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
from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v so_o to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n rev._n 3.18_o anoint_v thy_o eye_n with_o eye_n salve_n that_o thou_o may_v see_v that_o be_v see_v and_o be_v sensible_a of_o thy_o defection_n god_n have_v make_v it_o the_o work_n of_o divers_a of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n who_o he_o have_v of_o late_o send_v and_o set_v to_o speak_v upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o this_o general_a assembly_n to_o awake_v and_o to_o couvince_v to_o plead_v with_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o conviction_n to_o cry_v aloud_o not_o to_o spare_v to_o lift_v their_o voice_n like_o a_o trumpet_n to_o show_v new-england_n their_o transgression_n and_o this_o people_n their_o sin_n isa_n 58.2_o and_o sure_o until_o we_o be_v thus_o awaken_v and_o convince_v there_o will_v be_v no_o hope_n of_o reformation_n exhort_v ii_o repent_v so_o remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v as_o to_o repent_v it_o must_v be_v a_o penitential_a remembrance_n such_o a_o remembrance_n as_o do_v both_o move_n and_o lead_v to_o repentance_n ezek._n 16.61_o then_o shall_v thou_o remember_v thy_o way_n and_o be_v ashamed_a ver_fw-la 63._o that_o thou_o may_v remember_v and_o be_v confound_v and_o never_o open_v thy_o mouth_n any_o more_o because_o of_o thy_o shame_n so_o ezek._n 6.9_o &_o 20_o 43._o when_o and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o awaken_n convince_a remembrance_n there_o will_v be_v repentance_n sure_o god_n expect_v and_o call_v for_o a_o deep_a thorough_a general_a repentance_n repentance_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o the_o full_a exercise_n of_o it_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o it_o unto_o all_o the_o fruit_n effect_n and_o end_n of_o it_o express_v in_o confession_n contrition_n humiliation_n supplication_n from_o a_o right_a spirit_n of_o repentance_n god_n call_v for_o heart-breaking_n heartrending_a repentance_n jol_n 2.12_o rend_v your_o heart_n and_o not_o your_o garment_n god_n expect_v to_o hear_v new-england_n as_o ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_n jer._n 31.19_o sure_o after_o i_o be_v turn_v i_o repent_v after_o i_o be_v instruct_v i_o smite_v upon_o my_o thigh_n i_o be_v ashamed_a yea_o even_o confound_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v reform_v except_o we_o thus_o repent_v for_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o reformation_n be_v lay_v in_o repentance_n the_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v wrought_v in_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n lay_v the_o burden_n of_o all_o the_o work_n upon_o repentance_n in_o the_o text_n except_o thou_o repent_v exhort_v iii_o do_v the_o first_o work_n so_o remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v as_o to_o do_v the_o first_o work_n that_o be_v reform_v and_o here_o chief_o lie_v my_o present_a business_n viz._n in_o press_v this_o part_n of_o the_o exhortation_n and_o the_o rather_o i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o insist_v a_o while_n upon_o it_o as_o a_o suitable_a and_o seasonable_a word_n because_o we_o have_v be_v original_o a_o reform_v and_o a_o reform_a people_n a_o people_n separate_v and_o set_v apart_o by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o a_o very_a great_a and_o glorious_a work_n of_o reformation_n reformation_n have_v be_v the_o design_n of_o new-england_n and_o therefore_o reformation_n it_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o new-england_n this_o work_n of_o reformation_n it_o have_v be_v especial_o by_o this_o generation_n not_o only_o much_o neglect_a but_o even_o almost_o utter_o desert_v by_o a_o general_a defection_n and_o declension_n which_o we_o be_v fall_v into_o so_o that_o we_o be_v now_o become_v a_o decline_a and_o decline_v people_n there_o have_v be_v and_o there_o be_v a_o general_a complaint_n and_o cry_n for_o want_v of_o reformation_n it_o be_v general_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o speedy_a through_o reformation_n and_o that_o without_o it_o we_o be_v a_o undo_v people_n we_o have_v in_o our_o public_a solemnity_n make_v many_o solemn_a vow_n and_o promise_v of_o reformation_n unto_o god_n wherein_o we_o have_v too_o much_o flatter_v he_o with_o our_o lip_n and_o lie_v unto_o he_o with_o our_o tongue_n whilst_o our_o heart_n have_v not_o be_v steadfast_a with_o he_o there_o be_v yet_o therefore_o a_o utter_a total_a neglect_n and_o defect_n of_o reformation_n no_o kind_n no_o degree_n of_o reformation_n as_o little_a and_o in_o some_o respect_n less_o hope_n and_o probability_n thereof_o then_o ever_o before_o and_o true_o