The Necessity of a Speedy and Thorough Reformation, Sermon

The Necessity of a Speedy and Thorough Reformation · Sermon

The NECESSITY OF A Speedy and Thorough Reformation, As it was Diſcourſed In a SERMON, Preached before His Excellency the GOVERNOUR, the Honourable COUNCIL, and Repreſentatives of the Province of the Maſſachuſetts-Bay in New-England: On May 25. 1709.

Which was the Day for ELECTION Of Her Majeſties COUNCIL for that Province.

By GRINDAL RAWSON; A.M. & Paſtor of a Church of Chriſt in Mendon.

Jer. 4. 14. O Jeruſalem, waſh thine▪ heart from Wickedneſs, that thou may… be ſaved: How long ſhall thy vain …ought… … with… thee?

Amos 5 4. For thus ſaith the Lord to the Houſe of Iſrael Seek ye me, and ye ſhall live.

Hoſ. 14. 9. Who is Wiſe and he ſhall underſtand theſe things? Prudent, & he ſhall know them? for the wayes of the Lord are Right, & the juſt ſhall walk in them but the Tranſgreſſours ſhall fall therein.

BOSTON: Printed by B. Green, for Benj. Eliot, Sold at his Shop at the Head of King Street. 1709.

PUbliſhed at the Deſire of the Houſe of Repreſentatives.

John Clark, Speaker. Boſton, May 26th. 1709.

A SERMON Preached at the ELECTION, May 25. 1709.

Jeremiah XIII. 16.

Give Glory to the Lord your God, before he cauſe darkneſs, and before your feet ſtumble upon the dark Mountains, and while ye look for light, he turn it into the ſhadow of death, and make it groſs darkneſs.

JEREMIAH was One of thoſe Many Prophets, whom God becauſe he had Compaſſion on his People and Dwelling-place, ſent to his People Iſrael grown very Corrupt and Degenerate, to diſcover their ſinful Miſcarriages to them, and to urge the Reformation of them, as a means of preventing thoſe fearful Deſolations which would otherwiſe overtake them … Chron. 36…. As his Name, Jeremiah ſignifies, The Exaltation of the Lord, So he takes frequent occaſion, throughout his Sermons to them, to lay before them an Heart-affecting diſcovery of the Glorious diſpenſations of God's Covenant Grace, Mercy, Truth and Faithfulneſs towards them; and to repreſent to them p. 2their abominable tranſgreſſions, baſe, and more than brutiſh regardleſsneſs of the merciful conduct of God's Providence toward them their ſlighting, deſpiſing, and trampling under foot the repeated Act… of his favour and kindneſs, perſiſting, not withſtanding all Warnings, Admonitions and Judgments, ſpent in vain upon them, in an immorigerous diſobedient rebellious and incorrigible frame, proceeding ſtill from worſe to worſe, hating to be Reformed and refuſing to turn unto God, from whom they had ſo deeply revolted; upon the account whereof, in Obedience to hi… Lord and Maſters Command, he is enforced to Menace them with, and to denounce againſt them the final and fatal Doom, God had determined upon them; The deſtruction of their Temple, and City, the diſſolution of their Eccleſiaſtical, and Civil Polity, the whole iſſuing in a Miſerable and Shameful Captivity, for Seventy years together, the deſerved fruit of their incorrigible, and incurable impieties.

The laſt thing mentioned is the great buſineſs the Prophat inſiſts on in this Thirteenth Chapter. The whole Sum of his Excellent Sermon herein contained, may be reduced unto three heads.

I. He threa…ns Judah and Jeruſalem with a fearful deſtruction and doom, which would put an end to thoſe Probatory Methods, God had for a long ſeaſon been uſing with them; from the 1ſt. to the 15th. v.

II. He earneſtly adviſeth, and importunes them, by a ſpeedy Repentance and Reformation; the only thing …at would Effect it, to prevent and divert the hideous S…m, of Wrath impending and hanging over their heads, and …eady to break forth upon them; from v. 15. to 22.

III. He ſtands up in the Vindication of the Spotleſs, and untainted Righteouſneſs of God, Aſſuring them, they had no reaſon in the World to diſpute the caſe with God, or to look upon it an unreaſonable or unjuſt thing, for him to threaten them with ſuch a Judgment, as would put a period to the time of their tryal and probation, during the whole of which, all Methods of Grace and Favour, all leſſer, and lighter Stroaks of divine Judgments, had proved ineffectual p. 3to win them over to a Senſe of Duty, and to … them from their Sinful and Abominable Courſes, to which alone, not to a want of Grace, Mercy, Truth, or Faithfulneſs in God, not only all former heats of God's anger they had f…lt, or were ſtill under the Effects, and Tokens of, but alſo this preſent threatned deſtruction were to be reputed as wholly owing: from v. 22. …d ….

The Deſtruction the Prophet in God's Name …heatens this People with, he is commanded to Exhibit to them by two Types or Emblem….

The firſt Type is that of A Li…n Girdle, which he is Commanded to get, and put upon his Loins; and ſome time after to hide in the Hole of a Rock, by the River Eu…rates; Many days after this, he is Commanded to go to Eu…rates to take the Girdle thence. The Prophet performs the Enjoyned Service, whether really, only Viſionally …s not determined; but whether the one way or the other… it comes to one; the Girdle he finds Marr'd and Sp…yled and good for nothing: this we have from the 1. to the …. v-Jeremiah receives from God himſelf the Explication of the Type, with a Commiſſion to declare both the Type, and its Explication to the People▪ they muſt be inſtructed that God's deſign by this Type or Emblem, was to le… the … know, that God had put a Special Honour and Reſpect upon them; the like he had not done to any Nation; he had taken them into Covenant with himſelf; they were made a People hear to God, no wonder then if he Expect Honour and Service from them. They were a People whom God had formed for Himſelf, and therefore ought to have been for a Name, Praiſe and Glory to him; but they failed his juſt Expectation, anſwered not his deſign. He is therefore reſolved to pluck them from his L…ins, and ſuffer them to conſume and …ot, and become as that Marred Girdle which was rendred wholly Uſeleſs and Unſerviceable: from v. 8. …d 12. v.

The ſecond Type is that of Bottles filled with Wine. This the Prophet is ordered to propound to them, v. 12. Their Senſual Luſts had no ſmall hand in pulling down Ruin and p. 4Deſtruction upon them. They were a People who lov'd …ag…ons of Wine, H…. 3. …. Thoſe were the beſt Prophets, in their Eſteem, who would Prophecy to them of Wine, and Strong Drink, Mica… 2. 11. Our Prophet is therefore commanded to tell them, that God had prepared Bottles for them; Bottles▪ every-of which, too, ſhould be filled with Wine. What News could be more pleaſing to the Drunkard than this? But alas, the Wine would not be grateful to their Palate; It would be wine of Aſtoniſhment and Confuſion; all Ranks, Orders and Degrees among them, from him that S…t on the Throne, to the meaneſt Inhabitant in the Kingdom, muſt drink of it, and feel the fatal and ruining, and intoxicating conſequences of it. The deſtroying Judgments of Heaven to be Executed upon them by the Caldeans, that haſty, and bitter Nation; this was the Wine, They themſelves the Bottles to be filled with it; Bottles that muſt be broken, and daſht in pieces▪ by the hands of divine & righteous Vengeance v. 12, 13, 14.

The deſtruction of this People, we ſee, is reſolved upon, and, in Gods Name, peremptorily denounced; but becauſe in all ſuch threatenings there is a Condition to be underſtood. i. e. Unleſs Sinners do Repent, and Turn from the Evil of their ways, Jer. 18 7, 8. Therefore the Prophet, in the Words of our Text, Subjoyns a Serious and Pathetical Exhortation to ſtir them up, and quicken them to Confeſſion of, Humiliation for, and to a Speedy Reformation of all the God provoking Evils, in the midſt of them, as the only means to divert the fatal Ruin which would otherwiſe overwhelm them.

Give Glory to the Lord your God, before he cauſe darkneſs, and before your feet ſtumble on the dark Mountains, and while ye look for light, he turn it into the ſhadow of death, and make it groſs darkneſs.

In the Words; which I ſhall not ſtand upon a Critical Analyſis of, Two things may be briefly Obſerved.

I. An Exhortation. Give Glory to the Lord, &c. By their giving Glory to the Lord, the Prophet intends their free and full Confeſſion, and Sincere bewailing all their Sins, and p. 5all the fearful Aggravations attending them, their Repenting of and Turning from all their Iniquities. A bare Confeſſion of Sin, without hearty Sorrow, Repentance, and utmoſt indeavour to Return and Forſake it, will ſtand the Sinner in little ſtead, and will not turn to his advantage: Prov. 28. 13. He that Covereth his Sins ſhall not proſpe…, but whoſe confeſſeth, and forſaketh them, ſhall have Mercy.

II. The Illuſtration of the Exhortation. Divers things claim to be conſidered here; As▪

I. The Perſon Exhorting; The Prophet Jeremiah. God's Prophets and Miniſters muſt denounce the Judgments of Heaven, againſt Heav'n daring & offending Sinners. They muſt cry aloud, and not ſpare, lift up their Voices like Trumpets, and ſhew the Lords People their tranſgreſſions, and the Houſe of Jacob their Sins, Iſa. 58. 1. A neglect herein, would argue them of Unfaithfulneſs to God, and of falſeneſs to their own Souls; and would bring upon them the guilt of the Blood of the Souls of others, Ezek. 33. 7, 8. But yet it becomes them to manage this Service, in the moſt Affectionate and Winning way & manner imaginable. They ſhould indeavour to make Sinners ſenſible, that altho' they muſt out of Faithfulneſs to God, and their precious Souls, denounce the Judgments of God againſt them, yet they are far from deſiring the woful day. It would be the greateſt Joy, Pleaſure, and Satisfaction to them in the World, might they be made Inſtrumental to promote their Repentance and Reformation, whereby the anger of God might be appeaſed, and the final Execution of threatened Judgments diverted.

