how_o many_o protestant_a church_n in_o saxony_n bohemia_n hungaria_n poland_n france_n and_o other_o place_n have_v be_v dissipate_v and_o unchurch_v and_o that_o because_o of_o their_o decay_n either_o as_o to_o the_o profession_n or_o practice_n of_o religion_n if_o the_o professor_n thereof_o be_v general_o grow_v formal_a and_o lifeless_a it_o be_v a_o sad_a prognostic_n that_o a_o terrible_a persecution_n be_v near_o at_o hand_n upon_o which_o account_n wise_a man_n do_v with_o some_o dread_n behold_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o protestant_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n the_o name_n of_o those_o that_o be_v indeed_o alive_a be_v so_o very_a few_o as_o for_o the_o church_n in_o this_o wilderness_n i_o be_o persuade_v christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v make_v a_o desolation_n as_o yet_o though_o israel_n be_v deep_o revolt_v from_o the_o holy_a way_n of_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o jehoahaz_n it_o be_v say_v 2_o king_n 13.23_o and_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a unto_o they_o and_o have_v compassion_n on_o they_o and_o have_v respect_n unto_o they_o because_o of_o his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o will_v not_o destroy_v they_o nor_o cast_v he_o they_o from_o his_o presence_n as_o yet_o nevertheless_o shake_v trial_n may_v come_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v they_o and_o god_n prepare_v we_o for_o they_o for_o great_a sin_n be_v now_o common_a in_o new-england_n which_o be_v rare_o if_o at_o all_o hear_v of_o but_o thirty_o year_n ago_o profaneness_n grow_v bold_a and_o be_v not_o easy_o suppress_v there_o be_v much_o hypocrisy_n and_o formality_n among_o professor_n nay_o and_o wise_a virgin_n be_v asleep_a too_o it_o be_v beyond_o controversy_n that_o the_o late_a judgement_n which_o new-england_n have_v be_v bleed_v under_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o divine_a anger_n provoke_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o men._n but_o since_o god_n have_v merciful_o remove_v his_o hand_n those_o very_a sin_n the_o lord_n have_v be_v contend_v for_o be_v commit_v as_o much_o nay_o more_o than_o ever_o before_o it_o be_v a_o most_o awful_a and_o tremble_a consideration_n that_o the_o holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_a who_o though_o he_o may_v bear_v long_o will_v not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v abuse_v always_o have_v be_v mock_v and_o dally_v with_o more_o than_o once_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o late_a trouble_n several_a thing_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v provoke_v evil_n and_o reformation_n in_o respect_n of_o they_o confess_v to_o be_v necessary_a which_o since_o be_v make_v light_n of_o austin_n do_v in_o his_o time_n wish_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o synod_n call_v to_o consider_v of_o some_o effectual_a course_n for_o the_o suppression_n of_o that_o sin_n of_o drunkenness_n among_o man_n in_o those_o day_n these_o church_n have_v in_o a_o very_a solemn_a manner_n meet_v together_o by_o their_o representative_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n displeasure_n and_o the_o expedient_n for_o reformation_n there_o be_v a_o gracious_a presence_n of_o christ_n guide_v his_o servant_n in_o those_o inquiry_n but_o what_o do_v it_o all_o come_v to_o more_o than_o to_o leave_v the_o present_a generation_n inexcusable_a before_o the_o world_n and_o before_o posterity_n and_o before_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o plead_n with_o those_o that_o have_v know_v their_o master_n will_n but_o have_v not_o do_v it_o the_o infinite_o patient_a god_n have_v wait_v for_o fruit_n three_o year_n since_o that_o endeavour_n and_o pretence_n to_o reformation_n be_v publish_v our_o english_a historian_n have_v record_v that_o when_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n bring_v heavy_a judgement_n upon_o our_o forefather_n above_o nine_o hundred_o year_n ago_o a_o synod_n do_v convene_v in_o order_n to_o the_o redress_v of_o those_o evil_n there_o be_v thirty_o minister_n then_o find_v faithful_a who_o give_v their_o testimony_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v hearken_v to_o so_o that_o god_n quick_o send_v the_o cruel_a dane_n who_o for_o a_o long_a time_n bring_v the_o land_n into_o miserable_a bondage_n and_o slavery_n what_o hour_n of_o temptation_n may_v come_v upon_o we_o we_o know_v not_o our_o case_n be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a and_o the_o judgement_n impend_v like_a to_o be_v the_o more_o dreadful_a when_o if_o repentance_n prevent_v not_o at_o last_o they_o shall_v fall_v down_o in_o that_o god_n have_v stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o ministry_n full_a many_o a_o time_n and_o with_o great_a earnestness_n to_o protest_v against_o the_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n of_o the_o time_n and_o to_o press_v for_o reformation_n before_o the_o decree_n bring_v forth_o but_o alas_o hitherto_o with_o little_a success_n the_o word_n of_o that_o honourable_a man_n of_o god_n dr._n owen_n in_o his_o late_a sermon_n in_o luk._n 13.1_o 2_o 3._o page_n 77._o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o truth_n and_o weight_n in_o they_o let_v we_o not_o say_v he_o pretend_v that_o the_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n call_v for_o respect_v the_o public_a enormous_a sin_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o atheism_n profaneness_n sensuality_n luxury_n pride_n oppression_n hatred_n of_o the_o truth_n contempt_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o like_a they_o do_v so_o indeed_o but_o not_o only_o they_o respect_v also_o the_o decay_n in_o faith_n love_n zeal_n with_o love_n of_o the_o world_n conformity_n unto_o it_o lukewarmness_n that_o be_v find_v among_o the_o most_o eminent_a professor_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v our_o present_a wound_n here_o lie_v our_o weakness_n namely_o in_o the_o want_n of_o a_o quick_a active_a zealous_a ministry_n to_o call_v and_o stir_v up_o magistrate_n and_o people_n to_o effectual_a repentance_n and_o turn_n to_o god_n unless_o this_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o i_o fear_v we_o can_v be_v save_v if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o if_o we_o have_v a_o ministry_n that_o real_o do_v attend_v unto_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o i_o shall_v think_v it_o the_o most_o pregnant_a sign_n of_o approach_a destruction_n see_v it_o be_v apparent_a unto_o all_o that_o their_o endeavour_n have_v neither_o fruit_n nor_o success_n true_o with_o we_o it_o have_v be_v so_o they_o that_o have_v approve_v themselves_o faithful_a unto_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n in_o this_o matter_n have_v indeed_o inward_a peace_n yet_o they_o can_v but_o be_v sensible_a that_o they_o lose_v the_o good_a word_n and_o good_a will_n