consist_v not_o in_o punto_n but_o be_v estimate_v according_a to_o man_n diligence_n or_o neglect_n of_o improve_n those_o mean_n and_o advantage_n which_o have_v be_v afford_v they_o for_o as_o there_o be_v the_o same_o proportion_n between_o 1._o and_o 2._o as_o between_o 5._o and_o 10._o so_o he_o that_o have_v but_o half_a suppose_v of_o the_o advantage_n which_o another_o man_n enjoy_v prove_v to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o that_o other_o be_v real_o much_o better_a whereas_o he_o that_o have_v double_a the_o advantage_n be_v not_o better_a than_o he_o who_o he_o this_o way_n so_o much_o excel_v be_v not_o good_a at_o all_o nor_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n because_o whosoever_o have_v be_v furnish_v with_o true_a internal_a probity_n of_o mind_n and_o be_v of_o a_o obedient_a temper_n and_o have_v a_o sincere_a love_n of_o goodness_n will_v most_o certain_o have_v advance_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o virtue_n proportionable_o to_o the_o opportunity_n he_o have_v of_o so_o do_v i._n e._n in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o that_o be_v faithful_a in_o little_a will_v have_v be_v so_o in_o much_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o under_o great_a advantage_n have_v not_o be_v proportionable_a in_o the_o improvement_n of_o his_o temper_n and_o life_n it_o may_v true_o be_v say_v of_o such_o a_o man_n god_n have_v be_v very_o good_a to_o he_o but_o he_o for_o his_o part_n be_v not_o good_a at_o all_o which_o consideration_n will_v be_v of_o use_n both_o to_o make_v we_o more_o wary_a in_o pronounce_v concern_v the_o final_a estate_n of_o other_o man_n and_o also_o enable_v we_o to_o pass_v a_o better_a judgement_n of_o our_o own_o action_n and_o state_n forasmuch_o as_o it_o hereby_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a conformity_n or_o inconformity_n of_o our_o action_n to_o a_o law_n or_o rule_n from_o whence_o their_o value_n or_o their_o guilt_n arise_v but_o respect_n be_v have_v to_o the_o knowledge_n or_o knowablenesse_n of_o that_o rule_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o second_o ingredient_n of_o sin_n §_o iii_o 3._o last_o to_o render_v sin_n complete_a and_o perfect_o criminal_a it_o be_v neither_o enough_o that_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o be_v against_o some_o law_n nor_o that_o such_o law_n be_v know_v but_o the_o act_n or_o omission_n must_v be_v voluntary_a that_o be_v not_o what_o a_o man_n be_v overbear_v into_o by_o some_o fatal_a necessity_n or_o compel_v to_o by_o the_o force_n of_o some_o violent_a impression_n not_o what_o he_o can_v neither_o help_v nor_o hinder_v but_o what_o be_v so_o far_o subject_a to_o his_o own_o free_a choice_n that_o he_o willing_o do_v what_o he_o do_v and_o can_v have_v do_v otherwise_o or_o omit_v do_v if_o he_o have_v be_v so_o please_v for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o humane_a act_n and_o therefore_o can_v involve_v he_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n no_o more_o than_o the_o effect_n and_o production_n of_o natural_a cause_n can_v be_v esteem_v vicious_a and_o though_o man_n have_v understanding_n which_o those_o other_o cause_n be_v destitute_a of_o yet_o that_o be_v only_o the_o criterion_n or_o test_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n not_o of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_n therefore_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v not_o imputable_a to_o the_o understanding_n but_o to_o the_o will_n which_o be_v the_o helm_n of_o the_o soul_n determine_v all_o its_o motion_n and_o according_o be_v accountable_a for_o they_o for_o the_o more_o clear_a understanding_n of_o which_o and_o of_o whatsoever_o i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v hereafter_o touch_v this_o matter_n i_o think_v it_o useful_a to_o precaution_n these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o liberty_n which_o the_o will_n of_o man_n have_v to_o choose_v evil_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o uncontrollable_a in_o its_o election_n but_o that_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o be_v check_v and_o control_v by_o he_o at_o his_o pleasure_n for_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v a_o thousand_o way_n of_o divert_v man_n from_o his_o course_n without_o offer_v any_o direct_a violence_n to_o his_o faculty_n some_o of_o which_o may_v easy_o be_v instance_a if_o it_o be_v needful_a nay_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o question_n but_o divine_a omnipotence_n may_v if_o it_o so_o please_v irresistible_o incline_v move_v and_o determine_v it_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a of_o which_o some_o instance_n also_o may_v be_v assign_v though_o these_o last_o must_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v very_o rare_a partly_o because_o that_o ordinary_o to_o invert_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o put_v his_o creation_n out_o of_o course_n make_v not_o so_o much_o for_o his_o wisdom_n as_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o do_v for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o partly_o also_o because_o thus_o take_v away_o the_o natural_a and_o evident_a reason_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n will_v obscure_v that_o justice_n which_o he_o design_n to_o glorify_v but_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v assert_v at_o present_a that_o whatsoever_o god_n may_v please_v to_o do_v either_o for_o the_o hinder_v of_o evil_a or_o the_o effect_n of_o good_a he_o do_v not_o necessary_o determine_v or_o over-rule_v the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o therein_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o 2._o as_o some_o excellent_o good_a man_n may_v arrive_v at_o such_o a_o perfection_n such_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o such_o habit_n of_o goodness_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v moral_o impossible_a they_o shall_v choose_v evil_a of_o which_o i_o shall_v treat_v more_o at_o large_a hereafter_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v neither_o impossible_a nor_o unusual_a for_o evil_a man_n to_o forfeit_v the_o freedom_n of_o their_o will_n so_o far_o as_o to_o bring_v not_o only_o a_o bias_n upon_o their_o spirit_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o fatal_a propension_n to_o evil_n and_o render_v it_o in_o a_o manner_n necessary_a that_o they_o sin_n namely_o by_o long_a custom_n and_o inveterate_a habit_n of_o sin_n they_o lose_v the_o aequilibrium_fw-la and_o balance_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o thenceforth_o whole_o incline_v to_o evil_a but_o forasmuch_o as_o this_o wherever_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n it_o contradict_v not_o what_o we_o be_v assert_v for_o whereas_o the_o habit_n be_v voluntary_o contract_v the_o effect_n be_v interpretable_o so_o too_o and_o therefore_o as_o we_o note_v before_o under_o the_o former_a head_n that_o the_o reason_n why_o ignorance_n of_o the_o law_n do_v not_o excuse_v a_o default_n be_v because_o the_o law_n be_v once_o sufficient_o promulge_v such_o ignorance_n must_v needs_o be_v supine_n and_o affect_v that_o be_v voluntary_a for_o the_o same_o reason_n such_o man_n as_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o can_v excuse_v their_o miscarriage_n by_o lay_v the_o blame_n upon_o their_o present_a necessity_n or_o impotency_n because_o have_v first_o cripple_v themselves_o voluntary_o their_o actual_a halt_n afterward_o be_v so_o too_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v free_a in_o its_o cause_n though_o not_o in_o the_o special_a instance_n 3._o but_o that_o which_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o power_n or_o capacity_n of_o do_v good_a or_o of_o avoid_v evil_n or_o will_v so_o to_o do_v on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o of_o do_v or_o will_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a on_o the_o other_o for_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v without_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o pelagian_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v good_a that_o which_o be_v true_a be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o such_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a be_v always_o ready_a and_o at_o hand_n which_o joint_o conclude_v for_o god_n goodness_n and_o man_n liberty_n make_v the_o action_n of_o man_n punishable_a when_o he_o do_v evil_a because_o grace_n be_v ready_a to_o have_v assiss_v he_o otherwise_o if_o he_o have_v not_o refuse_v it_o and_o rewardable_a when_o he_o do_v well_o because_o when_o he_o may_v have_v refuse_v god_n help_n he_o do_v not_o and_o in_o short_a give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o whatever_o be_v good_a because_o it_o can_v not_o be_v do_v without_o he_o and_o leave_v no_o man_n without_o encouragement_n of_o his_o diligence_n and_o industry_n because_o god_n will_v