II. The Perſons concerned in the Exhortation. All Ranks, Orders and Degrees of Men among them. Their Kings, Prieſts, Prophets, and all the Inhabitants of Jeruſalem, v. 13. All had been guilty of Provoking God to diſpleaſure, and therefore it was requiſite they ſhould All joy… in that neceſſary duty of Confeſſing▪ Bewailing, Repenting, and Reforming of their Sins, whereby Gods anger might be Averted, and their final doom Prevented.

III. The Arguments by which the Exhortation is preſſed upon them.

p. 6I. God was ſtill their God. They might look upon, acknowledge, and plead with God, as a God yet theirs by Covenant. Give Glory to the Lord your God. O aſtoniſhing and amazing Conſideration! O the inconcievable Depths of Covenant Mercy! will God own a Covenant Relation to ſuch a fearful degenerate People? A People whoſe deeds had over-paſſed the deeds of the wicked, Jer 5. 28. A People who had forſaken the fountain of Living Waters, Jer. 2. 13. A Sottiſh and Fooliſh People, who were only wiſe to do Evil, but to do good had no underſtanding, Jer. 4. …2. A People that were become Braſs and Iron, grievous Revolters and Backſliders, Jer. 6. 28. A People ſlidden back by a perpetual backſliding, that held faſt deceit, and refuſed to return, Jer. 8, 5. O the ſurprizing Charms of ſuch an heart affecting and melting Conſideration! And this, doubtleſs our Prophet had in his Eye. His mentioning of this Conſideration, was with deſign to inſinuate the Obligation deriving from it. God is as yet your God, and would you have him to continue ſuch; You muſt then Repent of your Sins, Reform your Evil Ways, humble your ſelves under his high and mighty Hand▪ Live & Walk in all manner of Obedience to his Holy and Righteous commands; In which way alone you may Expect to have the bleſſings of the Everlaſting Covenant continued and ſecured to you, and the preſent Storm of impending wrath diverted from you.

II. Though the Sentence was pronounced, yet the Execution was reſpited. Before …e cauſe darkneſs and before your feet stumble on the dark Mountains. q. d. Dark diſpenſations you are threatened with. A dark and black day is haſtening on you; it is coming, it is coming apace, but through the wonderful and aſtoniſhing Patience of God it is not yet come; Nothing can prevent its coming but your Repentance, and Reformation. Set about this work therefore with all imaginable ſpeed, for although it be not yet too late, you know not how ſoon it may. This argument is the ſame with that the Prophet Zephaniah uſed with his People: Zeph, 2. 1, 2. Gather your ſelves together, gather your p. 7ſelves together, O Nation not deſired. Before the decree bring forth, before the day paſs as the Chaff, before the f…erce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the Lords Anger come upon you. And this day he tells them, as our Prophet here, would be a day of Darkneſs and Gloomineſs, a day of Clouds and thick darkneſs, Zeph. 1. 15.

III. It would be a Vain thing for them to hope, this duty neglected, that they ſhould ever emerge out of their preſent Evil Circumſtances, or eſcape the preſent threatned Storm of Wrath coming upon them. Their falſe Prophets, indeed, flattered them to preſume and lot upon this, and they were but too ready to hug and embrace the deception. But he leaves them to conſider what a terrible aggravation of their approaching deſtruction it would be, to find, as aſſuredly they would, were not his advice complied with; all ſuch their deluſive and ill grounded preſumptions, and expectations, iſſue in fearful fruſtrations▪ and aſtoniſhing diſappointments. This is the purport of that expreſſion in our Text; And while ye …ook for Light, …e turn it into the Shadow of death, and make it groſs darkneſs.

Our way is now cleared to a very weighty and awakening,

DOCTRINE It is the high concernment of all Orders of Men, among a Profeſſing People, with whom God hath been long, to little purpoſe, pleading a Controverſy, & who on that account have reaſon to expect more terrible out-breakings of divine Wrath upon them; to endeavour, in their ſeveral Capacities, A Speedy & thorough REFORMATION of all GOD-Provoking Evils in the midſt of them.

This People to whom our Prophet minſ…tred, were a p. 8People upon whom the Signs & …okens of Gods wrath were very diſcernable, God had been for a long time pleading a Controverſy with them: He had melted and tryed them in many a Furnace, and yet their droſs was not purged away; The Judgments God had ſpent upon them were to little purpoſe: They continued a Stubborn Rebellious and Diſobedient People. The Prophet aſſures them their abiding unreformed under the reiterated Strokes of divine diſpleaſure, by which God had been Eſſaying their Amendment and Recovery, out of their Sinful State and Condition, was diſpleaſing to God, and would be of the laſt diſadvantage to themſelves: for this God would make Jeruſalem heaps, A den of dragons, their Cities ſhould become deſolate, and without Inhabitant; for this God would feed them with Wormwood, and give them the water of Gall to drink, Jer. 9 11, 15. He would daſh them one againſt another, Even the Fathers, and the Sons together, he would not pity, nor ſpare, nor have Mercy, but deſtroy them, Chap. 13, 14. v. And yet he improves theſe ſevere threatenings, and denunciations as a Stock ſuitable, and proper enough to graff this Serious and Awakening Exhortation unto Speedy Repentance▪ and Reformation upon, as being the only way and means left to them, by which they might prevent the more terrible out-breakings of divine Vengeance, with the which they were menaced.

But I come to a more diſtinct Conſideration of the Doctrine, in Four Propoſitions.

I. PROPOSITION.

GOD Sometimes hath, and for a long time pleads a Controverſy with a Profeſſing People. Three Concluſions will give us what may be needful to be ſpoken on this head.

I. Concl. GOD Sometimes hath a Controverſie with a Profeſſing People.

It is a Singular favour of God unto any People, to bring them near, and take them into a Viſible Covenant Relation p. 9with himſelf. A favour, which a People are as far from meriting and deſerving▪ as they are of improving and obſerving with due thankfulneſs, and proper returns of gratitude. It is by his Covenant that God makes over himſelf to a People, and undertakes to be their God, and the God of their Children after them. 'Tis this makes an Eternal God to become their Refuge▪ and puts everlaſting arms underneath them. Hither is owing, and to be referred the Lords revealing, making known, and preſerving to a People the gracious and glorious diſcoveries of his will, relating to the way wherein they may expect all outward, ſpiritual and eternal bleſſings▪ according to the terms and conditions of the Everlaſting Covenant, ratified and confirmed in Chriſt, the Great and Alſufficient Mediator of it. It is becauſe God is a God in Covenant with a People, that he vouchſa…es to them the injoyment of his Word, Worſhip, Ordinances and Inſtitutions; the whole of the means of Gracè, the which God, by his Spirit, is pleaſed to bleſs unto the Conviction, Converſion, & Regeneration of Souls▪ in order to their fellowſhip with Him, and Enjoyment of him, both in a State of Grace, and Glory. Well therefore might the holy Moſes break forth into that rapturous Exclamation, Deut. 33. 29. Happy art thou O Iſrael: who is like unto thee, O People Saved by the Lord, the ſhield of th… help, and who is the Sword of thy Excellency! But as the Priviledges of a People, who are in Covenant with God, are confeſſedly, and inexpreſſibly great, ſo alſo are their Duties and Obligations. Such a People are under Sacred and inviolable Engagements to Love, Fear, Serve, Worſhip, Believe in, rely & depend on, & walk before God in all the ways of the Covenant. Thus we find God ſtating the Caſe betwixt himſelf, and his Covenant People Iſrael: Deut. 10. 12, 13 And now, Iſrael, what d…th the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to Love him, and to Serve the Lord thy God with all thy Heart, and with all thy Soul; to keep the Commandments of the Lord, and his Statutes, which I command thee this Day for thy Good. A Covenant People are not left at their Liberty, whether they will Love, Fear, Serve p. 10and Obey the Voice of God in his Commands, or not. They are under the higheſt, and moſt awful Obligations imaginable to the whole of Covenant duty; not only from Gods expreſs Command and Precept, who is their King, Lord, and Lawgiver; but alſo, by virtue of their own Profeſſed Subjection unto God, which is abſolutely neceſſary in order to their maintaining a well grounded hope, and expectation of receiving from God the benefits, and bleſſings of the Covenant. The whole of this is well expreſſed by Moſes in that Pathetical Addreſs to Iſrael, Deut. 26. 16, 17, 18, 19. This day the Lord thy God hath Commanded Thee to do theſe Statutes, and Judgments: Thou ſhalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, & with all thy Soul. Thou haſt avouched the Lord this day to be thy God; and to walk in his ways, and to keep his Statutes, and Commandments, and his Judgments, and to hearken unto his Voice. And ▪the Lord hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar People, as he hath promiſed thee, and that thou ſhouldeſt keep all his Commandments: And to make thee high above all Nations which he hath made, in Praiſe, and in Name, and in Honour, and that thou mayſt be an holy People unto the Lord thy God as he hath ſpoken. They are therefore moſt Solemnly cautioned to take heed to themſelves, and beware, left they ſhould forget and forſake the Lord, his Worſhip, Fear and Service; becauſe by this means they would aſſuredly forfeit all thoſe deſirable bleſſings, which a courſe of Obedience would crown them with, and pull down upon themſelves the juſt rebukes, and terrible revenges of Heaven Deut 28. 15, ad …inem. Both of theſe the holy Moſes, excellently repreſents to Iſrael, as a means to engage unto a diligent diſcharge of Covenant duties. Deut. 30. 15, 16, 17, 18. See, I have ſet before thee this day, life and good, and death and evil: In that I Command thee this day, to Love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his Commandments, his Statutes, and his Judgments, that thou mayeſt live and multiply; and the Lord thy God ſhall bleſs thee in the Land whither thou go…ſt to poſſeſs it. But if thine heart turn away, ſo that thou wilt not… hear, but ſhalt p. 11…e drawn away, and worſhip other gods, and ſerve them; I denounce unto you this day that ye ſhall ſurely periſh, &c. Doth God then take a People into Covenant with himſelf? Are ſuch a People under Obligations to Serve him? Is he graciouſly pleas'd to allow them all juſt and due encouragement to allure and bind them to his Service? Has he been wanting to caution, and antidote them againſt a forgetfulneſs of him, and the duties they owe him? Has he plainly aſſured them what fearful Calamities a courſe of diſobedience will bring upon them? Surely then if they rebelliouſly renounce the fealty & homage they owe to God, wickedly withdraw themſelves from his Reaſonable Service, abandon themſelves to thoſe baſe and vile Practices, which are the abominable things his Soul hates, he has juſt reaſon to reſent the wrong and injury done Him, to controvert with and teſtify againſt them that their ſinful ways are highly diſpleaſing to him; and altogether unanſwerable to the Obligations he has laid upon them But this is ſometime the ſtate of the caſe betwixt God and his Covenant People. It was ſo with reſpect to that People of whom we read, Judg. 2. 11, 12. And the Children of Iſrael did evil in the ſight of the Lord, and ſerved B…alim: And they forſook the Lord God of their Fathers, which brought them out of the Land of Egypt, and followed other gods of the People that were round about them, and bowed themſelves to them, and provoked the Lord to anger. This was the ground of the Lords Controverſy with them, a Controverſy pleaded to the aſtoniſhment of themſelves, and the Nations round about them. And this brings us to the,

