any_o one_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n especial_o such_o as_o respect_a god_n and_o his_o worship_n that_o will_v make_v amends_o for_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o pharisee_n make_v long_a prayer_n and_o yet_o devour_v widow_n 47._o house_n for_o they_o think_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n will_v excuse_v the_o neglect_n of_o the_o other_o but_o s._n james_n say_v if_o a_o man_n keep_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o wilful_a breach_n of_o any_o one_o point_n that_o imply_v such_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n as_o render_v he_o as_o obnoxious_a to_o divine_a justice_n as_o if_o he_o have_v break_v the_o whole_a but_o here_o a_o great_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o a_o single_a act_n commit_v through_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n against_o a_o contrary_a habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o know_a sin_n it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o sober_a man_n to_o be_v surprise_v into_o a_o act_n of_o intemperance_n and_o to_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o wine_n but_o see_v the_o difference_n between_o such_o a_o one_o and_o one_o that_o have_v a_o habit_n of_o intemperance_n the_o one_o go_v on_o in_o his_o course_n and_o have_v lose_v the_o very_a sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o the_o power_n of_o resist_v it_o and_o by_o degree_n think_v he_o can_v live_v without_o it_o the_o other_o look_v with_o indignation_n upon_o himself_o for_o his_o folly_n he_o repent_v present_o and_o resolve_v to_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a folly_n and_o the_o same_o hold_v as_o to_o other_o sin_n if_o person_n do_v love_n god_n and_o their_o soul_n and_o be_v overcome_v with_o temptation_n they_o present_o repent_v with_o great_a sincerity_n and_o return_v no_o more_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o 3._o all_o act_n of_o know_a sin_n presumptuous_o commit_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n where_o there_o be_v true_a friendship_n among_o man_n it_o be_v not_o present_o break_v by_o every_o neglect_n or_o sudden_a heat_n and_o passion_n but_o if_o a_o man_n set_v himself_o with_o study_n and_o deliberation_n to_o affront_v another_o that_o be_v a_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o break_v off_o any_o pretence_n of_o friendship_n because_o such_o a_o action_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o a_o friend_n so_o it_o be_v with_o notorious_a sin_n commit_v wilful_o and_o deliberate_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o motion_n to_o the_o contrary_a from_o god_n honour_n and_o justice_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o from_o the_o command_v and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o friendship_n with_o god_n which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n not_o that_o all_o who_o commit_v they_o must_v immediate_o or_o necessary_o be_v damn_v for_o they_o but_o though_o hereby_o they_o renounce_v any_o title_n to_o friendship_n with_o god_n and_o all_o their_o hope_n as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o such_o a_o state_n without_o true_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n be_v vain_a and_o groundless_a and_o to_o entertain_v such_o hope_n notwithstanding_o such_o sin_n be_v proper_o the_o sin_n of_o presumption_n which_o be_v confidence_n of_o another_o favour_n without_o any_o reason_n for_o it_o 2._o by_o these_o we_o may_v now_o easy_o understand_v what_o those_o fail_n be_v which_o the_o gospel_n allow_v for_o infirmity_n viz._n such_o which_o be_v unavoidable_a by_o we_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n notwithstanding_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n by_o do_v his_o will_n god_n know_v our_o frame_n and_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n 14._o not_o mere_a dust_n for_o then_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o take_v care_n to_o save_v our_o soul_n but_o a_o mixture_n and_o composition_n of_o dull_a heavy_a lumpish_a matter_n and_o a_o sprightly_a vigorous_a active_a soul_n which_o grow_v uneasy_a by_o be_v fetter_v and_o clog_v and_o distract_v in_o its_o best_a and_o free_a motion_n by_o it_o the_o soul_n can_v hardly_o raise_v itself_o above_o this_o region_n of_o darkness_n and_o temptation_n and_o attempt_v a_o flight_n towards_o the_o state_n of_o serenity_n and_o happiness_n above_o but_o it_o be_v pull_v down_o by_o that_o weight_n which_o hang_v upon_o it_o and_o divert_v by_o the_o various_a and_o restless_a impertinency_n of_o wander_a imagination_n the_o most_o watchful_a