the_o penitent_n pardon_v saint_n t._n peter_n cor_fw-la contritum_fw-la s_o t._n mary_n magdalene_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o penitent_n pardon_v or_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o repentance_n under_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n by_o j._n goodman_n d._n d._n rectour_n of_o hadham_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d s._n chrysost_o london_n print_v by_o e._n flesher_n for_o r._n royston_n bookseller_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n an._n dom._n mdclxxix_o imprimatur_fw-la hic_fw-la libre_fw-la cui_fw-la titulus_fw-la the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_n son_n maii_n 14._o 1678._o guil._n sill_n r._n p._n d._n henr._n episc_n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la domesticis_fw-la to_o the_o right_n honourable_a arthur_z earl_n of_o essex_n viscount_n malden_n baron_n of_o hadham_n lord_n lieutenant_z of_o the_o county_n of_o hartford_n one_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n etc._n etc._n my_o lord_n i_o have_v so_o deep_a a_o sense_n of_o those_o manifold_a and_o great_a favour_n which_o through_o the_o course_n of_o many_o year_n without_o interruption_n it_o have_v please_v your_o lordship_n to_o confer_v upon_o i_o that_o though_o i_o know_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o make_v any_o proportionable_a return_n yet_o it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a for_o i_o to_o omit_v any_o opportunity_n of_o make_v my_o just_a acknowledgement_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o my_o obligation_n to_o your_o lordship_n be_v as_o well_o know_v to_o the_o world_n as_o great_a in_o themselves_o i_o think_v it_o become_v i_o and_o be_o persuade_v all_o man_n but_o your_o lord_n shp_n expect_v it_o from_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v make_v some_o public_a expression_n of_o my_o gratitude_n i_o will_v therefore_o do_v that_o right_n to_o myself_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o when_o i_o first_o deliberate_v about_o the_o adventure_n these_o paper_n to_o the_o press_n it_o be_v a_o principal_a argument_n to_o determine_v i_o so_o to_o do_v because_o by_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o part_n of_o my_o study_n to_o your_o lordship_n name_n i_o shall_v have_v opportunity_n of_o perform_v so_o just_a a_o duty_n and_o of_o do_v honour_n to_o so_o great_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n but_o my_o lord_n i_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o when_o i_o come_v to_o make_v reflection_n upon_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o present_a discourse_n i_o be_v quick_o sensible_a how_o great_a a_o error_n my_o zeal_n be_v likely_a to_o betray_v i_o into_o in_o intitle_v a_o work_n almost_o whole_o level_v against_o debauchery_n to_o a_o personage_n of_o so_o severe_a virtue_n and_o sanctity_n for_o i_o consider_v your_o lordship_n early_a as_o well_o as_o eminent_a and_o habitual_a piety_n and_o what_o need_n think_v i_o be_v there_o of_o physic_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o perfect_a health_n and_o if_o as_o s._n paul_n assert_n the_o law_n be_v not_o make_v for_o a_o righteous_a man_n because_o such_o be_v able_a to_o be_v a_o law_n to_o themselves_o much_o less_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n suitable_o preach_v to_o those_o that_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n need_v no_o repentance_n thus_o i_o feel_v a_o conflict_n within_o myself_o my_o discretion_n oppose_v the_o design_n of_o my_o gratitude_n and_o my_o present_a reason_n stagger_v my_o former_a resolution_n but_o then_o my_o lord_n i_o consider_v also_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o see_v the_o divine_a majesty_n himself_o be_v well_o please_v with_o those_o oblation_n that_o be_v beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n though_o they_o be_v not_o useful_a to_o himself_o nor_o make_v any_o addition_n to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o happiness_n i_o can_v not_o doubt_v but_o your_o lordship_n who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o zeal_n to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o mankind_n will_v permit_v your_o name_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o countenance_v a_o design_n of_o bring_v man_n home_n to_o god_n to_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o happiness_n and_o of_o recover_v the_o age_n from_o the_o mischief_n of_o extravagancy_n and_o debauchery_n which_o it_o too_o lamentable_o groan_v under_o and_o this_o my_o lord_n refixed_n my_o resolution_n to_o entitle_v your_o lordship_n to_o this_o plain_a piece_n of_o practical_a divinity_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o hope_v that_o the_o direct_v man_n eye_n and_o thought_n to_o so_o great_a and_o rare_a a_o example_n of_o clear_a and_o unspotted_a virtue_n amid_o all_o the_o disturbance_n of_o business_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o a_o plentiful_a fortune_n will_v be_v able_a to_o confute_v all_o their_o objection_n against_o the_o possibility_n of_o heroic_a goodness_n and_o may_v have_v as_o much_o efficacy_n to_o convince_v and_o shame_v they_o out_o of_o their_o folly_n as_o the_o very_a reason_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o encourage_v their_o amendment_n and_o shall_v i_o now_o as_o well_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o design_n of_o my_o book_n as_o of_o my_o gratitude_n make_v a_o draught_n of_o your_o lordship_n in_o your_o full_a proportion_n that_o be_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v you_o as_o great_a as_o your_o own_o virtue_n add_v to_o the_o nobility_n of_o your_o blood_n have_v make_v you_o i_o may_v if_o my_o skill_n fail_v i_o not_o exhibit_v to_o the_o world_n a_o piece_n of_o that_o masculine_a perfection_n wherein_o the_o most_o curious_a will_v not_o know_v what_o to_o desire_v nor_o the_o most_o envious_a what_o to_o suspect_v forasmuch_o as_o not_o only_o this_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o that_o of_o ireland_n but_o several_a of_o the_o neighbour_n state_n and_o kingdom_n also_o can_v bear_v witness_n to_o your_o lordship_n steadiness_n in_o the_o protestant_a religion_n your_o loyalty_n to_o your_o prince_n your_o piety_n humanity_n justice_n temperance_n prudence_n courage_n and_o all_o other_o great_a and_o illustrious_a ornament_n nor_o do_v i_o fear_v by_o such_o a_o character_n to_o derive_v any_o envy_n upon_o your_o lordship_n since_o very_o few_o of_o your_o laurel_n be_v the_o mere_a favour_n of_o fortune_n but_o that_o reward_n of_o virtue_n the_o acquest_n of_o prudence_n and_o conduct_n and_o win_v by_o wise_a counsel_n by_o generous_a resolution_n and_o noble_a employment_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o man_n will_v not_o have_v the_o impudence_n to_o envy_n the_o effect_n when_o they_o have_v not_o the_o bravery_n to_o imitate_v the_o cause_n thus_o my_o lord_n i_o can_v satisfy_v my_o own_o conscience_n and_o do_v right_a to_o the_o world_n in_o set_v before_o they_o such_o a_o pattern_n as_o will_v at_o once_o inflame_v the_o generous_a and_o shame_v the_o slothful_a and_o vicious_a but_o i_o know_v your_o lordship_n temper_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o your_o mind_n too_o well_o to_o think_v that_o hereby_o i_o shall_v do_v a_o acceptable_a service_n to_o your_o lordship_n wherefore_o i_o add_v no_o more_o but_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n that_o it_o will_v please_v almighty_a god_n to_o bless_v your_o lordship_n and_o your_o most_o noble_a and_o pious_a countess_n with_o long_a life_n and_o prosperity_n to_o succeed_v your_o lordship_n study_n and_o endeavour_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o religion_n your_o prince_n and_o country_n and_o to_o preserve_v your_o hopeful_a offspring_n that_o they_o may_v uphold_v your_o family_n name_n and_o honour_n to_o after_o generation_n this_o my_o lord_n be_v the_o constant_a duty_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o incessant_a desire_n of_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n be_v most_o humble_a servant_n jo._n goodman_n octob._n 1._o 1678._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o these_o paper_n may_v a_o little_a surprise_v some_o of_o those_o into_o who_o hand_n they_o may_v fall_v not_o so_o much_o in_o regard_n that_o this_o subject_n have_v be_v handle_v by_o other_o for_o i_o modest_o hope_v that_o notwithstanding_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v see_v or_o hear_v of_o from_o other_o pen_n this_o discourse_n may_v have_v its_o place_n and_o use_v but_o because_o i_o be_o aware_a that_o some_o of_o my_o friend_n who_o have_v be_v privy_a to_o my_o intention_n and_o to_o the_o course_n of_o my_o study_n have_v make_v i_o a_o debtor_n to_o the_o public_a of_o a_o work_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o this_o which_o i_o now_o present_a and_o i_o be_o not_o unwilling_a so_o far_o to_o own_o the_o obligation_n as_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o have_v now_o for_o a_o good_a time_n apply_v my_o thought_n to_o the_o discovery_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a and_o i_o do_v hope_n if_o it_o please_v god_n to_o continue_v i_o life_n and_o health_n that_o in_o due_a time_n i_o shall_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n acquit_v the_o credit_n of_o
not_o be_v want_v to_o he_o but_o for_o the_o latter_a namely_o the_o do_v or_o will_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o requisite_a but_o the_o will_n itself_o provide_v god_n extraordinary_o interpose_v not_o to_o hinder_v it_o these_o thing_n premise_v i_o be_o not_o aware_a of_o the_o least_o suspicion_n that_o can_v lie_v against_o what_o we_o be_v assert_v namely_o that_o a_o necessary_a and_o principal_a ingredient_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o voluntarinesse_n thereof_o and_o of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o the_o proof_n be_v as_o many_o and_o pregnant_a as_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o contrary_n be_v manifest_a for_o what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v imaginable_a why_o god_n shall_v use_v exhortation_n and_o persuasion_n reproof_n and_o expostulation_n with_o man_n for_o sin_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o withstand_v it_o wherefore_o shall_v he_o upbraid_v they_o for_o their_o wilfulness_n condemn_v they_o for_o stubbornness_n and_o after_o all_o severe_o punish_v they_o for_o what_o they_o can_v not_o help_v if_o the_o insupportable_a weight_n of_o necessity_n lie_v upon_o they_o or_o some_o latent_fw-la and_o irresistible_a cause_n overpower_v they_o they_o be_v patient_n rather_o than_o agent_n and_o deserve_v pity_n rather_o than_o blame_v or_o punishment_n it_o be_v a_o discreet_a say_n of_o porphyry_n 〈◊〉_d a_o man_n that_o be_v move_v by_o force_n only_o be_v proper_o enough_o say_v to_o be_v where_o he_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v move_v at_o all_o for_o whatsoever_o seem_v alteration_n necessity_n and_o violence_n may_v make_v for_o the_o present_a when_o once_o the_o force_n be_v over_o 1._o every_o thing_n return_v to_o its_o own_o nature_n again_o and_o be_v what_o it_o be_v before_o but_o without_o doubt_n in_o all_o moral_a consideration_n man_n be_v reasonable_o to_o be_v interpret_v to_o be_v in_o that_o state_n all_o the_o while_n where_o he_o be_v by_o his_o own_o choice_n sen._n and_o will_v have_v continue_v have_v not_o force_v expulse_v he_o and_o seneca_n say_v very_o well_o necessity_n be_v the_o great_a sanctuary_n of_o humane_a infirmity_n which_o whosoever_o can_v lay_v claim_n to_o obtain_v protection_n for_o it_o perfect_o excuse_v all_o the_o fault_n it_o commit_v whatever_o can_v just_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v necessary_a if_o it_o be_v evil_a be_v a_o natural_a one_o and_o not_o a_o moral_n and_o a_o