II. Concl. When God hath a Controverſy with a People …e will Plead it with them. While a Profeſſing people do walk with God in the ways of the Covenant, they may expect to be …ettled and continued under diſpenſations of Grace and Mercy; God will be with and for them ſo long as they are with and for him: But if they neglect to expreſs a due regard and deference to his holy and righteous Commands, which they ought to obſerve as the only Rule, and proper Meaſure of their whole behaviour and deportment toward p. 12him, they have all the reaſon in the World to conclude that God will take notice of it, and ſoon make them ſenſible by the Effects of his juſt diſpleaſure, that he is a God of knowledge, and that by him actions are weighed, 1 Sam. 2. 3. That his eyes behold, and his eye▪lids try the Children of Men, Pſal. 11. 4. This is the purport of that Addreſs of the Prophet Azariah to King Aſa: a Chron. 15. 2. The Lord …s with you while ye are with him, and if ye ſeek him, he will be found of you, but if ye forſake him, he will forſake you. When Sin abounds among a Profeſſing People, they may not think that God will wink at it; or ſuffer them to perſiſt therein without a ſufficient diſcovery of the diſpleaſure he concieves at it; he will let them know he reſents the injury, and will plead with them for it, and lay open his controverſy before them in all the parts and pleas of it. Thus the Prophet aſſured that People: Iſai 3▪ 13, 14. The Lord ſtandeth up to plead, and ſtandeth to judge the People: He will enter into judgment with the ancients of his People. 'Tis a Metaphor taken from Perſons that riſe up, and ſtand before a Judge, while they are pleading their controverſy, endeavouring to make the beſt of their …uſe. The Lord declares he is not in the leaſt unwilling to have an Hearing, and refuſeth not to ſtand a Tryal, no, he is earneſtly deſirous of it, and makes them the Offer: Iſa 43. 26. Put me in remembrance, Let us plead together, declare thou that thou mayeſt be justifyed. God then will plead his Controverſy with his People, and there are two ways, eſpecially, by which he pleads it.

I. By His Word. Not by an audible voice from Heaven, but by his word in the Mouths of his holy Ambaſſadors whom for this End, as well as others▪ he delegates, and ſends to them. Upon this Errand the Prophets of old were ſent, 'Twas their buſineſs and duty to carry the Lords Meſſages to his People, to acquaint them that the Lord knew, and was angry with them for their Sins. God gives them the State of the caſe betwixt Himſelf and his People, Commiſſions and Commands them to tell them of it, and to let them know who it was p. 13that ſent them; they muſt read their Commiſſion, and Preface all their addreſſes to them with …, Thus ſaith the Lord, Ezek. 2. 3, 4. Son of Man, I ſend thee to the Children of Iſrael, to a Rebellious Nation, that hath rebelled againſt me: they and their Fathers have tranſgreſſed againſt me, even to this day: for they are impudent Children and ſtiff hearted, I do ſend Thee unto them, and thou ſhalt ſay unto them▪ Thus ſaith the Lord God. Go they muſt for no excuſe will be allowed, Jer. 1. 7. Thou ſhalt go to all that I ſhall ſend Thee, and whatſoever I command Thee, Thou ſhalt ſpeak. Go they did; And with what a Lofty and Majeſtick Style, with what a becoming Gravity and grandeur of Spirit, are they repreſented to us in the Sacred ſtory of the Church, diſcharging the impoſed Task, ſtanding up and appearing as Advocates to plead the cauſe of their Glorious and Injured Lord and Maſter? A Profeſſing people, by turning their backs upon God, by relinquiſhing his Worſhip, Fear and Service, do caſt an aſperſion upon God. Will you obſerve their appearance in his Vindication? Jer. 2 4 ad 10. ver. Hear ye the Word of the Lord O Houſe of Jacob, and all the Families of the Houſe of Iſrael: Thus ſaith the Lord, What Iniquity have your Fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, & have walked after Vanity, and are become vain? &c. After this manner the Prophet Micah, by Gods expreſs Command, contends with Iſrael. Micah 6. 2, 3, 4, 5. Hear ye O Mountains the Lords Controverſy, & ye ſtrong Foundations of the Earth: for the Lord hath a Controverſy with his People, and …e will plead with Iſrael: O my People, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? teſtify againſt me, for I brought Thee, &c. That ye may know the Righteouſneſs of the Lord. Will they ſuffer the merciful Conduct of Gods Providence towards his People, to be loaded and blemiſh't with unworthy Imputations? No ſurely, They will tell ſuch a People, that if Iſrael is become a Servant, if he be treated as an home-born Slave, if his Land be laid waſt, and his Cities burn't without Inhabitan; God is not to be blam'd, They muſt thank themſelves for it, who had procured, and haſtned ſuch Judgments upon themſelves, by their forſaking the Lord their God, when he led p. 14them by the way. Jer. 2. 14, 15, 16, 17. Muſt they in pleading God's Controverſy with a degenerate People lay open, and expoſe before them their ſinful Rebellions, and Tranſgreſſions, with all the aggravations they are attended with? See their Commiſſion for it. Iſa. 58. 1. Cry aloud, ſpare not, li…t up thy voice like a Trumpet, ſhew my People their tranſgreſſions, and the houſe of J…cob their Sins. A Commiſſion executed by them with an undaunted boldneſs, with a freedom, and intrepidity of Soul well becoming the Ambaſſadors of that God who rules over all, unto whoſe Juſt and Sovereign Empire, the mightieſt Monarchs, as well as their meaneſt Peaſants do owe an univerſal Regard and Deference. Iſa. 1. 4, 6. Micah 3. 8. ad 12. Jer. 5. 7, 8, & 7. 9, 10, 12. & 9 2. …d 7. Ezek. …2. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Muſt they while managing the Lords Controverſy with his People, denounce againſt them the terrible and dreadful Judgments of Heaven, as a means to provoke them to a ſenſe of their duty, and deter them from a perſiſtance in their evil courſes? With what a remarkable Faithfulneſs is the order attended! Iſa. 3. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Let us hear its Thunders. Zeph. 1. 2, 3. I will …tterly conſume all things from off the Land, ſaith the Lord: I will conſume Man and Beaſt, I will conſume the Fowls of the Heaven, and the Fiſhes of the Sea, and the ſtumbling▪blocks with the Wicked, and will cut off Man from off the Land ſaith the Lord. Once more; Muſt they notwithſtanding their menacing a degenerate People with Wrath and Vengeance, indeavouring to make them ſenſible that God is yet treatable, and upon their Repentance, and Reformation, ready to recieve and embrace them in the Arms of his Mercy? with what a preſſing importunity, and ſweetneſs of Addreſs are ſuch counſels, and cautions urged upon them? Zeph. 2, 1, 2, 3. Jer. 4 1. If thou wilt return O Iſrael, ſaith the Lord, return unto me, and if thou wilt put away thi… abominations …ut of my ſight, then ſhalt thou not remove. The ſame counſel and advice we find repeated, and that after a mo…ſolemn denunciation of wrath and judgment, Jer. 26.… The Lord hath ſent me to Prophecy, againſt this houſe and againſt this city, all the words that ye have p. 15heard. Therefore now amend your ways, and your doings, and obey the Voice of the Lord your God, and the Lord will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced againſt you. 'Tis true, God hath long ſince deſiſted the calling forth, and improvement of perſons in ſuch an extraordinary way and manner; but the methods uſed by them in pleading the Lords controverſy with a profeſſing People, are transferred by him into the circumſtances of the Goſpel Miniſtry, whoſe work it is as wiſe Stewards of the Myſteries of God, to give unto all their portion in Seaſon; to obſerve the way, frame, temper and converſations of all that are under their care and inſpection, and to hand forth to them, the counſels and advices which their condition, and neceſſities require. Thus P…ul inſtructs his Timothy, 2 Tim. 4. 2. Preach the word, be inſtant in ſeaſon and out of ſeaſon, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long ſuffering and doctrine. For them to decline the pleading Gods controverſy with a Sinful People, or to neglect a thorough and impartial diſcovery of his mind and will to them in the Publick diſpenſations of the word, is to falſify their truſt, betray the cauſe of God, and to render themſelves guilty of baſe unfaithfulneſs to God and Man.