without_o speedy_a reformation_n our_o defection_n be_v likely_a to_o prove_v irreparable_a and_o irrecoverable_a sin_n and_o sinner_n grow_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o incorrigible_a and_o incurable_a and_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o generation_n more_o and_o more_o corrupt_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o profaneness_n and_o apostasy_n and_o so_o bend_v to_o back_o slide_v hos_fw-la 11.7_o insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v too_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a backslide_n and_o that_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o than_o all_o and_o most_o of_o all_o press_a it_o be_v the_o danger_n that_o we_o be_v in_o of_o be_v give_v up_o just_o and_o judicial_o by_o god_n unto_o a_o spirit_n frame_n and_o way_n of_o backslide_n and_o apostasy_n if_o we_o do_v not_o speed_o reform_v have_v 4.16_o ephraine_v back_o slide_v like_o a_o back-sliding-heifer_n ephraim_n be_v join_v to_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o psal_n 81.11_o so_o be_v give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n deut._n 32.20_o i_o will_v hide_v my_o face_n from_o they_o i_o will_v see_v what_o their_o end_n will_v be_v q.d._n i_o will_v have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n i_o will_v leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o to_o finish_v their_o apostasy_n to_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n i_o will_v see_v what_o miserable_a lamentable_a end_n they_o will_v bring_v themselves_o unto_o and_o true_o if_o so_o then_o woe_n unto_o we_o we_o shall_v soon_o destroy_v ourselves_o but_o yet_o god_n be_v in_o mercy_n wait_v that_o he_o may_v be_v gracious_a isa_n 30.13_o and_o therefore_o that_o which_o god_n be_v yet_o call_v for_o look_v for_o yea_o to_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n that_o which_o god_n be_v long_v for_o it_o be_v out_o reformation_n as_o jer._n 13.27_o o_o jerusalem_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v these_o consideration_n may_v move_v our_o attention_n unto_o this_o exhortation_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o speak_v unto_o reformation_n in_o general_n and_o so_o not_o only_o unto_o a_o restitution_n from_o our_o defection_n but_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n god_n expect_v not_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v our_o first_o work_n but_o that_o our_o last_o work_n shall_v be_v more_o than_o our_o first_o which_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n rev._n 2.19_o i_o shall_v therefore_o propose_v some_o general_a duty_n to_o be_v labour_v in_o in_o order_n unto_o reformation_n and_o endeavour_v as_o god_n shall_v help_v to_o suit_v my_o discourse_n herein_o unto_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o this_o people_n and_o these_o church_n first_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o labour_n to_o get_v a_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n this_o be_v the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n ezek._n 18.30_o 31._o repent_v and_o turn_v yourselves_o from_o your_o transgression_n so_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v your_o ruin_n and_o make_v you_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o horse_n of_o israel_n when_o god_n do_v work_v reform_v grace_n and_o renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o his_o people_n upon_o term_n of_o reformation_n he_o do_v first_o take_v away_o the_o corrupt_a hard_a impenitent_a unbelieving_a backslide_a apostatise_v heart_n and_o give_v they_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n jer._n 31.33_o &_o 32.39_o ezek._n 11.19_o &_o 36.26_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n it_o must_v be_v lay_v in_o a_o new_a heart_n because_o the_o original_n of_o our_o defection_n and_o apostasy_n it_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o god_n everywhere_o complain_v of_o that_o backslide_a people_n that_o they_o have_v a_o uncircumcised_a heart_n jer._n 9.26_o a_o whorish_a heart_n ezek._n 6.9_o that_o their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o their_o iniquity_n hos_fw-la 4.8_o true_o so_o it_o be_v the_o very_a heart_n of_o new-england_n be_v change_v and_o exceed_o corrupt_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n there_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o profaneness_n a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n a_o spirit_n of_o worldliness_n a_o spirit_n of_o sensuality_n a_o spirit_n of_o gainsay_v and_o rebellion_n a_o spirit_n of_o libertinism_n a_o spirit_n of_o carnality_n formality_n hypocrisy_n and_o spiritual_a
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
