11. For indeed, what probability, what possibility rather, (speaking after the manner of men) is there that _Christianity, Scriptural Christianity_, should be again the religion of this place? That all orders of men among us should speak and live as men _filled with the Holy Ghost_? By whom should this _Christianity_ be restored? By those of you that are in authority? Are you convinced then, that this is _Scriptural Christianity_? Are you desirous it should be restored? And do ye not count your fortune, liberty, life, dear unto yourselves, so ye may be instrumental in the restoring it? But suppose ye have this desire, who hath any power proportioned to the effect? Perhaps some of you have made a few faint attempts, but with how small success? Shall _Christianity_ then be restored by young, unknown, inconsiderable men? I know not whether ye yourselves could suffer it. Would not some of you cry out, “Young man, in so doing thou reproachest us?” But there is no danger of your being put to the proof; so hath _iniquity overspread us like a flood_. Whom then shall God send? The famine, the pestilence, (the last messengers of God to a guilty land) or the sword? _The armies of the |Romish| aliens_, to _reform_ us into our first love? Nay, _rather let us fall into thy hand, O Lord, and let us not fall into the hand of man_.
Lord, save or we perish! Take us out of the mire that we sink not! O help us against these enemies, for vain is the help of man. Unto thee all things are possible. According to the greatness of thy power, preserve thou those that are appointed to die; and preserve us in the manner that seemeth to thee good; not as we will, but as thou wilt.