II. By his Rod: By judicial ſtroaks and diſpenſations. When the voice of Gods Word is deſpiſed, and ſlighted by a Sinful People, He then takes his Rod into his hands, and they ſhall feel the Effects of his threatened Corrections. What hope can they have if it ſhould be otherwiſe? The strength of Iſrael will not lie, nor repent, …e is not a Man that he ſhould repent, 1 Sam. 15. 29. Thus God pleaded his controverſy with his People Iſrael: and in ſuch away and manner may a degenerate profeſſing People, expect God will plead his controverſy with them. The like Sins, will in all probability, expoſe them to like judgments▪ Judgments on every ſide, and of every ſort will break in upon, and overtake them, and extort that confeſſion from them, which Iſrael uttered in the day of Gods Viſitations, Lam. 3. 14. The yo…e of my tranſgreſſions in bound by his hands▪ they are … and … my neck, The Lord hath accompliſhed p. 16his …ury, he hath poured out his fierce anger, and hath kindled a fire in Zion, and it hath devoured the foundations thereof, Lam. 4. 11. And indeed what other way hath God left, or what otherwiſe can he do for his People? Jer. 9 7. Therefore thus ſaith the Lord of …, I will melt them and try them, for how ſhall I do for the daughter of my People?

III. Concl. GOD inſiſts upon his Controverſy with his People, and continues to plead it for a long time. When God enters the liſts with his declining People, he continues to diſceptate with them, until he bring the quarrel of his Covenant to an iſſue. This God doth not, has not been wont to do ſpeedily; He has ever taken a Conſiderable time to do it in. The Poſterity of Seth before the Flood, in which the Line of the Church continued, were grown Extraordinarily Sinful and Degenerate: Thus we read, Gen. 6. 5. And God ſaw the Iniquity of Man was great in the Earth; Yet the Controverſy God pleaded with them laſted no leſs than One hundred and Twenty years, v. 3. How long did God plead with his Iſrael, by a continued Series of Mercies and Judgments, before he brought the Quarrel of the Covenant to an iſſue, and put an End to it by the Babyloniſh Captivity? And doth not this courſe excellently ſerve to illuſtrate the Covenant, Grace and Mercy of God to his People? He delights in Mercy, and is the inexhauſtible fountain of Grace and Goodneſs: His Grace and Mercy are Eſſential Properties of his Nature, and no ſmall part of the Letters of his Name. The long-ſuffering and patience God expreſſeth towards his People, whilſt he is pleading his Controverſy with them, do abundantly demonſtrate him to be Merciful and full of Compaſſion. It is indeed a part of his Covenant to viſit their tranſgreſſions with a rod, and their iniquity with ſtripes: But yet when he proceeds to this neceſſary piece of diſcipline, he delights to repreſent himſelf under the moſt agreeable Character of a Tender hearted Parent, who though he ſometimes is forced to hearden his heart, and ſtop his ears againſt …he Crys of his rebellious Children, knowing there is a folly in them, which muſt be driven out by p. 17the rod of Correction; yet at another time, throws the aſſumed rod out of his hands, being overcome by the erreſiſtible force of his bowel Compaſſions. Thus the caſe is repreſented, Hoſ. 11. 8, 9. & Pſal. 78. 38, 39. It is his long-ſuffering Grace and Mercy that puts him to wait upon his People, and to ſee how they will behave themſelves under, and what impreſſions and diſpoſitions the rod will work upon them. Thus we r…ad, Jer. 8. 6. I hearkened and heard, but they ſpake not aright, no man repented of his wickedneſs, ſaying, What have I done? Beſides, the longer God waits upon and is pleading the quarrel of his Covenant with his People, tho more, if they continue impeditent and unreformed, will they ripen themſelves for the ruin which the putting a final iſſue to it will bring upon them. God waits on thoſe who are not in Covenant with him, until they are ripe for ruin. Gen, 15. 16. The Iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. Much more will he do thus by thoſe whom he hath taken near to himſelf. And to ſhut up this Concluſion, will not this courſe render a People more abundantly ine…cuſable, when a period ſhall be put to the date of divine Patience, and Forbearance; and Judgment to the uttermoſt is brought upon them, upon whom God has been ſo long waiting, and with whom he has been uſing in the Courſe of his holy Providence all proper means to …eclaim, and reduce them to a ſenſe of their duty, without gaining the Expected point upon them? Jer. 25. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, v.

II. PROPOSITION.

The Controverſy GOD pleads with a Profeſſing People is, many times to little Purpoſe. Although God plead with them, and draw out his controverſy to an extraordinary length, indeavour to win them by ſeaſonable appearances for them in a way of Soveraign and undeſerved kindneſs, to drive them to Repentance, by the ſevere Methods of his judicial diſpenſations, yet all is to no purpoſe; they continue ſtill an Imm…rigerous and rebellious People; and diſcover p. 18the formidable power of that native Venome which broods in their hearts, over which, nothing leſs than the irreſiſtible, and unconquerable Grace of God can triumph, and make a conqueſt. Thus God complains of his Iſrael, Hoſ. 7. 1. When I would have …ealed Iſrael, then the iniquity of Ep…raim was diſcovered, and the wickedneſs of Samaria. The repeated Tryals God hath i… th…s way, been making upon his People, have Served for the moſt part to no other purpoſe, than to give him the juſt occaſion of Summoning the Heavens and the Earth to hear and bear witneſs of his bitter Complaint againſt his Rebellious Children, whom he had nouriſhed, and brought up, dandled on the knee of his Merciful Providence, frequently chaſtened with the rod of Affliction, that no means to compaſs their reduction might be wanting; Children notwithſtanding leſs knowing, tractable and conſiderate than the bruitiſh Ox, or ſtupid Aſs. This is the Language of that querulous Expoſtulation, Iſa. 1. 2, 3, 4, 5. 'Tis poſſible, whilſt the Correcting Rod lyes heavy on them, we may find them pretending to humble themſelves, to turn to him that ſmites them, asking forgiveneſs, and promiſing Amentment: but no ſooner … the bitter ſmart relax't, and the Judgment remov'd, but they are juſt the men they were before, and make it appear that they flattered God with their Mouths, and lyed to him with their Tongues, Pſal. 78 35, 36, 37. This is the meaning of that Addreſs: Jer. 2 20. Of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burſt thy …nds, and thou ſaidſt I will not tranſgreſs, when upon every high …, and under every green tree, thou wandereſt playing the …. And what hope is there it ſhould be otherwiſe with a degenerate People, (unleſs God pour out upon them the Effectual and Soveraign Grace of the Covenant) whoſe hearts are gone from God, and who by a conſtant Courſe and Cuſtom of Sinning, have brought themſelves under Spiritual Plagues and Judgments, and given their unbridled luſts ſuch a powerful Sway, and unconquerable Empire over them. Thus the Prophet tells that People▪ Jer, 13. … Can the Eth…opian change his skin, p. 19or the Leopard his Spots? then may ye alſo d… good, that are accuſtomed to do Evil.

III. PROPOSITION.

Wher… the Controverſy GOD is pleading with a Profeſſing People doth not Effect their Amendment, they have reaſon to expect more terrible out-breakings of the divine Anger upon them. However it may fare with others, a Covenant People muſt not expect to eſcape Severe Animadverſions upon them, for their Sins; and as …in increaſeth among them, their miſeries will increaſe and multiply. This truth ſtands upon a divine and unerring teſtimony; thus you find it expreſt, Amos 3. 2. You only have I known of all the Families of the Earth, therefore I will puniſh you for all your iniquities. And if they will not take Gods Word for it, they ſhall have his Oath, Amos 8. 7. The Lord hath Sworn by the Excellency of Jacob, Surely I will not forget any of their Works. No, no, A day of reckoning will aſſuredly come, the Lord will adjuſt accompts with them, and bring the whole to an even ballance. Doth He take pains by leſſer, and lighter Judgments, to reform and bring them back to their duty? And will not theſe Effect the Errand they are ſent upon? they have reaſon than to Expect the more terrible Effects of his Wrath and Anger; for thus the threatening runs, Levit. 26. 18. And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, then I will puniſh you ſeven times for your Sins. And will not theſe Judgments procure their Amendment? It follows next, Lev. 26. 23, 24 And if ye will not be Reformed by theſe things, but will walk contrary unto me, than I will alſo walk▪ contrary unto You, and will puniſh you yet ſeven times for your Sins. Is then the Unreformedneſs of a Covenant People, under judicial diſpenſations provoking to God? Are they, on this Score, threatned with ſeverer diſpenſations of Anger and Wrath? Doth God want power to Execute the fierceneſs of his anger upon them? Is he not faithful to his threatening as well as his promiſing Word? What then can defend ſuch a People from the p. 20heats of an anger that will burn to the loweſt Hell? What power can they find ſufficient to bar the fatal Execution of that Deciſive Sentence, long ſince entered upon record againſt them? Jer. 15. 6, 7. Thou haſt forſaken me, ſaith the Lord, thou art gone backward, (though I have indeavoured to prick thee forward by my judgments) therefore will I ſtretch out my hand againſt thee, and deſtroy thee; … weary with repenting. I will fan them with a fan in the … of the Land: I will bereave them of Children. I will deſtroy my People, ſith, they return not from their ways.

IV. PROPOSITION.

It is the high concernment of all Orders amongſt a People, with wh… the caſe thus ſtands, in their ſeveral Stations and Capacities, to indeavour the Speedy Reformation of the God provoking Evils in the midſt of them. I ſhall briefly propoſe a few things for the illuſtration of the Propoſition.