mind_n can_v prevent_v all_o the_o disorder_n of_o a_o rove_a fancy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o more_o serious_a devotion_n if_o we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o the_o best_a object_n and_o to_o prevent_v any_o wander_a thought_n the_o success_n seldom_o answer_v our_o design_n and_o our_o thought_n be_v go_v before_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o our_o mind_n be_v like_o a_o ship_n toss_v upon_o the_o roll_a wave_n but_o although_o we_o can_v hinder_v their_o unequal_a motion_n we_o may_v steer_v their_o course_n to_o the_o port_n we_o aim_v at_o but_o beside_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o imagination_n our_o desire_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v keep_v within_o their_o due_a bound_n there_o be_v many_o fail_n in_o our_o best_a duty_n great_a coldness_n and_o lukewarmness_n at_o least_o in_o our_o devotion_n and_o yet_o too_o great_a proneness_n to_o think_v well_o of_o ourselves_o for_o they_o though_o god_n know_v our_o omission_n and_o neglect_v be_v so_o many_o and_o those_o we_o do_v perform_v be_v so_o mean_v and_o slight_a that_o we_o have_v more_o cause_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o forgive_v than_o to_o hope_v he_o will_v accept_v our_o mean_a performance_n but_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o say_v our_o best_a action_n be_v sin_n for_o there_o be_v a_o real_a difference_n between_o action_n imperfect_o good_a and_o moral_o evil_a in_o these_o the_o substance_n be_v bad_a but_o in_o the_o other_o the_o act_n themselves_o be_v good_a but_o only_o lessen_v by_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v they_o and_o to_o these_o fail_n in_o our_o best_a action_n we_o must_v add_v the_o great_a unevenness_n in_o our_o temper_n the_o inconstancy_n of_o our_o resolution_n the_o uneasiness_n of_o our_o mind_n under_o the_o trouble_v of_o life_n arise_v from_o want_n of_o due_a resignation_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o many_o secret_a lurk_a passion_n within_o we_o which_o be_v call_v the_o motion_n to_o sin_n and_o s._n james_n style_v the_o lust_n which_o conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o st._n paul_n 23._o the_o law_n in_o our_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n in_o our_o mind_n which_o may_v give_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o disturbance_n where_o it_o can_v prevail_v it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n to_o read_v the_o complaint_n of_o such_o person_n as_o 13._o st._n gregory_n nazianzen_n and_o st._n jerom_n about_o the_o inward_a motion_n to_o sin_n after_o a_o age_n spend_v in_o mortification_n and_o when_o their_o body_n be_v wither_v with_o age_n and_o break_v with_o disease_n and_o hard_a usage_n but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a instance_n than_o these_o of_o st._n paul_n himself_o who_o after_o all_o his_o peril_n by_o land_n and_o by_o sea_n after_o all_o his_o watchfulness_n and_o fast_n and_o prayer_n yet_o he_o be_v force_v to_o keep_v under_o his_o body_n and_o to_o bring_v it_o in_o subjection_n lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n say_v he_o '_o 17._o when_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o become_v a_o castaway_n but_o still_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o pursue_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o pursue_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n with_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o former_a show_v only_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v subdue_v be_v but_o infirmity_n but_o the_o latter_a do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v wilful_a sin_n though_o there_o be_v inward_a struggle_n in_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o and_o the_o prevail_a party_n ought_v to_o give_v the_o denomination_n 5._o to_o the_o person_n whether_o carnal_a or_o spiritual_a for_o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o flesh_n do_v mind_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n do_v mind_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o great_a design_n and_o tenor_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n will_v be_v our_o character_n in_o this_o world_n and_o recompense_v in_o another_o nothing_o now_o remain_v but_o to_o conclude_v with_o recommend_v to_o you_o the_o duty_n of_o watchfulness_n and_o prayer_n 1._o watchfulness_n which_o be_v a_o constant_a care_n of_o ourselves_o and_o action_n we_o walk_v as_o
