and_o reformation_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o when_o god_n have_v give_v he_o a_o opportunity_n more_o than_o once_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n unto_o this_o people_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o head_n and_o representative_n thereof_o he_o have_v deliver_v his_o own_o soul_n by_o give_v warn_v and_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v shall_v turn_v to_o he_o for_o a_o testimony_n it_o be_v a_o hazardous_a thing_n as_o much_o as_o life_n be_v worth_a for_o man_n not_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o whosoever_o or_o to_o whosoever_o speak_v if_o a_o josiah_n regard_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n speak_v by_o a_o pharaoh_n necho_n he_o lose_v his_o life_n for_o it_o and_o so_o do_v zedekiah_n because_o he_o humble_v not_o himself_o before_o jeremiah_n the_o prophet_n speak_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v true_a that_o minister_n in_o these_o day_n have_v no_o immediate_a call_n or_o commission_n from_o heaven_n yet_o if_o they_o deliver_v such_o message_n as_o be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v by_o they_o and_o many_o time_n their_o heart_n be_v incline_v to_o this_o or_o that_o subject_n by_o a_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v with_o his_o servant_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n let_v we_o then_o hear_v that_o so_o our_o soul_n may_v live_v god_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n have_v see_v meet_a to_o dignify_v a_o handful_n of_o his_o people_n who_o be_v separate_v from_o their_o brethren_n with_o the_o chief_a and_o choice_a of_o blessing_n it_o be_v promise_v as_o a_o high_a favour_n jer._n 30.21_o their_o noble_n shall_v be_v of_o themselves_o and_o their_o governors_n shall-proceed_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o we_o have_v have_v these_o over_o we_o who_o have_v be_v as_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o ancient_n be_v nobiles_fw-la genere_fw-la nobiliores_fw-la sanctitate_fw-la we_o can_v be_v thankful_a enough_o for_o that_o blessing_n civil_a liberty_n be_v a_o invaluable_a mercy_n the_o jewish_a rabbin_n have_v a_o say_n that_o if_o the_o sea_n be_v ink_n and_o the_o earth_n parchment_n it_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o write_v down_o the_o praise_n due_a to_o god_n for_o liberty_n but_o what_o then_o shall_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o enjoy_v all_o at_o this_o day_n the_o way_n to_o have_v they_o continue_v be_v for_o we_o to_o approve_v ourselves_o faithful_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n for_o then_o god_n will_v be_v for_o we_o and_o if_o he_o be_v for_o we_o who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o boston_n in_o n._n england_n august_n 31._o 1683._o increase_v mather_n a_o plea_n for_o the_o life_n of_o die_v religion_n deut._n 32.47_o because_o it_o be_v your_o life_n it_o have_v please_v the_o great_a and_o bless_a god_n in_o his_o infinite_a sovereignty_n to_o transact_v with_o man_n about_o the_o everlasting_a concernment_n of_o his_o immortal_a soul_n to_o dispense_v both_o his_o mercy_n and_o justice_n both_o life_n and_o death_n to_o distribute_v eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o to_o govern_v man_n unto_o his_o eternal_a state_n only_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o covenant_n all_o reprobate_a sinner_n be_v destroy_v and_o damn_v under_o the_o curse_n and_o condemnation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n all_o god_n elect_n be_v save_v by_o and_o through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n according_a unto_o and_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n god_n have_v constitute_v the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n in_o his_o own_o eternal_a counsel_n before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o therein_o lay_v the_o foundation_n both_o of_o the_o constitution_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o by_z &_o through_o that_o one_o only_o great_a and_o glorious_a mediator_n jesus_n christ_n who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o bring_v a_o certain_a elect_a number_n of_o sallen_a man_n unto_o god_n concern_v who_o he_o say_v i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n hence_o god_n ever_o have_v have_v and_o ever_o will_v have_v a_o covenant-people_n in_o the_o world_n until_o this_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v consummate_v in_o glory_n and_o when_o the_o most_o high_o divide_v to_o the_o nation_n their_o inheritance_n and_o separate_v