of_o some_o man_n and_o be_v expose_v to_o obloquy_n and_o reproach_n for_o as_o the_o excellent_a person_n but_o now_o mention_v say_v page_n 90.91_o the_o hard_a and_o most_o difficult_a service_n that_o ever_o god_n call_v any_o of_o his_o minister_n unto_o except_v only_a jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v be_v in_o the_o endeavour_v the_o reformation_n of_o backslide_v or_o spiritual_o decay_a church_n these_o be_v the_o two_o witness_n which_o in_o all_o age_n have_v prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n such_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o elijah_n which_o bring_v he_o unto_o that_o conclusion_n and_o a_o earnest_a longing_n to_o be_v deliver_v by_o death_n from_o his_o work_n and_o ministry_n 2_o king_n 19.4_o so_o be_v that_o of_o jeremiah_n in_o the_o like_a season_n whereof_o he_o complain_v chap._n 15.10_o john_n the_o baptist_n in_o the_o same_o work_n lose_v first_o his_o liberty_n than_o his_o life_n and_o in_o after_o age_n chrysostom_n for_o the_o same_o cause_n be_v hate_v by_o the_o clergy_n persecute_v by_o the_o court_n and_o at_o length_n drive_v into_o banishment_n where_o he_o die_v most_o man_n care_v not_o how_o little_a a_o share_n they_o have_v in_o such_o a_o work_n as_o this_o who_o reward_n will_v reach_v they_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o engagement_n in_o it_o all_o church_n all_o person_n almost_o will_v willing_o be_v let_v alone_o in_o the_o condition_n wherein_o they_o be_v they_o that_o will_v press_v they_o unto_o due_a reformation_n ever_o be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v look_v on_o as_o their_o troubler_n nevertheless_o god_n have_v give_v a_o spirit_n of_o courage_n zeal_n and_o faithfulness_n unto_o several_a of_o his_o ambassador_n to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o bear_v their_o testimony_n and_o so_o to_o leave_v the_o success_n and_o their_o own_o name_n also_o with_o that_o god_n who_o they_o be_v and_o who_o they_o serve_v and_o in_o special_a this_o worthy_a minister_n of_o christ_n who_o eminent_a accomplishment_n be_v know_v unto_o all_o unto_o who_o he_o himself_o be_v know_v have_v a_o long_a time_n approve_v himself_o singular_o faithful_a unto_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n herein_o the_o strain_n of_o his_o ministry_n in_o that_o congregation_n where_o he_o that_o hold_v the_o star_n have_v see_v meet_a to_o place_v he_o have_v be_v to_o urge_v conversion_n
their_o child_n for_o ever_o and_o thus_o he_o move_v they_o to_o set_v their_o heart_n unto_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v their_o life_n whence_o we_o have_v this_o doct._n that_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n our_o text_n and_o doctrine_n deliver_v the_o great_a and_o universal_a reason_n of_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o religion_n viz_o because_o it_o be_v our_o life_n religion_n in_o the_o most_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o man_n be_v qualify_v and_o capacitate_v to_o live_v unto_o god_n to_o live_v with_o god_n to_o live_v upon_o god_n to_o see_v and_o to_o enjoy_v god_n in_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a and_o all-sufficient_a author_n of_o life_n and_o object_n of_o blessedness_n and_o happiness_n as_o his_o last_o end_n and_o chief_a good_n religion_n comprehend_v man_n deliverance_n from_o all_o both_o moral_a and_o miserable_a evil_n both_o sin_n death_n and_o hell_n as_o also_o all_o both_o moral_a and_o beatifical_a good_a holiness_n happiness_n grace_n and_o glory_n and_o it_o be_v consummate_v in_o a_o perfection_n of_o beatifical_a vision_n and_o fruition_n by_o the_o light_n and_o life_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o explication_n i_o be_o to_o show_v 1._o that_o religion_n be_v life_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n 1._o religion_n it_o be_v life_n that_o be_v 1._o the_o true_a and_o pure_a religion_n it_o be_v original_o and_o only_o from_o god_n the_o live_a god_n the_o god_n of_o all_o life_n who_o be_v life_n itself_o in_o the_o abstract_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n to_o all_o live_n religion_n it_o arise_v from_o and_o be_v found_v in_o the_o very_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o religion_n religion_n it_o be_v of_o god_n both_o in_o a_o way_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o divine_a operation_n it_o be_v pure_o of_o divine_a revelation_n respect_v both_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o &_o the_o spiritual_a supernatural_a and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o unto_o man_n and_o whereby_o man_n have_v that_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n which_o be_v life_n eternal_a joh._n 17.3_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o god_n have_v command_v light_a to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n and_o by_o the_o enlighten_v power_n of_o his_o spirit_n shine_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 2_o cor._n 4.6_o it_o his_o marvellous_a light_n 1_o pet._n 2.9_o religion_n it_o be_v also_o from_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o divine_a operation_n it_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a effect_n of_o the_o quicken_a power_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o life_n upon_o the_o creature_n hence_o it_o be_v phrased_a the_o life_n of_o god_n eph._n 4.8_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o most_o glorious_a create_v emanation_n of_o spiritual_a heavenly_a and_o divine_a light_n and_o life_n from_o god_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o both_o psal_n 36.9_o for_o with_o thou_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o life_n in_o thy_o light_n shall_v we_o see_v light_n 2._o religion_n it_o be_v also_o from_o christ_n the_o mediator_n it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o person_n office_n and_o work_v of_o christ_n the_o be_v of_o religion_n the_o light_n life_n good_a blessedness_n and_o happiness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v all_o from_o the_o merit_n satisfaction_n and_o intercession_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o from_o the_o power_n and_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n religion_n it_o consist_v in_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o in_o our_o practical_a and_o experimental_a union_n &_o communion_n with_o his_o person_n and_o the_o application_n of_o all_o his_o benefit_n even_o eternal_a life_n thus_o religion_n it_o be_v our_o life_n because_o thereby_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n joh._n 11.25_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n joh._n 14.6_o by_o have_v of_o who_o we_o have_v life_n 1_o joh._n 5.12_o &_o who_o be_v our_o life_n colos_n 3.4_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a patron_n and_o professor_n of_o our_o religion_n he_o have_v confirm_v it_o by_o his_o own_o