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 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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
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
to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n which_o be_v all_o whole_o spiritual_a then_o from_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o must_v remove_v all_o perturbation_n from_o it_o which_o be_v as_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o it_o as_o eye_n and_o ear_n and_o hand_n and_o foot_n be_v although_o they_o be_v all_o mention_v in_o scripture_n from_o whence_o we_o just_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o wonderful_a condescension_n to_o the_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o common_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n which_o make_v deep_a impression_n on_o mean_a understanding_n and_o those_o who_o be_v of_o fine_a thought_n will_v see_v cause_n to_o attribute_v only_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o thing_n relate_v to_o god_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o his_o infinite_a and_o divine_a perfection_n but_o what_o now_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o this_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n towards_o penitent_a sinner_n 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all_o the_o comfort_n of_o life_n from_o he_o suppose_v now_o such_o a_o disobedient_a rebellious_a son_n as_o here_o in_o the_o parable_n be_v make_v sensible_a of_o his_o folly_n be_v his_o father_n bind_v to_o receive_v he_o be_v it_o not_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o go_v from_o he_o if_o he_o have_v suffer_v by_o his_o folly_n he_o may_v thank_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o if_o his_o father_n let_v he_o alone_o in_o it_o he_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o complain_v but_o such_o be_v the_o tenderness_n of_o the_o father_n towards_o his_o repent_a son_n that_o he_o show_v the_o great_a compassion_n imaginable_a for_o he_o do_v not_o stay_v at_o home_n expect_v his_o son_n be_v solemn_a submission_n before_o his_o family_n but_o he_o run_v towards_o he_o and_o fall_v upon_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o what_o conception_n now_o ought_v we_o to_o have_v of_o god_n compassion_n towards_o penitent_a sinner_n answerable_a to_o all_o this_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v in_o these_o particular_n 1._o that_o god_n hatred_n be_v not_o primary_o against_o person_n who_o be_v his_o creature_n but_o against_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a which_o be_v none_o of_o his_o make_n and_o against_o person_n only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v corrupt_v with_o evil._n thou_o love_v righteousness_n 7._o and_o hate_v wickedness_n faith_n the_o psalmist_n god_n hate_v nothing_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n but_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o he_o hate_v all_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n 5._o 2._o there_o may_v be_v goodwill_n towards_o the_o person_n of_o a_o sinner_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o god_n discover_v the_o hatred_n of_o his_o sin_n i_o do_v not_o say_v god_n take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o he_o while_o he_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v against_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n in_o god_n but_o that_o he_o may_v have_v so_o much_o goodwill_n towards_o he_o as_o to_o design_n to_o reduce_v he_o from_o his_o evil_a way_n and_o this_o every_o father_n find_v in_o himself_o towards_o a_o disobedient_a son_n while_o he_o hate_v his_o evil_a course_n yet_o he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o the_o best_a method_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o duty_n and_o upon_o this_o be_v ground_v that_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o 4._o god_n towards_o mankind_n in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o invitation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o sinner_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o god_n to_o show_v himself_o full_a of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o penitent_a sinner_n i._n e._n so_o as_o to_o forgive_v they_o their_o former_a sin_n and_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o favour_n for_o pity_n and_o compassion_n in_o god_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v not_o according_a to_o the_o inward_a motion_n we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o but_o according_a to_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o a_o readiness_n to_o do_v good_a to_o his_o creature_n according_a to_o their_o necessity_n which_o be_v in_o general_n be_v his_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n but_o consider_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o person_n of_o sinner_n it_o be_v his_o clemency_n or_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o punishment_n they_o deserve_v by_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v his_o mercy_n and_o pity_n which_o in_o we_o be_v aegritudo_fw-la ex_fw-la miseriâ—_n alterius_fw-la and_o therefore_o call_v misericordia_fw-la