rule_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n powerful_o administer_v will_v soon_o reform_v all_o o_o that_o discipline_n may_v be_v restore_v unto_o the_o full_a and_o effectual_a exercise_n of_o it_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o unto_o all_o the_o save_a end_n of_o it_o in_o these_o church_n it_o will_v work_v a_o great_a reformation_n and_o o_o that_o this_o poor_a generation_n which_o be_v commit_v chief_o to_o the_o charge_n of_o this_o ministry_n may_v be_v general_o care_v for_o in_o all_o the_o church_n they_o be_v the_o generation_n which_o you_o be_v call_v to_o labour_n with_o and_o for_o among_o who_o you_o hope_v to_o have_v the_o fruit_n of_o your_o labour_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o who_o you_o be_v to_o stand_v in_o judgement_n with_o and_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o in_o the_o day_n of_o account_n o_o what_o account_n will_v be_v give_v of_o they_o if_o many_o or_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o shall_v perish_v under_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o the_o ministerial_a power_n of_o christ_n towards_o they_o in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n most_o of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n depend_v upon_o the_o faithful_a and_o successful_a labour_n of_o this_o ministry_n in_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n the_o travail_n of_o your_o soul_n in_o that_o work_n your_o travail_v with_o soul_n in_o that_o work_n of_o conversion_n here_o lie_v the_o stress_n and_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n without_o which_o all_o essay_n endeavour_n and_o labour_v therein_o and_o thereunto_o will_v be_v utter_o vain_a and_o void_a if_o god_n make_v this_o ministry_n a_o convert_v ministry_n the_o work_n of_o reformation_n will_v be_v again_o revive_v but_o if_o god_n suffer_v it_o to_o be_v a_o judicial_a ministry_n a_o ministry_n send_v in_o judgement_n to_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o hope_n the_o generation_n will_v grow_v sick_a at_o heart_n under_o spiritual_a plague_n and_o judgement_n under_o a_o savour_n of_o death_n by_o this_o ministry_n and_o so_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n a_o judicial_a ministry_n have_v always_o be_v the_o fatal_a cause_n of_o the_o final_a ruin_n of_o such_o a_o people_n as_o isa_n 6.10_o mat._n 13.13_o 14._o joh._n 12.40_o rom._n 9.32_o and_o therefore_o how_o be_v all_o such_o who_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o dangerous_a time_n among_o a_o decline_a people_n concern_v to_o labour_n to_o pray_v to_o preach_v to_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n in_o private_a in_o public_a to_o spend_v their_o soul_n to_o bend_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o ministerial_a labour_n unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n how_o do_v the_o prophet_n of_o old_a labour_n in_o like_a ease_n with_o a_o decline_a people_n and_o doleful_o lament_v the_o loss_n of_o their_o labour_n so_o isaiah_n isa_n 49.4_o jeremiah_n jer._n 6.10_o yea_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o mat._n 23.37_o o_o jerusalem_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n true_o it_o be_v a_o most_o doleful_a discouragement_n to_o the_o present_a ministry_n in_o many_o congregation_n to_o see_v so_o many_o soul_n fat_v heart_n harden_v immortal_a soul_n die_v and_o perish_v under_o their_o hand_n care_n and_o charge_n but_o yet_o they_o must_v labour_v and_o agonize_v in_o prayer_n unto_o god_n for_o a_o dispensation_n of_o convert_v grace_n by_o their_o ministry_n that_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o so_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n may_v be_v revive_v for_o if_o not_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o sun_n will_v quick_o go_v down_o over_o the_o prophet_n i_o allude_v unto_o mic._n 3.6_o i_o mean_v that_o our_o day_n of_o grace_n will_v expire_v and_o the_o sun_n set_v upon_o these_o church_n by_o the_o departure_n of_o the_o ministrv_n and_o so_o our_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o we_o desolate_a as_o mat._n 23.38_o 39_o the_o prosperity_n of_o these_o church_n depend_v much_o upon_o the_o success_n of_o the_o labour_n of_o this_o present_a ministry_n and_o therefore_o the_o hope_n desire_n and_o prayer_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n in_o these_o church_n be_v that_o you_o may_v always_o remain_v as_o star_n in_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o jesus_n christ_n fix_v in_o your_o orb_n full_a of_o light_n regular_n in_o all_o your_o motion_n powerful_a in_o all_o your_o influence_n shine_v in_o all_o your_o appearance_n with_o the_o splendour_n and_o lustre_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n in_o who_o hand_n you_o be_v and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o such_o wander_v star_n speak_v of_o judas_n v._n 13._o who_o erratic_a motion_n shall_v disturb_v the_o celestial_a order_n and_o harmony_n of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a heaven_n iii_o i_o propose_v this_o exhortation_n also_o unto_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n who_o be_v present_a and_o o_o that_o whole_a new-england_n may_v be_v move_v with_o this_o word_n of_o exhortation_n repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n o_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n may_v be_v move_v as_o the_o heart_n of_o one_o man_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o reformationâ—_n it_o be_v a_o general_a work_n our_o defection_n it_o be_v general_a and_o therefore_o our_o reformation_n it_o must_v be_v also_o general_a of_o old_a the_o work_n of_o reformation_n it_o be_v always_o wrought_v by_o all_o the_o people_n as_o you_o may_v read_v 2_o king_n 23.3_o 2_o chron._n 29.36_o &_o 34.30_o the_o text_n say_v there_o all_z small_a and_o great_a so_o ezra_n 109._o neh._n 8.1_o all_o the_o the_o people_n as_o one_o man_n every_o one_o that_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n must_v bear_v his_o part_n in_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n every_o one_o have_v a_o particular_a work_n of_o reformation_n in_o and_o for_o himself_o to_o reform_v himself_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o his_o own_o life_n if_o every_o one_o can_v reform_v one_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a and_o general_a reformation_n every_o one_o that_o have_v a_o soul_n to_o save_v or_o have_v any_o care_n of_o his_o salvation_n be_v concern_v in_o this_o work_n of_o reformation_n of_o what_o degree_n rank_n or_o order_v whatsoever_o every_o one_o must_v labour_v in_o his_o own_o person_n in_o his_o proper_a place_n by_o the_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o his_o power_n interest_n and_o influence_n to_o help_v forward_o the_o work_n every_o one_o must_v set_v his_o hand_n and_o heart_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o family_n town_n church_n throughout_o the_o country_n the_o work_n of_o reformation_n it_o must_v run_v through_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o way_n in_o every_o station_n and_o relation_n in_o every_o call_v and_o employment_n through_o all_o matter_n both_o civil_a and_o religious_a in_o all_o our_o converse_n with_o god_n and_o man_n there_o be_v not_o one_o here_o present_a in_o the_o congregation_n but_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o work_n of_o reformation_n 1._o let_v every_o one_o be_v admonish_v and_o warn_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o hinder_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n they_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o desperate_a enemy_n unto_o new-england_n and_o unto_o these_o church_n who_o do_v hinder_v reformation_n so_o do_v all_o profane_a person_n by_o their_o sin_n of_o profaneness_n who_o work_n it_o be_v more_o and_o more_o to_o corrupt_v the_o generation_n and_o to_o fill_v and_o pollute_v the_o land_n with_o their_o abomination_n so_o also_o do_v all_o worldly_a and_o self-seeking_a person_n by_o sink_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o raise_v a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o so_o build_v up_o their_o own_o self-interest_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o public_a so_o also_o do_v all_o factious_a seditious_a and_o contentious_a person_n who_o make_v it_o their_o design_n and_o work_v to_o foment_n division_n and_o to_o uphold_v divide_v party_n and_o interest_n unto_o the_o shake_n of_o very_a foundation_n so_o also_o do_v all_o corrupt_a worshipper_n and_o corrupter_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n so_o do_v all_o carnal_a formal_a hypocritical_a professor_n and_o so_o do_v all_o the_o capital_a lead_v sinner_n of_o the_o time_n and_o of_o the_o generation_n these_o be_v all_o public_a enemy_n unto_o these_o church_n more_z dangerous_a and_o destructive_a enemy_n unto_o this_o great_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o sanballat_n and_o tobiah_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o old_a be_v unto_o the_o building_n of_o the_o city_n or_o the_o temple_n wo_n to_o those_o by_o who_o offence_n come_v who_o be_v leader_n in_o our_o great_a and_o general_a defection_n and_o hinderer_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n as_o for_o such_o who_o turn_v aside_o unto_o their_o crooked_a way_n the_o lord_n shall_v lead_v they_o forth_o
train_z up_o your_o child_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v prepare_v to_o uphold_v the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o their_o place_n in_o their_o generation_n it_o have_v be_v heretofore_o the_o work_n of_o new-england_n to_o build_v the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o now_o alas_o it_o be_v too_o much_o our_o work_n to_o pull_v down_o the_o house_n worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n most_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n and_o of_o the_o generation_n have_v a_o strong_a and_o direct_a tendenty_n thereunto_o we_o be_v sin_v down_o and_o sin_v away_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n especial_o by_o our_o pride_n wantonness_n can_v confidence_n in_o our_o visible_a liberty_n and_o privilege_n carnal_a ease_n and_o rest_n carnality_n formality_n hypocrisy_n spiritual_a idolatry_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n our_o manifold_a both_o gross_a and_o more_o spiritual_a profanation_n and_o pollution_n of_o the_o house_n worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n o_o these_o evil_n grow_v and_o prevail_v among_o we_o and_o many_o of_o the_o most_o notorious_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n of_o the_o time_n get_v into_o church_n and_o corrupt_v of_o church_n do_v sad_o signify_v at_o least_o great_a danger_n of_o the_o downfall_n of_o the_o house_n worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n jer._n 7.10_o 12._o but_o that_o which_o be_v yet_o most_o sad_o signal_n it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o people_n fit_a to_o uphold_v such_o pure_a church_n worship_n and_o ordinance_n at_o least_o not_o in_o the_o internal_a spiritual_a power_n and_o purity_n of_o they_o if_o we_o do_v consider_v how_o much_o both_o civil_a and_o religious_a education_n be_v neglect_v and_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o sad_a face_n of_o the_o rise_a generation_n and_o see_v how_o much_o of_o ignorance_n atheism_n profaneness_n disobedience_n rebellion_n and_o irreligion_n do_v already_o appear_v in_o the_o countenance_n of_o it_o what_o a_o ungracious_a irreligious_a generation_n there_o be_v likely_a to_o arise_v among_o we_o unless_o god_n in_o infinite_a mercy_n work_v a_o great_a and_o wonderful_a change_n our_o heart_n may_v well_o tremble_v to_o think_v what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o age._n many_o there_o be_v hopeful_a but_o alas_o how_o few_o in_o comparison_n with_o the_o number_n of_o this_o numerous_a generation_n here_o be_v a_o second_o generation_n arisen_a and_o a_o three_o and_o four_o generation_n arise_v apace_o and_o true_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v that_o every_o generation_n will_v be_v less_o hopeful_a than_o other_o until_o at_o last_o that_o woeful_a say_v be_v verify_v of_o we_o which_o be_v speak_v judg._n 2.10_o and_o