An answer to some cases of conscience respecting the country. By Solomon Stoddard, A.M.…

Q. VI. IS not Unfaithfulness in Officers, and private Persons, a Provocation?

A. Undoubtedly it is. We may suppose that Magistrates and Ministers, were they informed, would bear a due Testimony against Drunkenness, Sabbath-breaking, and other fins. But such things are seldom punished, for want of information. Many persons are bound by Church-Covenant to watch over others, and Officers are bound by •ath, to inquire into Disorders, and give information. But many times there is a fame of such things, but seldom Complaint is made to Authority. Possibly, some Persons are obnoxious themselves, and are afraid that if they bring out others, that they shall be brought out.

BUT the great Reason of this is the want of a Spirit of Religion: Men are not concerned for the Honour of GOD, the preventing of Judgments, and the Recovery of their Brethren. They are afraid that others will be disgusted, that it will be a •dation of ill-will and Contention. Officers don't consider the solemn Bonds that they are under, and the Account they must give to GOD of their Oaths. It may be, they Pray that Sin may be purged out of the Land; and that Religion may flourish; but they are notoriously negligent of doing what GOD and […]

BUT the great Reason of this is the want of a Spirit of Religion: Men are not concerned for the Honour of GOD, the preventing of Judgments, and the Recovery of their Brethren. They are asraid that others will be disgus•ed, that it will be a •dation of ill-will and Contention. Officers don't consider the solemn Bonds that they are under, and the Account they must give to GOD of their Oaths. It may be, they Pray that Sin may be parged out of the Land; and that Religion may flourish; but they are notoriously negligent of doing what GOD and