idolatry_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n sinner_n be_v spâ—â—â—ed_v unto_o and_o with_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n those_o sin_n be_v even_o root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o generation_n as_o jer._n 17.1_o the_o sin_n of_o judah_n it_o be_v grave_v upon_o the_o table_n of_o their_o heart_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o reformation_n except_o we_o make_v we_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n and_o true_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o we_o do_v not_o reform_v that_o we_o can_v reform_v though_o we_o do_v promise_n and_o vow_v reformation_n unto_o god_n deut._n 5.29_o this_o people_n have_v well_o say_v o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o they_o q.d._n the_o great_a thing_n which_o this_o people_n want_n be_v a_o heart_n true_o so_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o new-england_n do_v want_v it_o be_v a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n here_o than_o we_o must_v begin_v and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o 1._o all_o sincere_a christian_n must_v begin_v this_o work_n of_o heart-reformation_n by_o labour_v to_o recover_v your_o soul_n out_o of_o your_o spiritual_a declension_n in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n this_o spiritual_a declension_n it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o and_o most_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n that_o have_v of_o our_o first_o love_n reprove_v in_o the_o context_n and_o therefore_o restitution_n from_o this_o spiritual_a declension_n it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o most_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n do_v of_o our_o first_o work_n commend_v in_o the_o text_n and_o therefore_o sincere_a christian_n be_v first_o and_o most_o proper_o concern_v in_o this_o duty_n of_o do_v of_o their_o first_o work_n how_o general_o and_o deep_o christian_n be_v thus_o decline_v both_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n do_v sad_o testify_v it_o be_v the_o great_a and_o general_a complaint_n of_o all_o sensible_a christian_n o_o their_o decay_n and_o declension_n hence_o little_a of_o the_o life_n and_o activity_n of_o grace_n hardly_o enough_o to_o evidence_n the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o clear_o and_o comfortable_o either_o to_o themselves_o or_o other_o little_a of_o the_o life_n of_o obedience_n either_o in_o duty_n of_o religion_n or_o righteousness_n much_o carnality_n formality_n hypocrisy_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n both_o in_o public_a private_a and_o in_o secret_n in_o all_o their_o converse_n and_o communion_n both_o with_o god_n and_o saint_n their_o soul_n languish_v under_o a_o spiritual_a consumption_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o remain_v even_o ready_a to_o die_v rev_n 3.2_o it_o be_v true_a first_o of_o christian_n then_o of_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n that_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a deadness_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o church_n hence_o great_a unprofitableness_n and_o unfruitfulness_n under_o all_o ordinance_n sin_n more_o unmortified_a then_o ever_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n deep_o corrupt_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n and_o many_o christian_n fall_v into_o a_o very_a dangerous_a way_n of_o communion_n with_o and_o conformity_n unto_o the_o wicked_a world_n and_o all_o this_o appear_v upon_o some_o of_o those_o who_o first_o life_n love_n sincerity_n purity_n and_o eminency_n in_o grace_n and_o godliness_n be_v sometime_o a_o beauty_n unto_o these_o church_n o_o how_o be_v our_o gold_n become_v dim_a and_o our_o fine_a gold_n change_v lam._n 4.1_o how_o be_v our_o silver_n become_v dross_n and_o our_o wine_n mine_v with_o water_n isa_n 1.22_o how_o be_v zions_n nazarite_n change_v in_o their_o visage_n lam._n 4.7_o how_o be_v the_o face_n the_o countenance_n the_o conversation_n of_o many_o christian_n change_v o_o christian_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o yea_o what_o will_v become_v of_o religion_n in_o this_o next_o succeed_a generation_n if_o you_o live_v and_o die_v under_o your_o declension_n as_o true_o many_o christian_n be_v likely_a to_o do_v be_v fall_v into_o such_o deep_a security_n under_o their_o declension_n that_o they_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v awaken_v until_o the_o cry_v be_v make_v at_o midnight_n the_o bridegroom_n come_v and_o must_v bestir_v themselves_o very_o hard_o to_o trim_v their_o lamp_n in_o time_n to_o enter_v in_o with_o he_o o_o christian_n it_o be_v your_o spiritual_a declension_n that_o be_v the_o main_a