Returning unto God the great concernment of a covenant people. Or A sermon preached…

Answ. If when Asa called upon the Lords people to attend this work, they should have put it of, by saying, in the days of David (your great grand-Father) there was no such thing practised, and therefore why should we do it now? Had it not been casy to Answer, the state of things then and now doth greatly differ. There is more cause, and a greater call, to attend such a••luty now, then there was then, she like may be said in this case. There was not such Pride, Intemperance, Formality in Religion, & other evils amongst Professors, as is now to be seen, and therefore not so much need to engage against those sins formerly, as at this day. Nor is it truly said that this is any new Practice, or not approved of by those, who were Instruments in the hand of Christ, in planting these Churches. For they proceeded much upon this Principle, ^(q)That Renovation of Covenant is an expedient for Church Reformation. And their practice was accordingly. They were in Covenant with God, before they knew this Land; and therefore what they did here, was a Renewing of Covenant.

Answ. If when Asa called upon the Lords people to attend this work, they should have put it of, by saying, in the dayes of David (your great grand-Father) there was no such thing practised, and therefore why should we do it now? Had it not been casy to Answer, the state of things then and now doth greatly differ. There is more cause, and a greater call, to attend such a••luty now, then there was then, she like may be said in this case. There was not such Pride, Intemperance, Formality in Religion, & other evils amongst Professors, as is now to be seen, and therefore not so much need to engage against those sins formerly, as at this day. Nor is it truly said that this is any new Practice, or not approved of by those, who were Instruments in the hand of Christ, in planting these Churches. For they proceeded much upon this Principle, ^(q)That Renovation of Covenant is an expedient for Church Reformation. And their practice was accordingly. They were in Covenant with God, before they knew this Land; and therefore what they did here, was a Renewing of Covenant.

1. (q)