o these_o church_n it_o be_v your_o high_a work_n and_o although_o the_o heavy_a yet_o the_o happy_a part_n thereof_o wherein_o you_o serve_v and_o subserve_v more_o direct_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o high_a good_a of_o his_o people_n and_o which_o be_v full_o and_o faithful_o perform_v will_v turn_v to_o your_o high_a account_n in_o the_o day_n of_o account_n and_o add_v much_o weight_n and_o splendour_n unto_o your_o crown_n of_o glory_n the_o general_a exhortation_n it_o be_v also_o propose_v to_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o ministry_n the_o whole_a order_n and_o office_n &_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n it_o be_v religious_a ordain_v by_o christ_n as_o the_o great_a ordinance_n for_o the_o ministerial_a exercise_n of_o his_o power_n for_o the_o propagation_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o edification_n among_o man_n and_o that_o in_o a_o more_o direct_a subordinacy_n to_o himself_o and_o subserviency_n to_o his_o name_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v himself_o the_o shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o soul_n it_o be_v cause_n of_o deep_a humiliation_n unto_o his_o servant_n that_o they_o have_v be_v call_v forth_o to_o labour_n under_o the_o sink_a discouragement_n of_o the_o decay_a state_n of_o religion_n that_o religion_n shall_v be_v die_v under_o their_o hand_n and_o they_o lament_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o minister_v under_o that_o woeful_a commission_n give_v to_o the_o prophet_n isai_n 6.10_o go_v tell_v this_o people_n hear_v you_o indeed_o but_o understand_v not_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n fat_a lest_o their_o ministry_n shall_v in_o just_a judgement_n be_v make_v penal_a and_o judicial_a and_o so_o become_v a_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n and_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v preach_v religion_n to_o death_n and_o preach_v this_o people_n to_o death_n hos_fw-la 6.5_o therefore_o i_o have_v hew_v they_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o slay_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n the_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o such_o a_o danger_n may_v move_v they_o to_o labour_v though_o lament_v as_o god_n servant_n of_o old_a yet_o with_o so_o much_o the_o more_o care_n love_n zeal_n even_o unto_o the_o spend_n and_o consumption_n of_o their_o very_a soul_n by_o fervency_n instancy_n and_o constancy_n in_o all_o their_o prayer_n and_o soul-labour_n throughout_o their_o whole_a work_n more_o especial_o in_o travel_v in_o birth_n with_o soul_n until_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o they_o until_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o bring_v forth_o to_o god_n in_o a_o save_a work_n of_o regeneration_n which_o will_v be_v the_o most_o certain_a way_n and_o mean_n unto_o a_o general_a resurrection_n of_o religion_n in_o these_o church_n o_o how_o shall_v they_o then_o make_v full_a proof_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o approve_v themselves_o thorough_o in_o their_o life_n in_o their_o labour_n in_o all_o their_o ministration_n in_o their_o whole_a ministerial_a conversation_n as_o those_o who_o be_v more_o than_o any_o other_o order_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n direct_o charge_v and_o betrust_v yea_o set_v for_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n the_o exhortation_n it_o be_v further_o propose_v as_o in_o our_o text_n and_o context_n unto_o all_o israel_n and_o moses_n make_v a_o end_n of_o speak_v all_o these_o word_n to_o all_o israel_n it_o be_v his_o final_a farewell_n exhortation_n to_o all_o the_o whole_a covenant_n people_n of_o god_n the_o people_n of_o these_o church_n both_o the_o pass_n standing_z and_o rise_a generation_n be_v all_o the_o visible_a covenant_n people_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o religion_n it_o be_v our_o life_n we_o ought_v general_o to_o care_n labour_n pray_v cry_v to_o god_n for_o the_o recovery_n preservation_n and_o continuance_n of_o it_o as_o for_o our_o life_n you_o who_o be_v sincere_a christian_n be_v here_o again_o move_v by_o this_o exhortation_n not_o only_o as_o before_o to_o keep_v religion_n alive_a in_o your_o own_o heart_n but_o also_o to_o discharge_v yourselves_o full_o and_o faithful_o in_o whatsoever_o duty_n or_o service_n you_o may_v can_v or_o aught_o to_o labour_v for_o the_o general_a resurrection_n of_o religion_n in_o these_o church_n more_o especial_o wherein_o you_o may_v be_v any_o of_o you_o betru_v with_o any_o of_o the_o concern_v of_o it_o either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a true_o christian_n the_o great_a incumbency_n the_o burden_n of_o the_o work_n it_o be_v upon_o you_o the_o work_n it_o be_v most_o proper_o you_o because_o religion_n it_o be_v peculiar_o you_o you_o be_v under_o the_o most_o sacred_a and_o indispensible_a obligation_n both_o unto_o god_n and_o one_o unto_o another_o to_o uphold_v it_o it_o be_v the_o most_o general_a duty_n of_o that_o high_a holy_a and_o heavenly_a call_v wherewith_o you_o be_v call_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o wherein_o you_o be_v to_o approve_v yourselves_o eminent_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o defence_n and_o advancement_n of_o his_o cause_n interest_n kingdom_n name_n and_o glory_n wherein_o we_o shall_v live_v and_o die_v as_o saint_n obtain_v those_o glorious_a promise_n which_o christ_n make_v to_o those_o who_o labour_v faithful_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o religion_n in_o those_o decline_a church_n of_o asia_n rev._n 2.7_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o 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 and_o ver_fw-la 10._o and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n ver_fw-la 17._o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v i_o will_v give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o hide_a manna_n and_o will_v give_v he_o a_o white_a stone_n and_o in_o the_o stone_n a_o new_a name_n which_o no_o man_n know_v save_v he_o that_o receive_v it_o rev._n 3.5_o he_o that_o overcome_v the_o same_o shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o white_a raiment_n ver._n 12._o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o make_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n ver._n 21._o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o on_o my_o throne_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n o_o what_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n have_v our_o lord_n jesus_n make_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o those_o who_o be_v his_o sincere_a servant_n to_o labour_v to_o uphold_v religion_n in_o decline_a time_n and_o church_n we_o believe_v and_o be_v upon_o good_a ground_n persuade_v that_o there_o be_v many_o that_o there_o be_v enough_o sincere_a christian_n yet_o remain_v in_o these_o church_n to_o do_v and_o perform_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o recovery_n and_o preservation_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o if_o you_o will_v do_v what_o you_o may_v and_o ought_v religion_n will_v not_o die_v but_o live_v and_o flourish_v with_o much_o spiritual_a prosperity_n will_v it_o not_o then_o be_v a_o