1. Nothing leſs than ſuch a Reformation will ſuffice to put an End to Gods Controverſy with ſuch a People, and Secure them from juſtly expected and deſerved Judgments. It is true, God hath given encouragement to a reforming People, to hope and believe for his return to them in a way of Mercy and Favour, and that he will repent him of the Evils he hath threatned to bring upon them. Jer. 18. 7, 8. At what inſtant I ſhall ſpeak concerning a Nation, and concerning a Kingdom to pull down, and deſtroy it; if that Nation againſt whom I have pronounced turn from their Evils, I will repent of the Evil I thought to do unto them. This duty God recommends unto, and urgeth upon a degenerate People, threat'ned with the Effects of his ſoreſt diſpleaſure, Jer. 7. 3. Thus ſaith the Lord of Hoſts the God of Iſrael, Amend your ways, and your doings, and I will cauſe you to dwell in this place. For ſuch a People God hath appeared in a way of Covenant Compaſſion, recovering them out of thoſe depths of Miſery and diſtreſs into which, by their Sins, they have plunged themſelves. Judg. 10. 16. And they put away the ſtrange gods from among them, and Served the p. 21… was grieved for the miſeries of Iſrael. But without ſuch a Reformation a Profeſſing People have …o reaſon …o look for, or expect the returns of Gods favour; he hath threatened them, and will be as good as his word, That if they walk contrary unto him, …he will walk contrary unto them, and continue them under the ſmarting Rod of divine Corrections, Levit, 26. 21.

2. When the Wrath of God hath been poured out upon a People, and the more terrible Out-breakings of it threatned, and juſtly Expected, they can never be too ſpeedy in their applications unto the only means of ſafety and ſecurity. In no caſe can delays be ſuppoſed to breed, and bode greater hazzard and danger. For if the Reformation of every thing that is provoking to God amongſt ſuch a People be not ſpeedily purſued, whence can the neglect be ſuppoſed to flow, but from a perverſe reſolvedneſs to perſiſt in their Sinful Courſes, and a wretched inſenſibility of, and ſtupid unconcernedneſs about the miſeries conſequential hereupon? And ſurely this cannot be imagined an Omen for good to them! The Language of ſuch a negligent People (for Actions Speak as well as Words) is nothing leſs than a bold and daring challenge unto the Almighty to do his worſt; and informs the World, they are equally regardleſs of his frowns and favours. What can the meaning of ſuch an inadvertent conduct be but this, Let Him make ſpeed, and haſten his work that …e may ſee it Iſai. 5. 19? Will not God then take up ſuch a Reſolution as this, As the fire devoureth the Stubble, and the flame conſumeth the chaff, ſo their Root ſhall be rottenneſs, and their bloſſoms go up as the duſt, Iſai. 5. 24.

3. All Orders of Men amongſt ſuch a People, ſhould indeavour, in their ſeveral Stations, and Capacities to promote this Reformation. For,

1. When God is pleading a Controverſy with a degenerate People, all orders▪ among them have reaſon enough to conclude, they have Some way or other contributed towards it, and ſhould there▪upon take themſelves concerned to indeavour and put forward the Reformation, whereby p. 22the divine Anger may be appeaſed. It is poſſible that thoſe who lead a People may cauſe them to err, and deſtroy the way of their paths, Iſai. 3. 12. A culpable in-advertency in them, a careleſs ſlackenning the reins of Government, may give a ſilent, and powerful growth to thoſe impieties which will cauſe the anger of the Lord to ſmoke againſt a People. Their Secular Intereſt may poſſibly diſpoſe them to wink and connive at, or to be leſs active than is meet, for Perſons in their circumſtances, in their appearances againſt and withſtanding thoſe corrupt practices, which ripen a People for ruin and deſtruction. A burning Zeal in them, for the Glory of God may be under too great damps and abatements. A Spirit of fear, timorouſneſs, and cowardize may, poſſibly, ſurprize and indiſpoſe them to a vigourous and ſteady Execution of thoſe Laws, by which bold tranſgreſſors ought to be ſeverely reflected on, that Others might hear, and fear, and be diſcouraged from doing ſo wickedly. Whatever of this nature the Rulers of a People may have to charge upon themſelves, the conſideration thereof ſhould doubtleſs be improved to invigorate their indeavour to purſue a Reformation. Amongſt the body of a degenerate People incentives to engage them in the work of Reformation, can never be wanting, if the ſhare they have had in the Sins and Tranſgreſſions, which call for and demand it, be duely weighed and conſidered. They will indubitably, upon their inquiry, find reaſon ſufficient to look upon themſelves, as God accounts of them, A Sinful Nation, a People laden with Iniquities. Cauſe they have to charge upon themſelves, bold tranſgreſſions againſt, and frequent violations of the wholeſome Laws by which their Converſations ſhould be ſquared and ordered. Is it not the Cuſtom of ſuch a People to neglect and deſpiſe the Orders and Calls of their Godly Rulers, to Repent of and Reform their Immoralities? Are they not Arraigned for pulling away the Shoulder, ſtopping their Ears, and making their hearts harder than the Adamant and the nether Mileſtone, that they might not hear the Voice of God ſpeaking to p. 23them, by the Miniſters of his Word, who are labouring their Amendment and Reformation? Surely then it is their concernment to indeavour the Reformation by which the heats of Gods anger may be allayed, and the returns of his Favour and Mercy Secur'd?

2. It cannot be reaſonably expected, that a Reformation will be produced unleſs all Orders among a People engage in it▪ Godly Rulers ſhould look upon it their Place to lead the way, and go before the People in the Work of Reformation; they ſhould ariſe therefore, and be of good Courage, for the matter belongeth unto them, Ez… 9. 4. The Ruled amongſt a People ſhould account it their duty, to follow the Encouraging Examples of their Godly Rulers. When all Orders Obſerve their duty in this affair, there is matter of hopeful Omen in it, that the work of Reformation will be carried on to Effect, that the Lord will ariſe and have Mercy on his Zion, that the Set time to favour her is come, Pſal. 102. 13.

3. All Orders of Men amongſt a Profeſſing People, have reaſon to expect a proportionable Share and Allotment in the more terrible Effects of divine Wrath, they are threatened with, unleſs a ſpeedy Reformation divert the impending Storm. And a right apprehenſion of their common danger ſhould diſpoſe them to a joynt and united Proſecution of it▪ This very Argument the Prophet ſubjoyns to the Exhortation in our Text, Jer 13. 17. But if ye will not hear, my Soul ſhall weep in ſecret places for your Pride, and mine Eye ſhall weep ſore and run down with Tears, becauſe the Lords flock is carried away Captive. He is commanded therefore to Say to the King and Queen, Humble your ſelves, ſit down, for your Principalities ſhall come down, even the Crown of your Glory. Judah ſhall be carryed away all of it, it ſhall be wholly carried away Captive, ver. 18, 19. The Propoſitions being thus conſidered▪ I come to the,

APPLICATION.

1. The Doctrine diſcovers to us the reaſon why God is ſometimes pleaſed, to alter the courſe of his Providence toward a Profeſſing People. If they be not continued under p. 24the Sun ſhine of his favour; if …e ceaſe to act towards them in ſuch ways of kindneſs and goodneſs, as heretofore he hath done; if Judgments overtake them, and they fall under the viſible Tokens, and Marks of his diſpleaſure; it is not becauſe the Lord hath le… off to be gracious, or is unfaithful to, or unmindful of his Covenant; but becauſe they have forſaken him, and by their Sins expoſed themſelves to the juſt rebukes of Heaven: Thus the Lord tells that People▪ Iſai. …9. 1, 2. The Lords hand is not ſ…tened that it cannot Save, neither is his Ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have ſeperated between you and your God. & your Sins have …id his face from you, that he will not hear.

2. The Doctrine expoſeth the Sin and Folly of a Profeſſing People in Forſaking God, his Fear, Worſhip, and Service, and in giving themſelves up to a way and courſe of Diſobedience to his holy and righteous commands. A Profeſſing People are under the moſt Sacred and indiſpenſible Obligations to Love, Fear, Serve and Worſhip God, and Obey the voice of all his Commandments, and have the higheſt and greateſt Encouragements imaginable, to diſpoſe them to a diſcharge of Covenant duty. They may promiſe themſelves the injoyment of Gods preſence and bleſſing, while they walk with him in the Commanded Path of Duty and Obedience. But if they renounce the fealty and homage they owe him, will not this open a fearful Gap for Miſeries and Evils of all …orts to break in upon, & overwhelm them? And are they able to ſtand & ſtout it out againſt him? can they ward off the blows of his furious hand, when he ſhall ſtretch it out to lay hold on Judgment, & reſiſt the impreſſions of his anger & diſpleaſure? Surely then it is their Sin and Folly to provoke & diſpleaſe him, ſince they cannot but be aſſured, that in ſo doing their own wickedneſs will correct them, and their backſlidings reprove them; and that God will ſooner or later, make them to know and ſee what an Evil thing and bitter it is, that they have forſaken him; and that his fear hath not been in them, Jer. 2. 19

3. The Doctrine gives us abundant reaſon to conclude it a matter of ſad thought, and awful conſideration, when p. 25the Lord removes, by Death, many out of every Order amongſt a degenerate People, who were men well-qualified and ſpirited to promote a work of Reformation. This is ſpoken of as a ſolemn token of Gods anger and diſpleaſure againſt a People, Iſa. 3. 1. Theſe are the Chariots of Iſrael, and the Horſemen thereof: and the removal of ſuch is a terrible Prognoſtick of fearful Calamities ready to break in upon a People. When God intends to bring awful Judgments upon a People, he is wont to remove ſuch, whoſe earneſt Prayers and Supplications would prevail to ſtay his hands, and interrupt the courſe of his Judicial proceedings with them. What cauſe then hath New-England of deep humiliation, and lamentation, from whom God hath removed ſo many of every Order, whoſe Abilities, Holineſs, Zeal and Faithfulneſs, together with their great intereſt in Heaven had rendered them very choice, uſeful and deſirable bleſſings? Time would fail me ſhould I Eſſay the Enumeration of all thoſe, who deſerve to be taken notice of under ſuch a Character. But yet it might be deſervedly accounted piacular, not to make a particular mention of thoſe, Excellent and Eminent Perſons, the Reverend Mr. Samuel Torrey, and the Reverend Mr. Samuel Willard, whoſe great multifarious Services for God and this his People, as they ought never to be forgotten, ſo can they never be duely remembred, without a juſt Tribute of Thankfulneſs to God, who lent them ſo long unto us, and a becoming Sorrow of heart, that they were ſo ſoon and at ſo critical a juncture removed from us. The year paſt hath called from us an Honourable, Uſeful, and Aged Counſellour; and given us the occaſion of lamenting the Funeral of that Eminently holy, and aged Servant of the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, the Reverend Mr. John Higginſon, by whom, many years ſince (from the Place where I now ſtand) the Cauſe of God and this his Wilderneſs People was ſo Judiciouſly ſtated and aſſerted. … New-England how wide are thy Breaches grown? Are they not Practicable enough, for a General and irreſiſtible Storm of Judgments to enter in upon Thee▪ But alas, alas for us, p. 26how little are ſuch awful ſtroaks regretted, and laid to heart by us! And is not this the more Ominous and Portenous, …ith we have but too much reaſon to conclude, God hath taken away ſuch Righteous ones from the Evil to come? Iſai. 57. 1.

