1. And the first is, the absolute necessity of a general Reformation in Life and Manners of all sorts of Persons; belonging unto these Churches. It is sufficiently known what a woeful Condition the Profession even of the Protestant Religion is fallen into. How little evidence is there left of the Power of Evangelical Grace, working in the Hearts of Men! what little diligence in the Duties of Holiness and Righteousness! What a Deluge of all sorts of Vices hath overwhelmed the Nations! and what indications there are of the Displeasure of God against us, on the account of these things! Who doth not almost tremble at them? Calvin, unto whom I was newly sent by our Reverend Author, in Answer to them who pleaded for a Separation from a true Church, because of the Wickedness of many of its Members, or any of them, adds unto it; It is a most just Offence, and unto which there is too much occasion given in this Miserable Age. Nor is it lawful to excuse our cursed sloth, which the Lord will not let go unpunished, as he begins already to chastise us with grievous stripes. Woe therefore unto us who by our dissolute licentiousness in flagitious sins, do cause that the weak Consciences of men should be wounded for us. And if it were so then, the matter is not much mended in the Age wherein we live. The Truth is, Sin and Impiety are come to that height and impudence, Sensuality and Oppression ⟨p. 302⟩are so diffused among all sorts of Persons, Conformity unto the fashion▪ of the World, become so universal, and the Evidences of Gods Displeasure, with the Beginnings and Entrances of his Judgements, are so displayed, as that if the Reformation pleaded for be not speedily endeavoured, and vigorously pursued, it will be too late to talk of Differences and Union; Destruction will swallow up all. Until this be agreed on, until it be attempted and effected in some good Measure, all endeavours for farther Union, whatever there appearing success should be (as probably it will be very small) will be of no use unto the honour of Religion, the Glory of Christ, nor Good of the Souls of men. In the mean time Individual Persons will do well to take care of themselves.
1. And the first is, the absolute necessity of a general Reformation in Life and Manners of all sorts of Persons; belonging unto these Churches. It is sufficiently known what a woful Condition the Profession even of the Protestant Religion is fallen into. How little evidence is there left of the Power of Evangelical Grace, working in the Hearts of Men! what little diligence in the Duties of Holiness and Righteousness! What a Deluge of all sorts of Vices hath overwhelmed the Nations! and what indications there are of the Displeasure of God against us, on the account of these things! Who doth not almost tremble at them? Calvin, unto whom I was newly sent by our Reverend Author, in Answer to them who pleaded for a Separation from a true Church, because of the Wickedness of many of its Members, or any of them, addes unto it; It is a most just Offence, and unto which there is too much occasion given in this Miserable Age. Nor is it lawful to excuse our cursed sloth, which the Lord will not let go unpunished, as he begins already to chastise us with grievous stripes. Wo therefore unto us who by our dissolute licentiousness in flagitious sins, do cause that the weak Consciences of men should be wounded for us. And if it were so then, the matter is not much mended in the Age wherein we live. The Truth is, Sin and Impiety are come to that height and impudence, Sensuality and Oppression ⟨p. 302⟩are so diffused among all sorts of Persons, Conformity unto the fashion▪ of the World, become so universal, and the Evidences of Gods Displeasure, with the Beginnings and Entrances of his Judgements, are so displayed, as that if the Reformation pleaded for be not speedily endeavoured, and vigorously pursued, it will be too late to talk of Differences and Union; Destruction will swallow up all. Until this be agreed on, until it be attempted and effected in some good Measure, all endeavours for farther Union, whatever there appearing success should be (as probably it will be very small) will be of no use unto the honour of Religion, the Glory of Christ, nor Good of the Souls of men. In the mean time Individual Persons will do well to take care of themselves.
