but therein we refer to what hath been declared by the Messengers of these Churches, that have convened to enquire into that matter.—Pride in Apparel, is one of the sins of the Times, when persons go above their Estates, & degrees, or take up such Fashions as become not serious Christians, It is a memorable passage, which I have met with, (and have sometimes put you in mind of) concerning certain Protestant Gentlewomen in Ireland that being robbed and stripped by the bloody and barbarous Papists, they called to mind the third Chapter of Isaiah, and said one to another, This is come upon us for our excess and pride in Apparel. Wherefore, beware of this sin, and know that if any of you or your Children that are under your power, be hereafter found guilty before the Lord in that respect, God will look upon you as Covenant breakers in his sight. ⟨image ?⟩Again, Sinful drinking is one of the great sins of the Times: And Church-members have too many of them given occasion unto others to sin, and to speak evil of their holy profession, by an unnecessary frequenting Taverns, and spending many precious hours, nay (which is lamentable to be spoken) days therein, which if they had spent half that time, in reading the Scriptures, and other good books, in prayer, and secret Communion with God, how happy would it have been for their Souls, and what a weight of glory should they have been partakers of, at the last and great day.—Then be watchful, and for the future, be not seen in such houses except when you have just cause & call so to be. There are also Errors of the Times; Be zealous in bearing witness against them, love not little Errors, left God leave you to great ones. And charge your Children to abide in the Truth: It is a very sad thing, that the Rising Generation should be in danger of running into the mouths of Wolves, though in Sheeps clothing: Look diligently to your Children as to that thing also; Otherwise you remember not your Covenant, who have promised God in the presence of Angels and men, that you will do what in you is that your Children may be such as those that have the Lords Name put upon them ought to be, but this you do not, if you suffer them to go where they will be in danger to be corrupted and perverted.
but therein we refer to what hath been declared by the Messengers of these Churches, that have convened to enquire into that matter.—Pride in Apparrel, is one of the sins of the Times, when persons goe above their Estates, & degrees, or take up such Fashions as become not serious Christians, It is a memorable passage, which I have met with, (and have sometimes put you in mind of) concerning certain Protestant Gentlewomen in Ireland that being robbed and stripped by the bloody and barbarous Papists, they called to mind the third Chapter of Isaiah, and said one to another, This is come upon us for our excess and pride in Apparrel. Wherefore, beware of this sin, and know that if any of you or your Children that are under your power, be hereafter found guilty before the Lord in that respect, God will look upon you as Covenant breakers in his sight. ⟨image ?⟩Again, Sinful drinking is one of the great sins of the Times: And Church-members have too many of them given occasion unto others to sin, and to speak evil of their holy profession, by an unnecessary frequenting Taverns, and spending many pretious hours, nay (which is lamentable to be spoken) dayes therein, which if they had spent half that time, in reading the Scriptures, and other good books, in prayer, and secret Communion with God, how happy would it have been for their Souls, and what a weight of glory should they have been partakers of, at the last and great day.—Then be watchful, and for the future, be not seen in such houses except when you have just cause & call so to be. There are also Errors of the Times; Be zealous in bearing witness against them, love not little Errors, left God leave you to great ones. And charge your Children to abide in the Truth: It is a very sad thing, that the Rising Generation should be in danger of running into the mouths of Wolves, though in Sheeps cloathing: Look diligently to your Children as to that thing also; Otherwise you remember not your Covenant, who have promised God in the presence of Angels and men, that you will do what in you is that your Children may be such as those that have the Lords Name put upon them ought to be, but this you do not, if you suffer them to go where they will be in danger to be corrupted and perverted.