4. The Doctrine intimates to us that it is accounted a Singular Mercy of God, and an Omen for good, when there are many in all Orders amongſt a degenerate People who are well qualified and ſpirited, to promote the Work of Reformation. This is a Sign that God is not deſigned ſuddenly to break up houſe, and make quick diſpatch with them. Such will not only Mourn for, but reſolvedly put to an helping hand toward the Reformation of what ever is amiſs amongſt them. Their Tears, Cares & Prayers and Aſſiſtances will be ever imployed as a means to ſtay the Lords hand, and to remove, as much as poſſibly they can, the known Occaſions of his anger and diſpleaſure. When God deſigned to bring about the Reformation of Iſrael, he advanced David to the Throne. This was the Godly man whom God, in this reſpect, as well as others, ſet a part for himſelf, Pſal 4 3. And you ſee the early Reſolutions of that Excellent Perſon, Pſal. 75. 2, 4. When I ſhall recieve the Congregation, I will judge uprightly, I ſaid to the …ools deal not Fooliſhly, and to the Wicked lift not up the horn. It was his fixed reſolve to Set no wicked thing before his Eyes, and to hate the work of them that turned aſide: Wicked Perſons had no reaſon to expect any favour or ſhelter from him, No, A froward heart, he was determin'd ſhould depart from him: The faithful in the Land whoſe Spirits had been diſcouraged, damp't and cow'd out, whilſt a vile Perſon had been Exalted amongſt them, might now promiſe themſelves and Expect all manner of Encouragement from him; for his Eyes, he reſolv'd, ſhould be upon the faithful in the Land, that they might dwell with him, and ſerve him. 'Twas by theſe he knew he ſhould be aſſiſted in the Execution of the Noble deſign he had in his heart, to deſtroy all the wicked out of the Land, and to cut them off from the City of the Lord, Pſal. …01. p. 27per totum. Amongſt the many things which offer a Melancholly proſpect to us, the conſideration of this, that there are ſo many in Civil and Sacred Order, and of the body of this declining People who are Perſons of an Excellent and Eminent Character, for practical Piety and Godlineſs, propoſeth to us matter of ſingular Hope and Expectation. No doubt their care, and thoughts are continually imployed, in Studying and deviſing by what means, the true intereſts of Religion may be ſubſerved; this People recovered out of their declining State, and the terrible outbreakings of the Divine Wrath averted from us. What gratitudes and acknowledgments then, are there owing to God, on this account, who hath not permitted our condition to be ſuch, That there ſhould not be a man left amongſt us to ſtand in the Gap; or who might hopefully labour to make up the breach?

5. The Doctrine calls upon all Orders of Men, to indeavour in their ſeveral Stations and Capacities, a ſpeedy Reformation of the God Provoking Evils amongſt us.

And,

Firſt the Exhortation is Propoſed to the Fathers of the Country, Political and Spiritual.

1. Our Political Fathers are called upon to do all that lie… in their power, that this People, under their Conduct, may become a Reformed People. Can encouragements be wanting …o invigourate their utmoſt Application, unto an affair of ſuch grand and neceſſary importance? Are they not the keepers of both Tables? Are they not arm'd with a Sufficiency of Power and Authority, to demand and enforce the ſteady Obſervation of Holineſs and Vertue? Should they not be a Terrour to Evil Works, and a Praiſe to thoſe that do Well? Has not the Work of Reformation a great dependance, under God, who hath the hearts of all men in his hands, upon their Courage, Prudence, Zeal, and Activity? We never read, in Sacred, or Eccleſiaſtical Hyſtory, of any notable general Reformation amongſt a People, except the Magiſtrate did Countenance, and help it forward? Would Judah have ever been Reformed if p. 28thoſe Excellent Princes. Aſa, Jehoſhaphat, Hezekiah, and Joſiah had not beſtowed their indefatigable care, and pains in producing their Reformation? Moſt ſure it is, that Religious and Reforming Magiſtrates have all the reaſon in the World to expect, that their ſteady Engagement in a Work ſo pleaſing and grateful to Heaven, will ſecure to them the preſence of a Gracious, and Almighty God, and Entail his laſting bleſſing on them.

Should not many things be Eſſayed by the Civil Authority, toward the putting a ſtop to the growth of thoſe Immoralities, which will aſſuredly bring the terrible Revenges of Heaven upon the People under their Conduct? Can they not do much this way by being Exemplary to them in all manner of holy and circumſpect Converſation? Is it not to be hop'd that their Religious Examples will be attended with Potent Charms, and powerful Incentives? Will not the Godly in the Land readily fall in, and comply with the Encouraging Precedent; and Iniquity for ſhame ſtop her Mouth?

Should not Laws be Enacted for the Suppreſſing of Vice and Impiety? And if Experience teſtifies the inſufficiency of ſuch as are already made to reach the End intended by them, muſt not Others be Contrived and Eſtabliſhed which will offer a greater probability of Succeſs? But will this anſwer the deſigns of Reformation, if when all is done they be not duely, ſtrictly, and impartially Executed? To what End is the naked Sword in State born before the Magiſtrate, but to ſignify his readineſs to be a revenger, and to Execute Wrath upon him that doth Evil? Should not the Perſons into whoſe hands the Executive Part of the Law is betruſted, be Men of Prudence, Piety, Zeal & Courage, and ſhould not their attendance to their duty be Prudently look't into and obſerved? Will not the Improvement of Perſons of a contrary Temper and Character be altogether diſſerviceable to the deſired, and pleaded for Reformation? Ought not the Law to be vigorouſly Urged and Executed, in which Proviſion is made for the Supply of all Places, by a Learned Orthodox & Faithful Miniſtry, p. 29eſpecially ſuch as have from the very firſt of the Settlement lived in a way of defi…nce to Goſpel Order? Is it not neceſſary that every good thing be carefully cheriſhed, upheld, and promoted, and the things ſtrengthened that are ready to dye?

May it, therefore Pleaſe your EXCELLENCY!

The Unerring Providence of GOD, and the favour of the beſt of QUEENS, have placed your Excellency at the Helm of Government over this Province: You will therefore SIR, Account it your Honour & Duty to reſemble the Deity in all acts of Piety & goodneſs; and to copy after the illuſtrious Example of Her moſt Excellent Majeſty, whoſe repeated PROCLAMATIONS againſt Vice, & Immoralities, have abundantly convinced the World, that Her Majeſty is at an irreconcilable Enmity with every thing that has a tendency to draw down the Wrath of an Almighty, and Sin hating GOD, on the Kingdoms and Plantations over whom She Sways Her Imperial Scepter. GOD hath adorned your Excellency with admirable Accompliſhments, and uncommon Talents: Your Excellency will give us leave to expect, that they ſhall all be improved for the Glory & Honour of God, and the Reformation of a People labouring under the juſt rebukes & diſpleaſure of Heaven, on the ſcore of their Multiplied Tranſgreſſions and Provocations.

Permit me SIR, to Obſerve, That your Excellencies very Honourable Father was One of thoſe Noble Patriots, under whoſe Religious & Auſpicious Conduct were laid the Foundations of our New-England Heavens & Earth, I mean, their Sacred & Civil Conſtitution, on which account, his Name is Worthy an Everlaſting Remembrance. It went well with that Generation, in whoſe ſtead is riſen up another Generation, who have in a great meaſure forſaken God, and Sinned away much of his gracious Preſence from them. How agreable a thing will it be that your Excellency by Powerful Example, and Proper Influence, on all who move under you in a lower Sphere, ſhould Endeavour the bringing back this People to the Lord God of their Fathers? Thus doing God will be with own, bleſs and proſper you; p. 30And your Excellencies Name will not only be hereby rendered dear and honourable to the lateſt Poſterity, but after, SIR, You have here Served your Generation by the will of God, a ſafe Retreat will be Secured for you into the Arms of Eternal Mercy.

AS for thoſe Honourable perſons that are, or may this day be Choſen to aſſiſt his Excellency in Council; It is the earneſt hope and expectation of thoſe by whom you are Choſen into that Poſt of Honour and Truſt, and of all the God-fearing Souls in the Province, that you will carefully intend and promote the Speedy Reformation, of all that is provoking to God in the Land. Your Honours are well acquainted with the Way, Humour, Frame, Temper, Temptations and Provocations of this People, and will not be thereby diſcouraged from attempting whatever is neceſſary to be done, for promoting a Work ſo deſireable and neceſſary. Whatever Oppoſitions, or Obſtructions may lye in the way, the Preſence of God will eaſily remove, or help you to Surmount them. Will your Honours then be pleaſed to Ariſe, and Buckle to the Work with a renewed Application. God we truſt, will own and crown your Endeavours with Succeſs. However it prove, your Honours will have comfort and Satisfaction in this, That you have faithfully Endeavoured the diſcharge of the truſt Committed to you by God and Man, and may be ſure to obtain a Proportionable Reward.

