but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n in_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v read_v which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o ezra_n address_n unto_o god_n by_o humble_a and_o affectionate_a confession_n of_o their_o sin_n he_o spread_v and_o lay_v open_v the_o aggravation_n of_o it_o together_o with_o the_o danger_n and_o sad_a issue_n of_o it_o if_o they_o shall_v still_o continue_v in_o it_o the_o aggravation_n thereof_o be_v these_o three_o 1._o the_o great_a severity_n that_o god_n have_v former_o show_v against_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o and_o express_v in_o the_o first_o word_n after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o for_o our_o great_a trespass_n 2._o the_o merciful_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n that_o god_n however_o even_o in_o that_o severity_n be_v please_v to_o manifest_v towards_o they_o in_o the_o next_o word_n see_v that_o thou_o our_o god_n have_v punish_v we_o less_o than_o our_o iniquity_n deserve_v 3._o the_o singular_a favour_n god_n have_v show_v they_o in_o rescue_v they_o from_o under_o those_o calamity_n which_o their_o sin_n have_v bring_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o clause_n follow_v and_o have_v give_v we_o such_o a_o deliverance_n as_o this_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n by_o which_o their_o sin_n will_v be_v great_o heighten_v after_o so_o much_o severity_n compassion_n and_o kindness_n to_o have_v return_v to_o folly_n and_o to_o have_v break_v god_n commandment_n again_o be_v to_o have_v do_v as_o bad_a as_o they_o can_v as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v and_o to_o have_v give_v their_o sin_n all_o the_o aggravation_n that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o then_o as_o for_o the_o danger_n they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o that_o be_v no_o less_o than_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n after_o this_o mixture_n of_o severe_a and_o merciful_a providence_n shall_v we_o again_o break_v thy_o commandment_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o till_o thou_o have_v consume_v we_o so_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o remnant_n nor_o escape_v they_o have_v indeed_o already_o break_v god_n commandment_n in_o a_o grievous_a manner_n and_o sin_v against_o he_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n by_o those_o unlawful_a marriage_n his_o meaning_n therefore_o be_v shall_v we_o again_o break_v thy_o commandment_n as_o we_o have_v do_v shall_v we_o still_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n and_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o obedience_n if_o we_o shall_v still_o perverse_o and_o irreclaimable_o go_v on_o in_o our_o trespass_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o till_o thou_o have_v consume_v we_o of_o these_o particular_n in_o order_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o text._n i_o begin_v with_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v the_o great_a severity_n god_n have_v former_o show_v against_o they_o for_o their_o past_a transgression_n after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o for_o our_o great_a trespass_n shall_v we_o again_o break_v thy_o commandment_n here_o divers_a thing_n be_v observable_a 1._o that_o ezra_n and_o all_o those_o who_o join_v with_o he_o in_o this_o confession_n of_o their_o sin_n do_v endeavour_v to_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n by_o call_v in_o and_o lay_v together_o all_o those_o circumstance_n by_o which_o the_o heinousness_n of_o they_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v and_o this_o they_o do_v to_o the_o end_n their_o heart_n may_v be_v the_o more_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o the_o more_o sound_o humble_v for_o they_o as_o also_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o willing_a to_o forsake_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o property_n of_o all_o true_a penitent_n they_o ever_o desire_v to_o be_v thorough_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o they_o aggravate_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a in_o their_o confession_n charge_v themselves_o full_o with_o they_o and_o lay_v as_o much_o load_n upon_o themselves_o as_o they_o can_v they_o think_v they_o can_v never_o speak_v enough_o against_o themselves_o nor_o sufficient_o discover_v and_o represent_v the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n insomuch_o that_o sometime_o they_o rather_o exceed_v than_o come_v short_a herein_o charge_v themselves_o more_o heavy_o than_o there_o be_v cause_n for_o but_o hypocrite_n unhumble_v and_o impenitent_a sinner_n be_v of_o a_o different_a temper_n these_o instead_o