the_o son_n of_o adam_n he_o set_v the_o bound_n of_o the_o people_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n for_o the_o lord_n portion_n be_v his_o people_n and_o jacob_n the_o lot_n of_o his_o inheritance_n deut._n 32.8_o 9_o this_o book_n it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o respect_n most_o proper_o call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o it_o contain_v not_o only_o a_o more_o full_a &_o plain_a revelation_n &_o exposition_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o in_o the_o constitution_n way_n manner_z &_o mean_n of_o the_o administration_n &_o confirmation_n of_o it_o &_o of_o the_o all-sufficiency_n of_o god_n unto_o his_o people_n therein_o as_o their_o god_n in_o covenant_n but_o also_o a_o description_n of_o that_o notable_a covenant-transaction_n wherein_o all_o the_o duty_n all_o the_o blessing_n and_o all_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v express_o and_o in_o set_a form_n propose_v and_o the_o people_n move_v unto_o the_o most_o solemn_a restipulation_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o god_n under_o the_o most_o sacred_a and_o indispensible_a obligation_n to_o live_v to_o he_o and_o walk_v with_o he_o by_o religious_a fear_n reverence_n faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n as_o his_o covenant-people_n for_o ever_o and_o this_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o most_o awful_a contestation_n whereby_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v call_v to_o record_v deut._n 30.19_o 20._o i_o call_v heaven_n &_o earth_n to_o record_v this_o day_n against_o you_o that_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v therefore_o choose_v life_n that_o both_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n may_v live_v and_o now_o moses_n have_v thus_o finish_v his_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a ministry_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v accompany_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a presence_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o be_v eminent_o a_o type_n of_o christ_n he_o do_v prepare_v himself_o instant_o to_o take_v leave_n of_o the_o people_n of_o his_o work_n and_o of_o the_o world_n the_o people_n he_o incourage_v by_o a_o promise_n of_o god_n presence_n to_o make_v their_o progress_n unto_o and_o entrance_n into_o and_o full_a possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n his_o office_n and_o work_n he_o resign_v unto_o joshuah_n who_o he_o do_v by_o divine_a appointment_n ordain_v his_o successor_n charge_v of_o he_o with_o the_o care_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o people_n unto_o their_o rest_n in_o canaan_n and_o this_o upon_o full_a assurance_n that_o god_n will_v be_v with_o he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v never_o fail_v he_o nor_o forsake_v he_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o deliver_v unto_o the_o people_n contain_v the_o whole_a word_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o so_o their_o whole_a religion_n together_o with_o a_o prophetical_a song_n show_v the_o diverse_a state_n of_o that_o church_n and_o people_n in_o succeed_a age_n under_o the_o successive_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n this_o law_n and_o this_o song_n he_o deliver_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o people_n for_o their_o improvement_n charge_v of_o they_o most_o earnest_o and_o affectionate_o to_o set_v their_o heart_n unto_o it_o because_o it_o be_v their_o life_n these_o word_n because_o it_o be_v thy_o life_n they_o be_v some_o of_o the_o last_o word_n of_o moses_n that_o great_a prophet_n and_o therefore_o they_o contain_v matter_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n they_o be_v together_o with_o the_o context_n his_o last_o his_o farewell_n and_o die_a charge_n whereby_o he_o set_v himself_o in_o a_o sentence_n or_o two_o to_o speak_v all_o at_o once_o to_o deliver_v unto_o they_o the_o sum_n or_o a_o system_fw-la of_o all_o that_o doctrine_n and_o duty_n which_o he_o have_v before_o throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o ministry_n be_v deliver_v unto_o they_o all_o that_o they_o be_v to_o know_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o practice_v the_o whole_a both_o of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n that_o be_v more_o plain_o their_o whole_a religion_n and_o he_o charge_v they_o to_o set_v their_o heart_n unto_o it_o that_o be_v to_o prize_v it_o love_v it_o keep_v it_o cleave_v to_o it_o live_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o sincere_a pure_a powerful_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n with_o all_o their_o mind_n with_o all_o their_o soul_n with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o with_o all_o their_o strength_n from_o generation_n unto_o generation_n themselves_o and_o