there_o arise_v another_o generation_n after_o they_o which_o know_v not_o the_o lord_n o_o unless_o god_n work_v gracious_o to_o save_v these_o degenerate_v generation_n there_o will_v be_v small_a hope_n of_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o the_o pure_a worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n here_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n will_v either_o revive_v and_o live_v or_o else_o utter_o decay_v and_o die_v with_o the_o rise_a generation_n unto_o this_o we_o may_v further_o add_v the_o gradual_a remove_n of_o the_o glory_n the_o disappearance_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n the_o departure_n of_o god_n from_o his_o own_o house_n a_o sad_a sign_n that_o our_o house_n will_v be_v ever_o long_o leave_v unto_o we_o desolate_a o_o how_o much_o than_o be_v we_o concern_v to_o labour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o their_o spiritual_a power_n and_o purity_n lest_o the_o glory_n shall_v depart_v from_o this_o israel_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v again_o utter_o extinguish_v in_o this_o western_a world_n 3._o we_o must_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v our_o first_o love_n unto_o and_o zeal_n for_o the_o external_a purity_n which_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o continue_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o voice_n of_o christ_n unto_o these_o new-england_n church_n be_v as_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n rev._n 2.25_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v already_o hold_v fast_o until_o i_o come_v keep_v and_o preserve_v pure_a worship_n purity_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n preserve_v the_o primitive_a purity_n of_o these_o church_n according_a to_o their_o reform_a constitution_n by_o divine_a institution_n that_o be_v pure_a institute_v church_n purity_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n be_v the_o groundwork_n of_o pure_a worship_n preserve_v a_o pure_a ministry_n constitute_v exact_o according_a to_o gospel-order_n respect_v all_o the_o office_n of_o it_o the_o power_n the_o investiture_n the_o exercise_n the_o whole_a work_n and_o service_n of_o it_o such_o a_o ministry_n as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v christ_n ministry_n preserve_v these_o pure_a gospel-ordinance_n the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n admit_v of_o nothing_o as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n but_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o ordain_v and_o keep_v the_o pure_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o purity_n of_o they_o in_o the_o gospel_n simplicity_n of_o they_o without_o any_o corrupt_a mixture_n in_o or_o with_o any_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v ordinary_o the_o first_o inlet_n of_o corrupt_a worship_n into_o most_o reform_a church_n o_o let_v we_o keep_v and_o cleave_v unto_o naked_a ordinance_n simple_a ordinance_n the_o crystalline_a purity_n of_o the_o water_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n which_o be_v as_o they_o arise_v and_o flow_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o divine_a institution_n clear_a as_o crystal_n rev._n 22.1_o preserve_v purity_n of_o administration_n respect_v both_o the_o power_n subject_a and_o order_n of_o administration_n preserve_v pure_a and_o holy_a order_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o every_o ordinance_n 1_o cor._n 14.40_o this_o holy_a order_n be_v the_o beauty_n of_o church_n col._n 2.5_o disorder_n it_o be_v a_o general_a corruption_n in_o worship_n it_o corrupt_v both_o church_n ordinance_n and_o administration_n and_o so_o it_o make_v the_o house_n of_o god_n like_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n mat._n 20.13_o o_fw-la christian_n this_o purity_n of_o worship_n it_o have_v be_v the_o eminency_n and_o excellency_n of_o these_o church_n not_o yet_o lose_v as_o to_o the_o external_a form_n of_o it_o it_o be_v god_n design_n and_o work_v not_o only_o to_o set_v up_o his_o worship_n in_o new-england_n but_o to_o set_v it_o up_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o it_o by_o a_o purge_n refine_n reformation_n god_n do_v therefore_o qualify_v his_o reformer_n with_o extraordinary_a humility_n sincerity_n and_o holy_a zeal_n for_o purity_n of_o worship_n and_o make_v extraordinary_a discovery_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n concern_v his_o worship_n unto_o they_o he_o do_v show_v they_o the_o pattern_n the_o platform_n as_o i_o may_v say_v of_o his_o house_n that_o they_o may_v show_v it_o unto_o we_o ezek._n 43.11_o o_o how_o much_o than_o be_v we_o engage_v to_o preserve_v purity_n of_o worship_n purity_n it_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o church_n it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v church_n shine_v as_o golden_a candlestick_n it_o make_v church_n the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n psal_n 29.2_o &_o 110.3_o it_o make_v the_o church_n to_o appear_v in_o her_o spiritual_a beauty_n in_o her_o ornament_n as_o a_o spiritual_a bride_n adorn_v and_o trim_v for_o her_o heavenly_a bridegroom_n that_o purity_n of_o worship_n which_o shall_v be_v after_o the_o destruction_n of_o antichrist_n will_v be_v the_o chief_a perfection_n if_o not_o the_o consummation_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n rev._n 21.2.3_o &_o 22.11_o then_o let_v we_o be_v move_v to_o prize_n and_o preserve_v purity_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o must_v subject_v ourselves_o our_o very_a soul_n free_o full_o &_o most_o sincere_o unto_o the_o power_n authority_n rule_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v regular_o ministerial_o exercise_v and_o administer_v in_o his_o church_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o his_o o_o dinance_n exalt_v christ_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o kingly_a office_n in_o his_o church_n whilst_o christ_n be_v walk_v amid_o the_o church_n hold_v the_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n they_o will_v remain_v golden_a candlestick_n if_o we_o do_v debase_v christ_n and_o set_v up_o our_o own_o wisdom_n and_o will_n in_o and_o about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n then_o farewell_n to_o purity_n of_o worship_n again_o if_o we_o will_v preserve_v purity_n of_o worship_n we_o must_v keep_v up_o internal_a spiritual_a purity_n and_o
have_v this_o peculiar_a unto_o it_o that_o it_o bear_v the_o style_n and_o inscription_n of_o this_o great_a prophet_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o chap._n 1.1_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o indeed_o it_o bear_v a_o very_a lively_a impression_n of_o his_o image_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o frontispiece_n of_o it_o draw_v out_o to_o the_o life_n by_o a_o twofold_a description_n of_o he_o in_o his_o person_n office_n and_o work_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o &_o ver_fw-la 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o as_o also_o throughout_o the_o whole_a book_n respect_v both_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o delivery_n in_o the_o mystery_n and_o majesty_n of_o it_o it_o have_v also_o this_o peculiar_a eminency_n and_o excellency_n that_o it_o contain_v a_o systeme_n or_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o gospel_n prophesy_v it_o be_v a_o prophetical_a revelation_n of_o all_o mystery_n of_o divine_a dispensation_n in_o the_o whole_a series_n and_o succession_n of_o it_o in_o every_o age_n and_o generation_n and_o in_o every_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n respect_v both_o the_o propagation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n until_o all_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o god_n be_v finish_v and_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o long_o at_o least_o until_o the_o last_o and_o utmost_a prophetical_a period_n it_o be_v the_o last_o great_a and_o general_a prophecy_n which_o do_v complete_a the_o canon_n of_o holy_a writ_n intimate_v chap._n 22.18_o therefore_o bless_v be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n etc._n etc._n chap._n 1.3_o john_n the_o belove_a and_o bosom_n disciple_n and_o last_o apostle_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o this_o revelation_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 1._o therefore_o the_o dedication_n of_o it_o be_v from_o john_n unto_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n chap._n 1._o v._n 4._o john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n this_o general_a or_o indefinite_a dedication_n make_v way_n for_o the_o particular_a inscription_n of_o a_o epistle_n unto_o the_o several_a angel_n of_o those_o church_n in_o the_o 2d_o and_o 3d_o chapter_n our_o text_n lie_v in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o epistle_n inscribe_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n chap._n 2.1_o i_o shall_v not_o detain_v you_o with_o any_o discourse_n concern_v the_o situation_n of_o the_o city_n or_o typical_a relation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n nor_o stay_v upon_o a_o artificial_a resolution_n of_o the_o context_n by_o a_o analytical_a exposition_n of_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v vulgar_a with_o expositor_n the_o way_n to_o our_o text_n be_v easy_a and_o open_a it_o lie_v in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v narrative_a the_o word_n as_o to_o mode_n of_o expression_n they_o be_v monitory_a and_o withal_o high_o imperative_a or_o command_v the_o duty_n command_v it_o be_v to_o labour_v according_a to_o direction_n give_v unto_o a_o full_a and_o through_o restitution_n from_o that_o declension_n and_o defection_n in_o religion_n which_o that_o church_n be_v fall_v into_o in_o order_n hereunto_o three_o thing_n be_v propose_v in_o the_o word_n as_o part_n of_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n command_v to_o be_v do_v 1._o a_o awaken_n sight_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o declension_n and_o defection_n in_o these_o word_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v the_o word_n remember_v here_o it_o import_v a_o awaken_n convince_a remembrance_n it_o be_v often_o use_v in_o scripture_n to_o express_v a_o conscience_n and_o conviction_n of_o sin_n ezek._n 16.61_o 63._o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v or_o elapse_v slidden_a backslidden_a plain_o signify_v backslide_v and_o apostasy_n 2._o a_o penitential_a confession_n of_o and_o humiliation_n under_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o declension_n and_o defection_n in_o this_o word_n repent_v it_o signify_v repentance_n in_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o sad_a and_o solemn_a recognition_n of_o and_o reflection_n upon_o our_o past_a evil_a action_n with_o confession_n and_o humiliation_n 3._o reformation_n in_o these_o word_n do_v the_o first_o werk_n which_o signify_v reformation_n in_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o it_o positive_a practical_a reformation_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n it_o be_v as_o if_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v have_v say_v unto_o this_o angel_n and_o church_n of_o ephesus_n although_o thou_o have_v be_v commendable_a and_o i_o have_v commend_v thou_o for_o thy_o strong_a and_o steadfast_a perseverance_n by_o the_o great_a labour_n of_o thy_o faith_n and_o patience_n in_o the_o sincere_a pure_a and_o powerful_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n respect_v both_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n with_o extraordinary_a zeal_n against_o heresy_n and_o apostasy_n heretic_n and_o apostate_n and_o that_o also_o with_o extraordinary_a courage_n and_o constancy_n under_o many_o great_a temptation_n and_o much_o and_o great_a tribulation_n and_o although_o thou_o have_v be_v extraordinary_o beautify_v and_o bless_v with_o my_o presence_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o my_o kingly_a and_o prophetical_a office_n though_o thou_o have_v be_v eminent_a yea_o excellent_a among_o the_o church_n and_o although_o thou_o do_v yet_o hold_v up_o thy_o profession_n in_o the_o external_a form_n of_o it_o and_o do_v therefore_o still_o deserve_v some_o commendation_n yet_o know_v o_o ephesus_n that_o thou_o be_v fall_v thou_o have_v