used against Pious and
Worthy men on all hands, and scandalous Divisions occasioned, and the
Success of the Gospel greatly obstructed thereby, and some dangerous
Principles drunk in: And after all this, there were shameful advances
towards Popery, the abomination of the Mass was set up in many places, and
Popish Schools erected, and severals fell to Idolatry.

And though the Lord hath put a stop to the Course of Defection, and of his
great mercy given us some reviving from our Bondage; yet we have sad cause
to regrate and bemoan, that few have a due sense of our mercy, or walk
answerable thereto; Few are turned to the Lord in truth, but the wicked go
on to do wickedly; And there is found amongst us to this day, shameful
ingratitude for our mercies, Horrid impenitency under our sins, yea, even
among those, who stand most up for the defence of the Truth: And amongst
many in our Armies, there is woful Prophanness and Debauchery. And though
we profess to acknowledge, there can be no Pardon of Sins, no Peace and
Reconciliation with God, but by the Blood of Jesus Christ; Yet few know
Him, or see the Necessity and Excellency of the Knowledge of our Lord
Jesus Christ; few see their need of him, or esteem, desire, or receive him
as he is offered in the Gospel; few are acquainted with Faith in Jesus
Christ, and living by Faith in Him, as made of the Father unto us, wisdom,
Righteousness, Sanctification and Redemption; And few walk as becometh the
Gospel, and imitate our Holy Lord in Humility, Meekness, Self-denial,
Heavenly mindedness, Zeal for GOD, and Charity towards Men: But as there
is even untill now, a great contempt of the Gospel, a great Barrenness
under it; So a deep Security under our sin and Danger, a great want of
Piety toward God, and Love towards Men, with a woful Selfishness, every
one seeking their own things, few the things of Christ, or the publick
Good, or one anothers welfare: And finally, the most part more ready to
Censure the sins of others, than to Repent of their own.

Our Iniquities are increased over our Heads, and our Trespasses are grown
up unto the Heavens, they are many in number, and hainous in their nature,
and grievously aggravated, as having been contrary to great Light and
Love, under signal Mercies and Judgments, after Confession and
Supplication, and notwithstanding of our Profession, Promises and solemn
Vowing, and Covenanting with God to the contrary.

Have we not then sad cause of deep So