unhappiness_n or_o punishment_n rather_o than_o a_o sin_n abesse_fw-la so_o the_o roman_n judge_v also_o in_o a_o well_o know_v case_n it_o be_v the_o free_a mind_n which_o only_o be_v capable_a of_o guilt_n dull_a matter_n and_o body_n whatsoever_o be_v passive_a can_v be_v blame_v because_o they_o can_v choose_v neither_o be_v it_o possible_a any_o man_n shall_v repent_v of_o do_v what_o he_o can_v not_o but_o do_v or_o of_o omit_v to_o do_v what_o be_v never_o in_o his_o power_n to_o effect_v no_o more_o than_o that_o he_o can_v fly_v like_o a_o bird_n or_o move_v like_o a_o angel_n what_o remorse_n or_o shame_n or_o trouble_v of_o conscience_n can_v there_o be_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o another_o kind_n of_o creature_n than_o he_o be_v make_v that_o he_o do_v what_o be_v natural_a and_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o do_v or_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v indeed_o be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v his_o act_n that_o be_v the_o act_n of_o a_o man_n because_o he_o can_v not_o do_v otherwise_o god_n have_v set_v up_o conscience_n as_o his_o vicegerent_n and_o a_o judge_n within_o we_o but_o as_o we_o say_v before_o it_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_a as_o to_o judge_v without_o a_o law_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v so_o unjust_a and_o absurd_a as_o to_o condemn_v and_o torture_v without_o conviction_n of_o guilt_n and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n to_o impose_v what_o law_n he_o please_v yet_o we_o have_v the_o manifold_a security_n of_o his_o goodness_n wisdom_n and_o justice_n beside_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o oppress_v we_o with_o his_o sovereignty_n but_o in_o all_o his_o dispensation_n will_v consider_v our_o frame_n and_o circumstance_n and_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o ash_n in_o short_a if_o there_o be_v any_o so_o absurd_a as_o to_o affirm_v sin_n to_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a to_o all_o other_o absurdity_n they_o bring_v in_o the_o surly_a paradox_n of_o the_o stoic_n and_o make_v all_o sin_n equal_a represent_v the_o most_o pitiable_a infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n equal_a to_o the_o most_o dissolute_a enormity_n they_o infinite_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o sin_n but_o take_v off_o the_o weight_n and_o guilt_n render_v it_o little_o more_o than_o a_o notion_n and_o teach_v man_n to_o have_v no_o horrid_a apprehension_n of_o it_o they_o excuse_v man_n and_o lay_v the_o fault_n if_o there_o be_v any_o somewhere_o else_o but_o wherever_o that_o be_v it_o will_v revolve_v at_o last_o upon_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o §_o 4._o but_o i_o persuade_v myself_o i_o need_v not_o proceed_v further_o in_o exaggerate_v this_o matter_n wherefore_o both_o to_o close_v and_o to_o confirm_v what_o i_o have_v say_v i_o will_v only_o subjoin_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n s_o james_n in_o that_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o his_o epistle_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 13_o 14_o 15._o wherein_o he_o describe_v the_o conception_n formation_n growth_n perfection_n and_o nativity_n of_o sin_n the_o word_n be_v these_o let_v not_o any_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n be_v not_o tempt_v of_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v then_o when_o lust_n have_v conceive_v it_o bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n upon_o which_o let_v i_o crave_v leave_n to_o use_v the_o liberty_n of_o this_o less_o strict_a paraphrase_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v let_v no_o man_n imagine_v that_o god_n by_o any_o act_n of_o his_o providence_n provoke_v or_o prompt_v or_o much_o less_o put_v any_o necessity_n upon_o man_n to_o sin_n for_o as_o he_o by_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v infinite_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o temptation_n to_o act_v it_o himself_o so_o it_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o he_o that_o he_o abhor_v it_o wherever_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n contribute_v to_o it_o nor_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o the_o production_n of_o it_o and_o though_o several_a of_o his_o design_n suppose_v it_o and_o his_o providence_n be_v exercise_v about_o the_o regulation_n of_o it_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o he_o either_o ordain_v it_o or_o effect_n it_o for_o his_o wisdom_n be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v he_o to_o see_v through_o all_o the_o series_n of_o cause_n and_o to_o foreknow_v what_o they_o be_v pregnant_a with_o and_o what_o they_o will_v in_o their_o respective_a time_n be_v deliver_v of_o without_o peremptory_a determination_n of_o they_o thereunto_o and_o again_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o sin_n can_v not_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n unless_o he_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o permit_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v never_o the_o more_o by_o he_o since_o it_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o unhappy_a use_n of_o that_o great_a blessing_n and_o privilege_n of_o liberty_n which_o he_o endow_v rational_a creature_n withal_o will_v you_o then_o understand_v more_o particular_o the_o generation_n of_o this_o sponte-nascent_a take_v it_o thus_o first_o than_o you_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a creator_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o weighty_a reason_n think_v fit_a to_o create_v mankind_n of_o a_o middle_a nature_n and_o condition_n betwixt_o pure_o spiritual_a being_n and_o the_o inferior_a world_n of_o mere_a animal_n and_o natural_a make_v he_o participate_v of_o both_o and_o agreeable_o hereunto_o endow_v he_o both_o with_o intellectual_a and_o sensitive_a power_n the_o former_a whereof_o namely_o the_o intellectual_a be_v to_o enable_v he_o to_o serve_v his_o creator_n to_o render_v he_o capable_a of_o noble_a and_o excellent_a delight_n and_o that_o he_o may_v by_o they_o order_n and_o govern_v the_o inferior_a and_o sensitive_a faculty_n and_o these_o latter_a be_v give_v he_o partly_o to_o relax_v his_o mind_n by_o a_o moderate_a and_o seasonable_a condescension_n to_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o sense_n but_o principal_o to_o be_v a_o field_n and_o exercise_v for_o those_o active_a vigorous_a and_o noble_a capacity_n of_o the_o mind_n again_o second_o you_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o as_o that_o wise_a and_o benign_a majesty_n never_o make_v any_o thing_n but_o
if_o not_o to_o make_v they_o true_o good_a yet_o certain_o to_o make_v they_o less_o evil_a and_o be_v thus_o general_a as_o i_o have_v show_v may_v be_v well_o call_v a_o three_o talon_n of_o mankind_n 4._o but_o i_o add_v in_o the_o four_o and_o last_o place_n god_n have_v so_o far_o consult_v the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o be_v so_o open_o hand_v to_o his_o child_n that_o beside_o all_o the_o aforesaid_a he_o frequent_o vouchsafe_v they_o some_o intimation_n or_o other_o of_o his_o mind_n to_o enable_v they_o the_o better_a to_o understand_v their_o duty_n and_o pursue_v their_o happiness_n as_o for_o such_o as_o be_v place_v in_o his_o church_n under_o the_o full_a and_o certain_a light_n of_o revelation_n that_o be_v press_v upon_o by_o the_o mighty_a motive_n of_o unspeakable_a reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n and_o these_o inculcate_v upon_o they_o by_o a_o public_a ministry_n maintain_v by_o god_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o above_o all_o be_v under_o the_o vital_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n exciting_a their_o mind_n fortify_v their_o apprehension_n fix_v their_o attention_n and_o give_v they_o as_o it_o be_v a_o view_n of_o the_o transaction_n in_o the_o other_o world_n this_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o peculiar_a favour_n and_o not_o common_a to_o all_o as_o the_o other_o be_v yet_o if_o we_o consider_v well_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o advantage_n of_o god_n church_n do_v in_o some_o respect_n extend_v beyond_o the_o pale_a of_o it_o for_o as_o we_o see_v the_o sun_n afford_v some_o light_n to_o those_o upon_o who_o horizon_n he_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o we_o find_v that_o pythagoras_n and_o several_a of_o the_o industrious_a and_o virtuous_o dispose_v pagan_n reap_v great_a benefit_n by_o those_o oracle_n that_o be_v not_o give_v to_o they_o but_o to_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o we_o may_v easy_o discover_v a_o great_a improvement_n in_o the_o moral_a discourse_n of_o pagan_n since_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n divine_a light_n reflect_v as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o church_n upon_o which_o the_o direct_a beam_n thereof_o fell_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o which_o it_o be_v no_o way_n probable_a that_o a_o good_a god_n shall_v so_o far_o neglect_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n as_o be_v call_v pagan_a as_o to_o afford_v they_o no_o intimation_n of_o his_o mind_n towards_o the_o better_n of_o their_o reason_n in_o those_o matter_n of_o importance_n which_o he_o principal_o create_v they_o for_o in_o respect_n to_o which_o tully_n speak_v admirable_o divinat_fw-la nemo_fw-la unquam_fw-la vir_fw-la magnus_fw-la sine_fw-la afflatu_fw-la divino_fw-la that_o there_o be_v never_o a_o great_a and_o brave_a man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o have_v some_o impulse_n and_o inspiration_n from_o the_o almighty_a and_o indeed_o when_o i_o serious_o consider_v either_o the_o divine_a attribute_n or_o the_o experience_n of_o man_n i_o see_v great_a reason_n to_o doubt_v whether_o ever_o there_o be_v that_o man_n that_o have_v not_o more_o or_o less_o some_o such_o kind_n of_o assistance_n from_o his_o maker_n till_o he_o himself_o render_v himself_o unworthy_a thereof_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o promise_v to_o speak_v to_o viz._n 2._o second_o how_o vice_n and_o dissolution_n of_o manner_n spend_v and_o exhaust_v this_o stock_n god_n have_v set_v mankind_n up_o withal_o and_o of_o this_o the_o account_n be_v very_o easy_a for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o habit_n and_o facility_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n