of_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n be_v wont_a to_o extenuate_v and_o palliate_v they_o if_o they_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v they_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o by_o half_n that_o they_o do_v it_o if_o they_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v they_o have_v offend_v yet_o they_o will_v do_v it_o with_o a_o apology_n or_o with_o a_o addition_n of_o something_o that_o may_v qualify_v and_o lessen_v their_o sin_n they_o be_v indeed_o sometime_o overtake_v but_o it_o be_v very_o rare_o it_o be_v when_o they_o be_v draw_v aside_o by_o ill_a company_n or_o overpower_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o temptation_n that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o only_a person_n that_o be_v faulty_a in_o that_o kind_n that_o some_o other_o that_o will_v be_v esteem_v much_o better_a than_o themselves_o be_v much_o more_o blame-worthy_a that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o must_v have_v his_o allowance_n and_o that_o it_o will_v go_v hard_a with_o we_o all_o if_o all_o our_o action_n shall_v be_v narrow_o scan_v and_o the_o like_a these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o excuse_n which_o they_o plead_v and_o the_o defence_n they_o make_v for_o themselves_o when_o they_o shall_v take_v shame_n to_o themselves_o and_o own_o their_o excess_n and_o exorbitance_n in_o their_o full_a magnitude_n judge_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n these_o partial_a and_o favourable_a lame_a and_o imperfect_a confession_n of_o sin_n when_o some_o little_a part_n be_v own_v but_o much_o more_o be_v deny_v when_o figleaf_n and_o specious_a pretence_n be_v studious_o seek_v out_o to_o cover_v as_o much_o of_o a_o man_n shame_n as_o be_v possible_a be_v ever_o a_o infallible_a argument_n that_o the_o sinner_n be_v never_o due_o humble_v for_o that_o sin_n for_o which_o he_o have_v still_o so_o much_o kindness_n and_o affection_n 2._o another_o thing_n observable_a be_v that_o ezra_n and_o those_o other_o holy_a man_n that_o together_o with_o he_o make_v this_o confession_n do_v impute_v all_o those_o misery_n and_o calamity_n which_o they_o have_v suffer_v in_o the_o captivity_n unto_o their_o sin_n they_o do_v own_o their_o suffering_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o acknowledge_v their_o transgression_n to_o have_v be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n and_o procurer_n of_o their_o affliction_n after_o all_o say_v they_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o for_o our_o great_a trespass_n they_o be_v convince_v and_o do_v yield_v and_o assent_v that_o god_n intention_n in_o bring_v those_o evil_n upon_o they_o be_v to_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n this_o conviction_n and_o acknowledgement_n be_v necessary_a for_o they_o and_o be_v for_o we_o all_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o affliction_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o attain_v it_o it_o be_v necessary_a because_o without_o it_o we_o can_v neither_o be_v patient_a under_o our_o affliction_n nor_o profit_n by_o they_o nor_o rational_o expect_v a_o good_a issue_n out_o of_o they_o one_a unless_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o our_o suffering_n have_v relation_n to_o our_o sin_n and_o own_v they_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o sin_n we_o shall_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o undergo_v with_o patience_n what_o be_v inflict_v on_o we_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v want_v one_o of_o the_o most_o effectual_a argument_n to_o work_v patience_n in_o we_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o sin_n deserve_v whatsoever_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o righteous_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o bring_v such_o affliction_n on_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n that_o humble_v and_o subdue_v our_o heart_n to_o god_n compose_v and_o quiet_v our_o tumultuous_a spirit_n and_z gives_z check_n to_o all_o the_o rise_n of_o our_o rebellious_a nature_n against_o god_n providence_n it_o be_v the_o sense_n that_o eli_n have_v of_o his_o own_o gild_n and_o of_o the_o just_a desert_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o family_n that_o make_v he_o so_o patient_a quiet_a and_o silent_a when_o that_o heavy_a sentence_n be_v by_o samuel_n pronounce_v against_o he_o and_o he_o as_o that_o he_o have_v not_o a_o word_n to_o say_v more_o than_o only_o to_o profess_v his_o humble_a and_o meek_a submission_n to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n say_v he_o 3.18_o 1_o sam._n 3.18_o let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v he_o good_a and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o spirit_n