because_o the_o heart_n be_v touch_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o another_o misery_n but_o we_o be_v not_o so_o to_o apprehend_v it_o in_o god_n but_o that_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o repent_v sinner_n that_o he_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o show_v mercy_n as_o they_o be_v to_o repent_v 2._o god_n pity_n and_o compassion_n lie_v in_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o it_o which_o here_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o prodigal_n be_v pass_v by_o his_o former_a extravagance_n and_o receive_v he_o into_o as_o much_o favour_n as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o go_v astray_o this_o my_o son_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o be_v lose_v 32._o and_o be_v find_v those_o who_o think_v they_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o so_o much_o pardon_v mercy_n as_o other_o do_v be_v apt_a to_o repine_v at_o the_o favour_n show_v to_o great_a sinner_n when_o they_o repent_v and_o therefore_o the_o elder_a brother_n can_v not_o bear_v the_o express_v so_o much_o kindness_n towards_o such_o a_o disobedient_a son_n though_o now_o a_o penitent_a but_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o disagree_v to_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o such_o compassion_n towards_o penitent_a sinner_n will_v more_o full_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o deal_v with_o sinner_n according_a to_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n because_o he_o be_v under_o no_o fatal_a necessity_n no_o superior_a law_n and_o therefore_o may_v act_v free_o in_o the_o forgive_a offender_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o perpetual_a evidence_n that_o god_n do_v not_o act_v according_a to_o the_o strictness_n of_o his_o justice_n for_o if_o he_o have_v deal_v with_o they_o after_o their_o sin_n or_o reward_v they_o according_a to_o their_o iniquity_n their_o spirit_n will_v have_v fail_v before_o he_o and_o the_o soul_n which_o he_o have_v make_v they_o have_v be_v long_o since_o destroy_v from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o not_o suffer_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o provocation_n but_o god_n have_v not_o only_o forbear_v sinner_n long_o when_o he_o may_v just_o have_v punish_v they_o but_o he_o give_v they_o many_o real_a blessing_n and_o comfort_n of_o life_n free_o and_o bountiful_o now_o if_o god_n deal_v so_o merciful_o with_o sinner_n while_o they_o continue_v such_o be_v there_o not_o great_a reason_n to_o suppose_v he_o will_v be_v far_o more_o so_o when_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v such_o 2._o a_o penitent_a sinner_n do_v what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o vindicate_v god_n honour_n i_o do_v not_o say_v he_o can_v make_v satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n for_o that_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v and_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o that_o by_o his_o own_o son_n who_o he_o have_v make_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n but_o a_o true_a penitent_n take_v all_o the_o shame_n and_o dishonour_v to_o himself_o he_o clear_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n government_n and_o the_o equity_n of_o his_o law_n and_o own_v himself_o guilty_a of_o unspeakable_a folly_n in_o his_o disobedience_n o_o how_o just_o say_v he_o may_v god_n have_v take_v i_o away_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o sin_n when_o my_o conscience_n check_v
prayer_n command_v he_o to_o take_v his_o rod_n and_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o people_n 6._o to_o speak_v to_o the_o rock_n and_o the_o water_n shall_v issue_v out_o moses_n assemble_v the_o 8._o people_n expostulate_v the_o matter_n with_o they_o strike_v the_o rock_n twice_o and_o the_o water_n come_v where_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o 10._o moses_n all_o this_o while_n yet_o he_o often_o repeat_v it_o that_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o he_o 37._o for_o something_o do_v at_o that_o time_n god_n himself_o say_v moses_n and_o aaron_n rebel_v 21._o against_o he_o and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o sanctify_v 14._o he_o before_o the_o people_n the_o psalmist_n say_v they_o provoke_v his_o spirit_n so_o 33._o that_o he_o speak_v unadvised_a with_o his_o li_n after_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o moses_n be_v a_o mixture_n of_o anger_n and_o some_o kind_n of_o infidelity_n for_o the_o psalmist_n say_v he_o be_v high_o provoke_v and_o god_n himself_o say_v 12._o they_o believe_v he_o not_o to_o sanctify_v he_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n the_o fault_n than_o seem_v to_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v more_o concern_v for_o their_o own_o honour_n than_o god_n and_o do_v not_o so_o clear_o attribute_v the_o power_n of_o the_o miracle_n to_o god_n but_o that_o the_o people_n may_v think_v they_o assume_v it_o to_o themselves_o as_o appear_v by_o their_o word_n to_o the_o people_n hear_v now_o you_o rebel_n must_v we_o fetch_v 10._o you_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n which_o expression_n do_v not_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n