be_v procure_v by_o frequent_a and_o repeat_v act_n and_o as_o the_o more_o virtuous_a action_n of_o any_o kind_n a_o man_n do_v the_o more_o prone_a he_o be_v to_o do_v so_o again_o so_o every_o vicious_a action_n which_o a_o man_n commit_v beget_v a_o propension_n and_o inclination_n to_o other_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n when_o a_o man_n have_v use_v to_o subdue_v his_o passion_n to_o his_o reason_n they_o easy_o submit_v and_o bear_v the_o yoke_n but_o he_o that_o have_v accustom_v they_o to_o their_o full_a scope_n they_o swell_v and_o rage_n and_o will_v not_o easy_o be_v bring_v into_o order_n and_o this_o will_v be_v true_a although_o those_o two_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v equal_o violent_a passion_n natural_o be_v it_o of_o what_o kind_n soever_o custom_n we_o call_v a_o second_o nature_n but_o it_o have_v the_o power_n to_o supplant_v the_o first_o and_o original_a nature_n put_v new_a propension_n as_o another_o bias_n upon_o the_o spirit_n 1._o by_o which_o we_o see_v clear_o how_o vice_n destroy_v the_o first_o talon_n of_o mankind_n that_o freedom_n which_o god_n set_v they_o up_o withal_o which_o point_n gain_v afford_v we_o resolution_n of_o another_o question_n though_o not_o of_o this_o place_n namely_o hereby_o we_o see_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n rejoice_v in_o the_o easiness_n and_o delight_n of_o a_o virtuous_a course_n when_o contrariwise_o evil_a and_o vicious_a man_n complain_v of_o impotency_n and_o pretend_v the_o horrible_a difficulty_n thereof_o for_o these_o contrary_a effect_n proceed_v from_o the_o same_o cause_n and_o show_v the_o mighty_a power_n of_o custom_n on_o both_o side_n and_o then_o for_o the_o second_o talon_n of_o natural_a reason_n or_o understanding_n nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o vicious_a practice_n blind_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n partly_o as_o the_o steam_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n send_v up_o a_o cloud_n which_o dull_v the_o high_a region_n of_o the_o soul_n partly_o also_o as_o luxury_n common_o bring_v a_o stupid_a slothfullness_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n that_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o bury_v that_o talon_n then_o be_v at_o the_o trouble_n to_o employ_v it_o but_o principal_o as_o all_o wickedness_n prejudices_fw-la man_n make_v it_o become_v their_o seem_a interest_n to_o shut_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o shall_v behold_v their_o shame_n or_o make_v the_o prosecution_n of_o that_o more_o uneasy_a and_o uncomfortable_a to_o they_o from_o which_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o desist_v and_o for_o that_o faculty_n which_o be_v proper_o call_v conscience_n we_o have_v intimate_v already_o that_o the_o frequent_a injury_n do_v to_o it_o render_v it_o callous_a and_o insensible_a as_o for_o that_o which_o we_o call_v a_o three_o talon_n namely_o the_o testimony_n which_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n usual_o give_v to_o virtue_n and_o the_o discountenance_n to_o vice_n these_o the_o vicious_a man_n either_o atheistical_o impute_v to_o blind_a chance_n because_o he_o observe_v some_o exception_n and_o irregularity_n in_o the_o method_n of_o their_o dispensation_n or_o else_o turn_v the_o argument_n god_n afford_v he_o of_o gratitude_n into_o ground_n of_o security_n or_o his_o fatherly_a chastisement_n into_o occasion_n of_o fullenness_n and_o desperation_n or_o one_o way_n or_o other_o render_v this_o talon_n unuseful_a but_o if_o it_o please_v god_n to_o do_v something_o extraordinary_a and_o awaken_v he_o by_o a_o peculiar_a address_n to_o he_o 40._o he_o do_v as_o the_o roman_n when_o petilius_n fortunate_o dig_v up_o and_o bring_v to_o light_v the_o sacred_a write_n of_o numa_n pompilius_n which_o probable_o will_v have_v put_v they_o upon_o a_o better_a devotion_n than_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o consul_n swear_v the_o book_n be_v dissolvendarum_fw-la religionum_fw-la q._n d._n not_o calculate_v for_o the_o present_a age_n whereupon_o they_o command_v they_o to_o be_v burn_v so_o the_o sinner_n stubborn_o oppose_v the_o light_n which_o will_v reproach_v his_o practice_n and_o disturb_v his_o security_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v see_v what_o stock_n god_n set_v man_n up_o with_o and_o how_o they_o misspend_v it_o 4._o locum_fw-la but_o to_o go_v on_o with_o the_o parable_n the_o next_o news_n we_o hear_v of_o the_o prodigal_n be_v that_o have_v spend_v all_o his_o patrimony_n in_o careless_a and_o riotous_a live_n and_o a_o famine_n succeed_v his_o profusion_n he_o be_v now_o reduce_v to_o extremity_n and_o know_v not_o whither_o to_o betake_v himself_o wherefore_o have_v no_o other_o choice_n he_o be_v constrain_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o a_o citizen_n of_o that_o country_n that_o be_v to_o become_v a_o slave_n it_o be_v wise_o and_o true_o say_v by_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n that_o frugality_n and_o temperance_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d homebred_a philosophy_n or_o the_o most_o cheap_a and_o compendious_a way_n of_o attain_v all_o moral_a wisdom_n and_o happiness_n for_o they_o make_v life_n easy_a and_o temptation_n little_a they_o prevent_v care_n and_o shut_v out_o fear_n they_o raise_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n by_o bestow_v on_o he_o a_o kind_n of_o self-sufficiency_n such_o a_o man_n do_v not_o malicious_o despise_v
call_v thy_o son_n i_o deserve_v to_o be_v utter_o abandon_v exclude_v your_o care_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o your_o thought_n as_o i_o cast_v myself_o out_o of_o your_o family_n and_o so_o the_o penitent_a i_o be_o so_o far_a lord_n from_o deserve_v thy_o favour_n or_o eternal_a life_n that_o i_o deserve_v not_o the_o least_o crum_n from_o thy_o table_n less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o thy_o mercy_n nay_o i_o acknowledge_v i_o have_v deserve_v to_o go_v with_o sorrow_n to_o my_o grave_n and_o to_o undergo_v the_o dreadful_a viol_n of_o thy_o wrath_n it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o the_o prodigal_n do_v not_o only_o thus_o condemn_v himself_o while_o he_o anxious_o stand_v expect_v his_o doom_n from_o his_o father_n but_o even_o then_o when_o his_o father_n have_v express_v compassion_n to_o he_o have_v run_v to_o meet_v he_o and_o kiss_v he_o for_o so_o vers_n 21._o we_o find_v he_o repeat_v his_o own_o condemnation_n in_o the_o same_o word_n as_o before_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o observe_v the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n after_o he_o have_v obtain_v pardon_n and_o the_o great_a favour_n of_o apostleship_n to_o be_v continual_o rip_v up_o his_o former_a sin_n and_o condemn_v himself_o for_o they_o as_o if_o the_o wound_n bleed_v afresh_o as_o often_o as_o it_o be_v touch_v thus_o the_o penitent_a always_o judge_n and_o condemn_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n by_o severity_n towards_o himself_o he_o recommend_v himself_o to_o the_o divine_a mercy_n poenit._n for_o as_o tertullian_n express_v it_o in_o quantum_fw-la non_fw-la peperceris_fw-la tibi_fw-la in_fw-la tantum_fw-la deus_fw-la tibi_fw-la parcet_fw-la if_o we_o like_o phineas_n stand_v up_o and_o execute_v judgement_n the_o plague_n will_v be_v stay_v he_o that_o anticipate_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n by_o erect_v a_o private_a but_o impartial_a tribunal_n prevent_v the_o dreadfullness_n of_o that_o day_n in_o short_a if_o we_o be_v just_a god_n will_v be_v merciful_a and_o therefore_o when_o the_o penitent_a have_v be_v accuser_n witness_n and_o judge_v against_o himself_o he_o may_v then_o with_o hope_n of_o success_n become_v 4._o in_o the_o four_o place_n intercessor_n for_o himself_o also_o and_o deprecate_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o implore_v his_o favour_n so_o the_o son_n do_v here_o make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n q._n d._n let_v i_o not_o be_v utter_o cast_v out_o of_o thy_o family_n but_o have_v at_o least_o this_o instance_n of_o thy_o favour_n that_o i_o may_v still_o retain_v some_o relation_n to_o thou_o and_o so_o the_o penitent_a now_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n within_o himself_o sue_v out_o his_o pardon_n o_o take_v not_o my_o confession_n mere_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o my_o guilt_n but_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o my_o contrition_n break_v not_o the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n it_o be_v thy_o prerogative_n o_o lord_n to_o pardon_v and_o what_o pleasure_n be_v there_o in_o my_o blood_n will_v the_o lord_n be_v angry_a for_o ever_o will_v his_o jealousy_n burn_v like_o fire_n o_o consider_v my_o frame_n remember_v i_o be_o but_o dust_n and_o ash_n call_v to_o mind_v thy_o mercy_n of_o old_a thou_o be_v god_n and_o not_o man_n and_o as_o much_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v thy_o mercy_n above_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o man_n turn_v thy_o face_n away_o from_o my_o sin_n and_o blot_v out_o all_o my_o transgression_n make_v i_o a_o clean_a heart_n o_o god_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n in_o i_o cast_v i_o not_o away_o from_o thy_o presence_n and_o take_v not_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n from_o i_o give_v i_o the_o comfort_n of_o thy_o help_n again_o and_o establish_v i_o with_o thy_o free_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 51._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o saint_n cyprian_n report_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a penitent_n out_o of_o their_o quick_a and_o prick_a sense_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o his_o church_n earnest_o to_o implore_v the_o martyr_n that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o suffering_n and_o sharp_a agony_n they_o will_v remember_v they_o in_o their_o prayer_n think_v such_o affectionate_a intercession_n of_o those_o that_o pour_v out_o their_o blood_n and_o request_n together_o must_v needs_o be_v available_a both_o with_o god_n and_o man_n but_o the_o penitent_a address_n himself_o also_o to_o a_o high_a and_o more_o prevalent_a advocate_n who_o add_v the_o incense_n of_o his_o own_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o come_v up_o as_o sweet_a odour_n before_o the_o almighty_a and_o who_o be_v