must_v not_o expect_v that_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n at_o his_o hand_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o exercise_v towards_o those_o who_o live_v in_o dark_a age_n and_o time_n of_o ignorance_n barren_a tree_n may_v long_o stand_v before_o 3.10_o mat_n 3.10_o but_o now_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o every_o tree_n that_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n shall_v be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n the_o main_a errand_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o man_n be_v turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n 26.18_o act_n 26.18_o and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 14._o rom._n 13.12_o 13_o 14._o the_o night_n be_v far_o spend_v the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n let_v we_o therefore_o cast_v off_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o put_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o light_n let_v we_o walk_v honest_o as_o in_o the_o day_n not_o in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n not_o in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n not_o in_o strife_n and_o envy_v but_o put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o and_o again_o 12._o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a send_v world_n 19_o 2_o tim._n 2_o 19_o and_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o corrupt_a heart_n of_o man_n can_v least_o of_o all_o endure_v man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o see_v their_o sin_n but_o much_o more_o unwilling_a to_o forsake_v they_o whence_o else_o be_v those_o excuse_n which_o many_o frame_n when_o they_o be_v invite_v to_o come_v unto_o christ_n one_o be_v engage_v in_o this_o business_n and_o it_o must_v be_v dispatch_v he_o must_v be_v dispense_v with_o till_o it_o be_v over_o another_o be_v engage_v in_o that_o affair_n 20._o luke_n 14.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o he_o be_v not_o at_o leisure_n whence_o else_o be_v those_o downright_a and_o peremptory_a refusal_n 5.40_o joh._n 5.40_o you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n yea_o you_o will_v not_o be_v gain_v and_o prevail_v with_o to_o come_v by_o the_o large_a proffer_v by_o the_o most_o rich_a and_o excellent_a promise_n the_o great_a love_n and_o tenderness_n the_o most_o compassionate_a solicitation_n and_o importunity_n be_v not_o able_a to_o overcome_v they_o into_o a_o willingness_n what_o to_o do_v to_o be_v undo_v no_o to_o be_v make_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v gather_v under_o the_o wing_n of_o christ_n most_o tender_a care_n and_o love_n that_o they_o may_v be_v everlasting_o happy_a in_o the_o fruition_n of_o he_o that_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o peremptory_a refusal_n can_v be_v deny_v for_o nothing_o but_o sin_n can_v so_o bewitch_v and_o transport_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v with_o so_o much_o obstinacy_n stand_v in_o their_o own_o light_n wilful_o thrust_v away_o from_o themselves_o everlasting_a life_n and_o forsake_v their_o own_o mercy_n it_o be_v agree_v on_o that_o all_o man_n natural_o desire_v happiness_n it_o be_v nature_n language_n who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a 4.6_o psal_n 4.6_o can_v man_n therefore_o reject_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o glory_n upon_o any_o other_o consideration_n than_o that_o the_o term_n on_o which_o it_o be_v offer_v seem_v to_o be_v too_o hard_o they_o must_v part_v with_o their_o sin_n if_o they_o will_v be_v happy_a and_o o_o how_o hard_o a_o say_n be_v this_o to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o friendship_n which_o be_v between_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o sin_n be_v so_o strict_a and_o entire_a can_v that_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v welcome_a to_o he_o who_o errand_n from_o heaven_n be_v to_o make_v a_o everlasting_a separation_n between_o he_o and_o his_o sin_n most_o clear_a it_o be_v that_o wicked_a man_n while_o such_o can_v abide_v the_o light_n and_o that_o however_o they_o may_v endeavour_v to_o cover_v over_o their_o enmity_n against_o it_o with_o other_o pretension_n yet_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o they_o hate_v it_o be_v the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n they_o therefore_o hate_v it_o because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a as_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o hatred_n thereof_o but_o it_o may_v here_o be_v object_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n elsewhere_o seem_v to_o give_v other_o reason_n of_o man_n not_o entertain_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n sometime_o they_o seem_v