he_o expect_v from_o they_o and_o he_o be_v so_o tender_a in_o matter_n of_o his_o own_o honour_n that_o he_o will_v suffer_v none_o to_o encroach_v upon_o it_o no_o not_o his_o faithful_a servant_n but_o he_o make_v they_o smart_v for_o attempt_v it_o the_o other_o case_n be_v that_o of_o david_n number_v the_o people_n and_o he_o be_v a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n of_o great_a sincerity_n and_o courage_n and_o constancy_n in_o his_o service_n yet_o of_o a_o sudden_a he_o take_v up_o a_o resolution_n that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o the_o people_n number_v without_o any_o apparent_a reason_n for_o it_o and_o although_o he_o be_v discourage_v from_o the_o attempt_n by_o those_o about_o he_o yet_o he_o will_v be_v obey_v and_o what_o come_v of_o it_o true_o before_o the_o thing_n be_v complete_v he_o grow_v very_o uneasy_a at_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o it_o be_v say_v his_o heart_n smite_v he_o after_o that_o he_o have_v number_v the_o 9_o people_n and_o david_n say_v to_o the_o lord_n i_o have_v sin_v great_o in_o what_o i_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o in_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o finish_v it_o not_o because_o wrath_n 24._o fall_v for_o it_o against_o israel_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o severity_n against_o david_n be_v it_o such_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n for_o a_o king_n to_o understand_v the_o number_n of_o his_o people_n suppose_v it_o a_o fail_v yet_o why_o shall_v god_n be_v so_o angry_a for_o one_o such_o fail_v in_o he_o that_o have_v serve_v god_n so_o sincere_o as_o david_n have_v do_v there_o must_v be_v something_o extraordinary_a in_o this_o case_n for_o god_n sometime_o suppose_v the_o people_n to_o be_v number_v 1._o and_o in_o some_o case_n he_o require_v or_o allow_v it_o why_o then_o be_v he_o so_o displease_v now_o at_o the_o do_v it_o the_o best_a account_n i_o know_v of_o it_o be_v this_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a piece_n of_o vanity_n and_o ostentation_n in_o david_n although_o that_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n but_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n as_o design_v by_o he_o which_o be_v general_o look_v on_o as_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o fundamental_a promise_n make_v to_o abraham_n and_o so_o it_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o chronicle_n why_o the_o number_v be_v not_o exact_o take_v because_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v he_o will_v increase_v israel_n like_o the_o star_n of_o 23._o the_o heaven_n which_o seem_v to_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a notion_n receive_v among_o the_o people_n that_o since_o god_n promise_v to_o increase_v they_o beyond_o number_n no_o one_o ought_v to_o go_v about_o to_o take_v the_o exact_a number_n of_o they_o for_o this_o must_v seem_v to_o savour_v of_o infidelity_n and_o a_o contempt_n or_o mistrust_n of_o god_n fundamental_a promise_n but_o however_o upon_o such_o occasion_n god_n may_v use_v two_o of_o his_o most_o faithful_a servant_n thus_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v these_o and_o other_o their_o fail_n upon_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o to_o accept_v of_o their_o general_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o please_v he_o instead_o of_o a_o perfect_a obedience_n but_o i_o have_v something_o far_a to_o offer_v for_o the_o clear_n these_o two_o difficult_a case_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v observe_v between_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n proceed_n with_o particular_a person_n as_o to_o the_o general_a sincerity_n of_o their_o act_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n political_a justice_n as_o to_o person_n in_o public_a capacity_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o in_o the_o latter_a case_n god_n may_v just_o have_v a_o regard_v not_o mere_o to_o the_o action_n themselves_o but_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o people_n they_o be_v relate_v to_o thus_o moses_n mention_n it_o three_o several_a time_n the_o lord_n be_v angry_a with_o i_o for_o your_o 26._o sake_n and_o again_o the_o lord_n be_v wroth_a with_o i_o for_o your_o sake_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v i_o and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o i_o let_v it_o suffice_v thou_o speak_v no_o more_o to_o i_o of_o this_o matter_n it_o seem_v he_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v as_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o that_o earnest_o that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o leave_v to_o conduct_v the_o people_n into_o canaan_n but_o god_n will_v not_o grant_v his_o request_n but_o he_o tell_v the_o people_n that_o it_o be_v for_o their_o sake_n that_o he_o be_v deny_v furthermore_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a with_o i_o for_o 2d_o your_o sake_n and_o swear_v that_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v over_o jordan_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o blow_v which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o head_n be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a