root_n of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o this_o noble_a vine_n jer._n 2.21_o it_o be_v your_o leave_v of_o your_o first_o love_n which_o do_v make_v way_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o candlestick_n your_o spiritual_a declension_n will_v lead_v the_o way_n unto_o and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n for_o the_o general_a and_o total_a defection_n of_o these_o church_n in_o succeed_a generation_n therefore_o as_o the_o defection_n have_v be_v in_o part_n begin_v by_o your_o declension_n so_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n it_o must_v be_v begin_v by_o your_o restitution_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o ever_o these_o church_n shall_v be_v restore_v unto_o their_o first_o spiritual_a prosperity_n and_o flourish_a state_n unless_o christian_n do_v first_o recover_v their_o first_o love_n life_n sincerity_n fervency_n purity_n activity_n eminency_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n and_o in_o all_o practical_a piety_n both_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n o_o how_o can_v you_o hope_v to_o lie_v down_o in_o your_o grave_n with_o peace_n and_o comfort_n before_o you_o have_v do_v what_o in_o you_o lie_v in_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n how_o can_v you_o die_v in_o peace_n under_o your_o spiritual_a declension_n and_o thereby_o leave_v religion_n decay_v and_o die_v and_o these_o church_n and_o this_o generation_n your_o poor_a posterity_n sink_v under_o a_o general_a and_o total_a defection_n sure_o in_o vain_a and_o frustrate_v will_v be_v all_o your_o prayer_n desire_n hope_n of_o a_o reformation_n except_o that_o you_o christian_n do_v thus_o begin_v and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o work_n in_o your_o own_o heart_n before_o you_o die_v 2._o the_o work_n of_o heart-reformation_n or_o make_v of_o a_o new_a heart_n consist_v in_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n this_o be_v the_o most_o full_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o those_o word_n ezek._n 18.31_o make_v you_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v so_o ezek._n 33.11_o turn_v you_o turn_v you_o for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v it_o be_v a_o call_v to_o the_o unconvert_v when_o god_n do_v restore_v his_o people_n from_o any_o deep_a and_o general_a defection_n and_o renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o they_o he_o do_v promise_n and_o actual_o pour_v out_o abundance_n of_o convert_v grace_n and_o so_o revive_v and_o renew_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n so_o ezek._n 36.26_o a_o new_a heart_n will_v i_o give_v you_o and_o a_o new_a spirit_n will_v i_o put_v within_o you_o i_o will_v take_v the_o flony_n heart_n out_o of_o your_o flesh_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o let_v i_o be_v hold_v to_o say_v if_o ever_o these_o church_n be_v thorough_o recover_v it_o will_v be_v it_o must_v be_v by_o such_o a_o dispensation_n of_o convert_v grace_n unto_o a_o unconverted_a generation_n it_o be_v unregeneracy_n that_o be_v the_o radical_a and_o total_a degeneracy_n of_o any_o generation_n whereby_o it_o be_v whole_o turn_v into_o the_o degenerate_a plant_n of_o a_o strange_a vine_n unto_o the_o lord_n here_o will_v be_v our_o deep_a and_o most_o dangerous_a defection_n and_o that_o which_o will_v prove_v inevitable_o ruine_v unto_o these_o church_n unless_o the_o lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o o_o our_o unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n unto_o the_o gospel_n our_o rejection_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v a_o most_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a sign_n that_o these_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v fall_v into_o a_o irreparable_a irrecoverable_a decay_n that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o of_o the_o generation_n grow_v up_o under_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o mean_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o vnregeneracy_n under_o the_o prevail_a power_n of_o spiritual_a apostasy_n and_o as_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v under_o a_o dreadful_a dispensation_n of_o divine_a justice_n by_o spiritual_a plague_n and_o judgement_n be_v just_o give_v up_o by_o god_n unto_o a_o spirit_n frame_n and_o way_n of_o unprofitableness_n under_o a_o judicial_a ministry_n send_v to_o make_v their_o heart_n fat_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v convert_v as_o isa_n 6.10_o o_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a word_n lest_o they_o shall_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n etc._n etc._n and_o convert_v and_o be_v heal_v observe_v there_o be_v no_o help_n no_o heal_n for_o any_o people_n if_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n cease_v among_o they_o true_o