they_o have_v not_o the_o heart_n and_o courage_n to_o examine_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v reasonable_a or_o not_o but_o rather_o choose_v to_o return_v to_o their_o former_a opiate_n than_o undergo_v the_o trouble_n of_o a_o effectual_a cure_n by_o a_o hearty_a repentance_n and_o come_n to_o themselves_o as_o the_o prodigal_a 17._o son_n in_o the_o parable_n do_v when_o his_o hardship_n have_v bring_v he_o to_o consideration_n we_o do_v not_o know_v what_o have_v become_v of_o he_o if_o he_o have_v be_v wise_a and_o frugal_a in_o his_o pleasure_n if_o he_o have_v take_v care_n of_o a_o good_a stock_n and_o a_o plentiful_a subsistence_n but_o he_o first_o come_v to_o be_v pinch_v with_o want_n before_o he_o be_v awaken_v to_o repent_v but_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n a_o more_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o the_o stupify_a nature_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o that_o be_v in_o david_n after_o his_o sin_n of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n how_o a_o man_n of_o such_o a_o tender_a conscience_n in_o other_o thing_n shall_v continue_v so_o long_o under_o the_o gild_n of_o these_o enormity_n without_o be_v awaken_v to_o repentance_n do_v he_o not_o know_v these_o to_o be_v great_a sin_n and_o do_v not_o his_o conscience_n charge_v he_o with_o the_o gild_n of_o they_o how_o come_v he_o then_o to_o need_v a_o prophet_n to_o be_v send_v to_o he_o and_o to_o deal_v so_o plain_o with_o he_o as_o to_o tell_v he_o thou_o be_v the_o man_n but_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n 7._o how_o much_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n be_v apt_a to_o stupefy_v man_n conscience_n so_o far_o that_o unless_o god_n by_o his_o grace_n be_v please_v to_o awaken_v they_o thorough_o they_o never_o come_v to_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n david_n see_v nothing_o more_o as_o to_o the_o gild_n of_o his_o sin_n when_o he_o pen_v his_o 51st_o psalm_n than_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o natural_a conscience_n may_v inform_v he_o before_o but_o he_o have_v quite_o another_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n then_o his_o heart_n be_v break_v and_o his_o soul_n wound_v under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o this_o make_v he_o pray_v so_o earnest_o and_o so_o importunate_o to_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o man_n otherwise_o after_o god_n own_o heart_n i._n e._n afraid_a of_o offend_v he_o and_o careful_a to_o please_v he_o what_o may_v we_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v in_o those_o who_o in_o the_o time_n of_o youth_n walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o eye_n i._n e._n allow_v themselves_o in_o all_o sensual_a inclination_n and_o pursue_v carnal_a delight_n so_o far_o till_o they_o have_v lose_v all_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o another_o world_n and_o such_o as_o these_o nothing_o but_o the_o powerful_a influence_n of_o divine_a grace_n can_v awaken_v and_o recover_v 3._o the_o three_o reason_n be_v a_o general_n presumption_n upon_o god_n mercy_n the_o first_o thing_n which_o sinner_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o youth_n and_o pursuit_n of_o their_o lust_n aim_v at_o be_v to_o think_v as_o little_a as_o may_v be_v of_o what_o they_o be_v do_v or_o what_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o their_o action_n for_o every_o thought_n of_o themselves_o be_v very_o uneasy_a to_o they_o and_o every_o thought_n of_o god_n be_v much_o more_o so_o therefore_o they_o drive_v away_o all_o such_o thought_n by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o by_o sleep_n diversion_n company_n and_o such_o public_a entertainment_n as_o rather_o heighten_v and_o inflame_v their_o vice_n than_o correct_v they_o if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o do_v but_o there_o will_v be_v some_o melancholy_a hour_n wherein_o conscience_n begin_v to_o rouse_v itself_o and_o to_o awaken_v the_o sinner_n to_o some_o sense_n of_o his_o folly_n then_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o hearken_v with_o pleasure_n to_o any_o raileries_n against_o religion_n and_o morality_n and_o admire_v the_o wit_n of_o any_o one_o who_o dare_v say_v a_o bold_a and_o sharp_a thing_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o age_n and_o of_o the_o best_a man_n in_o they_o and_o one_o or_o two_o such_o say_n without_o proof_n be_v cry_v up_o as_o far_o beyond_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o morality_n or_o the_o evidence_n of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n any_o sceptical_a dispute_n be_v sufficient_a demonstration_n to_o they_o and_o the_o most_o unreasonable_a cavil_n against_o religion_n be_v embrace_v because_o against_o the_o thing_n they_o hate_v and_o even_o a_o