lest_o thy_o first_o love_n thou_o have_v lose_v thy_o first_o life_n thou_o have_v desert_v thy_o first_o work_n thou_o be_v not_o what_o thou_o have_v be_v thou_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o state_n frame_n and_o way_n of_o backslide_v and_o apostasy_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o labour_n to_o recover_v thyself_o speedy_o from_o thy_o declension_n and_o defection_n and_o to_o retrieve_v thy_o pristine_a and_o primitive_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n unto_o its_o former_a internal_a and_o spiritual_a life_n and_o power_n from_o which_o it_o be_v chief_o that_o thou_o be_v fall_v or_o else_o i_o will_v withdraw_v my_o gracious_a presence_n from_o thou_o and_o come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o in_o my_o wrath_n and_o divest_v thou_o of_o all_o thy_o privilege_n church-order_n ordinance_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o beauty_n yea_o of_o the_o very_o be_v of_o a_o church_n by_o the_o amoture_n of_o the_o candlestick_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v etc._n etc._n the_o word_n thus_o plain_o open_v themselves_o unto_o we_o afford_v we_o this_o doctrine_n doct._n that_o it_o be_v the_o present_a and_o most_o important_a duty_n and_o concernment_n of_o any_o collapse_v or_o backslide_n church_n or_o church_n to_o labour_v under_o a_o awaken_n convince_v sight_n and_o sense_n or_o under_o a_o awaken_n conviction_n of_o their_o declension_n and_o defection_n unto_o a_o full_a and_o through_o restitution_n from_o it_o by_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n the_o text_n itself_o be_v so_o good_a a_o doctrine_n it_o do_v seem_v needless_a to_o invert_v the_o term_n of_o it_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o any_o church_n or_o church_n which_o be_v in_o the_o like_o decline_v and_o decay_a estate_n which_o this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v in_o to_o remember_v from_o whence_o they_o be_v fall_v to_o repent_v and_o to_o do_v their_o first_o work_n it_o be_v the_o present_a instant_a and_o most_o important_a duty_n it_o be_v indeed_o all_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n which_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v commend_v and_o propound_v unto_o and_o press_v upon_o this_o church_n in_o this_o whole_a epistle_n and_o so_o unto_o and_o upon_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o like_a state_n and_o he_o do_v propose_v it_o plain_o and_o full_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o full_a and_o distinct_a understanding_n of_o it_o and_o direction_n unto_o it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v through_o and_o effectual_a in_o the_o pursuance_n and_o performance_n of_o it_o he_o propose_v it_o also_o as_o a_o most_o important_a duty_n and_o concernment_n as_o that_o upon_o which_o depend_v their_o very_a be_v and_o stand_v as_o a_o candlestick_n among_o the_o candlestick_n as_o a_o church_n among_o the_o church_n he_o propose_v it_o as_o a_o work_n and_o duty_n which_o they_o have_v yet_o great_a advantage_n and_o encouragement_n to_o labour_v in_o under_o the_o powerful_a exercise_n of_o his_o kingly_a and_o prophetical_a office_n and_o therefore_o he_o represent_v himself_o unto_o this_o decline_a church_n for_o their_o encouragement_n as_o walk_v amid_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o bold_v the_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n that_o be_v in_o his_o full_a and_o whole_a sufficiency_n to_o uphold_v his_o church_n in_o its_o
constitution_n and_o in_o the_o pure_a and_o powerful_a administration_n both_o of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o by_o a_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a dispensation_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n to_o restore_v and_o recover_v they_o from_o their_o present_a declension_n and_o defection_n he_o also_o propose_v it_o as_o a_o work_n and_o duty_n require_v present_a instant_a dispatch_n which_o must_v be_v quick_o do_v and_o he_o press_v it_o upon_o penalty_n of_o unchurch_a judgement_n and_o so_o upon_o peril_n of_o gross_a open_a total_a and_o final_a apostasy_n imply_v in_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o candlestick_n and_o final_o move_v of_o they_o hereunto_o by_o a_o great_a and_o most_o gracious_a promise_n of_o perseverance_n in_o case_n of_o obedience_n ver_fw-la 7._o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v i_o will_v give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o full_a both_o the_o text_n and_o the_o context_n be_v of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o this_o be_v also_o the_o great_a work_n and_o duty_n which_o god_n do_v propound_v and_o press_v by_o all_o his_o prophet_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o old_a in_o their_o decline_a and_o decay_a state_n which_o for_o many_o age_n together_o they_o be_v in_o it_o be_v god_n great_a work_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o those_o great_a prophet_n who_o prophecy_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o backslide_n and_o apostasy_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o return_v by_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n the_o general_a word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o those_o prophet_n it_o be_v turn_v o_o backslide_a child_n return_v o_o backslide_a israil_a repent_v and_o turn_v you_o turn_v you_o turn_v you_o for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v etc._n etc._n jer._n 3.12_o 14_o 22._o &_o 4.1_o &_o 18.11_o ezek_n 14.6_o &_o 33.11_o hos_fw-la 12.6_o &_o 14.1_o it_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o those_o prophet_n to_o bring_v back_o this_o people_n unto_o god_n 2_o chron._n 24.19_o yet_o he_o send_v prophet_n to_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o again_o to_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v the_o general_a cry_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n zech._n 1.3_o 4._o turn_v you_o now_o unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o as_o your_o father_n unto_o who_o the_o former_a prophet_n cry_v turn_v you_o now_o observe_v repentance_n and_o reformation_n it_o be_v the_o general_a cry_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o that_o backslide_a people_n whence_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v their_o great_a and_o main_a work_n and_o duty_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v i_o may_v further_o demonstrate_v argue_v and_o prove_v this_o doctrine_n from_o the_o suitableness_n of_o this_o work_n and_o duty_n unto_o a_o back_o slide_a people_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o such_o a_o people_n as_o also_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o and_o from_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o from_o all_o topic_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n but_o it_o be_v of_o undeniable_a and_o therefore_o of_o unquestionable_a verity_n i_o shall_v take_v leave_n for_o brevity_n sake_n to_o pretermit_v what_o might_n or_o aught_o to_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o more_o full_a proof_n and_o explication_n thereof_o and_o proceed_v unto_o application_n wherein_o i_o shall_v apply_v myself_o unto_o the_o church_n and_o unto_o the_o people_n of_o new-england_n so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o they_o may_v be_v speak_v unto_o in_o one_o general_n assembly_n and_o i_o shall_v address_v myself_o unto_o you_o as_o in_o the_o name_n so_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o this_o threefold_a exhortation_n 1._o remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v 2._o repent_v 3._o do_v the_o first_o work_n these_o epistle_n and_o so_o these_o exhortation_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o church_n christ_n require_v and_o call_v for_o the_o attention_n of_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 7._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n i_o be_o embolden_v therefore_o to_o propose_v and_o press_v this_o general_a exhortation_n unto_o and_o upon_o the_o church_n because_o the_o text_n the_o doctrine_n the_o occasion_n and_o the_o opportunity_n do_v lead_v i_o unto_o it_o and_o because_o i_o have_v also_o think_v that_o god_n do_v call_v i_o unto_o it_o in_o the_o improvement_n of_o such_o a_o text_n upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n in_o such_o a_o assembly_n exhort_v i._o remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v let_v this_o be_v a_o awaken_n watchword_n from_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o these_o slumber_a church_n in_o this_o midnight_n of_o deep_a security_n wherein_o the_o generality_n both_o of_o christian_n and_o church_n be_v dispose_v yea_o compose_v of_o themselves_o to_o sleep_v by_o indulge_v themselves_o unto_o carnal_a rest_n and_o ease_n shut_v their_o eye_n against_o all_o awaken_n discovery_n and_o stop_v their_o ear_n against_o all_o awaken_n voice_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o belove_a as_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 5.2_o 3._o i_o sleep_v but_o my_o heart_n wake_v it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o my_o belove_a that_o knock_v i_o have_v put_v off_o my_o coat_n how_o shall_v i_o put_v it_o on_o i_o have_v wash_v my_o foot_n how_o shall_v i_o defile_v they_o sure_o a_o awaken_n watchword_n be_v then_o most_o necessary_a and_o seasonable_a and_o never_o more_o then_o in_o sleepy_a and_o sleep_a time_n when_o judicial_a security_n seem_v to_o be_v both_o one_o of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o plague_n of_o the_o time_n when_o god_n in_o just_a judgement_n be_v pour_v out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o deep_a sleep_n and_o close_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n as_o isa_n 29.10_o and_o give_v a_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n rom._n 11.8_o no_o doubt_n but_o this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v deep_o secure_a under_o her_o deep_a declension_n spiritual_a declension_n do_v incline_v both_o christian_n and_o church_n unto_o security_n whilst_o the_o wise_a virgin_n lamp_n want_v trim_v and_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n lamp_n be_v go_v out_o they_o all_o slumber_v and_o sleep_v mat._n 25.5_o as_o christian_n or_o church_n decline_v so_o they_o grow_v secure_a and_o fall_v asleep_a the_o church_n of_o old_a both_o israel_n and_o judah_n be_v most_o prodigious_o secure_a in_o the_o depth_n of_o their_o apostasy_n the_o prophet_n do_v prophesy_v peace_n and_o the_o people_n do_v promise_v themselves_o peace_n until_o they_o have_v consummate_v both_o their_o apostasy_n and_o misery_n jer._n 4.10_o &_o 6.14_o &_o 8.11_o ezek._n 13.10_o 16._o true_o thus_o it_o be_v too_o much_o with_o we_o the_o more_o sinful_a we_o grow_v the_o more_o secure_a the_o generality_n of_o the_o generation_n grow_v more_o and_o more_o senseless_a supine_n stupid_a sottish_a in_o their_o security_n hence_o although_o we_o hear_v all_o kind_n of_o awaken_n voice_n and_o see_v many_o awaken_n sight_n though_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n do_v cry_n by_o his_o word_n as_o zech._n 1.4_o yea_o though_o it_o do_v roar_v by_o his_o work_n amos_n 3.8_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o awaken_v though_o there_o be_v a_o grievous_a and_o general_a complaint_n and_o cry_n of_o the_o great_a &_o cry_v sin_n of_o the_o time_n yea_o although_o our_o sin_n do_v testify_v against_o we_o unto_o our_o very_a face_n jer._n 14.7_o hos_fw-la 5.5_o though_o our_o own_o wickedness_n do_v correct_v we_o and_o our_o backslide_n reprove_v we_o that_o we_o be_v force_v to_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a thing_n and_o bitter_a that_o we_o have_v forsake_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o that_o his_o fear_n be_v not_o in_o we_o jer._n 2.19_o though_o we_o begin_v to_o labour_v and_o to_o languish_v under_o the_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v sensible_a that_o our_o transgression_n and_o iniquity_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o we_o pine_v away_o and_o be_v likely_a to_o perish_v in_o they_o ezek_n 33.10_o yea_o although_o we_o ourselves_o in_o our_o most_o solemn_a address_n unto_o heaven_n do_v complain_v and_o cry_v out_o unto_o god_n of_o our_o sin_n iniquity_n backslide_n and_o apostasy_n and_o verbal_o and_o formal_o express_v deep_a conviction_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o awaken_v nor_o convince_v but_o senseless_a and_o secure_a still_o our_o public_a solemnity_n perform_v by_o many_o but_o as_o solemn_a formality_n do_v lull_v they_o to_o sleep_v in_o the_o deep_a security_n isa_n 58.3_o true_o the_o more_o mean_n of_o conviction_n the_o more_o a_o secure_a people_n be_v sometime_o harden_v against_o conviction_n security_n it_o be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n both_o unto_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n therefore_o christ_n do_v propose_v this_o as_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o work_n remember_v