god_n yea_o how_o do_v they_o profane_v poliute_v neglect_n reject_v contemn_v god_n holy_a covenant_n as_o profane_a esau_n do_v gen._n 25.32_o what_o profit_n shall_v this_o birthright_n do_v i_o thus_o esau_n despise_v his_o birthright_n know_v then_o all_o you_o who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o it_o be_v by_o your_o take_n hold_v upon_o the_o covenant_n that_o the_o covenant_n be_v establish_v and_o confirm_v unto_o you_o as_o your_o covenant_n and_o your_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n assert_v for_o whatever_o your_o visible_a right_n and_o interest_n unto_o and_o in_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v and_o whatever_o your_o confidence_n may_v be_v yet_o if_o you_o do_v pollute_v profane_a neglect_n reject_v despise_v contemn_v god_n covenant_n and_o not_o lay_v hold_n upon_o it_o god_n will_v certain_o take_v away_o his_o covenant_n from_o you_o god_n covenant_n will_v certain_o fail_v unto_o such_o a_o generation_n and_o then_o these_o church_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n if_o you_o shall_v so_o reject_v god_n covenant_n and_o cast_v off_o god_n covenant_n god_n will_v reject_v and_o cast_v off_o you_o as_o altogether_o unworthy_a of_o his_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o blessing_n of_o it_o and_o say_v of_o you_o as_o in_o psal_n 50.16_o what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v to_o declare_v my_o statute_n or_o that_o thou_o shall_v take_v my_o covenant_n into_o thy_o mouth_n you_o ought_v high_o to_o prize_n and_o esteem_v your_o visible_a right_n and_o interest_n unto_o and_o in_o the_o covenant_n hold_v it_o assert_v it_o as_o a_o inestimable_a privilege_n but_o o_o take_v heed_n of_o abuse_v of_o it_o unto_o carnal_a confidence_n and_o of_o rest_v in_o it_o and_o take_v heed_n of_o slight_v and_o neglect_v of_o it_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o yet_o think_v not_o to_o say_v within_o yourselves_o we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n for_o god_n be_v able_a of_o the_o very_a stone_n to_o raise_v up_o child_n unto_o abraham_n and_o the_o axe_n will_v be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o every_o tree_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 3.9_o 10._o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o remember_v that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n may_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o that_o will_v cause_v weep_v wail_a and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n mat._n 8.12_o it_o be_v by_o lay_v hold_n upon_o god_n covenant_n that_o we_o do_v lay_v hold_v upon_o god_n himself_o we_o may_v fear_v and_o that_o just_o that_o god_n will_v depart_v from_o we_o and_o the_o great_a enquiry_n be_v how_o we_o may_v keep_v god_n with_o we_o sure_o it_o lie_v much_o yea_o most_o and_o almost_o only_o in_o you_o to_o retain_v the_o gracious_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o these_o church_n by_o take_v hold_n upon_o he_o by_o his_o covenant_n if_o you_o reject_v the_o covenant_n you_o reject_v god_n and_o put_v he_o away_o from_o you_o god_n will_v be_v go_v and_o testify_v against_o you_o as_o in_o psal_n 81.11_o but_o my_o people_n will_v have_v none_o of_o i_o and_o true_o if_o god_n depart_v from_o and_o reject_v you_o there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n find_v for_o repentance_n though_o you_o may_v seek_v it_o careful_o with_o tear_n as_o esau_n do_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o heb._n 12.17_o if_o you_o shall_v go_v on_o general_o and_o total_o to_o neglect_v and_o reject_v god_n covenant_n god_n will_v at_o last_o break_v the_o staff_n of_o beauty_n and_o band_n that_o be_v break_v his_o covenant_n and_o remove_v it_o utter_o from_o we_o as_o zech._n 11.10.11_o god_n have_v not_o yet_o do_v it_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o disow_v we_o but_o yet_o let_v i_o say_v god_n have_v not_o yet_o visible_o and_o signal_o own_v we_o by_o renew_v and_o confirm_v his_o covenant_n with_o we_o in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o special_a grace_n and_o favour_n as_o he_o do_v with_o our_o father_n because_o we_o have_v not_o so_o own_v he_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o so_o establish_v in_o our_o stand_n under_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o be_v it_o be_v yet_o doubtful_a what_o god_n will_v do_v with_o this_o poor_a generation_n only_a god_n be_v yet_o wait_v upon_o we_o and_o prove_v and_o try_v of_o we_o to_o see_v whether_o we_o will_v take_v hold_n upon_o his_o covenant_n and_o upon_o himself_o by_o his_o covenant_n yea_o or_o no_o and_o upon_o this_o point_n will_v turn_v the_o weal_n or_o woe_n of_o this_o present_a and_o of_o succeed_a