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
with_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n but_o peace_n shall_v be_v upon_o israel_n psal_n 125.5_o 2._o let_v all_o the_o friend_n lover_n wellwisher_n well-willer_n unto_o the_o public_a good_a and_o prosperity_n of_o these_o church_n up_o and_o be_v do_v in_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n you_o who_o be_v of_o the_o pass_a generation_n of_o the_o first_o undertaker_n of_o this_o work_n of_o reformation_n survive_v and_o who_o have_v see_v with_o your_o eye_n and_o tell_v we_o what_o work_v god_n do_v in_o your_o day_n as_o psal_n 44.1_o who_o have_v therefore_o yet_o a_o live_a remembrance_n of_o the_o gracious_a way_n and_o glorious_a work_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n in_o the_o first_o beginning_n and_o prosperous_a progress_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o so_o of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n of_o the_o church_n here_o in_o their_o first_o glory_n hag._n 2.3_o you_o have_v also_o see_v and_o observe_v the_o gradual_a declension_n and_o defection_n of_o these_o church_n and_o therefore_o you_o can_v choose_v but_o be_v most_o sad_o and_o sorrowful_o sensible_a of_o our_o present_a necessity_n of_o reformation_n o_o then_o be_v move_v to_o do_v what_o in_o you_o lie_v by_o your_o faith_n prayer_n life_n and_o example_n to_o revive_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n again_o before_o you_o die_v you_o also_o who_o be_v the_o present_a stand_a generation_n the_o next_o and_o immediate_a successor_n unto_o those_o first_o reformer_n who_o have_v be_v actual_o betrust_v with_o church-order_n ordinance_n and_o administration_n with_o the_o whole_a cause_n of_o god_n kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o with_o this_o great_a and_o glorious_a work_n of_o reformation_n and_o who_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v find_v most_o guilty_a of_o this_o general_a defection_n and_o have_v too_o much_o already_o endanger_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o o_o be_v you_o move_v to_o stand_v up_o strong_o unto_o the_o work_n under_o that_o charge_n and_o all_o those_o solemn_a obligation_n and_o engagement_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v upon_o you_o the_o weight_n and_o burden_n of_o the_o work_n lie_v upon_o you_o we_o have_v be_v raise_v up_o in_o the_o stead_n of_o our_o father_n as_o josh_n 5.7_o to_o carry_v on_o this_o work_n and_o true_o if_o we_o shall_v desert_v or_o be_v slight_a and_o negligent_a therein_o it_o will_v soon_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o sink_v past_a recovery_n and_o we_o shall_v thereby_o at_o once_o cut_v off_o the_o hope_n of_o our_o father_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o succeed_v generation_n utter_o undo_v all_o posterity_n o_o let_v we_o therefore_o make_v it_o our_o prayer_n which_o be_v in_o 1_o king_n 8.57_o 58._o the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v with_o we_o as_o he_o be_v with_o our_o father_n let_v he_o not_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v we_o that_o he_o may_v incline_v our_o heart_n unto_o he_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n etc._n etc._n and_o you_o who_o be_v of_o the_o rise_a generation_n adult_n youth_n and_o young_a man_n you_o be_v many_o of_o you_o if_o not_o most_o of_o you_o a_o three_o generation_n from_o those_o who_o god_n first_o bring_v out_o into_o this_o wilderness_n you_o be_v they_o who_o be_v likely_a to_o outlive_v joshua_n and_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n that_o outlive_v joshua_n and_o all_o that_o generation_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o judg._n 2.7_o 8_o 9_o you_o can_v many_o of_o you_o remember_v the_o work_n which_o god_n wrought_v for_o your_o forefather_n you_o have_v never_o see_v these_o church_n in_o their_o first_o beauty_n and_o glory_n nor_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o their_o first_o spiritual_a power_n and_o purity_n it_o have_v be_v so_o far_o your_o unhappiness_n that_o you_o have_v be_v bring_v forth_o and_o live_v under_o the_o decay_a state_n of_o these_o church_n and_o of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v like_a to_o grow_v up_o under_o the_o prevail_a power_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o apostasy_n and_o alas_o upon_o you_o be_v likely_a to_o fall_v all_o the_o calamity_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o apostasy_n which_o be_v begin_v you_o will_v see_v and_o feel_v the_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a effect_n of_o it_o o_o therefore_o