from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v so_o to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n rev._n 3.18_o anoint_v thy_o eye_n with_o eye_n salve_n that_o thou_o may_v see_v that_o be_v see_v and_o be_v sensible_a of_o thy_o defection_n god_n have_v make_v it_o the_o work_n of_o divers_a of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n who_o he_o have_v of_o late_o send_v and_o set_v to_o speak_v upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o this_o general_a assembly_n to_o awake_v and_o to_o couvince_v to_o plead_v with_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o conviction_n to_o cry_v aloud_o not_o to_o spare_v to_o lift_v their_o voice_n like_o a_o trumpet_n to_o show_v new-england_n their_o transgression_n and_o this_o people_n their_o sin_n isa_n 58.2_o and_o sure_o until_o we_o be_v thus_o awaken_v and_o convince_v there_o will_v be_v no_o hope_n of_o reformation_n exhort_v ii_o repent_v so_o remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v as_o to_o repent_v it_o must_v be_v a_o penitential_a remembrance_n such_o a_o remembrance_n as_o do_v both_o move_n and_o lead_v to_o repentance_n ezek._n 16.61_o then_o shall_v thou_o remember_v thy_o way_n and_o be_v ashamed_a ver_fw-la 63._o that_o thou_o may_v remember_v and_o be_v confound_v and_o never_o open_v thy_o mouth_n any_o more_o because_o of_o thy_o shame_n so_o ezek._n 6.9_o &_o 20_o 43._o when_o and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o awaken_n convince_a remembrance_n there_o will_v be_v repentance_n sure_o god_n expect_v and_o call_v for_o a_o deep_a thorough_a general_a repentance_n repentance_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o the_o full_a exercise_n of_o it_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o it_o unto_o all_o the_o fruit_n effect_n and_o end_n of_o it_o express_v in_o confession_n contrition_n humiliation_n supplication_n from_o a_o right_a spirit_n of_o repentance_n god_n call_v for_o heart-breaking_n heartrending_a repentance_n jol_n 2.12_o rend_v your_o heart_n and_o not_o your_o garment_n god_n expect_v to_o hear_v new-england_n as_o ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_n jer._n 31.19_o sure_o after_o i_o be_v turn_v i_o repent_v after_o i_o be_v instruct_v i_o smite_v upon_o my_o thigh_n i_o be_v ashamed_a yea_o even_o confound_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v reform_v except_o we_o thus_o repent_v for_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o reformation_n be_v lay_v in_o repentance_n the_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v wrought_v in_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n lay_v the_o burden_n of_o all_o the_o work_n upon_o repentance_n in_o the_o text_n except_o thou_o repent_v exhort_v iii_o do_v the_o first_o work_n so_o remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v as_o to_o do_v the_o first_o work_n that_o be_v reform_v and_o here_o chief_o lie_v my_o present_a business_n viz._n in_o press_v this_o part_n of_o the_o exhortation_n and_o the_o rather_o i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o insist_v a_o while_n upon_o it_o as_o a_o suitable_a and_o seasonable_a word_n because_o we_o have_v be_v original_o a_o reform_v and_o a_o reform_a people_n a_o people_n separate_v and_o set_v apart_o by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o a_o very_a great_a and_o glorious_a work_n of_o reformation_n reformation_n have_v be_v the_o design_n of_o new-england_n and_o therefore_o reformation_n it_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o new-england_n this_o work_n of_o reformation_n it_o have_v be_v especial_o by_o this_o generation_n not_o only_o much_o neglect_a but_o even_o almost_o utter_o desert_v by_o a_o general_a defection_n and_o declension_n which_o we_o be_v fall_v into_o so_o that_o we_o be_v now_o become_v a_o decline_a and_o decline_v people_n there_o have_v be_v and_o there_o be_v a_o general_a complaint_n and_o cry_n for_o want_v of_o reformation_n it_o be_v general_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o speedy_a through_o reformation_n and_o that_o without_o it_o we_o be_v a_o undo_v people_n we_o have_v in_o our_o public_a solemnity_n make_v many_o solemn_a vow_n and_o promise_v of_o reformation_n unto_o god_n wherein_o we_o have_v too_o much_o flatter_v he_o with_o our_o lip_n and_o lie_v unto_o he_o with_o our_o tongue_n whilst_o our_o heart_n have_v not_o be_v steadfast_a with_o he_o there_o be_v yet_o therefore_o a_o utter_a total_a neglect_n and_o defect_n of_o reformation_n no_o kind_n no_o degree_n of_o reformation_n as_o little_a and_o in_o some_o respect_n less_o hope_n and_o probability_n thereof_o then_o ever_o before_o and_o true_o without_o speedy_a reformation_n our_o defection_n be_v likely_a to_o prove_v irreparable_a and_o irrecoverable_a sin_n and_o sinner_n grow_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o incorrigible_a and_o incurable_a and_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o generation_n more_o and_o more_o corrupt_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o profaneness_n and_o apostasy_n and_o so_o bend_v to_o back_o slide_v hos_fw-la 11.7_o insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v too_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a backslide_n and_o that_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o than_o all_o and_o most_o of_o all_o press_a it_o be_v the_o danger_n that_o we_o be_v in_o of_o be_v give_v up_o just_o and_o judicial_o by_o god_n unto_o a_o spirit_n frame_n and_o way_n of_o backslide_n and_o apostasy_n if_o we_o do_v not_o speed_o reform_v have_v 4.16_o ephraine_v back_o slide_v like_o a_o back-sliding-heifer_n ephraim_n be_v join_v to_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o psal_n 81.11_o so_o be_v give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n deut._n 32.20_o i_o will_v hide_v my_o face_n from_o they_o i_o will_v see_v what_o their_o end_n will_v be_v q.d._n i_o will_v have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n i_o will_v leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o to_o finish_v their_o apostasy_n to_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n i_o will_v see_v what_o miserable_a lamentable_a end_n they_o will_v bring_v themselves_o unto_o and_o true_o if_o so_o then_o woe_n unto_o we_o we_o shall_v soon_o destroy_v ourselves_o but_o yet_o god_n be_v in_o mercy_n wait_v that_o he_o may_v be_v gracious_a isa_n 30.13_o and_o therefore_o that_o which_o god_n be_v yet_o call_v for_o look_v for_o yea_o to_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n that_o which_o god_n be_v long_v for_o it_o be_v out_o reformation_n as_o jer._n 13.27_o o_o jerusalem_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v these_o consideration_n may_v move_v our_o attention_n unto_o this_o exhortation_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o speak_v unto_o reformation_n in_o general_n and_o so_o not_o only_o unto_o a_o restitution_n from_o our_o defection_n but_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n god_n expect_v not_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v our_o first_o work_n but_o that_o our_o last_o work_n shall_v be_v more_o than_o our_o first_o which_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n rev._n 2.19_o i_o shall_v therefore_o propose_v some_o general_a duty_n to_o be_v labour_v in_o in_o order_n unto_o reformation_n and_o endeavour_v as_o god_n shall_v help_v to_o suit_v my_o discourse_n herein_o unto_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o this_o people_n and_o these_o church_n first_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o labour_n to_o get_v a_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n this_o be_v the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n ezek._n 18.30_o 31._o repent_v and_o turn_v yourselves_o from_o your_o transgression_n so_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v your_o ruin_n and_o make_v you_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o horse_n of_o israel_n when_o god_n do_v work_v reform_v grace_n and_o renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o his_o people_n upon_o term_n of_o reformation_n he_o do_v first_o take_v away_o the_o corrupt_a hard_a impenitent_a unbelieving_a backslide_a apostatise_v heart_n and_o give_v they_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n jer._n 31.33_o &_o 32.39_o ezek._n 11.19_o &_o 36.26_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n it_o must_v be_v lay_v in_o a_o new_a heart_n because_o the_o original_n of_o our_o defection_n and_o apostasy_n it_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o god_n everywhere_o complain_v of_o that_o backslide_a people_n that_o they_o have_v a_o uncircumcised_a heart_n jer._n 9.26_o a_o whorish_a heart_n ezek._n 6.9_o that_o their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o their_o iniquity_n hos_fw-la 4.8_o true_o so_o it_o be_v the_o very_a heart_n of_o new-england_n be_v change_v and_o exceed_o corrupt_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n there_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o profaneness_n a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n a_o spirit_n of_o worldliness_n a_o spirit_n of_o sensuality_n a_o spirit_n of_o gainsay_v and_o rebellion_n a_o spirit_n of_o libertinism_n a_o spirit_n of_o carnality_n formality_n hypocrisy_n and_o spiritual_a
it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o sad_a consideration_n unto_o we_o that_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n do_v fail_v and_o be_v fail_v more_o and_o more_o in_o many_o if_o not_o in_o most_o congregation_n although_o we_o have_v cause_n with_o thankfulness_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o far_o with_o his_o ministry_n that_o there_o be_v yet_o some_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n appear_v in_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n but_o alas_o not_o with_o proportion_n unto_o the_o great_a increase_n of_o the_o generation_n o_o how_o rare_o do_v we_o hear_v of_o a_o sound_a work_n of_o conversion_n hold_v forth_o with_o full_a and_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o o_o how_o few_o such_o convert_v be_v there_o as_o do_v evidence_n their_o conversion_n by_o a_o powerful_a practical_a profession_n of_o religion_n multitude_n there_o be_v grow_v up_o in_o their_o ignorance_n atheism_n unbelief_n and_o profaneness_n who_o receive_v no_o impression_n at_o all_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o many_o other_o who_o do_v receive_v some_o degree_n of_o common_a grace_n who_o yet_o fall_v away_o by_o spiritual_a apostasy_n who_o prove_v either_o vain_a profane_a professor_n or_o close_a hypocrite_n or_o gross_a apostate_n true_o unless_o god_n be_v infinite_a mercy_n revive_v and_o uphold_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n there_o will_v be_v no_o hope_n we_o shall_v perish_v under_o this_o our_o spiritual_a apostasy_n which_o be_v begin_v for_o if_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n fail_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n will_v be_v multiply_v and_o aggravate_v and_o unconvert_v sinner_n will_v be_v in_o just_a judgement_n give_v up_o to_o god_n unto_o the_o power_n of_o those_o sin_n so_o that_o our_o sin_n will_v become_v our_o plague_n and_o those_o incurable_a o_o that_o all_o unconverted_a sinner_n may_v be_v move_v to_o wait_v earnest_o upon_o god_n in_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o mean_n for_o convert_v grace_n and_o bemoan_v themselves_o before_o god_n under_o their_o unregeneracy_n