to_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o sublimity_n and_o to_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n 2.14_o 1_o cor._n 2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v sometime_o the_o scripture_n impute_v it_o to_o the_o subtlety_n and_o malice_n of_o satan_n darken_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n 4._o 2_o cor._n 4.3_o 4._o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o and_o last_o otherwhile_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o god_n conceal_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o some_o man_n so_o our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o his_o father_n say_v 11.25_o mat._n 11.25_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a there_o be_v also_o these_o other_o reason_n of_o man_n not_o embrace_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o be_v it_o that_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o this_o matter_n upon_o this_o that_o man_n deed_n be_v evil_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v so_o understand_v our_o saviour_n as_o if_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v man_n sin_n the_o sole_a or_o only_a cause_n why_o he_o hate_v the_o light_n but_o one_o principal_a cause_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a cause_n thereof_o have_v already_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v and_o will_v yet_o more_o full_o appear_v by_o what_o shall_v be_v further_o speak_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n wherefore_o 2._o though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o other_o cause_n of_o man_n hate_v the_o light_n and_o prefer_v darkness_n before_o it_o yet_o they_o may_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o resolve_v into_o this_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o mention_v other_o thing_n may_v concur_v sometime_o but_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v so_o general_a and_o almost_o so_o perpetual_a a_o influence_n upon_o man_n hate_v decline_a run_v away_o from_o oppose_v and_o reject_v the_o light_n as_o man_n sin_n that_o most_o all_o other_o cause_n may_v be_v resolve_v into_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o forementioned_a objection_n as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o they_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o great_a disproportion_n between_o the_o intellective_a faculty_n as_o now_o it_o be_v since_o the_o fall_n and_o the_o object_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v high_a and_o sublime_a our_o understanding_n be_v dark_a weak_a and_o shallow_a but_o 1._o whence_o come_v this_o disproportion_n be_v it_o not_o very_o much_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n at_o first_o who_o put_v out_o his_o own_o eye_n wound_v his_o intellectual_n and_o weaken_v his_o natural_a power_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o adam_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n though_o he_o can_v not_o have_v find_v out_o those_o deep_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v our_o redemption_n by_o christ_n and_o the_o thing_n relate_v thereunto_o they_o be_v thing_n that_o have_v no_o natural_a cause_n from_o whence_o the_o high_a create_a reason_n may_v deduce_v or_o collect_v they_o and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v thing_n above_o nature_n and_o such_o as_o depend_v mere_o upon_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n unknown_a to_o we_o until_o by_o himself_o reveal_v i_o say_v though_o adam_n can_v not_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o natural_a ability_n have_v find_v out_o these_o deep_a thing_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o if_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v propound_v to_o adam_n to_o be_v assent_v to_o and_o believe_v
he_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n a_o more_o full_a and_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n than_o before_o that_o the_o light_n in_o both_o sense_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o find_v no_o better_a reception_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o proper_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n but_o here_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d judgement_n for_o condemnation_n by_o a_o usual_a synecdoche_n and_o so_o our_o translator_n have_v render_v it_o look_v rather_o at_o the_o sense_n than_o at_o the_o immediate_a propriety_n of_o the_o word_n again_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o be_v by_o a_o metonymy_n the_o cause_n of_o condemnation_n that_o which_o deserve_v meritorious_o procure_v and_o bring_v on_o condemnation_n last_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n not_o sole_o and_o exclusive_o as_o