that_o youth_n and_o young_a person_n can_v lay_v this_o consideration_n unto_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v move_v also_o to_o engage_v in_o this_o work_n of_o reformation_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a by_o labour_v unto_o a_o sound_a conversion_n and_o a_o religious_a conversation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o youth_n o_o that_o all_o thus_o concern_v will_v up_o and_o be_v do_v true_a it_o be_v there_o be_v many_o great_a discouragement_n so_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o be_v most_o and_o best_a dispose_v unto_o the_o work_n be_v ready_a to_o fail_v especial_o consider_v that_o all_o mean_n of_o reformation_n have_v hither_o unto_o fail_v nothing_o have_v hither_o unto_o do_v we_o any_o good_a so_o that_o god_n himself_o may_v just_o complain_v of_o we_o as_o he_o do_v of_o that_o people_n hos_fw-la 6.4_o o_o ephraim_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o etc._n etc._n jer._n 6.29_o the_o bellows_o be_v burn_v truly_n reformation_n it_o be_v likely_a to_o prove_v a_o very_a hard_a and_o heavy_a work_n yet_o we_o must_v never_o despair_v of_o reformation_n as_o that_o people_n seem_v to_o do_v ezek._n 33.10_o if_o our_o transgression_n and_o our_o iniquity_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o we_o pine_v away_o in_o they_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o live_v q.d._n you_o call_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o denounce_v wrath_n and_o judgement_n against_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v it_o but_o alas_o to_o what_o purpose_n for_o god_n be_v resolve_v to_o suffer_v we_o to_o pine_v and_o die_v away_o in_o our_o sin_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v instant_o give_v they_o a_o encourage_n call_v to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n ver._n 11._o say_v unto_o they_o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n and_o live_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n sure_o god_n be_v yet_o call_v of_o we_o unto_o reformation_n and_o wait_v upon_o we_o for_o reformation_n it_o be_v yet_o a_o probation-time_n with_o we_o wherein_o we_o be_v stand_v before_o god_n upon_o our_o trial_n god_n have_v repent_v once_o more_o of_o the_o evil_a as_o amos_n 7.3_o the_o unprofitable_a tree_n have_v one_o year_n more_o to_o stand_v in_o the_o vineyard_n luk._n 13.8_o yet_o true_o now_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v limit_v of_o we_o to_o a_o certain_a day_n psal_n 95.7_o to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n o_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n then_o unto_o this_o day_n this_o limit_a day_n which_o will_v put_v a_o period_n unto_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a lest_o god_n swear_v sudden_o and_o irrevecable_o in_o his_o wrath_n against_o we_o if_o once_o our_o day_n be_v past_a it_o will_v be_v indeed_o too_o late_o witness_v our_o saviour_n mournful_a doleful_a lamentation_n which_o he_o weep_v out_o over_o jerusalem_n luke_n 19.42_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 of_o thy_o peace_n but_o now_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o thy_o eye_n and_o why_o see_v ver_fw-la 44._o because_o thou_o know_v not_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o visitation_n therefore_o i_o say_v now_o now_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o reform_v it_o be_v press_v as_o a_o present_a as_o a_o instant_a duty_n zeph._n 2.2_o 3._o before_o before_o before_o before_o that_o be_v in_o all_o haste_n speedy_o hos_fw-la 10.12_o it_o be_v time_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n that_o be_v it_o be_v high_a time_n more_o than_o time_n the_o only_a time_n now_o if_o ever_o now_o or_o never_o i_o do_v now_o reinforce_v the_o exhortation_n at_o least_o by_o way_n of_o allusion_n to_o that_o in_o hag._n 2.4_o yet_o now_o be_v strong_a o_o zerubbabel_n and_o be_v strong_a o_o joshua_n the_o son_n of_o josedech_n the_o high_a priest_n and_o be_v strong_a all_o you_o people_n of_o the_o land_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o work_v for_o i_o be_o with_o you_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n according_a to_o the_o word_n that_o i_o covenant_v with_o you_o when_o you_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n so_o my_o spirit_n remain_v among_o you_o fear_v you_o not_o so_o let_v magistracy_n ministry_n and_o people_n be_v strengthen_v and_o encourage_v to_o this_o work_n believe_v and_o hope_v that_o god_n spirit_n remain_v among_o we_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o his_o people_n when_o he_o bring_v they_o forth_o first_o into_o this_o wilderness_n
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