exalt_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v give_v success_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o such_o contrite_a person_n to_o which_o add_v that_o not_o only_o the_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o guilt_n and_o of_o danger_n which_o such_o a_o person_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v under_o must_v needs_o mkee_v he_o ardent_a and_o importunate_a and_o to_o cry_v mighty_o to_o god_n but_o also_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v wont_a to_o assist_v such_o with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o be_v unutterable_a §_o ii_o now_o for_o the_o acceptableness_n of_o this_o penitent_a confession_n of_o which_o we_o be_v speak_v although_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n take_v no_o delight_n in_o the_o pitiful_a moan_n in_o the_o tear_n and_o lamentation_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o most_o true_a that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o address_n and_o complemental_a form_n by_o the_o accent_n of_o man_n voice_n by_o the_o rhetoric_n of_o tear_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n because_o he_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o passion_n as_o man_n be_v yet_o have_v demonstrate_v already_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o the_o divine_a majesty_n have_v no_o restraint_n upon_o he_o but_o what_o himself_o please_v and_o that_o all_o his_o action_n towards_o his_o creature_n be_v so_o subject_a to_o his_o wisdom_n that_o whenever_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n for_o mercy_n he_o can_v show_v it_o notwithstanding_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o rigour_n of_o his_o law_n or_o the_o demand_n of_o his_o justice_n if_o now_o we_o also_o make_v it_o appear_v from_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o from_o those_o discovery_n which_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o that_o the_o aforesaid_a humble_a and_o contrite_a address_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o therefore_o require_v by_o he_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o pardon_n then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o will_v in_o their_o kind_n be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o his_o divine_a majesty_n and_o as_o successful_a on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o sinner_n as_o the_o penitent_a son_n submission_n be_v with_o his_o earthly_a parent_n and_o this_o will_v be_v easy_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o whereas_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n lie_v principal_o in_o the_o dishonour_n it_o reflect_v upon_o the_o divine_a perfection_n such_o penitential_a acknowledgement_n as_o we_o have_v describe_v do_v in_o great_a measure_n repair_v that_o injury_n and_o do_v right_a to_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n as_o we_o will_v instance_n in_o particular_a 1._o sin_n be_v a_o invasion_n of_o god_n authority_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o we_o inasmuch_o as_o he_o that_o wilful_o break_v any_o law_n of_o god_n proclaim_v himself_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la or_o lawless_a and_o say_v with_o those_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o will_v not_o have_v this_o lord_n to_o rule_v over_o we_o now_o penitent_a acknowledgement_n though_o it_o can_v recall_v the_o act_n which_o be_v past_a yet_o it_o revoke_v and_o retract_v the_o affront_n and_o settle_v god_n authority_n again_o 2._o sin_n be_v a_o impeachment_n of_o god_n wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n at_o once_o for_o he_o that_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o a_o sin_n lay_v a_o imputation_n upon_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v either_o not_o foresee_v what_o liberty_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v allow_v to_o his_o creature_n or_o have_v not_o order_v the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o thing_n with_o that_o decency_n and_o benignity_n that_o mankind_n can_v comfortable_o acquiesce_v in_o without_o temptation_n to_o entrench_v upon_o that_o for_o his_o own_o necessary_a accommodation_n now_o on_o the_o contrary_a confession_n take_v shame_n and_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n to_o ourselves_o and_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n and_o equity_n of_o all_o god_n constitution_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o may_v take_v that_o expression_n luk._n 7._o 29._o the_o publican_n justify_v god_n
spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o supply_v that_o defect_n and_o several_a special_a direction_n give_v upon_o emergency_n but_o then_o also_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o such_o extraordinary_a interposition_n be_v attend_v with_o miraculous_a circumstance_n and_o thereby_o bring_v their_o credential_n along_o with_o they_o and_o give_v assurance_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n but_o now_o those_o miraculous_a attestation_n be_v cease_v as_o well_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o whatsoever_o pretend_v to_o god_n and_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o illusion_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isa_n 8._o 20._o second_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n particular_o in_o comfort_v the_o heart_n of_o holy_a man_n be_v rational_a and_o accountable_a and_o consequent_o of_o that_o be_v also_o even_o and_o constant_a it_o be_v very_o ordinary_a for_o some_o man_n to_o be_v sometime_o marvellous_o cast_v down_o they_o know_v not_o for_o what_o and_o then_o raise_v up_o again_o they_o know_v not_o how_o and_o this_o they_o ignorant_o call_v the_o accession_n and_o recess_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o a_o plerophory_n and_o a_o state_n of_o desertion_n whilst_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o alter_v the_o case_n no_o change_n in_o themselves_o neither_o of_o apostasy_n from_o god_n nor_o of_o improvement_n in_o piety_n yet_o their_o state_n of_o mind_n be_v alter_v as_o if_o god_n change_v and_o not_o themselves_o but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o never_o causeless_o withdraw_v from_o man_n it_o never_o grieve_v those_o who_o have_v not_o first_o grieve_v it_o nor_o do_v it_o arbitrary_o give_v joy_n and_o consolation_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o upon_o just_a ground_n and_o foundation_n when_o there_o be_v a_o root_n and_o cause_n of_o it_o within_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n so_o erasmus_n well_o observe_v upon_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8._o 16._o the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ut_fw-la intelligas_fw-la say_v he_o geminum_fw-la esse_fw-la testimonium_fw-la duorum_fw-la spirituum_fw-la nostri_fw-la &_o dei_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o spirit_n do_v not_o comfort_n against_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o conscience_n but_o concur_v with_o and_o confirm_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n so_o that_o we_o may_v see_v and_o understand_v and_o can_v give_v account_n of_o our_o own_o joy_n and_o consequent_o of_o this_o these_o comfort_n be_v not_o flashy_a and_o uncertain_a but_o stable_n and_o certain_a like_o those_o effect_n that_o proceed_v from_o know_v and_o certain_a cause_n the_o joy_n of_o such_o man_n be_v not_o a_o blaze_n like_o a_o meteor_n but_o as_o the_o shine_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n prov._n 4._o 18._o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o that_o have_v their_o ebbing_n and_o flow_n their_o sudden_a and_o unaccountable_a dejection_n and_o their_o as_o sudden_a ecstasy_n and_o transport_n very_o unworthy_o impute_v these_o motion_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v only_o fit_v of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o several_a disguise_n of_o hypochondriack_a passion_n three_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o all_o its_o impression_n upon_o man_n be_v gentle_a sedate_n and_o governable_a put_v not_o man_n into_o a_o rage_n nor_o disorder_v their_o reason_n but_o be_v manageable_a by_o it_o submit_v to_o all_o decorum_n and_o comply_v with_o all_o decency_n of_o circumstance_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v think_v by_o the_o best_a interpreter_n to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o ep._n chap._n 14._o vers_fw-la 29_o 30_o 32_o 33._o let_v the_o prophet_n speak_v two_o or_o three_o and_o let_v the_o rest_n judge_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o another_o that_o sit_v by_o let_v the_o first_o hold_v his_o peace_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n say_v the_o learned_a dr._n h._n hammond_n even_o in_o those_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n you_o may_v observe_v method_n and_o order_n for_o the_o afflation_n or_o inspiration_n of_o the_o prophet_n here_o speak_v of_o may_v be_v rule_v by_o the_o prophet_n i._n e._n by_o they_o that_o have_v they_o these_o christian_a gift_n be_v not_o like_o the_o afflation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n which_o put_v man_n into_o ecstasy_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o violent_a ecstatical_a impetuous_a but_o a_o soft_a quiet_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o those_o extraordinary_a impulse_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n much_o more_o must_v it_o needs_o be_v so_o now_o when_o all_o those_o miraculous_a and_o prodigious_a circumstance_n be_v cease_v 22._o as_o i_o say_v before_o therefore_o wherever_o man_n pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n be_v rave_v and_o furious_a and_o pervert_v all_o order_n and_o government_n or_o wheresoever_o such_o person_n shall_v under_o such_o pretence_n thrust_v themselves_o into_o the_o ministry_n or_o put_v the_o magistrate_n out_o of_o office_n shall_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v reformer_n of_o the_o world_n revile_v authority_n run_v upon_o desperate_a attempt_n or_o in_o short_a wherever_o there_o be_v a_o rage_a whirlwind_n instead_o of_o a_o still_o soft_a voice_n god_n be_v not_o there_o but_o either_o the_o devil_n or_o at_o least_o a_o frenzy_n and_o so_o much_o for_o that_o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o great_a honour_n god_n do_v to_o a_o true_a penitent_n put_v he_o into_o his_o