breaking of us so far, that we are among the most broken and
of common honesty in many, to the disgrace of the society they live in, and the reproach of those that entertain them; the brutish ignorance of many, even of those who pretend to be high-flown professors; the contentious spirit of those who live like fire-brands in the place. Let none such presume to approach the Lord's table in that their wickedness.
5. Weep over the woful divisions among us, that have prevailed to the breaking of us so far, that we are among the most broken and shattered congregations in the country. Weep over that rent that was so early made amongst us, in which Satan hotly pursued me, ere I knew well where I was. Ye are but too little affected with it. It has been an engine of Satan against the kingdom of Christ in people's hearts, under a pretence of zeal for his kingdom in the land; and a notable hinderance of the success of the gospel among us. For, 1. Some are thereby turned aside from the ordinary means of grace and knowledge, that know not the right hand by the left in religion, being specially ignorant of God in Christ. 2. Many that remain are thereby made to hear with prejudices; and are so fickle and loosed at the root, that they cannot take on growth by the preached word. And I know not what influence it may have on the slighting of the ordinance before us; I am apprehensive that it has had some influence. If it have, I desire to lament the case of such; and for the confirmation of you that are to join, I promise you, in my Maker's name, that if you honestly consent to the marriage-covenant, and come with longing desires after him, he will not refuse to keep communion with you, Rev. 3:20. Your own defections lie nearer you than the defections of the land do; but if ye be mourning over them, they shall not mar your communion with him. I think they may look with bashful faces before the Lord, that are so scared at their mother's deformities, that they will not come into her house, when yet her Husband is there feeding his children whom she has brought forth to him.
6. Lastly, Forget not when ye are going, to weep over the frequent sin of uncleanness that has fallen out among us within these few years. If