to_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o sense_n that_o shall_v be_v afterward_o mention_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v to_o that_o particular_a the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n not_o to_o spend_v time_n in_o any_o unnecessary_a preface_n to_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v we_o may_v convenient_o resolve_v into_o these_o four_o proposition_n 1._o that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n 2._o that_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v 3._o that_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v be_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a 4._o that_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o though_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n yet_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v pass_v by_o the_o three_o former_a the_o last_o of_o these_o proposition_n be_v that_o which_o i_o intend_v at_o present_a to_o insist_v on_o as_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n intend_v in_o this_o portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o which_o proposition_n a_o few_o word_n will_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v premise_v before_o i_o proceed_v to_o lay_v down_o the_o ground_n thereof_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n not_o sole_o and_o exclusive_o as_o to_o all_o other_o thing_n as_o if_o nothing_o else_o can_v condemn_v a_o man_n but_o signal_o and_o emphatical_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a meritorious_a cause_n of_o the_o severe_a punishment_n i_o say_v the_o rejection_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o not_o give_v it_o due_a entertainment_n be_v not_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o condemn_v man_n for_o 1._o those_o heathen_n unto_o who_o the_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n never_o come_v shall_v not_o therefore_o be_v exempt_v from_o punishment_n the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o as_o many_o as_o have_v sin_v without_o the_o law_n 2.12_o rom._n 2.12_o shall_v also_o perish_v without_o the_o law_n their_o sin_n against_o their_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n shall_v condemn_v they_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o need_n of_o call_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o law_n external_o promulge_v and_o write_v in_o table_n of_o stone_n much_o less_o of_o the_o gospel_n to_o give_v evidence_n against_o they_o it_o be_v true_a if_o the_o gospel_n be_v never_o offer_v they_o and_o they_o shut_v up_o under_o a_o moral_a impossibility_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o we_o can_v apprehend_v how_o their_o not_o believe_v shall_v be_v charge_v upon_o they_o as_o their_o sin_n aquinas_n have_v right_o state_v this_o matter_n 1._o 22dae_fw-la quaest_n 10._o artic._n 1._o si_fw-la infidelitas_fw-la sumatur_fw-la secundum_fw-la negationem_fw-la puram_fw-la si_fw-la cut_v in_o illis_fw-la qui_fw-la nihil_fw-la audiverunt_fw-la de_fw-la fide_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la rationem_fw-la peccati_fw-la pure_a negative_a infidelity_n or_o a_o mere_a not_o believe_v in_o those_o who_o never_o hear_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v likewise_o st._n augustine_n judgement_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o exposition_n he_o give_v of_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 15.22_o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v have_v no_o sin_n loquor_fw-la de_fw-la peccato_fw-la quo_fw-la non_fw-la crediderunt_fw-la in_o christum_fw-la our_o saviour_n speak_v say_v he_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o not_o believe_v in_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o many_o other_o sin_n yet_o their_o not_o believe_v have_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v evident_a because_o they_o have_v never_o a_o power_n in_o adam_n of_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v never_o make_v know_v unto_o they_o there_o be_v a_o simple_a incompossibility_n and_o repugnancy_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v by_o faith_n assent_n to_o and_o embrace_v that_o which_o he_o be_v never_o in_o the_o least_o acquaint_v with_o which_o be_v never_o as_o much_o as_o propound_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n how_o shall_v we_o believe_v on_o he_o of_o who_o we_o have_v not_o hear_v rom._n 10.14_o it_o be_v a_o question_n that_o can_v be_v answer_v adam_n himself_o with_o all_o that_o strength_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n can_v not_o have_v do_v it_o and_o therefore_o neither_o can_v that_o be_v require_v of_o his_o posterity_n which_o he_o himself_o never_o receive_v 2._o as_o for_o such_o as_o have_v