service_n and_o the_o peculiar_a usefullness_n of_o such_o a_o person_n the_o content_n §_o i._o the_o great_a trust_n god_n repose_v in_o those_o he_o pardon_v and_o their_o obligation_n to_o faithfulness_n and_o activity_n in_o his_o service_n §_o ii_o several_a way_n whereby_o all_o good_a man_n may_v be_v useful_a towards_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o without_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v public_a preacher_n and_o their_o encouragement_n thereunto_o §_o iii_o the_o peculiar_a aptness_n of_o convert_v from_o a_o evil_a life_n to_o be_v serviceable_a to_o god_n in_o the_o reclaim_n of_o other_o §_o iv._o the_o character_n of_o a_o accomplish_a christian_n according_a to_o all_o the_o ornament_n foremention_v §_o i._o we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o ornament_n which_o the_o father_n invest_v his_o return_v son_n with_o he_o puts_z shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n which_o be_v the_o habit_n not_o of_o slave_n but_o of_o freeman_n as_o we_o have_v note_v before_o but_o what_o be_v the_o mystical_a sense_n of_o this_o passage_n or_o what_o favour_n on_o god_n part_n towards_o penitent_a sinner_n be_v hereby_o denote_v be_v not_o altogether_o so_o easy_a to_o resolve_v upon_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o theophylact_fw-mi understand_v hereby_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o defend_v the_o convert_n from_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n put_v shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n say_v the_o former_a that_o the_o old_a serpent_n may_v not_o find_v he_o naked_a so_o as_o to_o wound_v his_o heel_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o tread_v upon_o the_o serpent_n head_n and_o have_v no_o disturbance_n in_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n but_o st._n jerom_n and_o st._n austin_n apprehend_v that_o hereby_o be_v signify_v the_o honour_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o eminent_a convert_v to_o be_v employ_v by_o god_n as_o useful_a instrument_n of_o propagate_a his_o gospel_n and_o of_o draw_v in_o other_o from_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n to_o submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o this_o purpose_n st._n jerom_n apply_v that_o circumstance_n of_o the_o passeover_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v eat_v with_o staff_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o shoe_n on_o their_o foot_n as_o well_o as_o with_o bitter_a herb_n as_o if_o the_o mystical_a reach_n of_o that_o injunction_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o that_o a_o man_n deliver_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n grace_n out_o of_o egypt_n the_o state_n of_o servility_n to_o sin_n and_o satan_n shall_v not_o only_o solemnize_v the_o memorial_n of_o god_n mercy_n with_o a_o sorrowful_a and_o bitter_a reflection_n upon_o his_o former_a folly_n and_o misery_n but_o stand_v as_o in_o procinctu_fw-la ready_a to_o run_v on_o god_n errand_n and_o to_o call_v in_o other_o to_o he_o and_o indeed_o this_o same_o metaphor_n be_v use_v in_o that_o very_a sense_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o best_a interpreter_n eph._n 6._o 16._o
such_o person_n be_v in_o and_o partly_o the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o such_o a_o entertainment_n will_v compel_v they_o to_o come_v in_o upon_o this_o account_n god_n propound_v not_o only_o pardon_v of_o sin_n but_o all_o the_o forementioned_a inestimable_a benefit_n to_o repent_v sinner_n as_o well_o as_o to_o those_o just_a man_n that_o need_v no_o repentance_n and_o although_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n have_v neither_o such_o need_n of_o man_n service_n as_o to_o oblige_v he_o to_o resort_v to_o these_o great_a inducement_n and_o it_o be_v also_o very_o true_a that_o there_o be_v but_o a_o small_a number_n of_o those_o that_o make_v up_o the_o choir_n in_o glory_n who_o upon_o such_o motive_n be_v convert_v from_o extreme_a debauchery_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o graciousness_n of_o the_o good_a shepherd_n that_o he_o carry_v the_o lose_a sheep_n home_o on_o his_o shoulder_n rejoice_v and_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o stick_v not_o at_o this_o price_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o any_o one_o soul_n beside_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o as_o we_o note_v from_o the_o historian_n former_o difficile_fw-la est_fw-la in_o tot_fw-la humanis_fw-la erroribus_fw-la solâ_fw-la innocentiâ_fw-la vivere_fw-la that_o though_o no_o good_a subject_n will_v voluntary_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n and_o fall_v into_o the_o displeasure_n of_o the_o prince_n yet_o the_o most_o wary_a and_o inoffensive_a person_n that_o be_v most_o secure_a of_o his_o own_o integrity_n will_v desire_v to_o live_v under_o such_o a_o government_n where_o there_o be_v room_n for_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n if_o he_o shall_v offend_v and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n and_o the_o slipperiness_n of_o their_o station_n as_o well_o as_o conscious_a of_o their_o own_o sincerity_n that_o they_o be_v marvellous_o comfort_v and_o encourage_v by_o this_o admirable_a grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n and_o whereas_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n may_v be_v think_v sufficient_a both_o to_o reclaim_v sinner_n from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o to_o preserve_v good_a man_n from_o apostasy_n we_o shall_v find_v upon_o due_a consideration_n that_o fear_n let_v it_o be_v of_o what_o object_n it_o will_v be_v neither_o so_o last_a a_o principle_n nor_o so_o potent_a and_o effective_a a_o motive_n as_o hope_v for_o this_o last_o raise_v generosity_n inflame_v the_o mind_n spirit_n all_o the_o power_n despise_v or_o glory_n in_o difficulty_n and_o therefore_o all_o wise_a man_n employ_v this_o engine_n especial_o in_o all_o great_a erterprise_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v man_n hope_n great_a than_o their_o fear_n and_o so_o order_v the_o matter_n that_o those_o they_o employ_v may_v have_v a_o prospect_n of_o so_o great_a a_o good_a by_o success_n in_o their_o attempt_n as_o shall_v outweigh_v all_o their_o apprehension_n of_o difficulty_n or_o danger_n in_o the_o achievement_n and_o this_o will_v be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a if_o we_o observe_v in_o that_o famous_a encounter_n of_o david_n with_o goliath_n the_o giant_n of_o gath_n that_o although_o there_o be_v doubtless_o some_o extraordinary_a impulse_n upon_o david_n heart_n to_o undertake_v that_o business_n etc._n yet_o the_o holy_a text_n intimate_v that_o he_o listen_v to_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o people_n and_o be_v inflame_v by_o the_o general_a assurance_n be_v give_v he_o of_o a_o mighty_a and_o glorious_a reward_n to_o he_o that_o shall_v effect_v it_o since_o therefore_o the_o proposition_n of_o great_a and_o glorious_a hope_n be_v so_o necessary_a not_o only_o to_o draw_v man_n off_o from_o the_o present_a allurement_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o dissolve_v the_o charm_n of_o sense_n which_o habituate_v sinner_n be_v bind_v in_o but_o also_o to_o comfort_v and_o encourage_v even_o good_a man_n themselves_o and_o to_o engage_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o a_o generous_a course_n of_o virtue_n the_o divine_a majesty_n consider_v he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o man_n and_o resolve_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o agreeable_o to_o their_o nature_n think_v it_o as_o well_o become_v his_o wisdom_n as_o his_o goodness_n not_o only_o to_o proclaim_v impunity_n to_o his_o rebel_n upon_o their_o submission_n but_o to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o high_a favour_n and_o preferment_n in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n 2._o second_o the_o extreme_a difficulty_n and_o consequent_o the_o wonderful_a rarity_n of_o example_n of_o great_a sinner_n recover_v to_o sincere_a piety_n make_v such_o happy_a accident_n deserve_v to_o be_v solemnize_v with_o the_o great_a joy_n and_o triumph_n st._n gregory_n nazianzen_n make_v a_o oration_n in_o commemoration_n of_o st._n cyprian_n as_o well_o report_v his_o flagitious_a life_n before_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n as_o his_o admirable_a virtue_n and_o piety_n afterward_o and_o make_v the_o former_a a_o shadow_n to_o heighten_v and_o set_v off_o the_o latter_a 18._o for_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v nothing_o so_o great_a a_o matter_n to_o maintain_v the_o character_n of_o a_o good_a man_n when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o attain_v to_o it_o as_o to_o begin_v a_o whole_a new_a course_n of_o piety_n for_o now_o the_o one_o be_v but_o to_o be_v like_o a_o man_n self_n and_o to_o pursue_v a_o custom_n or_o habit_n but_o the_o other_o require_v a_o virtuous_a choice_n and_o a_o manly_a resolution_n able_a to_o bear_v down_o former_a habit_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v but_o few_o example_n of_o the_o one_o but_o many_o of_o the_o other_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a advantage_n to_o be_v early_o engage_v in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n for_o then_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o easiness_n of_o do_v good_a which_o be_v consequent_a of_o custom_n a_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v under_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o divine_a fate_n a_o peculiar_a predestination_n to_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o a_o man_n whole_a life_n that_o he_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o thank_v god_n for_o than_o that_o good_a providence_n of_o he_o which_o take_v hold_v of_o our_o tender_a year_n and_o form_n they_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o religion_n for_o hereby_o sin_n be_v make_v dreadful_a to_o our_o conscience_n and_o upon_o the_o matter_n virtue_n be_v as_o easy_a as_o vice_n and_o the_o narrow_a way_n to_o heaven_n as_o ready_a to_o our_o foot_n as_o the_o broad_a way_n of_o destruction_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n revocare_fw-la gradus_fw-la hic_fw-la labour_n hoc_fw-la opus_fw-la to_o reduce_v a_o old_a dislocation_n be_v very_o painful_a to_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n to_o