personal_a profession_n and_o practice_n when_o on_o earth_n and_o be_v himself_o the_o great_a apostle_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n heb._n 3.1_o whence_o it_o be_v most_o proper_o call_v the_o christian_a religion_n 3._o religion_n it_o be_v respect_v the_o principle_n of_o it_o life_n the_o principle_n of_o it_o be_v live_v principle_n principle_n of_o life_n religion_n it_o be_v wrought_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o quicken_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n wherein_o we_o be_v raise_v from_o death_n unto_o life_n wherein_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n unto_o life_n 1_o joh._n 3.14_o religion_n it_o be_v our_o spiritual_a resurrection_n and_o so_o it_o be_v our_o spiritual_a life_n 4._o religion_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o life_n it_o be_v by_o the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n that_o man_n walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n practical_a religion_n it_o be_v the_o narrow_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n mat._n 7.14_o it_o be_v that_o way_n of_o life_n which_o be_v above_o to_o the_o wise_a to_o depart_v from_o hell_n beneath_o prov._n 15.24_o it_o be_v the_o everlasting_a way_n psal_n 139.24_o 5._o religion_n in_o the_o visible_a external_a form_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o religious_a institution_n constitution_n and_o administration_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n so_o it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o life_n that_o whereby_o god_n give_v life_n or_o work_v life_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v say_v salvation_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n joh._n 4.22_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o live_a water_n the_o water_n of_o life_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o give_v life_n to_o the_o nation_n ezek._n 47.8_o 9_o zech._n 14.8_o rev._n 22.1_o 2._o where_o religion_n be_v there_o be_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o life_n and_o the_o save_a improvement_n of_o those_o mean_n where_o religion_n be_v not_o there_o be_v no_o day_n of_o grace_n no_o mean_n of_o grace_n no_o life_n no_o salvation_n 6._o religion_n it_o be_v that_o wherein_o and_o whereby_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o god_n to_o christ_n to_o god_n in_o christ._n it_o be_v that_o whereby_o we_o do_v know_v god_n acknowledge_v he_o fear_v he_o believe_v hope_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o love_n serve_v worship_n and_o glorify_v god_n and_o whereby_o we_o come_v to_o god_n converse_v with_o god_n have_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o receive_v all_o save_a communication_n from_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v that_o whereby_o man_n move_v and_o act_n towards_o and_o upon_o god_n in_o and_o by_o which_o god_n dwell_v with_o man_n on_o earth_n it_o be_v that_o whereby_o we_o do_v apprehend_v cleave_v unto_o and_o live_v upon_o god_n as_o our_o life_n deut._n 30.20_o that_o thou_o may_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o cleave_v to_o he_o for_o he_o be_v thy_o life_n thus_o religion_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o it_o be_v life_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o life_n in_o the_o visible_a and_o external_a form_n and_o institution_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o life_n and_o respect_v the_o original_a object_n and_o end_v of_o it_o it_o come_v from_o and_o lead_v and_o bring_v we_o up_o unto_o god_n in_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n thus_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v that_o religion_n be_v life_n second_o that_o religion_n be_v life_n to_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n that_o be_v 1._o it_o be_v their_o spiritual_a life_n that_o whereby_o they_o live_v spiritual_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o every_o single_a saint_n live_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v life_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o give_v be_v to_o the_o new_a creature_n rom._n 8.6_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v it_o be_v life_n hence_o religion_n it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o people_n of_o god_n a_o live_a people_n god_n people_n must_v be_v a_o live_a people_n whenever_o god_n take_v a_o people_n to_o be_v his_o people_n he_o quicken_v they_o with_o spiritual_a life_n and_o make_v they_o a_o live_a people_n ezek._n 37.6_o and_o you_o shall_v live_v '_o and_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o
be_v so_o much_o danger_n of_o the_o death_n of_o religion_n o_o then_o let_v all_o who_o love_n and_o desire_v life_n both_o temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a life_n and_o who_o fear_n death_n so_o great_a a_o death_n be_v move_v to_o labour_v with_o all_o our_o heart_n mind_n soul_n might_n and_o strength_n by_o all_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o recover_v and_o save_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v our_o own_o life_n this_o exhortation_n propose_v and_o press_v all_o the_o great_a and_o general_a duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n people_n of_o god_n at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o we_o be_v moses_n apply_v all_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n at_o once_o to_o the_o people_n by_o this_o one_o word_n of_o exhortation_n set_a your_o heart_n unto_o all_o the_o word_n etc._n etc._n because_o it_o be_v your_o life_n it_o be_v also_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o which_o our_o lord_n jesus_n propound_v to_o the_o decline_a church_n rev._n 3.2_o be_v watchful_a and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v i_o be_o though_o most_o unworthy_a call_v forth_o this_o day_n and_o set_v in_o this_o general_n assembly_n to_o speak_v for_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n to_o plead_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n to_o plead_v for_o the_o life_n of_o die_a religion_n oh_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o n-engl_n right_o and_o full_o prepare_v resolve_v and_o set_v for_o the_o recovery_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n god_n will_v then_o most_o gracious_o make_v clear_a and_o full_a discovery_n of_o our_o whole_a way_n and_o work_v therein_o and_o of_o all_o the_o mean_n thereunto_o yea_o god_n himself_o will_v soon_o bring_v all_o to_o pass_v for_o we_o to_o this_o end_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o and_o deep_o humble_v even_o unto_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o decay_a die_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o withal_o charge_n judge_n condemn_v loath_a and_o abhor_v ourselves_o for_o all_o that_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n whereby_o we_o have_v bring_v religion_n into_o such_o a_o state_n