jest_n against_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v signify_v more_o with_o they_o than_o the_o strong_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o prove_v it_o the_o true_a reason_n be_v they_o love_v their_o vice_n and_o hate_v every_o thing_n which_o make_v they_o uneasy_a to_o they_o and_o nothing_o do_v more_o so_o than_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v but_o suppose_v after_o all_o the_o terrible_a and_o frequent_a expression_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n join_v with_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v make_v such_o impression_n on_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o can_v whole_o shake_v off_o the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o it_o than_o their_o last_o endeavour_n be_v to_o mitigate_v and_o lessen_v they_o from_o a_o general_n presumption_n of_o god_n merciful_a nature_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o suppose_v that_o however_o god_n to_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o awe_n have_v threaten_v they_o with_o the_o dreadful_a severity_n of_o the_o great_a day_n yet_o as_o a_o tender_a father_n who_o threaten_v his_o disobedient_a son_n in_o order_n to_o reclaim_v he_o with_o no_o less_o than_o disinherit_n he_o for_o ever_o yet_o when_o it_o come_v to_o execution_n he_o may_v relent_v not_o from_o his_o son_n desert_n but_o his_o own_o compassion_n so_o they_o hope_v or_o believe_v or_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v so_o that_o god_n at_o the_o great_a day_n will_v not_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o rigour_n which_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o use_v and_o to_o comfort_v themselves_o in_o these_o hope_n they_o find_v out_o all_o possible_a extenuation_n of_o their_o sin_n if_o we_o say_v they_o have_v be_v create_v pure_o intellectual_a being_n free_a from_o this_o load_n of_o flesh_n and_o the_o inclination_n which_o be_v natural_a to_o it_o than_o it_o have_v be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o have_v call_v we_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n for_o every_o action_n of_o our_o life_n for_o then_o every_o inclination_n to_o evil_n must_v have_v come_v from_o our_o mind_n but_o now_o our_o body_n corrupt_a and_o draw_v they_o aside_o and_o the_o inclination_n to_o evil_n grow_v fast_o than_o our_o reason_n which_o shall_v check_v and_o restrain_v they_o and_o when_o those_o inclination_n be_v strong_a man_n have_v not_o that_o judgement_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o government_n of_o unruly_a passion_n so_o that_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o humane_a nature_n seem_v to_o plead_v for_o sin_n commit_v in_o the_o heat_n and_o violence_n of_o youth_n beside_o such_o be_v the_o strictness_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o so_o great_a the_o weakness_n and_o disability_n the_o ignorance_n and_o inadvertency_n of_o mankind_n that_o if_o god_n will_v make_v no_o allowance_n for_o humane_a frailty_n who_o can_v stand_v before_o his_o tribunal_n and_o if_o any_o allowance_n be_v make_v for_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n there_o be_v so_o many_o abatement_n to_o be_v make_v for_o sin_n commit_v through_o sudden_a passion_n through_o mistake_n through_o the_o unavoidable_a impotency_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o this_o degenerate_a condition_n that_o the_o severity_n of_o that_o day_n be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v this_o be_v the_o utmost_a of_o the_o sinner_n plea_n against_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o to_o show_v how_o faulty_a it_o be_v i_o shall_v offer_v these_o consideration_n 1._o that_o god_n will_v certain_o judge_v the_o 31._o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o none_o shall_v have_v cause_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o harshness_n or_o severity_n of_o his_o proceed_n for_o this_o righteousness_n be_v not_o the_o rigour_n of_o justice_n but_o that_o equity_n which_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o action_n and_o the_o abatement_n and_o extenuation_n of_o fault_n which_o arise_v from_o they_o 2._o none_o shall_v suffer_v at_o that_o day_n but_o for_o their_o wilful_a impenitency_n and_o obstinate_a continuance_n in_o sin_n for_o this_o be_v not_o only_o agreeable_a to_o the_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n to_o forgive_v repent_v sinner_n but_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o assure_v mankind_n of_o it_o by_o the_o