confound_a shame_n and_o scandal_n unto_o this_o generation_n of_o new-england_n christian_n before_o the_o world_n if_o have_v have_v religion_n transmit_v to_o we_o by_o our_o father_n who_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n uphold_v it_o in_o so_o much_o of_o the_o power_n and_o purity_n of_o it_o while_o they_o live_v and_o be_v still_o privilege_v with_o all_o religious_a interest_n and_o enjoyment_n as_o the_o high_a advantage_n and_o encouragement_n to_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v notwithstanding_o through_o our_o carelessness_n slothfulness_n unfaithfulness_n suffer_v to_o decay_v languish_v and_o die_v away_o yea_o and_o by_o our_o own_o declension_n therein_o give_v it_o a_o mortal_a wound_n sure_o if_o religion_n die_v christian_n will_v in_o this_o respect_n be_v more_o inexcusable_o guilty_a of_o the_o death_n of_o it_o than_o other_o o_o let_v this_o be_v consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o general_a exhortation_n speak_v also_o to_o church_n as_o such_o religion_n in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n of_o the_o text_n and_o doctrine_n be_v most_o proper_o the_o life_n of_o church_n it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v they_o be_v and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o their_o be_v god_n have_v constitute_v church_n both_o by_o religion_n and_o for_o religion_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o great_a design_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o church_n to_o propagate_v and_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o it_o that_o be_v recover_v and_o maintain_v holiness_n &_o purity_n in_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n union_n communion_n administration_n both_o of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n by_o religious_a fear_n reverence_n sincerity_n and_o solemnity_n in_o all_o religious_a assembly_n attendancy_n performance_n and_o church_n transaction_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o zeal_n courage_n faithfulness_n in_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o the_o whole_a interest_n of_o religion_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n the_o exhortation_n speak_v also_o unto_o family_n parent_n master_n head_n of_o family_n to_o move_v you_o to_o keep_v religion_n alive_a in_o your_o family_n by_o be_v true_o religious_a yourselves_o in_o all_o your_o family_n converse_v by_o train_v up_o your_o child_n and_o servant_n religious_o unto_o and_o for_o religion_n by_o exercise_v and_o uphold_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o life_n spirit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o your_o family_n hereby_o religion_n shall_v live_v in_o family_n thus_o abram_n gen._n 18_o 19_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o exhortation_n speak_v to_o all_o who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n though_o you_o may_v at_o present_a have_v no_o save_a knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o or_o interest_n in_o religion_n and_o therefore_o no_o heart_n engagement_n to_o it_o or_o hearty_a care_n or_o concernment_n for_o it_o but_o be_v in_o your_o present_a state_n and_o way_n enemy_n unto_o it_o yet_o o_o remember_v that_o religion_n be_v your_o life_n also_o you_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o breed_v up_o under_o the_o visible_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o beligion_n and_o therefore_o if_o you_o have_v any_o care_n of_o your_o soul_n or_o hope_v of_o salvation_n if_o you_o will_v not_o be_v cast_v off_o for_o ever_o as_o a_o reprobate_a generation_n a_o generation_n of_o god_n wrath_n o_o apply_v yourselves_o to_o religion_n approve_v yourselves_o religion_n labour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o make_v religion_n your_o own_o in_o a_o save_a work_n of_o conversion_n prepare_v yourselves_o to_o undertake_v and_o uphold_v a_o pure_a and_o sincere_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o that_o you_o may_v not_o only_o keep_v it_o yourselves_o but_o transmit_v it_o to_o succeed_a generation_n then_o religion_n shall_v be_v your_o life_n also_o then_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n will_v be_v with_o you_o as_o he_o be_v with_o your_o father_n he_o will_v not_o leave_v you_o nor_o forsake_v you_o 1_o king_n 8.57_o and_o now_o o_o that_o all_o