under_o such_o conviction_n and_o humiliation_n we_o must_v set_v ourselves_o to_o labour_n unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o with_o extraordinary_a zeal_n courage_n faith-fulness_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o mean_n with_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n as_o one_o man_n even_o as_o for_o our_o life_n and_o more_o than_o for_o our_o life_n still_o acknowledge_v that_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v religion_n must_v be_v revive_v not_o without_o the_o great_a miracle_n of_o divine_a power_n grace_n and_o mercy_n by_o god_n himself_o ezek._n 37.12_o o_o my_o people_n i_o will_v open_v your_o grave_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o great_a promise_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a 1._o that_o we_o do_v under_o a_o humble_v heart-breaking_a sense_n of_o our_o present_n absolute_a and_o extreme_a necessity_n of_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o sovereign_a grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n labour_n unto_o a_o extraordinary_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n for_o it_o plead_v and_o improve_v his_o covenant_n and_o all_o his_o promise_n to_o that_o end_n we_o have_v great_a encouragement_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v hos_fw-la 6.1_o 2._o come_v let_v we_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n after_o two_o day_n he_o will_v revive_v we_o in_o the_o three_o day_n he_o will_v raise_v we_o up_o and_o we_o shall_v live_v in_o his_o sight_n if_o we_o can_v thus_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o faith_n he_o will_v revive_v we_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o dangerous_o symptomatical_a than_o when_o a_o people_n grow_v senseless_a secure_a stupid_a sottish_o supine_n in_o the_o depth_n of_o apostasy_n none_o of_o the_o decline_a church_n so_o irrecoverable_o go_v as_o that_o of_o laodicea_n and_o that_o because_o utter_o senseless_a and_o secure_a rev._n 3.17_o because_o thou_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o know_v not_o that_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a so_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n i_o mean_v the_o ten_o tribe_n when_o they_o be_v sink_v in_o their_o apostasy_n past_a recovery_n god_n by_o the_o prophet_n elijah_n put_v they_o upon_o the_o utmost_a trial_n by_o that_o great_a proposal_n 1_o king_n 18.21_o how_o long_o halt_v you_o between_o two_o opinion_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n follow_v he_o if_o baal_n then_o follow_v he_o and_o the_o people_n answer_v he_o nor_o a_o word_n observe_v the_o people_n answer_v he_o not_o a_o word_n which_o signify_v plain_o that_o although_o they_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o their_o apostasy_n and_o manifest_v by_o their_o silence_n that_o they_o be_v judge_v and_o self-condemned_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o stupid_a and_o sottish_a under_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o careful_a nor_o concern_v about_o it_o nor_o willing_a to_o trouble_v themselves_o their_o mind_n or_o thought_n with_o it_o god_n grant_v it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o with_o we_o 2._o that_o we_o do_v careful_o and_o very_o curious_o observe_v and_o labour_v to_o understand_v the_o time_n the_o way_n the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o and_o wherein_o he_o be_v gracious_o willing_a and_o work_v to_o revive_v and_o raise_v up_o yield_v up_o ourselves_o unto_o he_o as_o the_o subject_a of_o so_o great_a a_o work_n it_o be_v the_o greatunhappiness_n and_o misery_n of_o any_o decline_a people_n not_o to_o understand_v when_o and_o how_o god_n be_v labour_v with_o they_o to_o revive_v and_o raise_v they_o hos_n 11.3_o i_o teach_v ephraim_n also_o to_o go_v take_v they_o by_o their_o arm_n but_o they_o know_v not_o that_o i_o heal_v they_o hence_o it_o be_v they_o abuse_v all_o both_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a mean_n and_o mercy_n unto_o their_o own_o deep_a defection_n and_o utter_a destruction_n as_o hos_n 7.1_o when_o i_o will_v have_v heal_v israel_n than_o the_o iniquity_n of_o ephraim_n be_v discover_v and_o the_o sin_n of_o samaria_n the_o more_o god_n labour_v with_o they_o to_o heal_v they_o the_o worse_o they_o be_v until_o at_o last_o they_o become_v wilful_o unwilling_a to_o be_v heal_v and_o even_o desperate_o resolute_a in_o their_o apostasy_n jer._n 2.25_o but_o thou_o say_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n no_o for_o i_o have_v love_v stranger_n and_o after_o they_o i_o will_v go_v so_o jer._n 18.12_o isai_n 30.15_o this_o make_v the_o prophet_n to_o lament_v to_o doleful_o without_o hope_n jer._n 8.18_o 20._o when_o i_o will_v comfort_v myself_o against_o sorrow_n my_o heart_n be_v faint_a in_o i_o the_o harvest_n be_v past_a the_o summer_n end_v and_o we_o be_v not_o heal_v for_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o my_o people_n i_o be_o hurt_v i_o be_o black_a astonishment_n have_v take_v hold_n upon_o i_o that_o which_o break_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o hope_n be_v they_o have_v not_o know_v nor_o improve_v the_o time_n and_o mean_n of_o their_o heal_n and_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o now_o their_o case_n be_v hopeless_a and_o remediless_a this_o make_v our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n to_o weep_v out_o the_o bowel_n of_o his_o compassion_n over_o jerusalem_n in_o that_o doleful_a lamentation_n luk._n 19.41_o 42._o and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v near_o he_o behold_v the_o city_n &_o weep_v over_o it_o if_o thou_o have_v know_v even_o thou_o at_o least_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o thy_o peace_n but_o now_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o thy_o eye_n verse_n 44._o because_o thou_o know_v not_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o visitation_n so_o mat._n 23.37_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n etc._n etc._n and_o you_o will_v not_o behold_v your_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a when_o a_o people_n do_v not_o will_v not_o observe_v nor_o understand_v the_o time_n way_n and_o work_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o refuse_v to_o be_v heal_v and_o save_v god_n do_v then_o give_v they_o up_o as_o a_o reprobate_a people_n jer._n 6.29.30_o the_o bellows_o be_v burn_v the_o lead_n be_v consume_v of_o the_o fire_n the_o founder_n melt_v in_o vain_a for_o the_o wicked_a be_v not_o pluck_v away_o reprobate_a silver_n shall_v man_n call_v they_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v reject_v they_o ezek._n 24.13_o because_o i_o have_v purge_v thou_o and_o thou_o be_v not_o purge_v thou_o shall_v not_o be_v purge_v