in_o the_o case_n of_o david_n that_o before_o he_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o number_v the_o people_n the_o anger_n 1._o of_o the_o lord_n be_v kindle_v against_o israel_n and_o he_o move_v david_n against_o they_o to_o say_v go_v number_n israel_n and_o judah_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o people_n may_v provoke_v god_n to_o let_v prince_n fall_v into_o such_o sin_n which_o may_v give_v just_a occasion_n to_o god_n to_o punish_v both_o together_o but_o this_o be_v a_o very_a different_a case_n from_o the_o method_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o particular_a person_n with_o regard_n to_o their_o integrity_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v establish_v on_o such_o foundation_n that_o we_o need_v not_o give_v way_n to_o despondency_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o particular_a act_n of_o severity_n ii_o i_o be_o now_o to_o consider_v the_o different_a consequence_n of_o these_o two_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n but_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n which_o in_o short_a be_v that_o the_o advantage_n be_v far_o great_a which_o come_v to_o mankind_n by_o one_o than_o by_o the_o other_o and_o that_o will_v appear_v by_o compare_v they_o together_o 1._o as_o under_o equal_a circumstance_n 2._o as_o under_o unequal_a circumstance_n 1._o as_o under_o equal_a circumstance_n and_o here_o we_o have_v two_o sort_n of_o person_n to_o consider_v 1._o those_o who_o have_v conviction_n of_o conscience_n go_v along_o with_o a_o carnal_a mind_n such_o who_o look_v on_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o judge_v only_o by_o appearance_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o those_o who_o do_v allow_v themselves_o all_o the_o liberty_n which_o a_o carnal_a mind_n do_v incline_v they_o to_o have_v very_o much_o the_o advantage_n of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o restraint_n of_o a_o spiritual_a mind_n for_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o severe_a rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o mortification_n to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o these_o be_v think_v to_o be_v very_o hard_a thing_n whereas_o such_o who_o be_v not_o under_o these_o difficulty_n seem_v to_o lead_v the_o most_o pleasant_a and_o easy_a life_n
part_n of_o a_o man_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o move_v they_o and_o where_o god_n by_o his_o grace_n do_v recover_v mankind_n to_o a_o new_a life_n yet_o there_o be_v such_o remainder_n of_o the_o former_a deadness_n upon_o we_o as_o make_v we_o unable_a to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o most_o desire_v to_o do_v and_o do_v fail_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n where_o we_o be_v sincere_a as_o to_o our_o purpose_n and_o design_n but_o will_v god_n lay_v these_o moral_a defect_n or_o infirmity_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n on_o we_o as_o wilful_a sin_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n forbid_v i_o do_v not_o question_v god_n right_o to_o command_v we_o all_o that_o which_o be_v just_a in_o itself_o and_o he_o have_v give_v we_o faculty_n to_o do_v but_o i_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o gracious_a lord_n towards_o a_o decay_a tenant_n of_o who_o if_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o pay_v what_o he_o be_v able_a he_o will_v not_o exact_v the_o uttermost_a farthing_n as_o a_o compassionate_a commander_n to_o a_o wound_a soldier_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o accept_v what_o service_n he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v although_o he_o fail_v in_o many_o point_n of_o his_o duty_n as_o the_o good_a samaritan_n which_o pour_v in_o wine_n and_o oil_n into_o the_o wound_n which_o he_o have_v not_o make_v and_o diseharge_v the_o debt_n which_o he_o have_v not_o contract_v if_o god_n be_v not_o infinite_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a there_o be_v little_a hope_n for_o we_o to_o avoid_v punishment_n but_o since_o he_o be_v please_v to_o deal_v with_o we_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o a_o new_a covenant_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_v that_o he_o will_v not_o charge_v involuntary_a neglect_v and_o moral_a disability_n upon_o we_o as_o sin_n of_o omission_n 2._o there_o be_v duty_n of_o external_n worship_n and_o service_n owe_v to_o god_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v when_o the_o omission_n of_o these_o become_v a_o sin_n to_o we_o for_o these_o be_v not_o always_o necessary_a and_o sometime_o we_o may_v be_v hinder_v from_o they_o to_o answer_v this_o i_o lay_v down_o these_o rule_n i._o a_o constant_a or_o habitual_a neglect_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n can_v be_v without_o a_o sin_n of_o omission_n because_o that_o must_v arise_v from_o a_o evil_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n when_o it_o come_v from_o a_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o his_o service_n it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n because_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a one_o when_o it_o come_v bare_o from_o a_o careless_a indifferent_a slothful_a