impanitency_n unbelief_n than_o there_o will_v be_v hope_n in_o our_o end_n jer._n 31.17_o 18._o there_o be_v hope_n in_o thy_o end_n say_v the_o lord_n it_o follow_v i_o have_v sure_o hear_v ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o thus_o turn_v thou_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v the_o only_a hope_n which_o be_v and_o which_o yet_o remain_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o people_n it_o arise_v from_o the_o revive_n of_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n among_o they_o this_o shall_v be_v their_o resurrection_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o that_o glorious_a dispensation_n of_o convert_v grace_n which_o shall_v be_v effectual_a unto_o their_o last_o conversion_n this_o hope_n there_o be_v yet_o in_o our_o end_n that_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n shall_v yet_o have_v a_o powerful_a progress_n in_o these_o church_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v return_v and_o revive_v as_o the_o corn_n and_o grow_v as_o the_o vine_n hos_fw-la 14.7_o second_o in_o order_n unto_o the_o promotion_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n we_o must_v renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o covenant_n here_o understand_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o it_o be_v constitute_v and_o confirm_v and_o save_o dispense_v in_o by_z and_o through_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a mediator_n thereof_o together_o with_o all_o the_o mean_n both_o of_o the_o visible_a and_o spiritual_a dispensation_n thereof_o in_o a_o way_n of_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o saint_n that_o covenant_n whereby_o god_n be_v our_o god_n and_o we_o his_o people_n now_o this_o covenant_n it_o be_v always_o in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o violate_v and_o break_v by_o defection_n and_o apostasy_n and_o therefore_o god_n call_v it_o forsake_v of_o his_o covenant_n jer._n 22.9_o break_v of_o his_o covenant_n jer._n 31.32_o transgress_v of_o his_o covenant_n hos_fw-la 6.7_o hence_o when_o god_n do_v reject_v any_o people_n for_o their_o apostasy_n he_o be_v say_v to_o break_v his_o covenant_n with_o they_o zech._n 11.10_o hence_o also_o we_o read_v that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v always_o perfect_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n by_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n 2_o king_n 11.17_o &_o 23.3_o and_o when_o god_n give_v reform_v grace_n he_o always_o renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o his_o people_n jer._n 31.33_o god_n single_v out_o our_o father_n and_o separate_v they_o unto_o himself_o in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n as_o a_o people_n with_o who_o he_o do_v particular_o &_o as_o it_o be_v personal_o renew_v his_o covenant_n and_o more_o ample_o and_o explicit_o confirm_v it_o that_o in_o renew_v of_o it_o he_o may_v more_o full_o reveal_v it_o and_o restore_v it_o unto_o the_o more_o pure_a and_o primitive_a way_n of_o administration_n according_a to_o his_o own_o institution_n we_o can_v say_v when_o where_o or_o with_o who_o god_n have_v in_o more_o special_a grace_n and_o favour_n renew_v his_o covenant_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o special_a people_n unto_o himself_o above_o all_o people_n as_o deut._n 7.6_o therefore_o if_o we_o hope_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o we_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n after_o our_o defection_n to_o renew_v it_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o sincere_a christian_n who_o be_v actual_o and_o personal_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n who_o yet_o have_v by_o the_o omission_n of_o covenant-duty_n and_o by_o the_o commission_n of_o covenant-breaking_a sin_n walk_v loose_o remiss_o unconstant_o unsteadfast_o and_o in_o all_o respect_n very_o unworthy_o under_o god_n holy_a covenant_n to_o renew_v your_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o the_o renew_a stipulation_n of_o your_o soul_n unto_o god_n under_o the_o soul-binding_a obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o renew_v your_o covenant-engagement_n unto_o god_n under_o the_o renew_a sense_n experience_n power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o new-covenant_n grace_n by_o which_o you_o have_v have_v the_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o god_n covenant_n in_o the_o save_a mystery_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o it_o as_o a_o covenant_n of_o life_n as_o in_o psal_n 25.14_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n and_o whereby_o god_n do_v put_v his_o covenant_n write_v his_o covenant_n in_o your_o heart_n jer_n 31.33_o thus_o renew_v your_o covenant_n by_o faith_n with_o a_o holy_a resolution_n to_o cleave_v unto_o god_n full_o and_o firm_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n close_o and_o constant_o in_o his_o holy_a covenant_n with_o fear_n and_o reverence_n holy_o humble_o cheerful_o joyful_o thankful_o faithful_o and_o fruitful_o in_o a_o way_n of_o communion_n with_o full_a and_o abundant_a satisfaction_n in_o your_o interest_n in_o and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n as_o a_o god_n in_o covenant_n as_o david_n 2_o sam._n 23.5_o for_o this_o be_v all_o my_o salvation_n and_o all_o my_o desire_n o_o christian_n it_o be_v your_o work_n to_o uphold_v god_n covenant_n in_o the_o life_n spirit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o and_o unto_o all_o the_o spiritual_a and_o save_a end_n of_o it_o as_o a_o covenant_n of_o life_n in_o these_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o save_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n actual_o personal_o and_o profess_o to_o take_v hold_n upon_o the_o covenant_n god_n covenant_n it_o must_v be_v thus_o renew_v with_o his_o church_n in_o every_o age_n of_o it_o in_o order_n unto_o the_o continuation_n and_o succession_n of_o it_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n and_o thus_o to_o renew_v the_o covenant_n be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o this_o generation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o covenant_n by_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a mediates_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o god_n in_o covenant_n with_o you_o and_o so_o by_o give_v up_o yourselves_o into_o god_n under_o the_o bond_n of_o his_o covenant_n to_o walk_v with_o he_o and_o to_o live_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o way_n of_o faith_n and_o gospel-obedience_n as_o his_o covenant_n people_n thus_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o god_n covenant_n and_o actual_o personal_o and_o profess_o to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o your_o be_v and_o stand_v before_o god_n as_o his_o people_n and_o indeed_o of_o your_o whole_a religion_n o_o how_o many_o be_v there_o of_o this_o generation_n grow_v and_o grow_v up_o in_o these_o church_n under_o the_o visible_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o do_v rest_n and_o trust_v and_o boast_v in_o their_o visible_a covenant_n relation_n and_o all_o the_o while_n live_v without_o save_a covenant-relation_n unto_o
people_n for_o their_o recovery_n hos_fw-la 14.2.3_o take_v with_o you_o word_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o take_v away_o all_o iniquity_n and_o receive_v we_o gracious_o etc._n etc._n asshur_n shall_v not_o save_v we_o we_o will_v not_o ride_v upon_o horse_n neither_o will_v we_o say_v any_o more_o to_o the_o work_n of_o our_o hand_n you_o be_v our_o god_n for_o in_o thou_o the_o fatherless_a find_v mercy_n i_o shall_v take_v leave_n now_o in_o the_o conelusion_n to_o propose_v this_o general_a exhortation_n unto_o reformation_n more_o particular_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v especial_o concern_v as_o reformer_n i._o i_o crave_v leave_n to_o apply_v myself_o yet_o with_o humility_n and_o sincerity_n as_o it_o become_v i_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n unto_o those_o who_o be_v or_o who_o shall_v be_v establish_v or_o re-establish_v this_o day_n in_o place_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n among_o we_o as_o our_o magistracy_n much_o honour_v that_o which_o i_o have_v humble_o to_o offer_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o this_o people_n it_o be_v this_o plain_a yet_o great_a word_n of_o exhortation_n whereby_o i_o do_v most_o humble_o beseech_v you_o to_o labour_v in_o your_o place_n by_o the_o utmost_a and_o most_o faithful_a improvement_n of_o your_o power_n interest_n wisdom_n grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o government_n which_o you_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n to_o promote_v this_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o in_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o this_o government_n and_o so_o this_o magistracy_n it_o be_v through_o the_o most_o wife_n and_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n constitute_v unto_o a_o more_o direct_a subserviency_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n as_o the_o great_a and_o main_a design_n of_o it_o in_o the_o intention_n both_o of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o his_o faithful_a people_n therefore_o god_n spirit_v our_o first_o magistracy_n unto_o this_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o prosper_v that_o glorious_a work_n unto_o a_o very_a happy_a progress_n under_o their_o civil_a conduct_n of_o this_o religious_a and_o reform_a people_n and_o now_o the_o place_n the_o power_n the_o whole_a betrustment_n of_o this_o reform_a magistracy_n it_o be_v by_o our_o annual_a election_n and_o so_o by_o a_o providential_a succession_n devolve_v upon_o you_o and_o remain_v vest_v in_o you._n therefore_o our_o eye_n our_o heart_n our_o hope_n be_v under_o god_n and_o as_o to_o man_n much_o upon_o you_o as_o our_o reformer_n it_o be_v our_o great_a hope_n and_o will_v be_v our_o great_a rejoice_n to_o see_v the_o plummet_n stin_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o zerubbabel_n with_o those_o seven_o to_o see_v a_o powerful_a and_o prosperous_a progress_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n under_o your_o hand_n labour_v therein_o with_o a_o full_a concurrence_n of_o divine_a assistance_n true_a it_o be_v there_o be_v great_a mountain_n stand_v before_o you_o but_o this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n unto_o you_o not_o by_o might_n nor_o by_o power_n but_o by_o my_o spirit_n if_o the_o lord_n spirit_n you_o unto_o the_o work_n they_o shall_v become_v a_o plain_a and_o although_o the_o work_n be_v much_o decline_v it_o shall_v be_v again_o revive_v and_o the_o topstone_n thereof_o shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o with_o shouting_n and_o acclamation_n of_o grace_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a if_o not_o the_o great_a honour_n which_o god_n have_v pu_o upon_o civil_a magistracy_n and_o that_o which_o add_v true_a glory_n unto_o its_o greatness_n that_o he_o have_v make_v civil_a magistrate_n reformer_n seldom_o have_v there_o be_v any_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n wrought_v either_o in_o the_o church_n of_o old_a or_o in_o the_o succeed_a age_n of_o it_o but_o god_n have_v make_v king_n prince_n and_o civil_a magistrate_n his_o minister_n in_o it_o and_o always_o in_o the_o most_o flourish_a state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v cause_v the_o mountain_n to_o bring_v peace_n and_o the_o little_a hill_n righteousness_n the_o church_n on_o earth_n will_v be_v in_o the_o height_n and_o top_n of_o its_o prosperity_n when_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n shall_v be_v exalt_v in_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n when_o king_n shall_v be_v her_o nursing-fathers_n and_o queen_n her_o nursing-mothers_n you_o have_v the_o most_o encourage_v example_n of_o the_o most_o illustrious_a refor_n mer_n before_o you_o you_o know_v this_o people_n their_o present_a spirit_n state_n and_o way_n you_o have_v be_v with_o we_o at_o massah_n at_o meribah_n and_o at_o kibroth-hattaavah_a where_o we_o have_v both_o tempt_v god_n and_o try_v you_o you_o may_v well_o say_v of_o we_o as_o moses_n do_v of_o they_o i_o know_v thy_o rebellion_n and_o thy_o stiff_a neck_n and_o so_o you_o may_v by_o