any_o more_o from_o thy_o filthiness_n until_o i_o have_v cause_v my_o fury_n to_o rest_v upon_o thou_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o i_o will_v do_v it_o i_o will_v not_o go_v back_o neither_o will_v i_o spare_v neither_o will_v i_o repent_v if_o a_o people_n will_v not_o be_v heal_v and_o save_v they_o must_v be_v they_o shall_v be_v destroy_v o_o that_o we_o understand_v how_o much_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o discern_v know_v and_o improve_v the_o present_a time_n lest_o the_o harvest_n shall_v be_v pass_v and_o the_o summer_n end_v and_o the_o thing_n of_o our_o peace_n of_o our_o temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n shall_v be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n 3._o that_o we_o do_v wait_v earnest_o upon_o god_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o humiliation_n and_o supplication_n under_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o word_n and_o worship_n for_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o of_o convert_v grace_n no_o hope_n no_o possibility_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o religion_n otherwise_o than_o by_o such_o a_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n until_o god_n shall_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n from_o on_o high_a isai_n 32.15_o until_o the_o spirit_n be_v pour_v upon_o we_o from_o on_o high_a and_o the_o wilderness_n be_v a_o fruitful_a field_n that_o de_fw-fr struction_n and_o desolation_n be_v to_o remain_v upon_o they_o until_o god_n shall_v work_v a_o general_a work_n of_o conversion_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o religion_n thereby_o they_o be_v to_o remain_v dead_a and_o bury_v in_o their_o grave_n until_o god_n shall_v accomplish_v that_o great_a fundam_fw-la ental_a covenant_n promise_n ezek._n 36.26_o 27._o a_o new_a heart_n will_v i_o give_v you_o and_o a_o new_a spirit_n will_v i_o put_v within_o you_o and_o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o so_o ezek._n 37.13_o 14._o when_o i_o have_v open_v your_o grave_n and_o bring_v you_o up_o out_o of_o your_o grave_n and_o shall_v put_v my_o spirit_n in_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v live_v therefore_o it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o we_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n until_o he_o rain_v righteousness_n hos_fw-la 10.12_o of_o if_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o our_o seed_n and_o his_o blessing_n upon_o our_o offspring_n then_o there_o will_v be_v a_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o religion_n with_o the_o rise_a generation_n they_o shall_v spring_v up_o as_o among_o the_o grass_n and_o as_o willow_n by_o the_o watercourse_n isai_n 44.34_o o_o that_o we_o can_v approve_v ourselves_o a_o humble_a penitential_a prayerful_a people_n prepare_v for_o such_o a_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o wait_v upon_o god_n under_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o 4._o that_o we_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v this_o be_v our_o lord_n jesus_n his_o direction_n in_o term_n rev._n 3.2_o keep_v alive_a and_o cherish_v that_o of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v leave_v the_o remain_v of_o it_o o_o christian_n let_v die_a religion_n have_v a_o revive_v and_o a_o resurrection_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o life_n live_v it_o up_o to_o life_n again_o there_o be_v there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n keep_v in_o the_o world_n than_o what_o be_v preserve_v and_o uphold_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o few_o and_o they_o be_v comparative_o but_o a_o very_a few_o living_n and_o lively_a christian_n there_o never_o have_v be_v nor_o ever_o be_v but_o a_o little_a of_o religion_n in_o the_o life_n spirit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o this_o low_a world_n it_o be_v a_o very_a choice_n rare_a thing_n in_o the_o best_a of_o time_n but_o there_o be_v never_o less_o of_o it_o than_o when_o sincere_a christian_n be_v fall_v into_o a_o frame_n and_o way_n of_o declension_n nothing_o more_o deadly_a to_o religion_n than_o the_o declension_n of_o christian_n which_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o life_n of_o it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o shall_v you_o labour_v to_o rise_v to_o the_o utmost_a height_n of_o attainment_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n even_o unto_o a_o conspicuous_a eminency_n therein_o that_o religion_n may_v not_o only_o live_v but_o shine_v in_o all_o your_o converse_v throughout_o your_o whole_a conversation_n that_o you_o may_v shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n phil._n 2.15_o 16._o christian_n if_o you_o do_v not_o thus_o revive_v and_o raise_v religion_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o life_n before_o you_o die_v you_o may_v not_o expect_v that_o it_o will_v long_o survive_v you_o though_o religion_n can_v die_v so_o long_o as_o you_o live_v yet_o if_o you_o suffer_v religion_n to_o live_v a_o die_a life_n in_o you_o you_o may_v fear_v that_o though_o it_o can_v die_v in_o you_o it_o may_v notwithstanding_o die_v with_o you_o 5._o that_o we_o set_v our_o heart_n unto_o and_o upon_o religion_n make_v it_o our_o high_a our_o dear_a even_o our_o heart-interest_n our_o whole_a our_o all_o as_o to_o interest_n and_o enjoyment_n in_o this_o world_n that_o which_o we_o live_v for_o that_o which_o we_o live_v by_o that_o which_o be_v our_o life_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o we_o live_v to_o with_o and_o upon_o god_n in_o christ_n let_v our_o soul_n therefore_o be_v draw_v forth_o after_o and_o engage_v unto_o religion_n in_o esteem_n love_n zeal_n desire_n delight_n that_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v so_o exercise_v unto_o the_o doctrinal_a practical_a and_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o it_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v raise_v to_o real_a spiritual_a discovery_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o excellency_n glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o with_o a_o transcendency_n above_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o this_o low_a world_n that_o we_o may_v account_v all_o worldly_a interest_n and_o enjoyment_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o as_o the_o holy_a apostle_n do_v phil._n 3.8_o and_o may_v by_o faith_n also_o apprehend_v our_o own_o interest_n in_o it_o with_o most_o certain_a assurance_n that_o it_o be_v we_o our_o own_o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v so_o or_o so_o much_o we_o our_o own_o as_o our_o religion_n that_o be_v our_o god_n our_o christ_n and_o our_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v and_o because_o it_o be_v our_o life_n o_o if_o we_o can_v thus_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o religion_n become_v true_a real_a votary_n to_o religion_n religion_n will_v then_o revive_v and_o live_v 6._o that_o we_o set_v ourselves_o in_o whatsoever_o we_o have_v be_v or_o can_v do_v in_o a_o full_a and_o