214 ^ TREATISE ON THE CONNECTION OF 



of the times ; and although good men in their own pri- 

 vate charaders, perhaps may be ill calculated to a6l the 

 part of Reformers of States, or of the pursuits or vices 

 of individuals, unless by their own upright conduct and 

 example. 



Unfortunately this last class of reformers have been 

 led for a time to make common cause with the two 

 other classes, whose views have been proved to be very 

 diiferent; but now there is reason to believe, that all 

 those of religion, chara6ler, or worth, who were re- 

 formers upon principle^ have for the present dropt all in- 

 tention of reform ; and, instead of exciting the desperate 

 and needy to ads of sedition and violence, do now, like 

 Lot, pray unto the Lord to spare the country on ac- 

 count of the righteous persons it still contains, and of 

 which there are many to be found, but more particu- 

 larly in the middling walks of life. 



It is the present too prevailing philosophic infidelity 

 and departure from the religion of Christ, foretold to 

 happen in the latter times, which has given rise to those 

 turbulent i>assions, which agitate the minds of men, 



and 