who_o do_v understand_v and_o believe_v any_o thing_n either_o concern_v god_n or_o their_o own_o soul_n concern_v good_a or_o evil_n life_n or_o death_n heaven_n or_o hell_n may_v at_o lest_o so_o far_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o bear_v this_o exhortation_n as_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v move_v thereby_o no_o more_o to_o slight_a or_o set_v light_n by_o religion_n but_o to_o have_v high_a and_o appreciate_a thought_n of_o religion_n most_o serious_o and_o solemn_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o your_o own_o immortal_a soul_n therein_o in_o the_o be_v life_n and_o continuance_n of_o it_o as_o that_o whereby_o you_o may_v live_v spiritual_o live_v eternal_o and_o without_o which_o you_o will_v most_o certain_o perish_v inevitable_o utter_o and_o everlasting_o may_v we_o not_o ought_v we_o not_o all_o in_o the_o conclusion_n to_o reinforce_v this_o exhortation_n upon_o our_o soul_n by_o that_o vehement_a contestation_n whereby_o moses_n do_v in_o a_o most_o solemn_a and_o awful_a manner_n as_o it_o be_v conjure_v that_o people_n unto_o faith_n and_o obedience_n deut._n 30.19_o i_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o record_v against_o you_o this_o day_n that_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v therefore_o choose_v life_n that_o both_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n may_v live_v that_o thou_o love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o obey_v his_o voice_n and_o cleave_v to_o he_o for_o he_o be_v thy_o life_n when_o god_n do_v thus_o set_v life_n and_o death_n before_o his_o covenant_n people_n and_o put_v they_o to_o their_o full_a trial_n as_o to_o final_a choice_n o_o then_o it_o be_v their_o most_o important_a duty_n and_o interest_n to_o choose_v life_n that_o both_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n may_v live_v may_v we_o not_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a apprehend_v ourselves_o even_o these_o church_n and_o this_o whole_a people_n new-england_n as_o it_o be_v stand_v before_o god_n upon_o our_o great_a trial_n for_o life_n and_o death_n o_o that_o we_o understand_v that_o the_o great_a case_n of_o life_n and_o death_n be_v now_o depend_v between_o god_n and_o new-england_n what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n as_o for_o our_o life_n how_o we_o approve_v ourselves_o upon_o this_o great_a trial_n that_o god_n have_v set_v life_n and_o death_n before_o we_o all_o the_o world_n be_v witness_n heaven_n &_o earth_n may_v be_v call_v to_o record_v against_o we_o that_o he_o have_v do_v it_o god_n have_v set_v life_n before_o we_o by_o set_v the_o whole_a way_n of_o life_n before_o we_o his_o law_n his_o gospel_n his_o covenant_n his_o kingdom_n all_o both_o temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a he_o have_v set_v religion_n before_o we_o and_o exhibit_v himself_o unto_o we_o through_o his_o son_n as_o our_o life_n god_n have_v also_o set_v death_n and_o curse_v before_o we_o by_o set_v all_o our_o whole_a way_n of_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n before_o we_o the_o whole_a way_n of_o death_n and_o destruction_n which_o we_o have_v be_v walk_v in_o as_o also_o by_o set_v both_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a judgement_n before_o we_o in_o those_o threaten_n which_o have_v be_v denounce_v against_o we_o this_o proposal_n of_o life_n and_o death_n have_v be_v make_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o manner_n by_o the_o concurrent_a voice_n and_o cry_v of_o the_o ministry_n more_o especial_o by_o such_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o he_o have_v make_v eminent_o able_a and_o faithful_a who_o have_v finish_v their_o testimony_n and_o be_v remove_v god_n have_v also_o make_v this_o discovery_n and_o proposal_n of_o life_n and_o death_n general_a to_o all_o sort_n order_n and_o degree_n to_o all_o the_o church_n to_o all_o the_o people_n in_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o god_n continue_v thus_o to_o set_v life_n and_o death_n before_o we_o by_o all_o season_n and_o opportunity_n but_o more_o plain_o express_o full_o and_o general_o upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o in_o such_o general_n assembly_n as_o these_o and_o that_o with_o extraordinary_a solemnity_n it_o have_v be_v god_n great_a work_n of_o late_a to_o set_v life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v before_o we_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o he_o be_v so_o do_v unto_o this_o day_n wherein_o god_n be_v yet_o in_o infinite_a mercy_n cry_v unto_o we_o choose_v life_n that_o both_o you_o and_o your_o seed_n may_v live_v by_o this_o word_n god_n be_v once_o more_o call_v