direct_a subserviency_n to_o the_o propagation_n and_o advancement_n of_o religion_n lay_v out_o ourselves_o improve_v all_o time_n strength_n and_o gift_n grace_n and_o estate_n power_n authority_n interest_n influence_n unto_o our_o utmost_a capacity_n and_o possibility_n for_o religion_n and_o that_o with_o utmost_a care_n conscience_n zeal_n courage_n faithfulness_n in_o a_o way_n of_o steadfast_a perseverance_n through_o all_o encounter_n and_o conflict_n to_o the_o last_o make_v of_o it_o our_o main_a design_n our_o whole_a work_n and_o business_n in_o all_o our_o transaction_n both_o with_o god_n and_o man_n that_o we_o therefore_o labour_v servent_o and_o instant_o with_o god_n in_o prayer_n that_o for_o zions_n sake_n we_o do_v not_o hold_v our_o peace_n and_o for_o jerusalem_n sake_n we_o do_v not_o rest_v that_o we_o never_o hold_v our_o peace_n day_n nor_o night_n give_v he_o no_o rest_n until_o he_o establish_v and_o make_v jerusalem_n a_o praise_n in_o the_o earth_n isai_n 62.1_o 6_o 7._o that_o we_o henceforth_o transact_v with_o god_n and_o one_o with_o another_o with_o religious_a sincerity_n in_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o and_o about_o that_o great_a and_o most_o important_a business_n of_o reformation_n in_o suppress_v all_o the_o great_a and_o general_a sin_n and_o perform_v the_o great_a and_o general_a duty_n of_o the_o time_n that_o we_o trifle_v dissemble_v falsify_v no_o more_o therein_o as_o heretofore_o we_o have_v too_o much_o do_v and_o as_o the_o people_n of_o old_a do_v to_o their_o own_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n jer._n 3.10_o nothing_o hasten_v their_o utter_a defection_n and_o destruction_n more_o than_o their_o formal_a hypocritical_a reformation_n that_o we_o also_o labour_v to_o retrieve_v and_o raise_v the_o visible_a interest_n of_o religion_n and_o advance_v it_o above_o the_o head_n of_o our_o chief_a joy_n psal_n 137.6_o that_o we_o do_v cleave_v by_o a_o heart-engagement_n to_o the_o word_n worship_n ordinance_n administration_n ministry_n order_n rule_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n to_o the_o whole_a cause_n interest_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o do_v not_o deny_v his_o name_n but_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o we_o
his_o people_n of_o old_a hos_fw-la 12.13_o true_o god_n have_v do_v all_o in_o new-england_n by_o his_o word_n as_o long_o as_o we_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o prosper_v if_o we_o will_v now_o hearken_v all_o will_v be_v well_o 2_o chron._n 20.20_o 3._o that_o we_o do_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o recovery_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n with_o holy_a religious_a lively_a spiritual_a devotion_n to_o god_n in_o his_o worship_n more_o especial_o in_o his_o house_n the_o loss_n of_o which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v one_o great_a if_o not_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o religion_n for_o religion_n live_v much_o by_o such_o devotion_n to_o god_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o be_v keep_v alive_a by_o it_o religious_a devotion_n it_o be_v much_o of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o will_v then_o recover_v and_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v our_o soul_n raise_v unto_o a_o very_a high_a and_o dear_a esteem_n of_o and_o love_n unto_o a_o most_o sincere_a and_o fervent_a zeal_n for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o interest_n and_o enjoyment_n thereof_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o understand_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o blessedness_n and_o happiness_n of_o those_o who_o have_v not_o only_o visible_a but_o a_o real_a spiritual_a interest_n and_o stand_v therein_o we_o must_v give_v up_o and_o devote_v ourselves_o our_o very_a soul_n unto_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o holy_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o his_o house_n in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o uphold_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o life_n spirit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o we_o must_v have_v our_o heart_n enlarge_v to_o take_v in_o a_o fullness_n of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o gracious_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o raise_v unto_o live_a apprehension_n of_o that_o presence_n with_o spiritual_a pleasure_n delight_n soul-solace_n and_o satisfaction_n therein_o that_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v draw_v forth_o more_o &_o more_o after_o it_o with_o long_a desire_n &_o earnest_a prayer_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o saint_n of_o old_a be_v psal_n 27.4_o &_o 36.7_o &_o 42.1_o 2._o &_o 63.1_o 2._o &_o 84.1_o 2_o 10._o we_o must_v labour_v to_o keep_v the_o house_n of_o god_n pure_a and_o holy_a and_o all_o the_o service_n and_o administration_n of_o it_o and_o to_o obtain_v a_o spiritual_a soul-settlement_n therein_o psal_n 92.13_o those_o that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v flourish_v in_o the_o court_n of_o our_o god_n if_o we_o will_v have_v religion_n live_v we_o must_v real_o dwell_v in_o the_o house_n for_o there_o and_o therein_o religion_n live_v by_o nothing_o have_v we_o more_o endanger_v and_o destroy_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n than_o by_o withdraw_v our_o heart_n from_o god_n in_o his_o worship_n in_o his_o house_n by_o our_o formality_n hypocrisy_n and_o spiritual_a idolatry_n therein_o by_o slight_v neglect_v profane_v and_o pollute_v thereof_o and_o by_o sin_v away_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n from_o it_o these_o evil_n be_v deadly_a they_o be_v death_n to_o religion_n so_o long_o as_o these_o evil_n remain_v and_o so_o long_o as_o we_o remain_v so_o estrange_v to_o the_o house_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n there_o will_v be_v no_o hope_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n neither_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n effectual_o for_o the_o recovery_n and_o preservation_n of_o it_o 4._o that_o we_o do_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o recovery_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n with_o the_o special_a presence_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n religion_n live_v only_o by_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o life_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o we_o have_v by_o our_o sin_n and_o miscarriage_n move_v our_o lord_n jesus_n to_o withdraw_v and_o withhold_v so_o much_o of_o his_o presence_n and_o power_n from_o we_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o suffer_v such_o a_o privation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o unless_o we_o obtain_v a_o return_n thereof_o religion_n will_v die_v quite_o away_o that_o we_o may_v obtain_v the_o return_n of_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v