THE Worthy Gentlemen of the Houſe of Repreſentatives, who have called me (the unworthieſt of all the Servants of the Lord in the Miniſtry) to Speak on ſuch, and ſo great an Occaſion as this, will allow me the freedom of putting them in mind, that they have a great Opportunity, Privilege and Advantage in their hands, unto the doing of what is very conſiderable toward the promoting the neceſſary Reformation, I am pleading for▪ You have the Privilege of Aſſiſting, at leaſt, in the choice of thoſe Worthy Perſons, who are to be choſen to aſſiſt his Excellency in Council, and to help manage the Affairs of the Publick in this Stormy and difficultly circumſtanced Seaſon; what care and conſcience p. 31ought you take that your Suffrages be given for thoſe, who in the beſt of your Judgment are duely qualified for ſo great a truſt, and will be moſt likely to addreſs themſelves, with an indefatigableneſs of Application, to the Oppoſing & Diſcountenancing whatever is a ground of Gods Controverſy with his People, by whom you are betruſted. You will doubtleſs look upon it your duty and concern, to conſent unto the Laws which are yet neceſſary to be Made and Enacted, for the Promoving and Securing the Religious; or Temporal Intereſts of the Country. Your Prudence, Piety, Zeal for the Glory of God, and your Country's good, are greatly relied on, and you will not fail to give ſignal proofs and demonſtrations of them. You forget not that the Country's Purſe is in your hands; you will be careful to Husband it to the beſt Advantage, conſidering it's very low and reduced Circumſtances; but yet will in no ſort be wanting to ſupply the Treaſury, with what is neceſſary for the ſafety and defence of the Country, and the honourable Support of the Government.

2. Here is a call to our Spiritual Fathers in the Churches▪ They will permit One of the Meaneſt and Unworthieſt of their Order to put them in mind, how greatly they are concerned to do all they can to promove a Work of Reformation amonſt this People.

Reverend and Highly Eſteemed: The Lord Jeſus Chriſt, the great Shepherd and Biſhop of Souls, hath called us forth and ſet us apart to bear His Name before this Generation of his People. We are under moſt Sacred, Solemn & Awful Obligations unto a conſtant, careful, and conſcionable improvement of all the Talents & Abilities, the glorious head of Influences hath furniſhed us with, in order unto our Subſerving their beſt and eternal intereſts. Our Endeavours muſt not, and I truſt, thro Grace aſſiſting, will not be wanting to lay before them, plain, clear, full and awakening diſcoveries of the whole will of God concerning them. Altho' we ought to acknowledge, with great Humility, and Thankfulneſs the Lords Singular Mercy & Favour to us, in rendering us Inſtrumental unto the Saving good p. 32of Many, thro' the Almighty Efficacy & Influence, of his holy Spirit, that he hath vouchſaf't to us ſo many Seals of our Miniſtry, who truly fear, ſerve, and endeavour to glorify God by an holy, uſeful, and Exemplary Converſation; Yet the dull, dead, careleſs, worldly, ſenſual & inexemplary Converſations of many who make a Profeſſion of Godlineſs, the manifeſt Tokens of an Impenitent, irregenerate Spirit upon many of the Standing and Upriſing Generation; notwithſtanding all Care and Pains taken with them, to diſpoſe them to a ſenſe of their Eternal Concernments, afford us matter of very trembling, and humbling conſideration, and ought to awaken us unto a Studious Thoughtfulneſs upon the propereſt Methods may be uſed with them, by a bleſſing on which they may be rendered the glorious Inſtances of Sparing and Saving Mercy. Great care muſt be taken that we do not give way to diſcouragement: With a Sincere reliance on the Victorious Grace of God, which alone is Sufficient to change and convert, the otherwiſe unconquerable, hearts of Sinners. Let us reſolve to perſiſt in an Endeavour of making full proof of our Miniſtry, Preaching the Word in Seaſon and out of Seaſon, reproving, rebuking, exhorting with all long-suffering and doctrine: Mainly inſiſting on thoſe Truths, which tend to lay open the Nature and Neceſſity of Converſion, and the danger of continuing in a Chriſtleſs, and Impenitent State and Condition. A due level muſt be taken at the Prevailing Sins & Vices of the Times, and the preſent duty of them urged with a repeatedneſs of inculcation. Alluring addreſſes are to be made unto Sinners, to invite them, unto a forſaking the fooliſh, that ſo they may live; and a glorious Saviour Set before and offered to them, as the only way of obtaining Pardon, and bleſſedneſs. We muſt never forget to be carrying our Flocks in the Arms of our Faith and Prayers to the Merciful Throne; nor forbear to be wreſtling with the God and Father of our Lord and Saviour Jeſus Chriſt, that …e would pour out his Spirit upon them, and attend the diſpenſations of the Word of his Grace, with a divine bleſſing, and an irreſiſtible Influence. An holy Diſcipline p. 33muſt be conſtantly uſed, and improv'd upon the proper Occaſions that call for it. Our more private Perſonal Inſtructions, Exhortations, Cautions, Counſels. Warnings and Admonitions, as Opportunity may be offered; would on a tryal be found ſome of the beſt Expedients, by which the deſigns of practical Godlineſs would be wonderfully Subſerved. The Lambs of the Flock muſt be tenderly regarded; it is neceſſary we make them the Subjects of our cares, and repeated Inſtructions; it is criminal to exclude them from the watch and diſcipline, their being a part of the Flo…k, …akes owing to them. Is it needleſs to add, that the Purity of our Doctrine ſhould be carefully repreſented to our Hearers, in the U…l…meableneſs of our Lives and Converſations? How altogether neceſſary ſhould we ſuppoſe it to be, that our Families be preſerved under the exacteſt Order and Regulations, and a due diſtance kept by all under the wing of our domeſtical Government, from every thing which in others beſpeak our juſt Reproofs and Reprehenſions? Would not a ſtrict and cordial Union amongſt our Selves, the more Orderly practice of the Conſociation of Churches, and Upholding and Preſerving the juſt Authority of Councils, without the leaſt infringement of the Liberties and Privileges by divine appointment belonging to particular Churches; and the making due Proviſion for the tryall of the Abilities and Converſation of Such as are to be improved for Goſpel Service, in the Churches of the faithfull, tend much to the Stengthening our hands, and be of Singular advantage to us in the Purſuing of thoſe things whereby the beſt Good of this People may be hopefully Subſerved?

Secondly … Here is a Call to the whole Body of this People; To endeavour a ſpeedy Reformation, of all the God Provoking Evils amongſt them.

But … things b…, and I ſhall conclude.

1. Be carefull to … your ſerves with the cauſe of God▪ Controverſy with you. A degenerate People are ſeldom duely inquiſi… into the Cauſe of the Controverſy God is p. 34pleading with them: they are too apt to take up and concieve a better Opinion of themſelves than they deſerve: and thus it was with that People, tho' a very Sinful and Wicked People. Jer. 2. 35. Yet thou ſayeſt becauſe I am innocent, ſurely his anger ſhall turn from me. And hence it came to paſs, when the Prophet denounced againſt them terrible threatenings by the Command of God, they boldly demand, Wherefore hath the Lord pronounced all this great Evil againſt us, Or what is our iniquity? Or what is our Sin that we have committed againſt the Lord our God? Jer. 16. 10. Until a People are convinced of the cauſes of Gods anger and diſpleaſure againſt them, there is no Expectation or hope of their Humiliation and Reformation. That God hath been pleading and ſtill continues to plead a Controverſy with New-England, is too plain and evident to be denied. It is, indeed generally own'd and confeſſed, and were it not, yet the awfull and terrible Judgements by which God hath been contending with us, are inconteſtible demonſtrations of it. How greatly then are we concerned to be Seriouſly inquiſitive into the grounds and cauſes of it.