change_v custom_n to_o cast_v out_o satan_n out_o of_o his_o old_a possession_n must_v be_v very_o difficult_a and_o require_v a_o very_a brave_a and_o generous_a resolution_n and_o although_o to_o omnipotent_a power_n all_o thing_n be_v alike_o easy_a yet_o forasmuch_o as_o god_n not_o only_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n but_o also_o proceed_v ordinary_o by_o the_o course_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o do_v not_o supersede_n their_o activity_n but_o assist_v they_o proportionable_o to_o their_o nature_n it_o must_v needs_o notwithstanding_o the_o divine_a grace_n be_v a_o very_a difficult_a thing_n to_o recover_v a_o old_a and_o deplore_a sinner_n in_o who_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v enfeeble_v the_o sense_n of_o conscience_n stupefy_v and_o the_o very_a synteresis_fw-la and_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v corrupt_v and_o consequent_o a_o through_o reformation_n of_o such_o a_o person_n be_v like_a to_o life_n from_o the_o grave_n and_o must_v needs_o draw_v after_o it_o not_o only_o the_o eye_n and_o admiration_n of_o man_n but_o also_o the_o vexation_n of_o hell_n and_o make_v the_o devil_n rage_n as_o disappoint_v of_o the_o prey_n he_o think_v himself_o sure_a of_o but_o especial_o must_v produce_v joy_n in_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o holy_a angel_n it_o can_v indeed_o be_v no_o surprisal_n to_o almighty_a god_n who_o foreknow_v all_o thing_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o be_v as_o far_o from_o admiration_n as_o from_o mutability_n of_o passion_n both_o which_o proceed_v from_o shortness_n of_o understanding_n nor_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n now_o in_o glory_n for_o we_o see_v that_o whilst_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n he_o know_v when_o vertue-proceeded_n from_o he_o to_o cure_v the_o woman_n of_o her_o inveterate_a distemper_n but_o whereas_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v some_o passionate_a expression_n of_o their_o resentment_n of_o every_o new_a and_o admirable_a event_n god_n think_v fit_a also_o in_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a recovery_n as_o this_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o to_o set_v up_o a_o monument_n crown_v he_o that_o overcome_v the_o aforesaid_a difficulty_n with_o immortal_a glory_n
pandora_n box_n of_o calamity_n if_o there_o be_v none_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o repent_v fruitless_a to_o weep_v endless_a to_o bewail_v madness_n to_o add_v to_o my_o own_o infelicity_n if_o there_o be_v a_o rigid_a fate_n upon_o i_o i_o will_v curse_v god_n and_o die_v but_o sure_o while_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o must_v be_v goodness_n his_o name_n speak_v his_o nature_n will_v he_o break_v a_o bruise_a reed_n will_v he_o contend_v with_o dust_n and_o ash_n can_v infinite_a perfection_n be_v implacable_a and_o inexorable_a it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o i_o but_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o can_v delight_v in_o my_o misery_n he_o can_v repent_v and_o change_v his_o mind_n because_o his_o wisdom_n foresee_v from_o the_o beginning_n all_o possible_a contingency_n but_o if_o i_o repent_v and_o change_v my_o mind_n the_o same_o inchangeableness_n of_o he_o will_v oblige_v he_o as_o well_o then_o to_o save_v i_o as_o before_z to_o destroy_v i_o how_o far_o he_o will_v extend_v mercy_n and_o what_o instance_n he_o will_v make_v of_o it_o i_o can_v define_v but_o who_o know_v but_o he_o may_v yet_o admit_v of_o my_o submission_n however_o i_o can_v be_v worse_a than_o i_o be_o and_o it_o be_v possible_a my_o condition_n may_v be_v better_a here_o i_o perish_v certain_o if_o i_o cast_v myself_o upon_o his_o goodness_n i_o can_v but_o perish_v therefore_o i_o will_v try_v i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o his_o deliberation_n bring_v he_o to_o resolution_n which_o be_v the_o second_o stage_n of_o repentance_n chap._n ii_o of_o resolution_n the_o content_n §_o i._o that_o consideration_n and_o all_o those_o other_o previous_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n frequent_o miscarry_v and_o be_v nothing_o till_o they_o be_v fix_v by_o resolution_n §_o ii_o the_o nature_n of_o resolution_n of_o the_o will_n and_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n thereof_o which_o be_v show_v to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o devil_n nor_o any_o other_o be_v under_o god_n can_v force_v it_o the_o importance_n of_o that_o truth_n brief_o show_v and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o from_o experience_n §_o iii_o the_o property_n of_o a_o true_a penitent_a resolution_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o rash_a but_o deliberate_a 2._o that_o it_o be_v peremptory_a 3._o present_a and_o 4._o uniform_a and_o universal_a §_o iv._o the_o inducement_n of_o a_o penitent_a resolution_n 1._o it_o be_v availableness_n with_o god_n by_o the_o exorableness_n of_o his_o nature_n 2._o the_o possibility_n of_o perform_v it_o and_o 3._o the_o easiness_n of_o it_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n 4._o the_o flat_a necessity_n of_o come_v to_o it_o §_o i._o we_o have_v see_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n the_o motion_n of_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n the_o work_n of_o a_o trouble_a mind_n and_o therein_o the_o first_o glimpse_n of_o hope_n and_o sign_n of_o recovery_n but_o let_v not_o any_o man_n think_v that_o when_o he_o be_v arrive_v at_o this_o condition_n his_o work_n be_v do_v his_o peace_n make_v with_o god_n and_o he_o become_v a_o true_a convert_n for_o if_o he_o stay_v here_o he_o perish_v as_o certain_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o make_v any_o reflection_n or_o consider_v at_o all_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o one_o danger_n and_o a_o far_o great_a to_o have_v escape_v it_o the_o discovery_n of_o a_o disease_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o cure_n but_o it_o be_v far_o from_o the_o cure_n itself_o it_o be_v a_o unhappy_a but_o not_o a_o unusual_a sight_n to_o see_v man_n upon_o who_o either_o the_o pain_n of_o some_o present_a affliction_n or_o the_o fearful_a prospect_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n hereafter_o may_v have_v so_o far_o prevail_v as_o to_o make_v they_o with_o great_a shame_n and_o abhorrence_n reflect_v upon_o their_o former_a disorder_n and_o cast_v up_o their_o pleasant_a morsel_n who_o yet_o shall_v quick_o return_v again_o to_o their_o own_o vomit_n and_o resume_v their_o usual_a extravagancy_n a_o rock_n itself_o may_v be_v observe_v to_o drop_v upon_o change_n of_o weather_n which_o nevertheless_o relent_v not_o but_o be_v as_o hard_o and_o as_o much_o a_o rock_n as_o ever_o and_o some_o extraordinary_a accident_n may_v rouse_v the_o most_o careless_a sinner_n and_o put_v he_o upon_o a_o effort_n of_o purge_v off_o his_o impurity_n who_o yet_o when_o the_o storm_n be_v over_o shall_v settle_v again_o upon_o his_o lees._n it_o be_v no_o very_o rare_a thing_n to_o observe_v man_n dissolve_v into_o tear_n and_o weep_v as_o hearty_o over_o their_o old_a sin_n as_o ancient_a friend_n do_v when_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o part_v and_o yet_o like_o they_o wish_v and_o hope_v to_o meet_v and_o enjoy_v each_o other_o again_o therefore_o as_o we_o see_v the_o former_o dissolute_a but_o now_o relent_a son_n in_o the_o text_n content_v not_o himself_o with_o passionate_a expression_n or_o ineffective_a wish_n but_o resolve_v upon_o action_n i_o will_v arise_v say_v he_o and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n so_o the_o true_a penitent_a sinner_n that_o be_v in_o earnest_a to_o save_v his_o soul_n sit_v not_o down_o under_o a_o doze_a melancholy_n please_v not_o himself_o with_o wish_v and_o complain_v spend_v not_o his_o time_n in_o doubt_v and_o dispute_v but_o put_v himself_o forward_o upon_o the_o business_n for_o say_v he_o while_o i_o sit_v still_o time_n pass_v away_o life_n fly_v away_o apace_o and_o death_n and_o judgement_n be_v come_v on_o wherefore_o some_o speedy_a course_n must_v be_v take_v and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n what_o afford_v any_o hope_n which_o be_v that_o of_o real_a reformation_n in_o which_o case_n no_o deliberation_n shall_v hold_v i_o long_o in_o suspense_n no_o sloth_n shall_v benumb_v i_o nothing_o shall_v tempt_v i_o to_o delay_v any_o long_o i_o be_o resolve_v i_o will_v make_v the_o experiment_n of_o become_v a_o new_a man_n from_o a_o old_a sinner_n and_o upon_o these_o term_n i_o will_v cast_v myself_o upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o if_o i_o perish_v i_o perish_v §_o ii_o this_o be_v the_o second_o stage_n of_o repentance_n viz._n resolution_n which_o i_o be_o now_o further_o to_o treat_v of_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v already_o that_o the_o resolution_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a logical_a conclusion_n by_o way_n of_o inference_n from_o premise_n that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v best_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v for_o every_o man_n that_o use_v his_o reason_n can_v choose_v but_o speculative_o assent_v to_o this_o as_o his_o duty_n and_o his_o interest_n the_o proceed_n of_o reason_n be_v as_o natural_a and_o necessary_a as_o those_o of_o sense_n insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o man_n power_n to_o deny_v a_o plain_a consequence_n or_o disbelieve_v what_o there_o be_v evident_a reason_n for_o there_o be_v therefore_o no_o moral_a virtue_n in_o such_o a_o conclusion_n and_o so_o a_o man_n may_v perish_v notwitstanding_n as_o it_o be_v too_o notorious_a that_o many_o do_v who_o act_n contrary_a to_o such_o conclusion_n of_o their_o reason_n but_o the_o resolution_n we_o here_o intend_v and_o which_o we_o make_v the_o second_o step_n of_o repentance_n be_v practical_a and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o will_n namely_o its_o decretory_n and_o definitive_a sentence_n for_o the_o actual_a prosecution_n of_o such_o a_o course_n as_o by_o consideration_n and_o the_o former_a process_n of_o reason_n be_v discover_v to_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a or_o rather_o it_o be_v the_o will_n actual_a application_n of_o itself_o to_o the_o business_n in_o conformity_n to_o which_o all_o the_o inferior_a power_n be_v put_v into_o action_n also_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o its_o authority_n influence_v upon_o by_o its_o power_n and_o carry_v about_o with_o the_o swinge_n of_o this_o primum_fw-la mobile_a this_o first_o and_o great_a orb_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o more_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o will_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o resolution_n let_v we_o suppose_v reason_n and_o sense_n as_o two_o party_n plead_v their_o respective_a cause_n and_o interest_n in_o which_o case_n if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v a_o kind_n of_o draw_a battle_n between_o they_o and_o the_o matter_n leave_v in_o aequilibrio_fw-la notwithstanding_o it_o be_v within_o the_o power_n of_o the_o will_v to_o give_v the_o cause_n which_o way_n it_o please_v or_o suppose_v also_o that_o reason_n acquitt_v itself_o never_o so_o well_o and_o baffle_v its_o adversary_n yet_o all_o will_v be_v but_o a_o speculation_n and_o no_o effect_n follow_v till_o the_o will_n interpose_v its_o sovereignty_n and_o decree_n peremptory_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o