a_o solemn_a contestation_n call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o record_v against_o we_o as_o he_o do_v sometime_o against_o they_o you_o be_v to_o labour_v with_o a_o very_a immorigerous_a rebellious_a backslide_a generation_n under_o a_o extraordinary_a juncture_n of_o provocation_n and_o temptation_n difficulty_n and_o danger_n o_o so_o much_o the_o more_o i_o be_o embolden_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o a_o humble_a importunity_n to_o beseech_v your_o care_n constancy_n courage_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o this_o your_o great_a duty_n lest_o the_o ruin_n of_o this_o self-destroying_a people_n shall_v be_v find_v under_o your_o hand_n it_o will_v be_v your_o glory_n not_o only_o to_o be_v reformer_n but_o repairer_n and_o restorer_n to_o repair_v the_o breach_n and_o to_o raise_v up_o foundation_n for_o many_o generation_n such_o as_o you_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v not_o only_a god_n but_o saviour_n and_o saviour_n raise_v up_o upon_o mount_n zion_n we_o style_v you_o so_o with_o modesty_n and_o sobriety_n in_o scripture_n phrase_n and_o sense_n as_o still_o remember_v that_o you_o must_v die_v like_o man_n but_o hereby_o we_o understand_v that_o you_o be_v concern_v in_o &_o betrust_v with_o somewhat_o that_o be_v sacred_a you_o can_v approve_v yourselves_o to_o be_v god_n more_o then_o by_o the_o patronage_n of_o religion_n you_o can_v approve_v yourselves_o to_o be_v saviour_n more_o then_o by_o be_v reformer_n reformation_n will_v be_v our_o salvation_n we_o be_v to_o choose_v you_o this_o day_n for_o god_n and_o so_o do_v we_o may_v hope_v that_o god_n will_v in_o mercy_n choose_v you_o for_o we_o you_o be_v so_o choose_v both_o by_o god_n and_o his_o people_n be_v under_o a_o double_a and_o so_o indispensible_a obligation_n even_o by_o your_o election_n to_o be_v for_o god_n and_o for_o his_o people_n that_o be_v for_o the_o promotion_n and_o preservation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a interest_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n here_o which_o be_v religion_n you_o be_v to_o rule_v not_o only_o over_o man_n but_o christian_n not_o only_o over_o people_n but_o the_o people_n of_o god_n therefore_o you_o be_v to_o rule_v as_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n so_o in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n from_o god_n and_o for_o god_n that_o god_n may_v rule_v by_o you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n for_o our_o good_a god_n have_v set_v you_o as_o our_o hedge_n and_o as_o our_o wall_n whereby_o he_o have_v enclose_v this_o his_o vineyard_n and_o all_o his_o precious_a and_o pleasant_a thing_n with_o we_o he_o have_v set_v you_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o defence_n upon_o the_o glory_n god_n do_v therefore_o expect_v that_o you_o shall_v full_o assert_v and_o exert_v all_o that_o power_n which_o he_o have_v commit_v to_o you_o to_o be_v improve_v for_o the_o public_a weal_n of_o his_o people_n especial_o in_o and_o about_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o our_o public_a weal_n courage_n and_o faithfulness_n therein_o be_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o a_o christian_a magistracy_n the_o regular_a exercise_n thereof_o will_v be_v the_o strength_n and_o glory_n of_o your_o government_n and_o the_o stability_n and_o prosperity_n of_o this_o people_n under_o it_o it_o be_v your_o concernment_n to_o uphold_v this_o government_n in_o the_o full_a and_o whole_a interest_n and_o influence_n of_o it_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o it_o especial_o this_o great_a and_o main_a end_n of_o it_o the_o preservation_n and_o propogation_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v your_o commendation_n which_o be_v holy_a david_n as_o he_o be_v eminent_o a_o type_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n that_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n house_n have_v consume_v he_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o sober_a faithful_a peaceable_a and_o religious_a people_n of_o the_o land_n be_v towards_o the_o governor_n
now_o we_o must_v set_v to_o the_o work_n 1._o with_o one_o heart_n no_o hope_n of_o reformation_n without_o union_n division_n have_v be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o our-defection_n and_o will_v be_v a_o total_a obstruction_n unto_o reformation_n if_o it_o continue_v we_o must_v unite_v our_o heart_n our_o hand_n our_o strength_n o_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v unite_v let_v it_o be_v in_o and_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n 2._o set_a unto_o it_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul_n our_o very_a heart_n and_o soul_n must_v be_v engage_v unto_o it_o and_o in_o it_o we_o must_v set_v to_o it_o in_o good_a earnest_n as_o unto_o a_o work_n that_o must_v be_v do_v we_o be_v now_o bring_v unto_o this_o dilemma_n either_o a_o timely_a speedy_a through_o reformation_n or_o else_o there_o will_v be_v a_o general_a and_o total_a defection_n either_o repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n or_o otherwise_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n except_o thou_o repent_v be_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n unto_o these_o church_n o_o that_o we_o understand_v and_o serious_o and_o solemn_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v a_o lose_v and_o undo_v people_n without_o reformation_n that_o we_o be_v a_o helpless_a hopeless_a people_n without_o reformation_n that_o nothing_o will_v recover_v we_o from_o our_o defection_n and_o prevent_v our_o destruction_n by_o the_o execution_n of_o impend_a judgement_n but_o only_a reformation_n o_o then_o we_o shall_v stand_v tremble_v before_o god_n under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o instant_n urgent_a necessity_n of_o reformation_n as_o ezra_n 10.9_o and_o all_o the_o people_n sit_v in_o the_o street_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n tremble_v because_o of_o this_o matter_n ver_fw-la 12._o then_o all_o the_o congregation_n answer_v and_o say_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n as_o thou_o have_v say_v so_o must_v we_o do_v observe_v they_o cry_v out_o passionate_o affectionate_o so_o must_v we_o do_v q.d._n we_o be_v a_o lose_v undo_v people_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n no_o help_n for_o we_o without_o reformation_n and_o then_o they_o set_v to_o the_o work_n in_o good_a earnest_n o_o that_o we_o can_v make_v reformation_n our_o main_a work_n and_o business_n without_o delay_n 3._o we_o must_v set_v to_o it_o with_o a_o right_n and_o full_a understanding_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o part_n and_o progress_n of_o it_o we_o have_v be_v ready_a to_o return_v by_o way_n of_o retortion_n unto_o this_o great_a exhortation_n as_o that_o people_n mal._n 3.7_o even_o from_o the_o day_n of_o your_o father_n you_o be_v go_v away_o from_o my_o ordinance_n and_o have_v not_o keep_v they_o return_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o will_v return_v unto_o you_o say_v the_o lord_n but_o you_o say_v wherein_o shall_v we_o return_v so_o 8_o 13._o though_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o very_a great_a and_o general_a defection_n yet_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n true_o so_o it_o be_v our_o great_a unhappiness_n that_o we_o do_v no_o better_o know_v wherein_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n consist_v yea_o that_o some_o of_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o our_o peace_n do_v seem_v to_o be_v even_o judicial_o or_o in_o judgement_n hide_v from_o our_o eye_n luk._n 19.42_o deut._n 29.4_o yet_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v you_o a_o heart_n to_o perceive_v and_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o ear_n to_o hear_v unto_o this_o day_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o their_o defection_n be_v continue_v psal_n 95.10_o forty_o year_n long_o be_v i_o grieve_v with_o this_o generation_n and_o say_v it_o be_v a_o people_n that_o do_v err_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o have_v not_o know_v my_o way_n unto_o who_o i_o swear_v etc._n etc._n they_o be_v incurable_a in_o their_o defection_n because_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n it_o be_v observable_a in_o all_o these_o seven_o epistle_n unto_o the_o church_n christ_n call_v for_o a_o understand_a attention_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v hear_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v much_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n requisite_a unto_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n hos_fw-la 14.9_o who_o be_v wise_a he_o shall_v understand_v these_o thing_n prudent_a he_o shall_v know_v they_o for_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o the_o just_a shall_v walk_v in_o they_o o_o a_o want_n of_o this_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n be_v one_o great_a hindrance_n we_o do_v not_o we_o will_v not_o understand_v the_o way_n and_o work_v of_o reformation_n 4._o we_o must_v set_v unto_o the_o work_n in_o a_o way_n of_o full_a and_o sincere_a subjection_n unto_o order_n and_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n according_a to_o rule_n of_o order_n breach_n of_o order_n neglect_v of_o order_n non_fw-fr subjection_n unto_o order_n disorder_n and_o confusion_n it_o have_v be_v one_o great_a cause_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o defection_n and_o if_o ever_o we_o do_v hope_n or_o intend_v to_o make_v through_o work_n in_o reformation_n we_o must_v recover_v order_n the_o beauty_n the_o harmony_n the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n the_o regularity_n the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n life_n and_o spirit_n of_o order_n gospel-order_n the_o order_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v and_o appoint_v in_o his_o church_n although_o we_o may_v have_v never_o so_o good_a disposition_n intention_n resolution_n and_o desire_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n yet_o if_o we_o pursue_v it_o not_o in_o due_a order_n it_o will_v all_o come_v to_o nothing_o 1_o chron._n 15.13_o because_o we_o seek_v he_o not_o in_o the_o due_a order_n sure_o there_o be_v no_o case_n so_o difficult_a among_o we_o but_o there_o be_v a_o regular_a and_o easy_a way_n to_o a_o issue_n if_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v and_o apply_v and_o follow_v up_o rule_n of_o order_n in_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o they_o if_o we_o will_v be_v set_v down_o by_o order_n be_v rule_v and_o govern_v by_o order_n but_o if_o we_o will_v slight_v neglect_n reject_v contemn_v and_o despise_v order_n we_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o shall_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n thereby_o to_o run_v and_o rush_v desperate_o into_o our_o own_o ruin_n it_o be_v the_o great_a expedient_a which_o the_o apostle_n propose_v for_o the_o reformation_n of_o that_o distract_a church_n of_o corinth_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n 1_o cor._n 14.33_o 40._o so_o 1_o cor._n 11.34_o 5._o we_o must_v set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o work_n with_o a_o fervent_a love_n unto_o and_o zeal_n for_o the_o work_n itself_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n the_o prosperity_n of_o these_o church_n so_o much_o concern_v in_o it_o this_o be_v the_o only_a true_a principle_n and_o spirit_n of_o reformation_n o_o that_o our_o first_o new-england_n zeal_n and_o love_n may_v be_v revive_v and_o raise_v under_o a_o full_a clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o spiritual_a beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o work_n and_o of_o that_o cause_n that_o we_o may_v labour_v in_o it_o in_o the_o heart_n height_n and_o strength_n of_o that_o zeal_n and_o love_n this_o will_v indeed_o spirit_n the_o work_n and_o spirit_n we_o unto_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o there_o be_v a_o glorious_a work_n of_o reformation_n near_o when_o god_n people_n do_v love_v the_o stone_n and_o favour_v the_o dust_n of_o zion_n psal_n 102.14_o 6._o we_o must_v labour_v in_o it_o under_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o utter_a insufficiency_n to_o reform_v renounce_v all_o our_o own_o carnal_a confidence_n and_o disclaim_v our_o own_o wisdom_n and_o will_n wherein_o we_o have_v too_o long_o labour_v in_o vain_a trust_v our_o own_o heart_n no_o further_o no_o long_o which_o have_v so_o much_o &_o so_o often_o deceive_v we_o but_o bemoan_v ourselves_o before_o god_n as_o a_o hopeless_a and_o helpless_a people_n as_o ephraim_n do_v jer._n 31.18_o and_o the_o church_n jer._n 3.22_o 23_o behold_v we_o come_v unto_o thou_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n true_o in_o vain_a be_v salvation_n hope_v for_o from_o the_o hill_n or_o from_o the_o multitude_n of_o mountain_n for_o shame_n have_v devour_v the_o labour_n of_o our_o hand_n from_o our_o youth_n we_o lie_v dwon_a in_o our_o shame_n and_o confusion_n cover_v we_o then_o god_n will_v work_v for_o we_o deut._n 32.36_o for_o the_o lord_n shall_v judge_v his_o people_n and_o repent_v himself_o for_o his_o servant_n when_o he_o see_v that_o their_o power_n be_v go_v and_o there_o be_v none_o shut_v up_o or_o jest_v so_o jer._n 30.15_o 17._o why_o cry_v thou_o for_o thy_o affliction_n thy_o sorrow_n be_v incurable_a for_o i_o