the_o gospel_n publish_v to_o they_o and_o final_o persevere_v in_o unbelief_n neither_o be_v their_o unbelief_n the_o only_a sin_n for_o which_o they_o be_v condemn_v what_o sober_a man_n can_v think_v that_o one_o sin_n can_v expunge_v another_o that_o man_n unbelief_n shall_v take_v off_o and_o extinguish_v the_o guilt_n of_o all_o their_o other_o sin_n so_o as_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v at_o all_o come_v under_o consideration_n when_o christ_n pronounce_v the_o condemnatory_a sentence_n they_o who_o shall_v entertain_v so_o wild_a a_o fancy_n must_v have_v forget_v the_o form_n of_o the_o proceed_n at_o the_o last_o day_n as_o christ_n himself_o have_v describe_v it_o matth._n 25._o where_o express_v mention_n be_v make_v of_o other_o sin_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o sentence_n to_o be_v then_o pronounce_v yet_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o in_o a_o limit_a sense_n wicked_a man_n live_v under_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v condemn_v only_o for_o their_o unbelief_n because_o if_o they_o have_v believe_v none_o of_o their_o other_o sin_n shall_v have_v condemn_v they_o but_o now_o they_o not_o believe_v the_o guilt_n of_o all_o their_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n abide_v on_o they_o and_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o addition_n of_o further_a guilt_n by_o their_o great_a sin_n against_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o their_o sin_n against_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o which_o press_v they_o most_o heavy_o and_o have_v the_o sore_a influence_n upon_o the_o final_a sentence_n for_o the_o inflame_a and_o heighten_v of_o it_o so_o then_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o premise_v we_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o proposition_n before_o we_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n the_o matter_n and_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o the_o most_o sore_a and_o dreadful_a condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n the_o gospel_n be_v publish_v and_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v tender_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n they_o slight_a and_o refuse_v this_o light_n prefer_v darkness_n before_o it_o and_o choose_v rather_o to_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n though_o it_o cost_v they_o dear_a than_o to_o embrace_v christ_n to_o their_o everlasting_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n now_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o proposition_n together_o with_o the_o equity_n of_o that_o severity_n which_o it_o import_v will_v further_o appear_v unto_o we_o if_o we_o take_v into_o consideration_n these_o ensue_a particular_n 1._o it_o be_v light_a that_o be_v refuse_v and_o refuse_v with_o a_o affront_n put_v upon_o it_o darkness_n be_v prefer_v before_o it_o now_o in_o this_o alone_a there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o do_v not_o a_o little_a aggravate_v a_o man_n sin_n and_o by_o consequence_n heighten_v his_o punishment_n 1._o when_o a_o man_n go_v on_o against_o light_n there_o be_v more_o of_o the_o formality_n of_o sin_n than_o where_o light_n be_v want_v there_o be_v a_o direct_a and_o plain_a opposition_n against_o the_o rule_n a_o intentional_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o irregularity_n whereas_o in_o case_n of_o ignorance_n the_o rule_n indeed_o be_v violate_v material_o but_o not_o formal_o and_o witting_o as_o such_o our_o saviour_n lay_v much_o stress_n upon_o this_o for_o the_o greatn_n of_o a_o man_n sin_n 9.41_o joh._n 9.41_o if_o you_o be_v blind_a you_o shall_v have_v no_o sin_n that_o be_v none_o in_o comparison_n of_o what_o now_o you_o have_v
upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n reveal_v they_o he_o both_o can_v and_o will_v most_o ready_o have_v assent_v to_o they_o because_o he_o have_v both_o a_o power_n and_o a_o readiness_n of_o mind_n to_o believe_v whatsoever_o truth_n god_n shall_v reveal_v and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o in_o these_o matter_n god_n require_v of_o we_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o propound_v to_o we_o to_o be_v perfect_o understand_v and_o comprehend_v by_o we_o but_o they_o be_v unfathomable_a by_o the_o long_a line_n of_o our_o reason_n all_o that_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o be_v that_o we_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o and_o believe_v they_o and_o this_o only_a because_o he_o who_o can_v neither_o be_v deceive_v nor_o deceive_v have_v reveal_v they_o but_o as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v with_o we_o since_o the_o fall_n though_o these_o thing_n be_v most_o clear_o reveal_v and_o