must_v also_o improve_v and_o exercise_v our_o liberty_n in_o way_n of_o love_n peace_n union_n and_o communion_n unto_o mutual_a edification_n and_o comfort_n by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o gal._n 5.3_o o_o this_o be_v the_o only_a sweet_a and_o comfortable_a life_n of_o christian_a liberty_n it_o be_v a_o very_a sinful_a shameful_a abuse_n of_o christian_a liberty_n to_o make_v it_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n to_o make_v it_o subservient_fw-fr to_o libertinism_n to_o licentiousness_n to_o carnal_a reason_n and_o policy_n to_o worldly_a design_n and_o end_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o man_n in_o foment_v division_n &_o contention_n and_o of_o make_v it_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n 1_o pet._n 2.16_o surely_n it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o work_n of_o reformation_n to_o reform_v these_o abuse_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n we_o be_v people_n high_o privilege_v with_o christian_a liberty_n and_o advantage_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o o_o that_o we_o better_o understand_v it_o and_o improve_v it_o let_v we_o always_o remember_v to_o keep_v our_o liberty_n whole_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o our_o religion_n and_o not_o set_v up_o liberty_n above_o religion_n if_o so_o we_o shall_v lose_v both_o our_o religion_n and_o our_o liberty_n together_o 6_o labour_n unto_o the_o promotion_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n by_o recovery_n of_o your_o first_o love_n peace_n and_o union_n o_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o first_o love_n peace_n and_o union_n have_v hitherto_o be_v a_o irreparable_a loss_n a_o incurable_a wound_n concern_v which_o we_o may_v take_v up_o our_o lamentation_n and_o say_v jer._n 8.20_o 21_o 22._o the_o harvest_n be_v past_a the_o summer_n be_v end_v and_o we_o be_v not_o heal_v for_o the_o hurt_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 be_v there_o no_o balm_n in_o gilead_n be_v there_o no_o physician_n there_o why_o then_o be_v not_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o my_o people_n recover_v o_o be_v our_o division_n become_v judicial_a and_o so_o incurable_a if_o so_o our_o state_n be_v true_o lamentable_a as_o jer._n 16.5_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n enter_v not_o into_o the_o house_n of_o mourning_n neither_o go_v to_o lament_v nor_o bemoan_v they_o for_o i_o have_v take_v away_o my_o peace_n from_o this_o people_n say_v the_o lord_n even_o love_v kindness_n and_o mercy_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o well_o may_v the_o heart_n and_o hope_n of_o all_o our_o faithful_a leader_n fail_v who_o labour_n have_v hither_o unto_o much_o fail_v sure_o then_o the_o recovery_n of_o our_o first_o love_n peace_n and_o union_n be_v a_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o will_v be_v find_v a_o very_a hard_a and_o difficult_a part_n of_o the_o work_n in_o order_n hereunto_o 1._o we_o must_v remember_v from_o whence_o we_o be_v fall_v o_o let_v the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o sweetness_n and_o blessedness_n of_o our_o first_o love_n peace_n and_o union_n convince_v and_o humble_v we_o under_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o envy_n strife_n debate_n division_n contention_n and_o emulation_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v the_o sad_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o although_o they_o be_v lamentable_o distress_v and_o distract_v with_o division_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o they_o but_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o do_v glory_n one_o against_o another_o o_o that_o it_o be_v nothing_o so_o with_o we_o true_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o hope_n of_o heal_v o_o that_o we_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o division_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v beget_v by_o it_o that_o we_o may_v mourn_v penitential_o and_o bemoan_v ourselves_o before_o god_n with_o brokenness_n of_o heart_n and_o earnest_o beseech_v he_o to_o pardon_v and_o to_o purge_v away_o all_o that_o sin_n and_o to_o grant_v we_o reform_v grace_n true_o until_o we_o be_v thus_o convince_v and_o humble_v there_o will_v be_v no_o reformation_n 2._o we_o must_v labour_v to_o recover_v our_o first_o spirit_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o union_n pray_v earnest_o unto_o god_n to_o pour_v his_o spirit_n upon_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n to_o pour_v out_o abundance_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o love_n to_o create_v love_n peace_n and_o union_n for_o we_o and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o spirit_n