The Elders and Meſſengers of theſe Churches, aſſembled in this Town, in a Synod, almoſt thirty years ſince, have Solemnly declared to the World, what the Sins were which they concluded to be the Cauſes of Gods heavy Judgments on the Land. The Publick have an account of it in their hands. A great part of that Aſſembly of good, holy Men, are gathered to their Fathers, but their Teſtimony Survives, and will be a laſting and ſpeaking Witneſs for God againſt us. For do not theſe Sins yet remain Unreformed? Do they not ſtill continue the Cauſes of Gods anger againſt us? Is there not yet cauſe to Complain, that there is a great and viſible decay of the Life and Power of Religion amongſt us? Are not many guilty of Heart Apoſtaſy from God? Has not the Glorious Goſpel of the Son of God been diſpiſed; A precious Saviour, and the Offers of Eternal Salvation in and thro' Him rejected, by Multitudes amongſt us? Do not many make it p. 35Evident that they are under the Power & Working of a Spirit of Unbelief and Irregeneracy? Are not Church fellowſhip and other divine Inſtitutions, for the ſake of which our Fathers in a ſpecial manner followed the Lord into this Wilderneſs, greatly Rejected? Do not many Places live without the Setled Enjoyment of the Means of Grace? Are not Execrable Oaths, and vain Swearing, by which the glorious Name of God is fearfully Profaned, become a matter of too common Practice? Is not the Reſt of Gods holy Sabbath, by Multitudes horribly Profaned and Polluted? Do not ill governed Ignorant Profane, and Prayerleſs Families abound in the Land? Are not this People too generally guilty of irreverend, and irreſpectful behaviour towards thoſe whom God hath Set over them in Church and State? Are not Moſes and Aaron, the Subjects ſtill of their Complaints and Murmurings? What a Prodigious diſcovery will an ordinary Obſervation make to us of the Inordinate Paſſions, Sinful Hearts, Hatreds, Evil Surmiſings, Uncharitable Cenſures, Opprobrious Reflections, Reviling Expreſſions, Backbitings and Slanders, whereby the holy Religion we make a Profeſſion of, is fearfully defiled; and the anger of the Lord moſt terribly excited? Doth not the Pride of New-England teſtify to her face; and is there not too general an affectation of ſuch a ſlanting Garb, Mode and Dreſs, as is highly Unbecoming a People under ſuch ſenſible & continued rebukes of Heaven? Doth not the Shameful and worſe than Bruitiſh Sin of Drunkenneſs, like an irreſiſtible Inundation threaten to carry all before it? And may not the formidable growth of this Impiety, be ſuppoſed in no ſmall degree owing to the juſt revenges of Heaven upon us, for debauching the Indian Natives of the Land, in defiance to that truely Noble and Glorious Undertaking on foot, to bring home theſe loſt and bewildred Creatures, to the great Shepherd and Biſhop of Souls? Are not hainous, and fearful breaches of the Seventh Commandment, and temptations thereunto become exceeding frequent, in the Land, notwithſtanding the Care is taken to prevent them? Doth not a Worldly p. 36Spirit prevail upon us? And are not the—of a Publick Spirit, Truth and Faithfulneſs, and the Oppreſſions, Extortion, Fraud, Cheats and Couſenages ſo much and ſo frequently complained of, the undeniable indications of it? Do we not live in the neglect of a due and right improvement, of the Liberties and Priviledges we are permitted to enjoy, which might greatly ſubſerve the intereſts and deſigns of Religion amongſt us? How careleſs are Multitudes, in managing the Choice of thoſe that are to Repreſent them in the Great and General Aſſembly? how many neglect to improve the Liberty allow'd em, and how many abuſe it as unto the Serving of a Party, or as a tool and inſtrument to gratify their Corruptions? Is it not a thing would greatly conduce to the Service of Religion, and the Promoting its Intereſts, if ſuch were choſen for Grand-jurors and …thingmen, as are Men of Piety, Zeal ſo God, and make Conſcience of and fear an Oath; but how careleſs are many Places as to this, nay are there not ſometimes ſuch Choſen as diſcover an Intreague to defeat the good intentions they are deſigned to purſue? How little care is there generally taken, eſpecially in Country Towns, to promote the Liberal Education of Children? How much is it become the Practice of many Towns, so Study Tricks and Shifts whereby the Laws of the Land obliging to the upholding and maintaining of Schools, may be wholly evaded and loſe its Efficacy? And is not this Provoking to God▪ and diſſerviceable to the intereſt of Poſterity? Have not all the Judgments whereby God hath been for ſo long a time contending with us, been ineffectual to reclaim us? And what but a Perverſe and Impenitent Spirit, hating to be Reformed, and refuſing to Return can be ſuppoſed the Ground and Reaſon of it? And do not theſe things give us reaſon to conclude, that the uncomfortable Shadows of a dark Evening are ready to ſpread their Sable Wings over us? Behold! Behold, O New-England, the Cauſe thy God hath to be angry with Thee! And wilt thou not waſh thine heart from Uncleanneſs that thou mayſt be Saved?

p. 372. Seriouſly Ponder the Progreſs God hath made in Pleading his Controverſy with us. Have we not been under a long continued Series of Judicial Diſpenſations? Hath not the Rain of our Land been frequently turn'd to Powder and Duſt? Have not our Husbandmen been call'd to howl? Have not devouring Inſects, conſuming Droughts, and pinching Froſts repeated the Tokens of Gods anger upon us? How often have Peſtilential Diſeaſes received a Commiſſion to March thro' the Land? And have not Multitudes hereby encreaſed the number of our Dead amongſt us? Have not ruining and impoveriſhing loſſes by Sea been multiplied upon us? Hath not the Lord drawn out the Sword of the Covenant againſt us? Has it not for almoſt four and thirty years, with little Intermiſſion devoured much Fleſh, and increaſed the number of the Lords ſlain in the Land? Are not many of our Sons & Daughters in Captivity? How many Towns lye waſt and deſolate without Inhabitant, and this by the Lords moving us to Jealouſy with thoſe who are not a People, and provoking us to anger with a fooliſh Nation? Are not our Frontiers, notwithſtanding all means to relieve and ſupport them, in a waſting, conſuming and miſerable Condition? Has not the Stink of our Camps been ſent into our Noſtrils, and our hopefuleſt Expeditions frowned upon and diſappointed, ſo that our Enemies laugh amongſt themſelves, and thoſe that hate us clap their hands? Have not Spiritual Flagues been poured on us? Is not the Word to many become Penal, Blinding and Judicial? Is not the Spirit of Grace, as to its Converting and Regenerating Influences under powerful Reſtraints? Do not the terrible and amazing tokens of a Perverſe, Refractory, Unyielding, Inſenſible Spirit appear upon us, notwithſtanding all the terrible diſpenſations of Gods Wrath againſt us? And are not all theſe things a ſure and undeniable Evidence, that God hath made a Conſiderable Progreſs in pleading his Controverſy with us? And what can the United Voice of all theſe Judgments be, But this, Be inſtructed O New-England leſt my Soul depart from Thee? But what ſhall be attempted p. 38to put a ſtop to the terrible Out-breakings of Gods Ang… and Diſpleaſure, which theſe things are the aſſured ſo runners of? A REFORMATION! A REFORMATION And what muſt be done that it may be produced?

I muſt but briefly touch on the things that claim a Conſideration by us.

Should you not then, O ye Covenant People of the Lord, with deepeſt Penitential Mourning and Humiliation, fall down before a juſtly irritated and offended God, and with ut-moſt brokenneſs of heart own, & acknowledge all your mighty Sins and multiplied tranſgreſſions, and all their highly aggravated Circumſtances, as being Committed againſt ſo much Light, Love, Merciful diſpenſations, Repeated Convictions, Warnings, Cautions, Confeſſions, Vows and Promiſes of Amendment? Should you not humbly accept the Puniſhment of your Sins, and Confeſs that God is Righteous in all his diſpenſations of humbling Providences, by which he hath teſtified his anger and diſpleaſure againſt you? And that in the midſt of his Judgments, He hath remembred Mercy, Puniſhing you leſs than you have deſerved? Is it not duty to repent of, hate, abhor, turn from, forſake, and loath your ſelves for all the high handed Provocations, whereby you have incenſed the Divine Majeſty againſt you, and ſo far cauſed Him to become, and act toward you as an Enemy? Is not the Pardoning Grace and Mercy of God thro' the Almighty Redeemer, to be humbly and earneſtly implored, and ſincerely relied on? Should you not Endeavour a full purpoſe of heart, to renounce all the ways of Sin and Folly, and walk uprightly with God in all the duties of the Covenant? And can any of theſe duties be performed by you, unleſs the Lord by the irreſiſtible Grace of his Spirit turn, change and make a victorious Conqueſt upon your hearts, taking away the heart of Stone, and giving you an heart of Fleſh? Is it not then your high concernment, by earneſt Prayers and Supplications, to implore this Mercy from the Hands of a God hearing Prayer, that p. 39He would take the Work into his own handy, pour … Spirit upon You, and your Children, …end… the Means … Grace, and Miniſtry of his Word▪ … (which yet thro'… … Favour …r… continued to you) Powerful to the Sub…ing your …rts unto … and the … your Souls from under the power of your … L…ſts and Corruptions, that ſo you may be enclined … his ways and obey his Commandments? Should you … Endeavour to recover … Government From the La…iſhments and Deaths that are upon it … Should not tho Worſhip of God be more Religiouſly Obſerved, and Upheld in your Families? Ought you not to Prize God… Houſe Ordinances and Inſtitutions; Honour hisSabbaths,and Reverence his Sanctuary,and improve the diſpenſations of his Word for your Spiritual Good and Edification? Should not all the Liberties you yet Enjoy, be carefully and conſcientiouſly improv'd and husbanded to the beſt advantage, for the promoving and ſubſerving the Intereſts of Religion and Reformation? Should not all that are truly Godly Stir up themſelves to lay hold on God, and humble themſelves under a Soul awakening ſenſe of their deadneſs, dulneſs, carnal Mindedneſs; want of due Watchfulneſs over themſelves, their hearts and wayes? That they have Maintained no more of Fellowſhip and Communion with God, been no more Circumſpect and Exemplary in their Lives and Converſations, Shown no more Zeal for God, and given ſo little Obſtruction to the growth of Sin and Profaneſs? Should they not aſſociate and combine together, and by the propereſt Methods they can think upon, Endeavouring to d…mp, diſcourage and put a ſtop to whatſoever is matter of Provocation to the pure Eyes of Gods Glory in the Land? Are any poſſible Encouragements wanting? Is not the Lord yet treatable? As yet he owns a Covenant Relation to us; and has a conſiderable Intereſt amongſt us. The Decree has not yet brought forth. Why do we not then gather our Selves together, and take words to our Selves (ſince he is pleaſed to put them into our Mouths) and ſay, T…k… p. 40away all iniquity and receive us graciouſly. May we not upon ſo doing, Expect to hear that Gracious Reſolve of his, I well heal their backſlidings, I will have them freely, for mine anger is turned away from him, Hoſ. 14. 2.—4. But if theſe things are neglected b… us, and we reſolve to plod on ſtill in a way and … of … and Wickedneſs, Can it be long before the …zing and irreſiſtible Stroaks of an Omnipotent Arm, Expoſe the folly of all the Carnal Confidences and Securities we rely upon, and offer us occaſion with the bittereſt Lamentation and dolefulleſt Accents, to grown out the utter Diſappointments, of our Hopes and Expectations, as they did? Jer. …. 14, 15. The Lord our God hath put us to Silence, and give… us Water of …all to drink, becauſe we have Sinned againſt the Lord. We looked for Peace, but no good Came; and for a time of Health, and behold trouble.

FINIS.

End of the text · Grindal Rawson, The Necessity of a Speedy and Thorough Reformation (1709)