temper_n which_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o excuse_n for_o the_o neglect_n or_o omission_n of_o they_o it_o argue_v very_o little_a sense_n of_o religion_n or_o regard_v to_o god_n and_o his_o service_n when_o they_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o find_v a_o excuse_n for_o their_o fault_n but_o some_o be_v ready_a to_o justify_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o neglect_n as_o though_o all_o the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v mere_a ceremony_n and_o only_o a_o decent_a way_n of_o entertain_v the_o people_n with_o some_o outward_a pomp_n and_o show_n of_o devotion_n towards_o a_o divine_a majesty_n i_o be_o afraid_a such_o hardly_o mention_v a_o divine_a majesty_n but_o in_o a_o compliment_n however_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v own_o such_o a_o be_v but_o they_o think_v it_o a_o vain_a thing_n to_o serve_v he_o as_o though_o he_o can_v be_v move_v by_o our_o prayer_n to_o he_o or_o praise_n of_o he_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_o above_o all_o our_o service_n but_o be_v that_o a_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o serve_v he_o in_o the_o way_n he_o require_v it_o from_o we_o he_o do_v not_o want_v our_o service_n but_o we_o want_v his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n and_o can_v we_o expect_v they_o when_o we_o slight_v that_o little_a service_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o time_n he_o allow_v for_o other_o employment_n which_o he_o expect_v from_o we_o if_o we_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o direct_v we_o we_o shall_v conclude_v it_o very_o reasonable_a that_o mankind_n shall_v own_v their_o creator_n by_o some_o outward_a and_o public_a and_o state_v way_n and_o time_n of_o worship_n for_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o natural_a justice_n to_o own_o our_o maker_n and_o benefactor_n and_o can_v it_o become_v less_o necessary_a when_o he_o have_v declare_v himself_o please_v with_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o make_v great_a promise_n to_o those_o who_o call_v upon_o he_o but_o this_o say_v they_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o all_o to_o understand_v what_o effect_v our_o prayer_n can_v have_v upon_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o heaven_n since_o they_o be_v already_o fix_v and_o can_v be_v reverse_v by_o our_o prayer_n as_o great_a as_o this_o difficulty_n be_v the_o true_a point_n of_o it_o be_v only_o this_o whether_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o trust_v the_o frequent_a and_o repeat_v promise_n of_o god_n although_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v how_o the_o efficacy_n of_o our_o prayer_n be_v take_v in_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n towards_o the_o execution_n of_o god_n eternal_a purpose_n for_o if_o they_o be_v condition_n as_o the_o scripture_n often_o tell_v we_o then_o we_o may_v easy_o understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n and_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o reconcile_a such_o contingent_a condition_n with_o god_n eternal_a purpose_n it_o be_v a_o difficulty_n which_o will_v afford_v perpetual_a matter_n of_o dispute_n but_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o hinder_v we_o from_o plain_a duty_n than_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v from_o go_v a_o necessary_a journey_n till_o he_o be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o earth_n move_v about_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o sun_n about_o the_o earth_n ii_o whether_o the_o omission_n of_o such_o publâ—ck_a duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v a_o sin_n or_o not_o depend_v very_o much_o on_o the_o reason_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o wilful_a neglect_n it_o do_v imply_v a_o degree_n of_o contempt_n and_o that_o can_v be_v without_o sin_n and_o that_o be_v a_o wilful_a neglect_n when_o nothing_o but_o a_o act_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o will_n hinder_v he_o from_o serve_v god_n in_o public_a i_o do_v not_o mean_v only_o at_o the_o very_a time_n but_o if_o he_o have_v by_o some_o former_a act_n of_o his_o will_n bring_v a_o incapacity_n upon_o himself_o that_o want_v of_o power_n do_v not_o excuse_n when_o the_o impotency_n arise_v from_o a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o his_o own_o if_o it_o be_v intend_v on_o purpose_n to_o hinder_v it_o be_v as_o wilful_a in_o its_o cause_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o impediment_n for_o although_o the_o actual_a impediment_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o omission_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o design_n and_o purpose_n which_o make_v it_o wilful_a but_o if_o person_n by_o a_o act_n of_o providence_n without_o their_o own_o fault_n be_v hinder_v from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o by_o long_a sickness_n no_o one_o can_v say_v that_o this_o omission_n be_v wilful_a and_o therefore_o can_v be_v account_v a_o sin_n but_o if_o a_o person_n by_o his_o intemperance_n and_o debauchery_n have_v bring_v himself_o into_o a_o incapacity_n of_o attend_v on_o the_o service_n of_o god_n we_o can_v say_v