be_v not_o something_o negative_a viz._n because_o great_a absurdity_n will_v follow_v if_o we_o attribute_v any_o thing_n corporeal_a to_o god_n for_o than_o he_o must_v be_v compound_v of_o part_n and_o so_o he_o may_v be_v dissolve_v then_o he_o must_v be_v confine_v to_o a_o certain_a place_n and_o not_o everywhere_o present_n he_o can_v have_v the_o power_n of_o act_v and_o self-determining_a which_o a_o mere_a body_n have_v not_o for_o the_o clear_a notion_n we_o can_v have_v of_o body_n be_v that_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o some_o thing_n as_o part_n of_o it_o which_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o each_o other_o and_o be_v confine_v to_o a_o certain_a place_n and_o have_v no_o power_n to_o move_v or_o act_v from_o itself_o but_o some_o of_o these_o man_n who_o cry_v down_o mystery_n and_o magnify_v reason_n to_o show_v how_o slender_a their_o pretence_n to_o reason_n be_v have_v assert_v a_o corporeal_a god_n with_o shaps_z and_o figure_n it_o be_v indeed_o well_o think_v of_o by_o those_o who_o will_v make_v a_o man_n to_o be_v god_n to_o bring_v god_n down_o as_o near_o to_o man_n as_o may_v be_v but_o how_o to_o reconcile_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o body_n with_o infinite_a perfection_n be_v a_o mystery_n to_o i_o and_o far_o above_o my_o comprehension_n but_o if_o it_o be_v no_o mystery_n to_o such_o man_n they_o must_v either_o deny_v god_n infinite_a perfection_n or_o show_v how_o a_o bodily_a shape_n can_v be_v capable_a of_o they_o but_o some_o man_n can_v confound_v finite_a and_o infinite_a body_n and_o spirit_n god_n and_o man_n and_o yet_o be_v for_o no_o mystery_n whereas_o these_o thing_n be_v far_o from_o our_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n than_o any_o of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o find_v fault_n with_o but_o to_o proceed_v if_o we_o believe_v prophecy_n we_o must_v believe_v god_n foreknowledge_n of_o future_a event_n for_o how_o can_v they_o be_v foretell_v if_o he_o do_v not_o foreknow_v they_o and_o if_o he_o do_v foreknow_v those_o which_o he_o do_v foretell_v than_o it_o be_v either_o because_o those_o only_o be_v reveal_v to_o he_o which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o divine_a perfection_n or_o that_o he_o do_v foreknow_v all_o other_o event_n and_o only_o think_v fit_v to_o reveal_v these_o but_o how_o can_v they_o solve_v the_o difficulty_n about_o divine_a prescience_n be_v there_o no_o mystery_n in_o this_o nothing_o above_o their_o comprehension_n what_o then_o make_v their_o great_a master_n deny_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n above_o his_o comprehension_n because_o 11._o nothing_o can_v be_v fore-known_a but_o what_o have_v a_o certain_a cause_n and_o therefore_o if_o evil_a action_n be_v foretold_v god_n must_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o man_n will_v not_o be_v free_a agent_n in_o they_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v foretell_v what_o then_o must_v we_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n god_n forbid_v will_v the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n punish_v mankind_n for_o his_o own_o act_n which_o they_o can_v not_o avoid_v then_o we_o must_v yield_v that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o divine_a prescience_n which_o be_v above_o our_o comprehension_n and_o the_o most_o search_a and_o inquisitive_a man_n have_v be_v force_v to_o yield_v it_o at_o last_o as_o to_o the_o connection_n between_o the_o certainty_n of_o prescience_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o humane_a action_n be_v it_o not_o then_o much_o better_a to_o sit_v down_o quiet_o at_o first_o adore_v the_o infiniteness_n of_o god_n incomprehensible_a perfection_n than_o after_o all_o the_o huffing_n and_o dispute_n of_o man_n to_o say_v in_o ignorantiâ_fw-la solâ_fw-la quietem_fw-la invenio_fw-la as_o the_o great_a schoolman_n do_v sure_o then_o here_o 4._o be_v something_o plain_o reveal_v and_o yet_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v still_o a_o mystery_n to_o we_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o insist_v on_o any_o more_o of_o the_o particular_a attribute_n of_o god_n but_o only_o in_o general_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o they_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v finite_a or_o infinite_a if_o to_o be_v finite_a than_o they_o must_v have_v certain_a bound_n and_o limit_n which_o they_o can_v exceed_v and_o that_o must_v either_o be_v from_o the_o imperfection_n of_o nature_n or_o from_o a_o superior_a cause_n both_o which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o god_n if_o they_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v infinite_a how_o can_v they_o comprehend_v they_o we_o be_v strange_o puzzle_v in_o plain_a ordinary_a