will_v restore_v health_n unto_o thou_o i_o will_v heal_v thou_o of_o thy_o wound_n we_o must_v therefore_o make_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n turn_v thou_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v turn_v jer._n 31.18_o heal_n thou_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v heal_v jer._n 17.14_o 7._o we_o must_v labour_v in_o this_o work_n by_o faith_n those_o who_o will_v be_v at_o least_o public_a reformer_n must_v have_v a_o mighty_a power_n of_o faith_n 2_o chron._n 15.8_o he_o take_v courage_n and_o put_v away_o the_o abominable_a idol_n there_o must_v be_v the_o confidence_n of_o faith_n isa_n 30.15_o in_o return_v and_o in_o rest_n shall_v you_o be_v save_v in_o quietness_n and_o confidence_n shall_v be_v your_o strength_n there_o must_v be_v the_o dependence_n of_o faith_n hos_n 6.1_o 2_o 3._o come_v let_v we_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v heal_v we_o he_o will_v bind_v we_o up_o he_o will_v revive_v we_o he_o will_v raise_v we_o up_o and_o we_o shall_v live_v in_o his_o sight_n there_o must_v be_v the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o faith_n isa_n 26.8_o in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o judgement_n have_v we_o wait_v for_o thou_o ver_fw-la 12._o lord_n thou_o will_v ordain_v peace_n for_o we_o for_o thou_o also_o have_v wrought_v all_o our_o work_n in_o we_o there_o must_v be_v the_o strong_a and_o powerful_a intercession_n of_o faith_n isa_n 62.6.7_o he_o have_v set_v watchman_n upon_o thy_o wall_n o_o jerusalem_n you_o that_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n give_v he_o no_o rest_n until_o he_o establish_v and_o make_v jerusalem_n the_o praise_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n there_o must_v be_v the_o wrestle_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o may_v take_v hold_n upon_o god_n and_o not_o let_v he_o go_v but_o hold_v he_o by_o faith_n as_o a_o god_n in_o covenant_n with_o we_o as_o a_o god_n all_o sufficient_a unto_o we_o as_o a_o god_n who_o have_v engage_v himself_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o covenant_n and_o by_o all_o his_o promise_n to_o pardon_v we_o to_o purge_v we_o to_o convert_v we_o to_o heal_v we_o thus_o moses_n exod._n 32.11_o 13_o 32._o thus_o also_o the_o church_n isa_n 63.16_o doubtless_o thou_o be_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n isa_n 64.8_o 9_o o_o now_o if_o ever_o be_v the_o time_n for_o all_o those_o who_o have_v faith_n to_o improve_v their_o faith_n unto_o the_o utmost_a for_o the_o public_a good_a of_o this_o poor_a people_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o these_o church_n faith_n will_v do_v much_o in_o this_o great_a work_n 2_o chron._n 20.20_o hear_v i_o o_o judah_n and_o all_o you_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v establish_v believe_v his_o prophet_n so_o shall_v you_o prosper_v and_o now_o o_o that_o we_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o our_o father_n god_n yea_o god_n even_o our_o own_o god_n our_o good_a gracious_a merciful_a faithful_a and_o all-sufficient_a god_n that_o god_n who_o have_v nourish_v we_o and_o bring_v we_o up_o as_o child_n o_o it_o be_v he_o that_o be_v now_o testify_v unto_o we_o and_o plead_v with_o we_o to_o return_v unto_o he_o by_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n to_o speak_v with_o reverence_n of_o god_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n god_n compassion_n be_v move_v his_o bowel_n be_v sound_v his_o repenting_n be_v kindle_v his_o heart_n be_v turn_v within_o he_o towards_o new-england_n towards_o this_o poor_a generation_n though_o he_o have_v many_o time_n and_o many_o way_n speak_v against_o we_o yet_o he_o do_v earnest_o remember_v we_o still_o he_o remember_v the_o kindness_n of_o our_o youth_n when_o new-england_n be_v holiness_n to_o the_o lord_n jer._n 2.2_o 3._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o remember_v thou_o or_o as_o in_o the_o margin_n for_o thy_o sake_n i_o remember_v though_o we_o have_v forget_v that_o first_o love_n and_o kindness_n unto_o god_n yet_o for_o our_o sake_n god_n do_v remember_v the_o love_n and_o kindness_n which_o our_o father_n bare_a unto_o he_o the_o very_a remembrance_n of_o it_o do_v move_v he_o to_o express_v some_o love_n and_o kindness_n unto_o we_o their_o posterity_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o have_v hither_o unto_o stay_v the_o hand_n of_o his_o divine_a justice_n so_o that_o he_o be_v even_o ready_a to_o faith_n of_o we_o as_o of_o they_o hos_n 11.8_o how_o shall_v i_o give_v thou_o up_o ephraim_n sure_o god_n show_v himself_o even_o loath_a to_o give_v we_o up_o and_o therefore_o after_o all_o our_o backslide_n unworthy_a sinful_a shameful_a carriage_n evil_a requital_n high_a provocation_n of_o he_o whereby_o we_o have_v so_o much_o grieve_v and_o weary_v he_o yea_o notwithstanding_o he_o have_v be_v enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o we_o and_o depart_v from_o we_o yet_o he_o be_v after_o all_o now_o at_o last_o still_o call_v and_o cry_v after_o we_o return_v you_o backslide_n child_n for_o i_o be_o marry_v unto_o you_o return_v o_o back_o slide_a child_n i_o will_v heal_v your_o backslide_n jer._n 3.12_o 22._o yea_o let_v i_o say_v further_o it_o be_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o that_o call_v it_o be_v he_o that_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n of_o these_o church_n and_o knock_v as_o rev._n 3.20_o that_o he_o may_v return_v come_v in_o and_o replenish_v these_o church_n with_o a_o fullness_n of_o his_o presence_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o our_o belove_a that_o knock_v say_v open_v unto_o i_o my_o love_n etc._n etc._n as_o cant._n 5.4_o o_o it_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v solicit_v for_o the_o renew_n of_o our_o first_o love_n unto_o he_o as_o our_o belove_a yea_o our_o beloved_n be_v yet_o put_v in_o of_o his_o hand_n by_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o door_n i.e._n let_v in_o such_o influence_n and_o leave_v such_o impression_n of_o his_o love_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o sincere_a one_o as_o may_v move_v your_o bowel_n for_o he_o that_o you_o may_v be_v thorough_o awaken_v to_o arise_v and_o open_a unto_o he_o and_o that_o after_o he_o have_v wait_v without_o so_o long_o until_o his_o head_n be_v fill_v with_o dew_n and_o his_o lock_n with_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n we_o be_v now_o solemn_o put_v to_o the_o question_n whether_o we_o will_v yet_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o whether_o we_o will_v yet_o open_v unto_o our_o beloved_n sure_o then_o we_o have_v cause_n most_o serious_o and_o solemn_o to_o deliberate_v upon_o this_o question_n will_v we_o repent_v and_o do_v our_o first_o work_n yea_o or_o no_o will_v new-england_n return_v and_o reform_v yea_o or_o no_o what_o return_n shall_v we_o make_v what_o answer_n shall_v we_o give_v he_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v unto_o god_n thus_o expostulate_v in_o a_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n with_o we_o o_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o desperate_a as_o to_o reply_v with_o they_o jer._n 2.25_o but_o thou_o say_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n no_o i_o have_v love_v stranger_n and_o after_o they_o i_o will_v go_v jer._n 18.12_o and_o they_o say_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n but_o we_o will_v walk_v after_o our_o own_o device_n we_o will_v every_o one_o do_v the_o imagination_n of_o his_o evil_a heart_n be_v there_o no_o hope_n be_v we_o past_a hope_n of_o reformation_n sure_o then_o well_o may_v god_n make_v his_o appeal_n from_o we_o unto_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o controversy_n with_o we_o as_o isa_n 1.2_o hear_v o_o heaven_n and_o give_v ear_n o_o earth_n micah_n 6.3_o hear_v o_o mountain_n the_o lord_n controversy_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o controversy_n with_o his_o people_n he_o will_v plead_v with_o israel_n o_o my_o people_n what_o have_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o wherein_o have_v i_o weary_v thou_o testify_v against_o i_o i_o bring_v thou_o up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o redeem_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n i_o send_v before_o thou_o moses_n aaron_n and_o miriam_n true_o so_o may_v god_n plead_v with_o new-england_n o_o my_o people_n what_o have_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o have_v i_o be_v unfaithful_a insufficient_a unkind_a unrighteous_a ungracious_a unmerciful_a unto_o you_o have_v i_o ever_o fail_v or_o frustrate_v your_o faith_n hope_n or_o expectation_n have_v i_o ever_o leave_v you_o or_o forsake_v you_o in_o any_o time_n of_o necessity_n extremity_n or_o danger_n have_v i_o ever_o be_v in_o jurious_a unto_o you_o q.d._n charge_v i_o charge_v i_o if_o you_o can_v what_o iniquity_n have_v you_o find_v in_o i_o have_v not_o i_o separate_v and_o set_v apart_o your_o father_n as_o a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o myself_o have_v not_o i_o nourish_v you_o and_o bring_v you_o up_o as_o child_n bring_v you_o under_o my_o covenant_n settle_v you_o in_o the_o
possession_n of_o my_o house_n worship_n and_o ordinance_n protect_v you_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o improvement_n of_o all_o my_o precious_a and_o pleasant_a thing_n carry_v you_o as_o upon_o eagle_n wing_n pity_v you_o pardon_v you_o spare_v you_o and_o save_v you_o and_o superadded_a peace_n plenty_n and_o all_o temporal_a mercy_n o_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a will_v you_o thus_o then_o requite_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n be_v astonish_v o_o heaven_n at_o this_o and_o be_v horrible_o afraid_a and_o be_v you_o very_o desolate_a say_v the_o lord_n o_o how_o will_v new-england_n be_v able_a to_o stand_v before_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o shall_v thus_o contend_v with_o we_o and_o that_o in_o order_n unto_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o justice_n proceed_v unto_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o destroy_n and_o desolate_v judgement_n as_o psal_n 81.12_o but_o my_o people_n will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o my_o voice_n and_o israel_n will_v have_v none_o of_o i_o so_o i_o give_v they_o up_o o_o we_o to_o new-england_n when_o god_n come_v to_o the_o part_a blow_n with_o we_o but_o must_v god_n and_o new-england_n part_n thus_o o_o god_n for_o bid_v why_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o now_o stand_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o our_o soul_n say_v behold_v we_o come_v unto_o thou_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o take_v with_o we_o word_n and_o say_v take_v away_o iniquity_n and_o receive_v we_o gracious_o for_o in_o thou_o the_o fatherless_a find_v mercy_n o_o with_o what_o open_v outstretch_v arm_n of_o mercy_n will_v god_n receive_v and_o entertain_v his_o poor_a backflide_a people_n so_o return_v to_o he_o and_o say_v i_o will_v heal_v their_o backslide_n i_o will_v love_v they_o free_o for_o my_o anger_n be_v turn_v away_o from_o they_o o_o how_o will_v god_n rejoice_v over_o poor_a return_v