as_o such_o propound_v to_o we_o yet_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v so_o miserable_o be_v our_o mind_n take_v up_o and_o prepossess_v with_o a_o proud_a and_o fond_a opinion_n of_o ourselves_o of_o our_o own_o natural_a ability_n to_o judge_v of_o these_o thing_n with_o false_a principle_n with_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la and_o rank_a enmity_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o what_o not_o that_o we_o shut_v out_o the_o light_n and_o forbid_v it_o entertainment_n with_o we_o 2._o add_v hereunto_o that_o the_o perverseness_n and_o stubbornness_n of_o the_o will_n the_o irregularity_n the_o inordinate_a propension_n and_o impetuous_a motion_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o sensual_a appetite_n do_v not_o a_o little_a hinder_v the_o reception_n of_o spiritual_a truth_n into_o the_o understanding_n for_o as_o bad_a meat_n as_o crude_a and_o inconcoct_v humour_n in_o the_o stomach_n send_v up_o noisome_a vapour_n into_o the_o head_n cloud_v the_o mind_n discompose_v the_o brain_n and_o disturb_v the_o fancy_n so_o the_o sinful_a distemper_n the_o inordinate_a passion_n the_o unruly_a and_o rebellious_a disorder_n of_o the_o inferior_a faculty_n send_v up_o such_o fume_n into_o the_o high_a region_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o darken_v the_o understanding_n as_o incline_v and_o dispose_v the_o mind_n to_o embrace_v what_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o corrupt_a bent_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o reject_v the_o contrary_n aristotle_n censure_n of_o young_a man_n as_o incompetent_a auditor_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n have_v more_o reason_n in_o it_o than_o at_o first_o appear_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n do_v not_o only_o make_v they_o unwilling_a to_o come_v under_o the_o severity_n of_o moral_a precept_n in_o their_o practice_n and_o conversation_n but_o likewise_o much_o obstruct_v the_o passage_n of_o those_o severe_a truth_n into_o their_o understanding_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o gain_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o those_o practical_a truth_n which_o a_o man_n have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v order_v by_o man_n will_v be_v very_o ingenious_a to_o invent_v and_o very_o facile_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o entertain_v reason_n against_o that_o which_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o contrary_a bias_n of_o their_o will_n they_o will_v not_o have_v to_o be_v truth_n as_o it_o be_v most_o true_a on_o the_o one_o side_n quod_fw-la nimis_fw-la miseri_fw-la volumus_fw-la hoc_fw-la facile_fw-la credimus_fw-la a_o weak_a and_o dark_a argument_n shall_v have_v strength_n and_o evidence_n enough_o to_o persuade_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o believe_v so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o most_o clear_a and_o demonstrative_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o easy_o persuade_v we_o where_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v persuade_v neither_o be_v it_o thus_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o morality_n but_o much_o more_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o the_o corrupt_a heart_n of_o man_n be_v natural_o at_o a_o far_o great_a remoteness_n and_o distance_n from_o they_o upon_o this_o ground_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o solomon_n who_o can_v best_o speak_v to_o that_o argument_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n 1.7_o prov._n 1.7_o when_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v season_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n purge_v from_o corrupt_a affection_n when_o it_o be_v subdue_v unto_o god_n and_o make_v yield_v and_o pliable_a to_o his_o will_n then_o be_v a_o man_n fit_a to_o receive_v the_o law_n from_o his_o mouth_n and_o then_o be_v the_o heart_n a_o meet_a vessel_n to_o receive_v the_o rich_a and_o invaluable_a treasure_n of_o heavenly_a wisdom_n and_o so_o much_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o objection_n i_o go_v on_o to_o the_o second_o that_o our_o not_o entertain_v the_o light_n seem_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o satan_n score_n and_o here_o though_o satan_n malice_n and_o guilt_n be_v nothing_o the_o less_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o this_o cause_n may_v also_o in_o great_a part_n be_v resolve_v into_o man_n sin_n and_o wickedness_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o satan_n have_v such_o advantage_n against_o man_n in_o this_o matter_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o he_o can_v so_o easy_o befool_v man_n prejudice_v they_o