their_o child_n for_o ever_o and_o thus_o he_o move_v they_o to_o set_v their_o heart_n unto_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v their_o life_n whence_o we_o have_v this_o doct._n that_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n our_o text_n and_o doctrine_n deliver_v the_o great_a and_o universal_a reason_n of_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o religion_n viz_o because_o it_o be_v our_o life_n religion_n in_o the_o most_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o man_n be_v qualify_v and_o capacitate_v to_o live_v unto_o god_n to_o live_v with_o god_n to_o live_v upon_o god_n to_o see_v and_o to_o enjoy_v god_n in_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a and_o all-sufficient_a author_n of_o life_n and_o object_n of_o blessedness_n and_o happiness_n as_o his_o last_o end_n and_o chief_a good_n religion_n comprehend_v man_n deliverance_n from_o all_o both_o moral_a and_o miserable_a evil_n both_o sin_n death_n and_o hell_n as_o also_o all_o both_o moral_a and_o beatifical_a good_a holiness_n happiness_n grace_n and_o glory_n and_o it_o be_v consummate_v in_o a_o perfection_n of_o beatifical_a vision_n and_o fruition_n by_o the_o light_n and_o life_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o explication_n i_o be_o to_o show_v 1._o that_o religion_n be_v life_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n 1._o religion_n it_o be_v life_n that_o be_v 1._o the_o true_a and_o pure_a religion_n it_o be_v original_o and_o only_o from_o god_n the_o live_a god_n the_o god_n of_o all_o life_n who_o be_v life_n itself_o in_o the_o abstract_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n to_o all_o live_n religion_n it_o arise_v from_o and_o be_v found_v in_o the_o very_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o religion_n religion_n it_o be_v of_o god_n both_o in_o a_o way_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o divine_a operation_n it_o be_v pure_o of_o divine_a revelation_n respect_v both_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o &_o the_o spiritual_a supernatural_a and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o unto_o man_n and_o whereby_o man_n have_v that_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n which_o be_v life_n eternal_a joh._n 17.3_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o god_n have_v command_v light_a to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n and_o by_o the_o enlighten_v power_n of_o his_o spirit_n shine_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 2_o cor._n 4.6_o it_o his_o marvellous_a light_n 1_o pet._n 2.9_o religion_n it_o be_v also_o from_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o divine_a operation_n it_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a effect_n of_o the_o quicken_a power_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o life_n upon_o the_o creature_n hence_o it_o be_v phrased_a the_o life_n of_o god_n eph._n 4.8_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o most_o glorious_a create_v emanation_n of_o spiritual_a heavenly_a and_o divine_a light_n and_o life_n from_o god_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o both_o psal_n 36.9_o for_o with_o thou_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o life_n in_o thy_o light_n shall_v we_o see_v light_n 2._o religion_n it_o be_v also_o from_o christ_n the_o mediator_n it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o person_n office_n and_o work_v of_o christ_n the_o be_v of_o religion_n the_o light_n life_n good_a blessedness_n and_o happiness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v all_o from_o the_o merit_n satisfaction_n and_o intercession_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o from_o the_o power_n and_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n religion_n it_o consist_v in_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o in_o our_o practical_a and_o experimental_a union_n &_o communion_n with_o his_o person_n and_o the_o application_n of_o all_o his_o benefit_n even_o eternal_a life_n thus_o religion_n it_o be_v our_o life_n because_o thereby_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n joh._n 11.25_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n joh._n 14.6_o by_o have_v of_o who_o we_o have_v life_n 1_o joh._n 5.12_o &_o who_o be_v our_o life_n colos_n 3.4_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a patron_n and_o professor_n of_o our_o religion_n he_o have_v confirm_v it_o by_o his_o own_o personal_a profession_n and_o practice_n when_o on_o