that_o the_o actual_a omission_n be_v wilful_a but_o we_o may_v just_o say_v that_o the_o original_a cause_n be_v so_o and_o that_o it_o can_v excuse_v the_o omission_n ii_o but_o beside_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n there_o be_v such_o which_o we_o owe_v to_o one_o another_o which_o can_v be_v omit_v without_o sin_n but_o here_o the_o state_v of_o the_o case_n seem_v yet_o more_o difficult_a since_o there_o be_v not_o so_o plain_a a_o authority_n to_o oblige_v nor_o such_o a_o relation_n to_o each_o other_o as_o we_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n and_o beside_o the_o circumstance_n of_o humane_a affair_n be_v oftentimes_o so_o intricate_a and_o perplex_a that_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a for_o person_n to_o know_v their_o duty_n and_o much_o more_o to_o practice_v they_o but_o there_o be_v certain_o such_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v both_o to_o the_o public_a and_o to_o one_o another_o and_o it_o may_v be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o we_o to_o understand_v the_o force_n of_o the_o obligation_n and_o what_o those_o be_v which_o can_v be_v omit_v without_o sin_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o public_a and_o concern_v that_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o two_o rule_n 1._o those_o duty_n can_v be_v omit_v without_o sin_n which_o can_v be_v omit_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o public_a good_n
yet_o take_v altogether_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o watch_v and_o pray_v that_o they_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n for_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a 2._o in_o which_o word_n he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o inconstancy_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o good_a resolution_n viz._n that_o although_o the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a yet_o there_o be_v something_o we_o carry_v about_o we_o which_o weaken_v our_o best_a resolution_n and_o betray_v we_o into_o temptation_n our_o flesh_n be_v weak_a which_o be_v so_o near_o we_o as_o to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o ourselves_o make_v our_o case_n more_o dangerous_a and_o enforce_v the_o necessity_n of_o watchfulness_n and_o prayer_n but_o here_o arise_v one_o of_o the_o most_o useful_a necessary_a and_o important_a case_n that_o relate_v to_o practical_a christianity_n which_o i_o shall_v first_o set_v down_o in_o its_o full_a force_n and_o then_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v it_o the_o case_n be_v this_o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o circumstance_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n do_v lessen_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v by_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o extenuation_n of_o the_o sin_n why_o do_v our_o saviour_n mention_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o if_o it_o be_v than_o these_o inconvenience_n follow_v 1._o it_o seem_v to_o abate_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n if_o the_o sin_n be_v lessen_v through_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v unavoidable_a in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n 2._o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o fair_a plea_n and_o excuse_v for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n for_o 1._o the_o original_a inclination_n to_o sin_n in_o mankind_n come_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o very_a frame_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v such_o as_o expose_v they_o to_o continual_a temptation_n there_o be_v a_o natural_a combat_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o all_o mankind_n find_v it_o too_o true_a now_o 17._o wherever_o the_o flesh_n be_v there_o be_v inclination_n agreeable_a to_o it_o and_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o mind_n all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o flesh_n will_v appear_v to_o come_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh._n 2._o the_o frequent_a commission_n of_o the_o same_o sin_n will_v be_v lay_v upon_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh._n for_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n do_v not_o sin_v out_o of_o defiance_n to_o god_n or_o his_o law_n or_o with_o a_o obstinate_a resolution_n to_o sin_n for_o they_o know_v their_o duty_n and_o wish_v they_o can_v perform_v it_o but_o alas_o the_o flesh_n be_v too_o hard_a for_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o they_o have_v many_o conviction_n in_o their_o mind_n many_o good_a purpose_n and_o serious_a resolution_n at_o some_o time_n and_o if_o they_o do_v sin_n it_o be_v not_o with_o their_o whole_a will_n for_o they_o have_v great_a struggle_n and_o check_n of_o conscience_n within_o even_o while_o they_o commit_v those_o sin_n and_o therefore_o what_o can_v their_o continue_n in_o sin_n be_v so_o proper_o attribute_v to_o as_o to_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh._n 3._o relapse_n into_o the_o same_o sin_n after_o repentance_n seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh._n for_o he_o that_o have_v once_o smart_v severe_o for_o his_o sin_n and_o suffer_v under_o the_o