be_v sensible_a of_o and_o humble_v for_o those_o sin_n and_o evil_n whereby_o we_o have_v grieve_v and_o provoke_v he_o our_o unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n not_o subject_v to_o his_o spiritual_a rule_n and_o government_n and_o to_o the_o ministerial_a exercise_n of_o his_o power_n therein_o unfaithfulness_n to_o his_o cause_n interest_n and_o work_n dissension_n disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o church_n the_o loss_n of_o our_o first_o love_n and_o life_n and_o the_o great_a dishonour_n to_o his_o holy_a name_n these_o evil_n must_v be_v repent_v of_o and_z removed_z unconverted_a sinner_n must_v receive_v he_o and_o give_v themselves_o to_o he_o by_o faith_n in_o a_o way_n of_o gospel-obedience_n christian_n must_v awake_v and_o rouse_v up_o their_o sleepy_a soul_n out_o of_o carnal_a ease_n and_o rest_n follow_v he_o and_o seek_v he_o until_o you_o have_v find_v he_o and_o repossess_v your_o soul_n of_o he_o with_o a_o fullness_n of_o spiritual_a joy_n pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o your_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 3.4_o the_o church_n must_v give_v he_o free_a full_a and_o open_a entrance_n and_o entertainment_n in_o the_o great_a fullness_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o power_n recover_v their_o first_o life_n and_o love_n do_v their_o first_o work_n in_o maintain_v integrity_n of_o love_n peace_n union_n purity_n of_o communion_n regularity_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o order_n within_o themselves_o cleave_v to_o his_o cause_n interest_n and_o work_n full_o steadfast_o and_o faithful_o manage_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o a_o way_n of_o sincere_a soul-subjection_n to_o he_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o name_n and_o glory_n o_o if_o christian_n and_o church_n can_v thus_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v themselves_o unto_o the_o return_n of_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n they_o will_v soon_o feel_v themselves_o enable_v thereby_o to_o perform_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o recovery_n and_o preservation_n of_o religion_n the_o sad_a cause_n why_o we_o have_v hitherto_o fail_v in_o all_o our_o undertake_n be_v the_o want_n of_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n o_o there_o be_v woeful_a evidence_n of_o the_o want_n of_o it_o until_o christ_n return_v it_o nothing_o will_v or_o can_v be_v do_v the_o return_n of_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n will_v instant_o infer_v a_o happy_a resurrection_n of_o religion_n o_o let_v we_o seek_v it_o pray_v and_o cry_v for_o it_o under_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o our_o extreme_a necessity_n of_o it_o and_o of_o our_o woeful_a condition_n without_o it_o let_v we_o be_v move_v hereunto_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o gracious_a disposition_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n to_o return_v it_o be_v yet_o his_o voice_n to_o these_o as_o it_o be_v to_o those_o decline_a church_n after_o he_o have_v reprove_v charge_v threaten_v they_o very_o sharp_o and_o severe_o he_o conclude_v all_o rev._n 3.20_o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v come_v in_o by_o open_v to_o christ_n we_o shall_v do_v all_o and_o obtain_v all_o salvation_n 5._o that_o we_o do_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o recovery_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n quick_o there_o must_v be_v a_o sudden_a quick_a dispatch_n of_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n it_o must_v be_v do_v present_o instant_o without_o delay_n as_o we_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o our_o life_n when_o in_o utmost_a and_o extreme_a danger_n if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v what_o we_o have_v to_o do_v quick_o it_o may_v be_v quick_o too_o late_o and_o true_o it_o will_v be_v god_n infinite_a mercy_n if_o it_o be_v not_o already_o too_o late_o as_o it_o be_v to_o they_o luk._n 19.42_o mat._n 23.37_o o_o we_o have_v linger_v and_o delay_v upon_o utmost_a peril_n already_o it_o be_v now_o high_a time_n more_o than_o time_n if_o we_o mean_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n hos_fw-la 10.12_o it_o be_v time_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n till_o he_o come_v god_n be_v now_o cry_v to_o day_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n after_o so_o long_a a_o time_n psal_n 95.7_o heb._n 4.7_o god_n call_v for_o present_a haste_n he_o be_v every_o way_n hasten_v of_o we_o the_o die_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o
withdraw_a our_o heart_n from_o it_o or_o by_o a_o heart-apostacy_n from_o god_n religion_n always_o die_v by_o the_o people_n heart-apostacy_n they_o set_v not_o their_o heart_n aright_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o psal_n 78.8_o 37._o their_o heart_n be_v remove_v far_o from_o he_o isa_n 29.13_o hence_o god_n complain_v so_o much_o every_o where_o of_o their_o evil_a heart_n their_o hard_a impenitent_a unbelieving_a stubborn_a rebellious_a backslide_a revolt_a whorish_a heart_n whereby_o they_o have_v quite_o destroy_v the_o life_n of_o their_o religion_n again_o that_o we_o do_v not_o desert_a religion_n by_o slight_v neglect_v and_o expose_v the_o visible_a external_a interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o it_o and_o so_o not_o only_o withdraw_v our_o heart_n but_o our_o head_n and_o hand_n also_o i_o mean_v our_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n in_o whatsoever_o ought_v and_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v and_o perform_v for_o the_o support_n uphold_v and_o maintain_v of_o the_o visible_a interest_n of_o religion_n thus_o the_o people_n of_o old_a in_o their_o apostasy_n forsake_v the_o temple_n and_o the_o visible_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o suffer_v all_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n they_o desert_v the_o whole_a interest_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o destroy_v it_o how_o much_o the_o spirit_n the_o sin_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o time_n do_v incline_v unto_o such_o a_o desert_v or_o forsake_v of_o religion_n we_o may_v consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n with_o deep_a humiliation_n for_o the_o more_o close_a application_n of_o this_o admonition_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o when_o religion_n be_v once_o decay_v and_o die_v be_v near_a death_n even_o at_o the_o point_n or_o ready_a to_o die_v as_o rev._n 3.2_o it_o be_v then_o high_a time_n for_o professor_n and_o a_o profess_v people_n to_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v no_o further_o accessary_a to_o the_o death_n of_o it_o when_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o world_n rise_v high_a and_o high_o &_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a and_o religion_n be_v grow_v weak_a and_o