earth_n and_o be_v himself_o the_o great_a apostle_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n heb._n 3.1_o whence_o it_o be_v most_o proper_o call_v the_o christian_a religion_n 3._o religion_n it_o be_v respect_v the_o principle_n of_o it_o life_n the_o principle_n of_o it_o be_v live_v principle_n principle_n of_o life_n religion_n it_o be_v wrought_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o quicken_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n wherein_o we_o be_v raise_v from_o death_n unto_o life_n wherein_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n unto_o life_n 1_o joh._n 3.14_o religion_n it_o be_v our_o spiritual_a resurrection_n and_o so_o it_o be_v our_o spiritual_a life_n 4._o religion_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o life_n it_o be_v by_o the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n that_o man_n walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n practical_a religion_n it_o be_v the_o narrow_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n mat._n 7.14_o it_o be_v that_o way_n of_o life_n which_o be_v above_o to_o the_o wise_a to_o depart_v from_o hell_n beneath_o prov._n 15.24_o it_o be_v the_o everlasting_a way_n psal_n 139.24_o 5._o religion_n in_o the_o visible_a external_a form_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o religious_a institution_n constitution_n and_o administration_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n so_o it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o life_n that_o whereby_o god_n give_v life_n or_o work_v life_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v say_v salvation_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n joh._n 4.22_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o live_a water_n the_o water_n of_o life_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o give_v life_n to_o the_o nation_n ezek._n 47.8_o 9_o zech._n 14.8_o rev._n 22.1_o 2._o where_o religion_n be_v there_o be_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o life_n and_o the_o save_a improvement_n of_o those_o mean_n where_o religion_n be_v not_o there_o be_v no_o day_n of_o grace_n no_o mean_n of_o grace_n no_o life_n no_o salvation_n 6._o religion_n it_o be_v that_o wherein_o and_o whereby_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o god_n to_o christ_n to_o god_n in_o christ._n it_o be_v that_o whereby_o we_o do_v know_v god_n acknowledge_v he_o fear_v he_o believe_v hope_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o love_n serve_v worship_n and_o glorify_v god_n and_o whereby_o we_o come_v to_o god_n converse_v with_o god_n have_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o receive_v all_o save_a communication_n from_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v that_o whereby_o man_n move_v and_o act_n towards_o and_o upon_o god_n in_o and_o by_o which_o god_n dwell_v with_o man_n on_o earth_n it_o be_v that_o whereby_o we_o do_v apprehend_v cleave_v unto_o and_o live_v upon_o god_n as_o our_o life_n deut._n 30.20_o that_o thou_o may_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o cleave_v to_o he_o for_o he_o be_v thy_o life_n thus_o religion_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o it_o be_v life_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o life_n in_o the_o visible_a and_o external_a form_n and_o institution_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o life_n and_o respect_v the_o original_a object_n and_o end_v of_o it_o it_o come_v from_o and_o lead_v and_o bring_v we_o up_o unto_o god_n in_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n thus_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v that_o religion_n be_v life_n second_o that_o religion_n be_v life_n to_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n that_o be_v 1._o it_o be_v their_o spiritual_a life_n that_o whereby_o they_o live_v spiritual_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o every_o single_a saint_n live_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v life_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o give_v be_v to_o the_o new_a creature_n rom._n 8.6_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v it_o be_v life_n hence_o religion_n it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o people_n of_o god_n a_o live_a people_n god_n people_n must_v be_v a_o live_a people_n whenever_o god_n take_v a_o people_n to_o be_v his_o people_n he_o quicken_v they_o with_o spiritual_a life_n and_o make_v they_o a_o live_a people_n ezek._n 37.6_o and_o you_o shall_v live_v '_o and_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o