agony_n of_o conscience_n for_o they_o he_o that_o have_v go_v so_o far_o as_o not_o mere_o to_o lament_v his_o folly_n and_o to_o abhor_v his_o wickedness_n but_o to_o make_v solemn_a vow_n and_o promise_n and_o resolution_n never_o more_o to_o return_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v fall_v into_o his_o sin_n again_o with_o his_o whole_a mind_n and_o soul_n for_o the_o light_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v once_o thorough_o kindle_v be_v not_o easy_o put_v out_o it_o be_v a_o secret_a fire_n which_o burn_v inward_a and_o can_v hardly_o be_v extinguish_v and_o all_o those_o who_o sin_n against_o conscience_n the_o dictate_v of_o their_o mind_n be_v right_a while_o they_o commit_v their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o even_o these_o sin_n seem_v to_o be_v excuse_v by_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh._n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v that_o sin_n which_o do_v come_v from_o the_o flesh_n do_v exclude_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a say_v st._n paul_n 20._o adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n lasciviousness_n etc._n etc._n drunkenness_n revel_v and_o such_o like_a which_o be_v proper_o sin_v of_o the_o flesh._n of_o the_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o as_o i_o have_v also_o tell_v you_o in_o time_n past_a that_o they_o which_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v 21._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o in_o another_o place_n for_o this_o you_o know_v that_o no_o whoremonger_n 5._o nor_o unclean_a person_n nor_o covetous_a man_n who_o be_v a_o idolater_n have_v any_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o god_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n for_o because_o of_o these_o thing_n cometâ—_n 6._o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n on_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n will_v god_n be_v so_o severe_a under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o punish_v mankind_n with_o utter_a exclusion_n from_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a misery_n for_o sin_n which_o come_v mere_o from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n then_o indeed_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n to_o bewail_v the_o sad_a condition_n of_o humanity_n bear_v under_o one_o law_n to_o another_o bound_n create_v sick_a command_v to_o be_v sound_z but_o god_n will_v vindicate_v his_o justice_n at_o the_o great_a day_n and_o mankind_n shall_v be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v damn_v for_o the_o mere_a weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o will_n and_o choice_n that_o as_o they_o have_v evil_a inclination_n from_o the_o flesh_n so_o they_o have_v good_a inclination_n from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o their_o mind_n aught_o to_o have_v govern_v and_o keep_v under_o the_o law_n of_o their_o member_n that_o other_o by_o the_o same_o assistance_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o 24._o lust_n thereof_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v enable_v they_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o 12._o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n that_o if_o man_n do_v fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v through_o their_o own_o fault_n that_o 15._o those_o who_o relapse_n into_o sin_n after_o repentance_n and_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o 20._o the_o world_n their_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o beginning_n and_o in_o short_a if_o man_n â—3_n do_v live_v after_o the_o flesh_n they_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o through_o the_o spirit_n they_o do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n they_o shall_v live_v all_o which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o possibility_n of_o fubdue_a the_o inclination_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o if_o man_n neglect_v it_o and_o give_v way_n to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o this_o very_a thing_n will_v be_v impute_v to_o they_o as_o a_o wilful_a and_o damn_v sin_n but_o here_o the_o difficulty_n still_o rise_v for_o christ_n suppose_v that_o his_o own_o disciple_n even_o the_o most_o forward_o and_o the_o best_a resolve_v may_v fall_v through_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o they_o do_v so_o upon_o no_o great_a temptation_n as_o appear_v by_o st._n peter_n deny_v his_o master_n in_o so_o dreadful_a a_o manner_n upon_o so_o slight_a a_o provocation_n as_o the_o damsel_n say_v to_o he_o thou_o also_o be_v wâ—â—h_n jesus_n of_o galilee_n 69._o what_o a_o mean_a low_a and_o timorous_a spirit_n have_v possess_v st._n peter_n at_o that_o time_n be_v this_o he_o who_o but_o a_o few_o hour_n before_o say_v that_o though_o he_o shall_v die_v with_o he_o he_o will_v not_o deny_v he_o lord_n what_o be_v man_n very_o in_o his_o best_a estate_n he_o be_v altogether_o vanity_n what_o st._n peter_n deny_v his_o lord_n who_o make_v that_o confession_n of_o he_o which_o christ_n own_v be_v not_o reveal_v to_o he_o by_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o by_o his_o father_n in_o heaven_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v