generation_n o_o that_o we_o understand_v how_o much_o we_o be_v concern_v thus_o to_o renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o god_n three_o do_v the_o first_o work_n in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n after_o we_o have_v make_v we_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o renew_v our_o covenant_n our_o next_o great_a work_n in_o a_o way_n of_o reformation_n it_o be_v to_o recover_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n from_o those_o decay_n which_o it_o be_v fall_v into_o the_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o old_a it_o be_v much_o and_o most_o about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v most_o proper_o church-reformation_n and_o here_o our_o main_a work_n be_v to_o recover_v ourselves_o from_o that_o decay_n which_o we_o be_v fall_v into_o respect_v the_o internal_a spiritual_a power_n and_o purity_n of_o worship_n 1._o we_o must_v labour_v to_o recover_v our_o first_o love_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n both_o moral_a and_o institute_v worship_n all_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o all_o way_n mean_n ordinance_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v a_o very_a high_a esteem_n of_o and_o dear_a love_n unto_o and_o delight_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n whereby_o our_o father_n be_v first_o allure_v and_o move_v to_o follow_v god_n into_o this_o wilderness_n o_o the_o first_o love_n of_o new-englands_n first_o espousal_n the_o kindness_n of_o her_o youth_n when_o she_o first_o follow_v god_n into_o this_o land_n mere_o and_o only_o out_o of_o love_n unto_o and_o delight_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n god_n remember_v it_o as_o jer._n 2.2_o and_o true_o we_o ought_v to_o remember_v it_o also_o with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n under_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o loss_n of_o that_o love_n and_o our_o too_o much_o slight_v neglect_v and_o despise_v the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n o_o this_o be_v the_o original_n of_o all_o our_o decay_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o generation_n the_o heart_n of_o new-england_n be_v much_o go_v from_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n though_o we_o pretend_v and_o profess_v much_o zeal_n and_o love_n yet_o our_o heart_n begin_v to_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o they_o isa_n 29_o 13._o forasmuch_o as_o this_o people_n draw_v near_o to_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o do_v honour_n i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o ezek._n 33.31_o for_o with_o their_o mouth_n they_o show_v much_o love_n but_o their_o heart_n go_v after_o their_o covetousness_n o_o the_o heart_n of_o new-england_n be_v go_v much_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n after_o the_o world_n yea_o true_o christian_n themselves_o be_v much_o fall_v in_o their_o love_n esteem_v and_o delight_n of_o and_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n o_o then_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o recover_v our_o first_o love_n and_o to_o set_v our_o heart_n to_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n deut._n 32.46_o set_a your_o heart_n unto_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o command_v you_o for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o vain_a thing_n for_o you_o for_o it_o be_v your_o life_n our_o very_a heart_n and_o soul_n must_v be_v set_v upon_o and_o engage_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o a_o very_a dear_a and_o precious_a interest_n so_o as_o to_o prefer_v it_o above_o our_o chief_a joy_n psal_n 137.6_o o_o the_o lukewarmness_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o worshipper_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v a_o evident_a sign_n of_o our_o declension_n therein_o 2._o we_o must_v labour_v to_o recover_v our_o first_o zeal_n for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o keep_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n cleave_v to_o they_o and_o keep_v they_o up_o by_o a_o lively_a constant_a steadfast_a sincere_a and_o holy_a profession_n by_o a_o humble_a profess_a practical_a subjection_n of_o your_o very_a soul_n unto_o they_o by_o a_o constant_a diligent_a religious_a and_o profitable_a attention_n upon_o they_o and_o improvement_n of_o they_o with_o entire_a love_n peace_n and_o union_n in_o a_o way_n of_o pure_a and_o holy_a communion_n labour_v also_o to_o uphold_v the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n by_o teach_v of_o they_o diligent_o to_o your_o child_n deut._n 6.7_o
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
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