a_o plea_n for_o the_o life_n of_o die_a religion_n from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v to_o the_o general_z assembly_n of_o the_o colony_n of_o the_o massachuset_n at_o boston_n in_o new-england_n may_v 16._o 1683._o be_v the_o day_n of_o election_n there_o by_o mr._n samuel_n torrey_n pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o waymouth_n rev._n 3.1_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a 2._o be_v watchful_a and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v which_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v deut._n 30.19_o i_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o record_v this_o day_n against_o you_o that_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v therefore_o choose_v life_n that_o both_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n may_v live_v 20_o that_o thou_o may_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o that_o thou_o may_v obey_v his_o voice_n and_o that_o thou_o may_v cleave_v to_o he_o for_o he_o be_v thy_o life_n hosea_n 6.1_o come_v let_v we_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n 2_o after_o two_o day_n he_o will_v revive_v we_o and_o in_o the_o three_o day_n he_o will_v raise_v we_o up_o and_o we_o shall_v live_v in_o his_o sight_n boston_n in_o new-england_a print_v by_o samuel_n green_a for_o samuel_n sewall_n 1683._o to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v the_o importunate_a solicitation_n of_o many_o and_o more_o especial_o of_o they_o who_o request_n cause_v the_o sermon_n emit_v herewith_o to_o be_v preach_v that_o prevail_v with_o the_o reverend_n and_o worthy_a author_n so_o far_o to_o gratify_v their_o desire_n as_o to_o let_v other_o have_v a_o copy_n of_o what_o he_o deliver_v on_o so_o solemn_a a_o occasion_n leave_v it_o with_o they_o to_o dispose_v of_o as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n i_o have_v peruse_v it_o with_o great_a satisfaction_n find_v it_o to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o affectionate_a and_o awaken_n but_o a_o rational_a and_o judicious_a discourse_n and_o than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o seasonable_a it_o have_v often_o be_v affirm_v and_o true_o that_o the_o distinguish_a character_n whereby_o new-england_n be_v difference_v from_o other_o out-going_n of_o the_o english_a nation_n be_v in_o that_o the_o great_a motive_n induce_v the_o first_o planter_n to_o remove_v themselves_o and_o they_o into_o a_o waist_n and_o howl_a wilderness_n be_v like_o that_o of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n of_o old_a the_o interest_n of_o religion_n which_o their_o soul_n be_v concern_v for_o and_o while_o man_n continue_v faithful_a to_o that_o bless_a design_n as_o the_o prophet_n say_v to_o jehojakim_n it_o be_v well_o with_o they_o they_o that_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n have_v other_o thing_n add_v to_o they_o which_o they_o never_o think_v nor_o can_v in_o reason_n hope_v to_o enjoy_v nor_o do_v any_o weapon_n form_v against_o we_o in_o those_o day_n prosper_v the_o lord_n have_v cause_v we_o and_o all_o the_o world_n about_o we_o to_o see_v that_o religion_n be_v our_o life_n that_o this_o interest_n without_o which_o we_o ourselves_o can_v live_v have_v be_v for_o many_o year_n languish_v and_o die_v be_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o man_n that_o have_v their_o heart_n exercise_v in_o discern_a thing_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o complaint_n be_v that_o n-england_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o n-england_n but_o we_o be_v become_v like_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v grow_v into_o the_o same_o conformity_n to_o the_o world_n with_o other_o plantation_n who_o interest_n and_o profession_n never_o be_v as_o we_o have_v be_v there_o be_v a_o woeful_a decay_n as_o to_o external_o and_o the_o form_n of_o religion_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o hear_v the_o word_n as_o to_o the_o public_a dispensation_n thereof_o prayer_n with_o fast_v and_o other_o religious_a exercise_n which_o reach_v no_o further_a than_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v not_o so_o frequent_a as_o in_o former_a day_n and_o that_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a sign_n that_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v much_o more_o in_o a_o bleed_a and_o die_a state_n it_o be_v not_o then_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o the_o tenor_n of_o divine_a dispensation_n have_v of_o late_a time_n be_v change_v towards_o we_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n have_v be_v heavy_a upon_o many_o place_n in_o