Subjection to Christ in all his ordinances and appointments the best means to preserve…

Oh Brethren, consider of it, when there shall be many a soul in a Church taken by Satan's temptations, and held in temptations, and ready to be overcome by temptations; and it may be, would not be so, but because thou dost not pray; public Ordinances, the ministry of the word, little good done thereby; because thou hast no heart to pray. Acts 4. 31. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were met together; and they were all filled with the holy Ghost. This is the reason, the hearts of thy children, servants, and fellow-brethren remain secure and unshaken by all the Sermons they hear; nothing doth them good, nothing will pierce or penetrate their adamant-like hearts; because, thou hast no heart to pray for them, or at least, not to purpose.

Oh Brethren, consider of it, when there shall be many a soul in a Church taken by Satans temptations, and held in temptations, and ready to be overcome by temptations; and it may bee, would not be so, but because thou dost not pray; publick Ordinances, the ministery of the word, little good done thereby; because thou hast no heart to pray. Acts 4. 31. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were met together; and they were all filled with the holy Ghost. This is the reason, the hearts of thy children, servants, and fellow-brethren remain secure and unshaken by all the Sermons they hear; nothing doth them good, nothing will pierce or penetrate their adamant-like hearts; because, thou hast no heart to pray for them, or at least, not to purpose.

3. Timely Exhortation; when brethren are dead-hearted, and heartless in their Christian course. Heb. 3. 12, 13. Take heed brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another whiles it is called to day, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Brotherly exhortation is a remedy against Apostasy of heart; for though a man cannot convince another, yet he may exhort him; and 'tis to be done in season, whiles it's called to day, with due respect, and taking notice of what good there is, with much wisdom, and a spirit of humility, or else thou spoilest all thou meddlest withal; putting your selves in their estate, and with hearty unfeigned prayer, that the Lord would accompany the same with his blessing.