weak_a be_v already_o grow_v so_o weak_a that_o it_o have_v not_o life_n strength_n or_o power_n enough_o leave_v to_o recover_v itself_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a question_n to_o such_o a_o people_n whether_o religion_n be_v not_o go_v past_o hope_n of_o recovery_n at_o least_o in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o mean_n whether_o ever_o that_o church_n of_o sardis_n and_o those_o other_o decline_v church_n be_v recover_v or_o no_o by_o a_o resurrection_n of_o religion_n be_v more_o uncertain_a sure_o we_o be_v they_o afterward_o die_v and_o be_v bury_v together_o with_o their_o religion_n in_o their_o own_o ruin_n 2._o when_o religion_n die_v all_o die_v with_o such_o a_o people_n the_o death_n of_o religion_n destroy_v all_o kind_n of_o life_n both_o the_o spiritual_a and_o political_a life_n it_o destroy_v church-constitution_n order_n administration_n yea_o it_o destroy_v the_o be_v and_o stand_v of_o a_o people_n before_o god_n under_o his_o covenant_n when_o religion_n die_v then_o lo-ammi_a and_o lo-ruhamah_a be_v bear_v then_o god_n say_v you_o be_v not_o my_o people_n and_o i_o will_v not_o be_v your_o god_n and_o he_o will_v no_o more_o have_v mercy_n but_o that_o he_o will_v utter_o take_v away_o hose_n 1.6_o 8._o thus_o that_o people_n destroy_v themselves_o by_o destroy_v of_o their_o religion_n and_o remain_v dead_a and_o bury_v in_o their_o grave_n unto_o this_o day_n ezek._n 37.1_o 14._o if_o we_o shall_v destroy_v our_o religion_n we_o shall_v destroy_v all_o our_o public_a weal_n all_o that_o wherein_o we_o have_v be_v peculiar_o happy_a as_o the_o people_n of_o god_n if_o once_o religion_n die_v there_o will_v be_v nothing_o but_o death_n death_n in_o our_o heart_n death_n in_o all_o our_o way_n of_o converse_n we_o shall_v be_v a_o dead_a people_n sin_n and_o death_n do_v always_o reign_v when_o and_o where_o religion_n die_v and_o be_v destroy_v 3._o when_o a_o people_n destroy_v themselves_o by_o destroy_v religion_n they_o perish_v inevitable_o utter_o &_o most_o miserable_o when_o god_n do_v leave_v a_o people_n to_o destroy_v religion_n than_o he_o have_v no_o salvation_n for_o they_o by_o destroy_v religion_n a_o people_n do_v put_v away_o salvation_n from_o they_o and_o render_v themselves_o utter_o uncapable_a thereof_o if_o god_n lot_n such_o a_o peope_n alone_o and_o execute_v no_o outward_a temporal_a judgement_n upon_o they_o they_o will_v soon_o make_v a_o miserable_a end_n of_o themselves_o for_o they_o will_v abuse_v all_o their_o peace_n prosperity_n means_n mercy_n interest_n &_o enjoyment_n unto_o their_o own_o ruin_n and_o incur_v all_o kind_n of_o destroy_v evil_n make_v themselves_o a_o shame_n a_o reproach_n a_o taunt_n a_o curse_n a_o execration_n and_o a_o astonishment_n to_o all_o people_n so_o do_v that_o people_n of_o old_a jer._n 24.9_o jer._n 25.18_o and_o so_o they_o continue_v to_o be_v unto_o this_o day_n no_o such_o vile_a refuse_v people_n under_o heaven_n as_o they_o who_o have_v destroy_v religion_n such_o a_o people_n must_v needs_o perish_v most_o hopeless_o ezek._n 33.10_o if_o our_o transgression_n and_o our_o sin_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o we_o pine_v away_o in_o they_o how_o shall_v we_o then_o live_v observe_v religion_n be_v dead_a and_o go_v they_o cast_v away_o all_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o desperate_o unto_o destruction_n say_v how_o shall_v we_o then_o live_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o produce_v a_o instance_n of_o any_o people_n recover_v when_o they_o have_v destroy_v religion_n by_o a_o general_n and_o total_a apostasy_n from_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a height_n of_o all_o sin_n transgression_n and_o provocation_n which_o move_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o arise_v 2_o chron._n 36.16_o until_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n arise_v against_o his_o people_n till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n or_o no_o heal_n by_o destroy_v of_o religion_n a_o people_n do_v fill_v up_o their_o sin_n always_o till_o wrath_n come_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o utmost_a 1_o thes_n 2.16_o to_o fill_v up_o their_o sin_n always_o for_o the_o wrath_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a furthermore_o to_o destroy_v religion_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n most_o direct_o against_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n because_o religion_n it_o be_v more_o peculiar_o he_o his_o work_n his_o cause_n and_o interest_n therefore_o to_o destroy_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o do_v expose_v a_o people_n more_o direct_o to_o the_o dreadful_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o great_a injury_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v or_o do_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v avenge_v it_o we_o know_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o do_v denounce_v so_o dreadful_o against_o all_o the_o church_n rev._n 2.5_o else_o will_v i_o come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n &_o v._o 16._o else_o will_v i_o come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v fight_v against_o they_o v._n 23._o i_o will_v kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n and_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o he_o which_o search_v the_o reins_o and_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o of_o you_o according_a to_o your_o work_n the_o condition_n of_o a_o people_n or_o churches_n be_v become_v unspeakable_o woeful_a and_o lamentable_a when_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n to_o procure_v all_o both_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a deliverance_n and_o salvation_n be_v turn_v against_o they_o and_o become_v their_o enemy_n for_o he_o be_v the_o most_o dreadful_a enemy_n concern_v who_o it_o be_v write_v exod._n 23.21_o beware_v of_o he_o and_o obey_v his_o voice_n provoke_v he_o not_o for_o he_o will_v not_o pardon_v &_o psal_n 2.12_o kiss_v the_o son_n lest_o he_o be_v angry_a and_o you_o perish_v from_o the_o way_n when_o his_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v but_o a_o little_a bless_a be_v all_o they_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o well_o then_o may_v any_o people_n or_o church_n who_o have_v any_o care_n or_o concernment_n for_o their_o own_o salvation_n be_v surprise_v with_o astonishment_n unto_o some_o degree_n of_o horror_n under_o a_o apprehension_n of_o any_o danger_n of_o the_o death_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o new-england_n that_o althô_o religion_n do_v languish_v yet_o if_o we_o be_v admonish_v and_o take_v warning_n there_o be_v still_o hope_v that_o it_o may_v revive_v and_z live_v hence_o the_o iii_o use_v wherein_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v improve_v and_o apply_v in_o a_o way_n of_o exhortation_n if_o religion_n be_v our_o life_n and_o if_o there_o