the_o land_n he_o have_v smite_v we_o with_o a_o deadly_a destruction_n the_o kill_a sword_n a_o mortal_a contagion_n and_o other_o judgement_n have_v threaten_v life_n itself_o and_o since_o we_o have_v let_v religion_n die_v we_o have_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n than_o ever_o of_o be_v deprive_v both_o of_o our_o political_a and_o ecclesiastical_a life_n let_v we_o not_o be_v high-minded_a but_o fear_n if_o we_o do_v not_o in_o this_o our_o day_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o our_o peace_n so_o as_o to_o recover_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n holy_a severity_n towards_o other_o may_v cause_v tremble_v of_o heart_n lest_o at_o last_o the_o lord_n do_v unto_o we_o as_o he_o have_v do_v unto_o they_o be_v we_o better_o than_o shiloh_n where_o the_o house_n of_o god_n continue_v almost_o four_o hundred_o year_n be_v we_o better_o than_o jerusalem_n the_o perfection_n of_o beauty_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v we_o better_o than_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o among_o who_o there_o be_v once_o a_o gracious_a and_o glorious_a presence_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o those_o candlestick_n be_v long_o ago_o remove_v out_o of_o their_o place_n not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o of_o they_o remain_v because_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o religion_n they_o have_v lose_v their_o life_n and_o being_n a_o late_a historian_n who_o about_o twelve_o year_n ago_o be_v in_o those_o part_n say_v that_o horror_n take_v hold_v upon_o he_o as_o he_o be_v view_v the_o doleful_a ruin_n of_o those_o once_o glorious_a church_n fear_v lest_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o place_n which_o as_o yet_o enjoy_v the_o gospel_n may_v in_o time_n expose_v they_o to_o the_o like_a misery_n he_o say_v that_o in_o ephesus_n there_o be_v now_o only_o a_o few_o cottage_n and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o christian_a dwelling_n there_o smyrna_n be_v at_o this_o day_n a_o considerable_a place_n in_o respect_n of_o trade_n but_o no_o settle_a inhabitant_n there_o to_o uphold_v so_o much_o as_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n except_v a_o few_o superstitious_a greek_n in_o pergamus_n there_o be_v but_o fifteen_o family_n of_o christian_n and_o those_o in_o a_o state_n most_o miserable_a both_o as_o to_o spiritual_n and_o temporal_n in_o thyarira_n the_o turk_n have_v eight_o mosches_n but_o very_o few_o christian_n now_o reside_v there_o sardis_n which_o be_v once_o the_o metropolis_n of_o lydia_n be_v now_o a_o beggarly_a village_n earthquake_n and_o war_n have_v bring_v that_o famous_a city_n under_o horrid_a desolation_n there_o be_v nothing_o like_o a_o church_n there_o in_o philadelphia_n there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n call_v themselves_o christian_n than_o in_o any_o of_o those_o asiatic_a church_n except_v smyrna_n for_o in_o that_o city_n be_v two_o hundred_o family_n of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n but_o they_o be_v idolater_n and_o in_o miserable_a slavery_n to_o the_o cruel_a turk_n as_o for_o laodicea_n which_o be_v once_o a_o rich_a and_o populous_a place_n and_o the_o building_n in_o it_o exceed_o magnificent_a it_o be_v now_o utter_o desolate_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o inhabitant_n there_o except_v wolf_n and_o doleful_a creature_n thus_o do_v all_o these_o famous_a place_n and_o church_n by_o lose_v religion_n lose_v their_o own_o life_n and_o being_n time_n be_v when_o in_o africa_n there_o be_v many_o thousand_o of_o church_n but_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v go_v out_o of_o that_o vast_a continent_n thrice_o as_o big_a as_o europe_n what_o but_o death_n be_v to_o be_v see_v there_o let_v we_o look_v near_a home_n in_o the_o land_n of_o our_o father_n sepulcher_n there_o be_v church_n among_o the_o ancient_a britain_n but_o when_o those_o sin_n of_o pride_n drunkenness_n contention_n worldliness_n notwithstanding_o gildas_n and_o other_o faithful_a minister_n do_v zealous_o testify_v against_o they_o become_v common_a and_o prevail_a evil_n god_n first_o send_v a_o sweep_a plague_n among_o they_o and_o when_o that_o besom_n of_o destruction_n can_v not_o reform_v they_o the_o lord_n bring_v the_o saxon_n upon_o they_o who_o root_v they_o out_o of_o their_o land_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n since_o the_o reformation_n successful_o begin_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o luther_n zuinglius_fw-la calvin_n and_o other_o great_a champion_n for_o the_o truth_n