than_o whatever_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v the_o inferior_a power_n without_o dispute_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o execution_n for_o to_o use_v another_o allusion_n reason_n be_v as_o the_o card_n which_o direct_v the_o course_n and_o show_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v but_o the_o will_n be_v as_o the_o helm_n and_o rudder_n that_o turn_v about_o the_o whole_a fabric_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n not_o a_o lawlessness_n or_o authority_n to_o do_v what_o we_o will_v nor_o yet_o a_o ability_n to_o effect_v whatever_o we_o please_v but_o a_o capacity_n within_o ourselves_o of_o determine_v ourselves_o and_o make_v our_o own_o choice_n now_o that_o we_o have_v indeed_o such_o a_o capacity_n be_v matter_n of_o daily_a experience_n for_o we_o can_v but_o have_v observe_v that_o oftentimes_o when_o reason_n and_o religion_n have_v recommend_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o importance_n of_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v follow_v our_o passion_n notwithstanding_o and_o do_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a dictate_v of_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 7._o 23._o we_o have_v find_v a_o law_n in_o our_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o lead_v we_o captive_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o contrariwise_o sometime_o we_o have_v check_v and_o subdue_v the_o importunity_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o cast_v the_o scale_n on_o the_o side_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n and_o both_o these_o out_o of_o the_o freedom_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v true_a that_o very_o ordinary_o in_o the_o former_a of_o these_o case_n the_o devil_n may_v promote_v the_o business_n by_o his_o temptation_n and_o in_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v certain_a as_o we_o heretofore_o have_v give_v caution_n that_o there_o be_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o both_o in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o man_n act_v free_o nevertheless_o suffer_v no_o violence_n nor_o compulsion_n for_o though_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o god_n who_o make_v man_n and_o can_v dissolve_v he_o when_o he_o please_v by_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o omnipotence_n may_v control_v the_o election_n of_o man_n or_o over-rule_v they_o to_o whatsoever_o he_o will_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v he_o will_v or_o do_v ordinary_o do_v so_o determine_v they_o to_o evil_a he_o can_v upon_o the_o account_n either_o of_o his_o own_o purity_n justice_n or_o wisdom_n and_o for_o his_o over-bearing_a they_o to_o the_o do_v of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a beside_o that_o we_o can_v understand_v how_o it_o leave_v any_o room_n for_o reward_n in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o seem_v as_o much_o to_o reproach_v his_o wisdom_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o such_o being_n as_o to_o display_v his_o power_n in_o control_a their_o action_n and_o election_n and_o will_v be_v as_o unseemly_a a_o phaenomenon_n as_o for_o he_o to_o cross_v and_o pervert_v the_o common_a course_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o for_o the_o devil_n though_o he_o by_o the_o order_n of_o his_o creation_n be_v of_o a_o high_a rank_n and_o of_o great_a power_n than_o we_o yet_o he_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n able_a to_o force_v our_o will_n or_o to_o rescind_v the_o decree_n of_o a_o free_a mind_n god_n permit_v he_o to_o use_v his_o cunning_n and_o to_o show_v his_o malice_n in_o contrive_v bait_n to_o allure_v and_o catch_v we_o and_o several_a way_n to_o give_v we_o disturbance_n but_o if_o he_o shall_v allow_v he_o to_o force_v we_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a there_o shall_v never_o have_v be_v any_o one_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n the_o object_n that_o present_v themselves_o to_o we_o from_o without_o can_v but_o court_v our_o acceptance_n not_o obtrude_v themselves_o upon_o we_o they_o knock_v at_o our_o door_n but_o can_v break_v in_o upon_o we_o or_o they_o present_v we_o motive_n to_o alter_v our_o resolution_n but_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n still_o whether_o we_o will_v revoke_v they_o for_o example_n and_o the_o common_a usage_n of_o the_o world_n the_o power_n of_o which_o be_v so_o much_o magnify_v by_o some_o man_n as_o if_o they_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o apology_n for_o all_o our_o folly_n it_o be_v so_o inconsiderable_a in_o this_o case_n that_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v its_o efficacy_n we_o must_v pronounce_v of_o it_o that_o it_o work_v only_o metaphorical_o not_o physical_o and_o be_v at_o most_o but_o a_o ideal_o cause_n if_o we_o will_v call_v it_o so_o sufficient_a to_o abuse_v man_n of_o soft_a and_o easy_a mind_n but_o not_o the_o manly_a and_o generous_a as_o for_o the_o low_a and_o mere_o animal_n power_n in_o we_o they_o as_o we_o note_v before_o may_v corrupt_v the_o imagination_n and_o begin_v to_o form_v a_o seditious_a party_n within_o we_o but_o it_o be_v still_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o will_v till_o it_o dethrone_n itself_o so_o to_o suppress_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v successful_a in_o their_o rebellion_n but_o then_o in_o the_o last_o place_n for_o reason_n itself_o which_o some_o man_n govern_v themselves_o by_o a_o old_a maxim_n voluntas_fw-la semper_fw-la sequitur_fw-la dictamen_fw-la intellect_n ûs_fw-la suppose_v to_o prescribe_v so_o authoritative_o to_o the_o will_n as_o that_o the_o privilege_n of_o freedom_n belong_v rather_o to_o the_o former_a than_o the_o latter_a if_o that_o be_v true_a i._n e._n if_o the_o will_n must_v proceed_v upon_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o liberty_n at_o all_o because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n what_o light_n our_o understanding_n shall_v have_v and_o as_o i_o have_v note_v before_o we_o can_v believe_v what_o we_o will_v nor_o understand_v thing_n otherwise_o then_o they_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o therefore_o if_o the_o will_v have_v not_o a_o power_n of_o act_v contrary_a to_o our_o understanding_n as_o perfect_v a_o fatality_n be_v introduce_v as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o natural_a agent_n beside_o we_o find_v by_o constant_a observation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o world_n that_o in_o passion_n in_o love_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o most_o of_o our_o prosecution_n we_o sometime_o follow_v our_o reason_n sometime_o go_v before_o it_o and_o sometime_o quite_o cross_v it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o ordinary_o have_v some_o either_o reason_n or_o pretence_n of_o reason_n or_o other_o to_o countenance_v our_o election_n because_o otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v call_v choice_n where_o there_o be_v no_o end_n propound_v or_o design_n aim_v at_o which_o i_o think_v be_v all_o that_o the_o aforesaid_a obsolete_a maxim_n intend_v nevertheless_o since_o it_o be_v manifest_a we_o oftentimes_o follow_v that_o which_o we_o know_v not_o to_o be_v the_o best_a reason_n even_o then_o when_o we_o follow_v it_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v sufficient_o convince_v of_o the_o arbitrary_a power_n of_o our_o own_o will_n this_o which_o we_o have_v be_v assert_v be_v a_o truth_n of_o that_o importance_n that_o the_o denial_n thereof_o cut_v the_o very_a sinew_n of_o all_o industry_n destroy_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n take_v away_o all_o principle_n of_o conscience_n all_o argument_n of_o repentance_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o and_o herewith_o make_v that_o natural_a passion_n of_o ingenuous_a shame_n which_o mankind_n be_v peculiar_o endow_v with_o utter_o senseless_a and_o unaccountable_a but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o suppose_a we_o easy_o understand_v both_o the_o nature_n and_o force_n of_o resolution_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n we_o have_v aim_v at_o to_o proceed_v therefore_o the_o son_n in_o the_o text_n conscious_a of_o this_o truth_n and_o as_o well_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o liberty_n as_o certain_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o take_v some_o course_n or_o other_o to_o relieve_v himself_o say_v in_o the_o word_n before_o recite_v i_o will_v arise_v i_o will_v go_v to_o my_o father_n i_o will_v say_v unto_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o resolution_n of_o every_o penitent_n be_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n viz._n i_o will_v not_o fit_v with_o my_o hand_n fold_v up_o as_o a_o man_n infatuate_v and_o fit_v for_o destruction_n i_o will_v spend_v no_o more_o time_n doubt_v and_o dispute_v nor_o abandon_v myself_o to_o desperation_n i_o will_v endeavour_v both_o to_o cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o to_o learn_v to_o do_v well_o i_o will_v take_v shame_n to_o myself_o acknowledge_v my_o folly_n and_o accept_v the_o punishment_n of_o my_o iniquity_n i_o will_v earnest_o deprecate_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n in_o short_a whatsoever_o