finite_a thing_n but_o it_o be_v madness_n to_o pretend_v to_o comprehend_v what_o be_v infinite_a and_o yet_o if_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v not_o infinite_a they_o can_v belong_v to_o he_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v in_o consequence_n to_o this_o assertion_n that_o if_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o may_v be_v comprehend_v the_o very_a be_v of_o god_n must_v be_v reject_v too_o and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v all_o such_o who_o talk_v so_o warm_o against_o any_o mystery_n in_o religion_n to_o consider_v who_o work_v it_o be_v they_o be_v do_v even_o they_o who_o under_o this_o pretence_n go_v about_o to_o overthrow_v all_o religion_n for_o say_v they_o religion_n be_v a_o mystery_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n not_o this_o or_o that_o or_o the_o other_o religion_n but_o they_o be_v all_o alike_o all_o be_v mystery_n and_o that_o be_v but_o another_o name_n for_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n what_o be_v the_o heathen_a mystery_n but_o trick_n of_o priest-craft_n and_o such_o be_v maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o religion_n if_o therefore_o these_o man_n who_o talk_v against_o mystery_n understand_v themselves_o they_o must_v in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o principle_n reject_v one_o god_n as_o well_o as_o three_o person_n for_o as_o long_o as_o they_o believe_v a_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a be_v it_o be_v nonsense_n to_o reject_v any_o other_o doctrine_n which_o relate_v to_o a_o infinite_a be_v because_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a but_o yet_o these_o very_a man_n who_o seem_v to_o pursue_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o principle_n to_o the_o utmost_a must_v assert_v something_o more_o incomprehensible_a than_o the_o be_v of_o god_n for_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n of_o common_a understanding_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n to_o suppose_v work_n of_o skill_n beauty_n and_o order_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o intelligent_a be_v than_o of_o blind_a chance_n and_o unaccountable_a necessity_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o mankind_n to_o suppose_v a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a mind_n endue_v with_o all_o possible_a perfection_n to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n than_o that_o it_o shall_v start_v out_o from_o itself_o without_o contrivance_n without_o order_n without_o cause_n certain_o such_o man_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n because_o they_o be_v incomprehensible_a since_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o absurd_a and_o incomprehensible_a as_o their_o darling_n hypothesis_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o can_v make_v it_o prevail_v but_o to_o suppose_v mankind_n to_o be_v as_o dull_a and_o insensible_a as_o the_o first_o chaos_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a for_o god_n to_o require_v from_o we_o the_o belief_n of_o something_o which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v 2._o i_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v whether_o those_o who_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n in_o our_o faith_n have_v make_v it_o so_o much_o more_o easy_a in_o the_o way_n they_o have_v take_v and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o hector_a talk_n against_o mystery_n and_o thing_n incomprehensible_a in_o religion_n i_o find_v more_o insuperable_a difficulty_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n in_o their_o way_n than_o in_o we_o as_o for_o instance_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o more_o reasonable_a thing_n to_o suppose_v something_o mysterious_a in_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n be_v with_o the_o father_n before_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o as_o st._n john_n express_v it_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n than_o in_o suppose_v that_o although_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v bear_v six_o month_n before_o jesus_n christ_n that_o yet_o christ_n be_v in_o dignity_n before_o he_o what_o a_o wonderful_a mystery_n be_v this_o can_v man_n have_v the_o face_n to_o cry_v down_o mystery_n in_o deep_a speculation_n and_o matter_n of_o a_o high_a and_o abstruse_a nature_n when_o they_o make_v such_o mystery_n of_o plain_a and_o easy_a thing_n and_o suppose_v the_o evangelist_n in_o profound_a language_n and_o lofty_a expression_n to_o prove_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v never_o dispute_v viz._n