of_o division_n which_o we_o be_v so_o deep_o corrupt_v withal_o 3._o we_o must_v labour_v to_o recover_v our_o first_o new-england_n interest_n that_o be_v that_o interest_n upon_o which_o this_o people_n and_o these_o church_n be_v first_o found_v as_o to_o their_o religious_a constitution_n which_o be_v god_n and_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o only_a unite_n interest_n our_o very_a heart_n and_o soul_n will_v cleave_v and_o unite_v most_o entire_o in_o love_n with_o peace_n and_o union_n in_o our_o god_n and_o our_o religion_n this_o interest_n will_v make_v a_o people_n of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n jer._n 32.39_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n and_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o i_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n to_o fear_v i_o observe_v when_o a_o people_n do_v cleave_v close_o to_o god_n and_o his_o covenant_n and_o so_o unto_o religion_n they_o have_v one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n that_o be_v sweet_a and_o perfect_a unity_n and_o amity_n o_o this_o be_v our_o great_a mischief_n and_o misery_n and_o the_o very_a original_n of_o our_o defection_n that_o we_o have_v much_o forsake_v our_o proper_a new-england_n interest_n we_o have_v commit_v these_o two_o great_a evil_n jer._n 2.13_o forsake_a our_o god_n and_o hew_v out_o cistern_n we_o have_v be_v change_v of_o our_o main_a fundamental_a interest_n we_o have_v be_v desert_v our_o own_o religious_a interest_n &_o espouse_v another_o viz._n a_o worldly_a interest_n we_o be_v turn_v from_o god_n after_o the_o world_n the_o world_n be_v become_v the_o main_a interest_n of_o n._n e._n and_o we_o be_v become_v a_o worldly_a people_n a_o people_n of_o a_o worldly_a spirit_n principle_n &_o practice_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v only_o nor_o so_o much_o in_o seek_v and_o prosecute_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n although_o that_o be_v enough_o to_o denominate_v we_o notorious_o worldly_a but_o our_o turn_v our_o very_a religion_n itself_o into_o a_o worldly_a interest_n by_o make_v of_o it_o the_o subject_n of_o carnal_a confidence_n rest_v trust_v and_o boast_v in_o it_o and_o also_o by_o make_v of_o it_o the_o subject_n of_o carnal_a contention_n and_o so_o set_v religion_n against_o itself_o and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o one_o against_o another_o and_o so_o make_v of_o it_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o worldly_a design_n yea_o unto_o worldly_a lust_n and_o thereby_o make_v it_o in_o our_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o a_o mere_a worldly_a religion_n yea_o too_o many_o do_v too_o much_o make_v their_o profess_a confidence_n in_o god_n himself_o a_o worldly_a interest_n &_o subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o worldly_a lust_n as_o they_o mic._n 3.11_o yet_o will_v they_o lean_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v be_v not_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o none_o evil_a can_v come_v unto_o we_o when_o a_o worldly_a spirit_n worldly_a principle_n worldly_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n do_v sway_n and_o preponderate_a in_o all_o matter_n both_o civil_a and_o religious_a than_o a_o people_n be_v full_o and_o thorough_o settle_v upon_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o be_v true_o become_v a_o worldly_a people_n and_o then_o come_v all_o kind_n of_o dissension_n contention_n emulation_n strife_n debate_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o world_n be_v always_o a_o divide_v interest_n and_o all_o our_o division_n be_v carnal_a and_o worldly_a 1_o cor._n 3.3_o jam._n 4.3_o whatever_o pretence_n of_o a_o religious_a zeal_n the_o fomentor_n of_o division_n may_v make_v it_o be_v a_o worldly_a spirit_n that_o foment_n all_o division_n and_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o ever_o a_o worldly_a spirit_a people_n shall_v unite_v upon_o sure_a ground_n of_o union_n or_o that_o any_o people_n shall_v ever_o unite_v at_o all_o in_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v relinquish_v our_o worldly_a interest_n and_o retrieve_v our_o own_o only_a true_a and_o proper_a interest_n which_o be_v our_o god_n and_o religion_n set_v and_o settle_v our_o heart_n again_o upon_o god_n and_o religion_n this_o will_v heal_v all_o our_o division_n and_o reform_v all_o as_o a_o change_n of_o interest_n have_v be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o our_o general_a defection_n so_o a_o change_n of_o interest_n again_o will_v consummate_v our_o reformation_n it_o be_v the_o prescription_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o that_o backslide_a
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