h_, and at these the Sword striketh.

As first, the contempt, neglect, and dis-esteem of the glorious Gospel;
our unbelief, unfruitfulnesse, luke-warmnesse, formality, and hardnesse of
heart, under all the means of Grace; our not receiving of Christ in our
hearts, nor seeking to know him, and glorifie him in all his Offices. The
power of Godlinesse is hated and mocked by many to this day, and by the
better sort too much neglected, and many Christian duties are not minded:
as, _The not speaking of our own words, nor finding of our own pleasure
upon the Lords day_: Holy and edifying conference both on that day, and at
other occasions: The instructing, admonishing, comforting, and rebuking
one another, as Divine Providence ministreth occasion. In many Families
almost no knowledge nor worship of GOD to be found: yea, there are among
the Ministers who have strenghtened the hearts and hands of the profane
more then of the godly, and have not taken _heed to the ministrie which
they have received of the Lord to fulfill it._

Next, GOD hath sent the Sword to avenge the quarrel of his broken
Covenant: For besides the defection of many of this Nation under the
Prelats from our first Nationall Covenant, a sinne not forgotten by GOD,
if not repented by men as well as forsaken, our latter Vows and Covenants
have been also foully violated, by not contributing our uttermost
assistance to this Cause, with our Estates and Lives; by not endeavouring
with all faithfulnesse, the discovery, triall, and condigne punishment of
Malignants, and evil Instruments; yea, by complying too much with those,
who have not onely born Armes, and given their personall presence and
assistance, but also drawn and led on others after them in the shedding of
our Brethrens blood: Therefore is our sinne made our punishment, and _We
are filled with the fruit of our own wayes. These horns now push the sides
of Judah and Jerusalem, because the Carpenters when they ought and might,
did not cut them off_: And yet so this day the course of Justice is
obstructed: The Lord himself will execute justice if men will not. But
above all, let it bee deeply and seriously thought of, that our Covenant
is broken by the neglect of a reall Reformation of our selves and others
under our power: let every one ask his own heart what lust is mortified in
him, or what change wrought in his life since, more then before the
Covenant? Swearing, Cursing, Profanation of the Lords day, Fornicat