new-england_n and_o rest_n with_o divine_a delight_n and_o complacency_n in_o his_o love_n unto_o we_o o_o what_o a_o bless_a glorious_a change_n will_v such_o a_o work_n of_o reformation_n work_v in_o new-england_n how_o will_v these_o church_n revive_v and_o flourish_v and_o recover_v their_o first_o beauty_n and_o glory_n again_o be_v replenish_v with_o the_o gracious_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n again_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v restore_v unto_o their_o spiritual_a power_n and_o purity_n and_o be_v accompany_v in_o all_o administration_n with_o a_o plentiful_a dispensation_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o grace_n sinner_n be_v convert_v saint_n edify_v and_o comfort_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o one_o with_o another_o the_o great_a and_o cry_a sin_n of_o the_o time_n suppress_v holiness_n both_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n increase_v our_o controversy_n issue_v contention_n end_v our_o breach_n and_o loss_n repair_v out_o wound_v and_o sickness_n heal_v god_n covenant_n renew_v and_o confirm_v with_o we_o and_o we_o in_o all_o respect_v make_v a_o bless_a and_o happy_a people_n in_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n and_o improvement_n of_o our_o most_o precious_a and_o pleasant_a thing_n o_o than_o new-england_n will_v be_v new-england_n again_o what_o a_o rejoice_n will_v this_o be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o a_o advantage_n and_o advance_v to_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n o_o if_o it_o please_v god_n to_o give_v we_o in_o this_o our_o most_o hopeless_a and_o helpless_a estate_n the_o valley_n of_o anchor_n for_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n then_o shall_v n._n e._n sing_v as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o her_o youth_n as_o in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n first_o bring_v she_o forth_o into_o this_o wilderness_n as_o hos_n 2.15_o then_o shall_v all_o the_o lover_n of_o zion_n rejoice_v with_o we_o and_o for_o we_o with_o acclamation_n of_o blessing_n as_o jer._n 31.23_o the_o lord_n bless_v thou_o o_o habitation_n of_o justice_n and_o mountain_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v a_o great_a refresh_n to_o this_o weary_a and_o weep_a prophet_n to_o see_v vision_n of_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v v._o 26._o upon_o this_o i_o awake_v and_o behold_v and_o my_o sleep_n be_v sweet_a unto_o i_o o_o it_o be_v a_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a thing_n by_o faith_n and_o hope_n to_o believe_v and_o hope_v for_o such_o prosperity_n unto_o these_o church_n let_v it_o ever_o be_v our_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n psa_n 90.16_o 17._o let_v thy_o work_n appear_v unto_o thy_o servant_n and_o thy_o glory_n unto_o their_o child_n and_o let_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o establish_v thou_o the_o work_n of_o our_o hand_n upon_o we_o yea_o the_o work_n of_o our_o hand_n establish_v thou_o it_o finis_fw-la
of_o israel_n who_o offer_v themselves_o willing_o to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o time_n of_o general_a defection_n and_o sure_o this_o be_v the_o great_a trust_n that_o we_o repose_v in_o you_o and_o therefore_o the_o high_a hope_n expectation_n confidence_n and_o dependence_n that_o we_o place_n upon_o you_o as_o our_o ruler_n governor_n leader_n public_a benefactor_n and_o father_n that_o you_o will_v by_o the_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o your_o power_n and_o interest_n advance_v and_o establish_v the_o true_a pure_a and_o holy_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v you_o not_o suffer_v these_o church_n no_o not_o this_o people_n to_o be_v corrupt_v no_o not_o this_o land_n to_o be_v pollute_v and_o defile_v with_o will-worship_n a_o religious_a reform_a magistracy_n have_v hither_o unto_o be_v our_o crown_n mercy_n if_o god_n set_v you_o over_o we_o in_o mercy_n he_o will_v make_v you_o such_o a_o magistracy_n and_o therefore_o our_o prayer_n for_o you_o shall_v ever_o be_v that_o he_o that_o be_v the_o light_n of_o israel_n will_v be_v a_o light_n unto_o you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v as_o the_o light_n of_o israel_n unto_o we_o and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v abundant_o influence_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o government_n from_o he_o who_o all_o government_n be_v that_o you_o may_v receive_v a_o large_a portion_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o rest_v upon_o he_o even_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n a_o spirit_n of_o counsel_n and_o of_o may_v a_o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o may_v be_v of_o a_o quick_a understanding_n in_o his_o fear_n and_o that_o in_o your_o measure_n also_o righteousness_n may_v be_v the_o girdle_n of_o your_o loin_n and_o faithfulness_n the_o girdle_n of_o your_o reins_o that_o so_o you_o may_v feed_v and_o lead_v this_o people_n both_o in_o the_o skilfulness_n of_o your_o hand_n and_o the_o integrity_n of_o your_o heart_n we_o also_o shall_v pray_v that_o you_o may_v be_v keep_v and_o carry_v above_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o provocation_n of_o our_o murmur_n dissension_n and_o rebellion_n that_o god_n may_v never_o be_v angry_a with_o you_o for_o our_o sake_n and_o that_o it_o may_v never_o go_v ill_a with_o you_o for_o our_o sake_n as_o also_o above_o all_o your_o own_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n that_o god_n may_v never_o be_v provoke_v by_o our_o sin_n to_o suffer_v you_o to_o fall_v as_o once_o he_o do_v holy_a david_n that_o he_o may_v punish_v israel_n we_o wish_v you_o all_o the_o blessing_n which_o those_o who_o be_v just_a rule_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n may_v expect_v that_o we_o may_v behold_v you_o as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o morning_n when_o the_o sun_n rise_v a_o morning_n without_o cloud_n that_o the_o anniversary_n revolution_n of_o this_o government_n by_o our_o annual_a election_n may_v be_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o rise_a sun_n by_o which_o we_o may_v receive_v influence_n of_o divine_a blessing_n which_o may_v cause_v we_o to_o grow_v up_o as_o the_o tender_a grass_n by_o the_o clear_a shine_a after_o rain_n that_o in_o your_o day_n the_o righteous_a may_v flourish_v and_o abundance_n of_o peace_n that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v prosperity_n and_o tranquillity_n under_o this_o magistracy_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o peaceful_a and_o prosperous_a succession_n of_o it_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n that_o god_n continue_v unto_o we_o our_o judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o our_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n we_o may_v remain_v to_o be_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n and_o a_o faithful_a city_n ii_o i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o propose_v this_o exhortation_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o these_o church_n next_o concern_v as_o public_a reformer_n in_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n it_o be_v propose_v in_o the_o text_n direct_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v particular_o direct_v unto_o and_o charge_v with_o this_o work_n in_o the_o several_a church_n the_o first_o ministry_n of_o these_o church_n it_o be_v eminent_o a_o reform_a ministry_n extraordinary_o qualify_v unto_o and_o improve_v in_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n god_n make_v they_o great_a reformer_n and_o wrought_v a_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n by_o they_o and_o they_o live_v faithful_o labour_v in_o that_o work_n unto_o the_o death_n though_o not_o without_o some_o discouragement_n and_o some_o diminution_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n from_o a_o praeapprehension_n yea_o from_o some_o present_a appearance_n of_o the_o sad_a sign_n of_o the_o defection_n of_o these_o church_n before_o their_o departure_n that_o ministry_n those_o minister_n they_o be_v general_o depart_v some_o few_o here_o and_o there_o one_o only_o of_o that_o ancient_a old_a england-ministry_n remain_v with_o we_o as_o the_o crown_n and_o ornament_n of_o our_o new-england-presbytery_n and_o true_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o departure_n of_o that_o ministry_n with_o the_o signal_n circumstance_n and_o say_v consequence_n thereof_o may_v just_o move_v lamentation_n they_o be_v divers_a of_o they_o carry_v away_o as_o it_o be_v in_o chariot_n of_o sire_n i_o mean_v by_o a_o anticipation_n of_o their_o translation_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n and_o when_o in_o the_o strength_n and_o travail_n of_o their_o ministerial_a labour_n for_o these_o church_n and_o with_o this_o generation_n bear_v a_o full_a clear_a testimony_n unto_o the_o great_a duty_n and_o against_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o time_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n before_o god_n to_o turn_v away_o impend_a judgement_n their_o praise_n be_v yet_o fresh_a and_o flourish_a in_o these_o church_n be_v legible_a in_o live_a epistle_n of_o commendation_n write_v not_o with_o ink_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o live_a god_n they_o have_v a_o live_a memory_n and_o a_o last_a monument_n in_o every_o godly_a heart_n who_o have_v experience_v the_o convert_n quicken_a comfort_a presence_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o ministration_n they_o be_v depart_v and_o we_o have_v weep_v over_o their_o face_n with_o that_o lamentation_n my_o father_n my_o father_n the_o chariot_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o horseman_n thereof_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o so_o of_o this_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n in_o these_o church_n it_o now_o rest_v upon_o you_o who_o be_v the_o present_a stand_a ministry_n this_o new-england_n ministry_n which_o be_v coaevall_n and_o coaetaneous_n with_o this_o new-england_n generation_n among_o who_o i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v mention_v as_o one_o though_o with_o the_o utmost_a expression_n of_o diminution_n as_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v call_v forth_o to_o take_v a_o part_n of_o this_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o most_o unmeet_a and_o unworthy_a thus_o to_o speak_v unto_o you_o yet_o i_o be_o bold_a to_o beseech_v you_o to_o bear_v this_o exhortation_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o name_n i_o speak_v and_o say_v o_o labour_n to_o be_v a_o reform_a ministry_n although_o there_o have_v be_v a_o change_n of_o minister_n in_o most_o of_o the_o church_n yet_o we_o hope_v there_o be_v not_o a_o change_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o that_o the_o same_o ministry_n be_v still_o remain_v that_o be_v a_o ministry_n of_o the_o same_o constitution_n spirit_n principle_n mind_n judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o these_o church_n a_o ministry_n which_o have_v receive_v not_o only_o the_o mantle_n but_o a_o portion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o elijah_n and_o therefore_o you_o be_v engage_v to_o undertake_v to_o uphold_v and_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o to_o labour_v unto_o the_o progress_n of_o it_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o you_o be_v concern_v respect_v either_o doctrine_n profession_n or_o practice_n more_o especial_o god_n expect_v that_o you_o shall_v promote_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o your_o several_a church_n and_o congregation_n by_o the_o regular_a and_o thorough_a exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n commit_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n which_o be_v the_o great_a trust_n and_o charge_v commit_v unto_o you_o to_o keep_v 1_o tim._n 6.20_o this_o be_v the_o rod_n of_o his_o strength_n out_o of_o zion_n whereby_o his_o people_n be_v make_v a_o willing_a people_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n psal_n 110.2_o 3._o exalt_v christ_n by_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o his_o power_n in_o his_o name_n that_o christ_n may_v reign_v ministerial_o in_o these_o church_n the_o