well_o of_o themselves_o unless_o they_o think_v amiss_o of_o other_o and_o such_o be_v very_o pry_v into_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n and_o be_v please_v with_o hear_v they_o because_o hereby_o they_o bring_v they_o on_o the_o same_o level_n with_o themselves_o what_o a_o satisfaction_n do_v it_o seem_v to_o profane_a man_n to_o find_v out_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o such_o who_o pretend_v to_o religion_n but_o be_v they_o the_o better_a or_o religion_n the_o worse_a for_o they_o to_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o a_o fault_n but_o still_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o blame_v for_o it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o it_o which_o make_v they_o commit_v those_o fault_n but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o desire_n to_o hear_v the_o miscarriage_n of_o other_o man_n and_o a_o pleasure_n in_o relate_v they_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v a_o ill_a temper_n of_o mind_n from_o whence_o this_o proceed_v 6._o in_o not_o use_v the_o same_o measure_n in_o judge_v the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a of_o other_o men._n the_o one_o they_o present_o and_o easy_o believe_v but_o the_o other_o they_o make_v many_o difficulty_n about_o if_o any_o evil_a action_n be_v report_v of_o a_o neighbour_n that_o be_v present_o entertain_v and_o spread_v abroad_o to_o his_o mighty_a disadvantage_n although_o it_o be_v at_o first_o take_v up_o from_o a_o malicious_a or_o ill_o ground_v report_n but_o if_o a_o good_a action_n be_v tell_v they_o find_v out_o all_o possible_a way_n either_o to_o lessen_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o reporter_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n or_o to_o find_v out_o circumstance_n to_o exasperate_v it_o so_o much_o malice_n and_o ill_a will_n do_v appear_v in_o the_o ordinary_a consideration_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o judgement_n they_o pass_v upon_o one_o another_o 7._o in_o pronounce_v concern_v man_n final_a state_n in_o another_o world_n which_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o our_o reach_n and_o capacity_n for_o that_o depend_v upon_o such_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v as_o 1._o the_o nature_n and_o aggravation_n of_o man_n sin_n which_o depend_v upon_o circumstance_n we_o can_v know_v but_o god_n do_v what_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n they_o have_v what_o temptation_n they_o be_v under_o what_o mean_v of_o resistance_n what_o degree_n of_o wilfulness_n and_o presumption_n there_o be_v in_o they_o 2._o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n for_o those_o sin_n we_o know_v it_o may_v be_v the_o sin_z they_o have_v commit_v but_o we_o can_v know_v how_o much_o they_o have_v smart_v for_o those_o sin_n in_o secret_a what_o agony_n of_o mind_n they_o have_v undergo_v for_o they_o how_o earnest_o they_o have_v pray_v for_o forgiveness_n and_o strength_n against_o they_o what_o a_o inward_a abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n they_o have_v of_o they_o what_o a_o real_a change_n have_v be_v make_v in_o their_o soul_n as_o to_o what_o they_o have_v love_v and_o delight_v in_o 3._o what_o fail_n be_v consistent_a with_o a_o general_a sincerity_n we_o know_v a_o perfect_a obedience_n be_v impossible_a therefore_o we_o must_v allow_v some_o or_o else_o we_o must_v send_v all_o to_o hell_n but_o then_o how_o to_o fix_v the_o nature_n and_o number_n of_o such_o fail_n so_o as_o to_o say_v so_o far_o he_o may_v fail_v and_o yet_o be_v sincere_a be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o do_v since_o we_o must_v take_v in_o those_o circumstance_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v 4._o what_o thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n of_o particular_a person_n bold_n and_o presumptuous_a man_n be_v very_o positive_a and_o dare_a in_o such_o case_n but_o such_o as_o be_v modest_a and_o humble_a dare_v not_o go_v far_o than_o god_n have_v declare_v some_o unreasonable_o restrain_v the_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n to_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o own_o communion_n but_o i_o shall_v soon_o question_v the_o possibility_n of_o their_o salvation_n who_o thus_o censure_n and_o condemn_v the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o that_o charity_n which_o the_o scripture_n make_v more_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o any_o one_o communion_n 5._o the_o bound_n of_o god_n mercy_n the_o usual_a term_n of_o it_o be_v express_v in_o scripture_n but_o even_o that_o have_v acquaint_v we_o that_o god_n have_v not_o tie_v up_o himself_o from_o