You see that you have enter'd upon an Holy Employment, a Serious
and Sacred Conversation; you see what you have now Promised and
Engaged, even to put off and Renounce your former Natural Habits,
and Sinful Inclinations. Nay, you Solemnly have Vowed before God
and good Witnesses, a great Number of Christians in this Congrega∣tion,
that you would do your best so to do, following the Commands of
God, and walking from henceforth in Newness of Life. Lastly, you see
what you lose, if you forfeit this your Trust, and Break your Obliga∣tions;
and what you'll gain: You lose then no less than God, and Hea∣ven,
Joys Ʋnspeakable and full of Glory; and you'll gain only Disap∣pointments,
and Vexations, Torments and Trouble, Ʋneasiness and the
Gripes of Conscience, while you're on Earth; and afterwards anguish
of Soul, Judgment with Despair, all the Treasures of Hell, even
Eternal Desolations.
Be assured then that this is no Jest, 'tis no less than your Interest,
than your best Interest, the Interest of your Souls: And you will find
that your Duty will require your utmost Care. Baptism indeed begins
an Happy Life, but yet a Life not free from Trouble and Temptation;
the Devil is always very busie with New-beginners; as soon as our
Lord himself was Baptiz'd, he had the Impudence to Attack and Tempt
Him: But he who overcame him, will also guard you, if you keep
true to him, and will take Care that you shall not be Tempted, above
what in will Enable you to bear; and God grant that you may so
Consider all these things, as to answer the great end of this your Noble
and so Glorious Call.
Lastly, To all us who have been so long Engaged in this mighty
Covenant, let one Word be added. We were early admitted into the
Church, with all the Ease and Satisfaction Imaginable; with the Com∣fort
of Friends, the Joy of Neighbours, the Assistance of Relations,
and all manner of Encouragement: We have frequently repeated this
Holy Contract, Solemnly renewed it in the other Sacrament, that
of our Dear Lords Blessed Body and Blood.
Let us all remember, and most earnestly Consider the Sacredness of
our Obligation, the necessity of our Obedience, and the wonderful
Indulgence of our Lord and Master; who, tho' we have been so long