some_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross._n this_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o encouragement_n to_o any_o to_o put_v off_o their_o repentance_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o censure_v any_o as_o to_o their_o final_a condition_n in_o another_o world_n 2._o the_o mischief_n they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o be_v thus_o severe_a towards_o other_o 1._o this_o provoke_v the_o malice_n of_o other_o against_o they_o who_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v revenge_v if_o possible_a on_o such_o who_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o condemn_v other_o and_o to_o lay_v open_a their_o fault_n thereby_o to_o expose_v their_o weakness_n or_o hypocrisy_n whereas_o candour_n and_o fairness_n make_v man_n willing_a to_o use_v the_o same_o towards_o those_o who_o use_v it_o to_o other_o 2._o it_o provoke_v god_n to_o be_v severe_a to_o such_o as_o show_v no_o mercy_n towards_o other_o and_o so_o our_o saviour_n understand_v it_o matth._n 7._o 1_o 2._o nothing_o we_o have_v so_o much_o cause_n to_o dread_n as_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o nothing_o shall_v make_v we_o more_o willing_a to_o show_v kindness_n and_o goodwill_n to_o other_o than_o to_o consider_v that_o god_n will_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o it_o in_o his_o deal_n with_o we_o especial_o if_o it_o appear_v in_o our_o action_n as_o well_o as_o our_o word_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 2._o we_o may_v be_v righteous_a overmuch_o in_o the_o moral_a practice_n of_o righteousness_n towards_o other_o 1._o that_o man_n may_v exceed_v herein_o 2._o that_o this_o prove_v mischievous_a to_o themselves_o 1._o that_o man_n may_v exceed_v in_o righteousness_n in_o their_o deal_n with_o other_o men._n in_o the_o matter_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n between_o party_n and_o party_n man_n may_v be_v righteous_a overmuch_o viz._n when_o man_n take_v all_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o law_n give_v they_o against_o other_o without_o consideration_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n it_o have_v be_v long_o since_o observe_v that_o summum_fw-la jus_o summa_fw-la injuria_fw-la the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v that_o the_o law_n be_v make_v for_o a_o whole_a community_n can_v be_v so_o frame_v but_o it_o may_v pinch_v hard_a upon_o some_o particular_a person_n if_o it_o be_v severe_o pursue_v who_o circumstance_n be_v such_o as_o the_o law_n never_o intend_v the_o foundation_n of_o justice_n sai_z cicero_z be_v that_o no_o innocent_a person_n suffer_v and_o that_o the_o 10._o common_a good_a be_v maintain_v where_o the_o circumstance_n of_o person_n deserve_v pity_n it_o be_v not_o justice_n but_o inhumanity_n to_o pursue_v their_o own_o right_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o other_o no_o certain_a rule_n can_v be_v set_v down_o because_o circumstance_n vary_v so_o much_o but_o it_o do_v not_o become_v a_o good_a man_n to_o insist_v upon_o a_o bare_a right_n to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o another_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o deserve_v commiseration_n i._n e._n poor_a helpless_a and_o willing_a to_o do_v what_o they_o be_v able_a for_o satisfaction_n aristotle_n say_v that_o a_o 10._o good_a man_n do_v not_o pursue_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o exactness_n of_o law_n but_o abate_v of_o his_o right_n although_o he_o be_v sure_o he_o have_v the_o law_n of_o his_o side_n be_v it_o then_o unbecoming_a a_o good_a man_n to_o pursue_v his_o right_n no._n but_o he_o ought_v so_o to_o manage_v it_o as_o to_o show_v he_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o equity_n as_o well_o as_o justice_n but_o there_o be_v several_a way_n of_o man_n be_v righteous_a overmuch_o 1._o when_o they_o mind_n justice_n without_o mercy_n the_o truth_n be_v such_o person_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o moral_a heathen_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o be_v good_a christian_n which_o so_o earnest_o recommend_v charity_n and_o kindness_n to_o our_o great_a enemy_n so_o that_o even_o our_o justice_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o mixture_n of_o mercy_n in_o it_o 2._o when_o they_o make_v the_o law_n the_o instrument_n of_o their_o revenge_n when_o they_o be_v glad_a they_o have_v take_v their_o enemy_n at_o such_o a_o advantage_n we_o may_v here_o apply_v st._n paul_n word_n we_o â—_o know_v the_o law_n be_v good_a if_o a_o man_n use_v it_o lawful_o but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o very_a unlawful_a use_n of_o it_o when_o