against_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n keep_v they_o in_o darkness_n and_o lead_v they_o blindfold_a to_o hell_n as_o the_o prophet_n lead_v the_o army_n of_o the_o syrian_n into_o samaria_n be_v it_o not_o because_o he_o find_v they_o preingage_v in_o sinful_a course_n from_o which_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v take_v off_o be_v it_o not_o because_o he_o find_v they_o resolve_v to_o comply_v with_o their_o lust_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n the_o gratify_n of_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gainsay_v they_o can_v bear_v it_o be_v it_o not_o that_o he_o find_v in_o man_n heart_n such_o fit_a matter_n to_o work_v upon_o lay_v in_o before_o and_o prepare_v to_o his_o hand_n he_o can_v not_o so_o easy_o delude_v and_o blind_v they_o to_o their_o ruin_n satan_n have_v as_o much_o malice_n against_o christ_n and_o do_v with_o the_o great_a rage_n and_o violence_n assault_v he_o and_o endeavour_v to_o break_v in_o upon_o he_o but_o he_o can_v not_o do_v it_o as_o find_v nothing_o within_o to_o bid_v he_o welcome_n the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n come_v 14.31_o joh._n 14.31_o say_v he_o and_o find_v nothing_o in_o i_o nihil_fw-la svi_fw-la operis_fw-la suique_fw-la vestigii_fw-la say_v st._n hierom_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o algasia_n nothing_o of_o his_o own_o work_n no_o impression_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v make_v no_o footstep_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v leave_v behind_o he_o nothing_o at_o all_o on_o which_o to_o ground_v a_o accusation_n or_o to_o fasten_v a_o temptation_n the_o word_n may_v comprehend_v both_o though_o indeed_o the_o former_a seem_v to_o be_v in_o that_o place_n chief_o intend_v let_v satan_n come_v to_o any_o of_o we_o when_o he_o will_v he_o be_v sure_a to_o find_v something_o of_o his_o own_o something_o of_o his_o own_o work_n something_o of_o his_o own_o image_n which_o he_o have_v stamp_v upon_o we_o something_o that_o he_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o as_o he_o something_o of_o his_o party_n that_o will_v own_v he_o and_o side_n with_o he_o hence_o the_o different_a issue_n of_o christ_n temptation_n and_o we_o when_o satan_n come_v to_o assault_v he_o he_o find_v his_o soul_n as_o a_o impregnable_a castle_n well_o fortify_v on_o every_o quarter_n clear_a and_o heavenly_a light_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o darkness_n in_o the_o understanding_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o will_n exact_a regularity_n and_o composedness_n in_o the_o affection_n all_o of_o one_o accord_n within_o to_o make_v resistance_n so_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o get_v possession_n when_o he_o come_v to_o we_o he_o find_v the_o soul_n as_o a_o city_n that_o be_v break_v down_o 25.28_o prov._n 25.28_o and_o without_o wall_n as_o solomon_n speak_v and_o he_o find_v a_o treacherous_a party_n within_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o invite_v he_o that_o will_v glad_o set_v open_a the_o gate_n to_o he_o and_o betray_v all_o into_o his_o hand_n be_v the_o soul_n otherwise_o never_o so_o well_o fortify_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o far_o all_o the_o mischief_n that_o satan_n do_v we_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o our_o own_o sin_n it_o be_v true_a he_o blind_v we_o but_o it_o be_v because_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o see_v he_o close_v our_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o he_o find_v we_o endeavour_v to_o close_v our_o own_o eye_n and_o glad_a of_o any_o assistance_n from_o he_o to_o do_v it_o more_o effectual_o in_o a_o word_n he_o shut_v out_o the_o
they_o still_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o as_o much_o as_o ever_o you_o do_v you_o that_o have_v be_v often_o in_o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n and_o yet_o your_o dross_n be_v not_o separate_v from_o you_o i_o say_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o woeful_a condition_n of_o incorrigible_a sinner_n and_o consider_v what_o await_v you_o and_o will_v certain_o be_v your_o portion_n unless_o by_o repentance_n you_o speedy_o prevent_v it_o you_o unteachable_a and_o incorrigible_a child_n who_o no_o admonition_n or_o chastisement_n will_v reduce_v to_o that_o dutifulness_n humble_a submission_n and_o obedience_n which_o you_o owe_v to_o your_o parent_n tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o what_o may_v be_v come_v upon_o you_o for_o your_o sin_n you_o who_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o hophni_n and_o phineas_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o your_o other_o sin_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o your_o obstinate_a carriage_n when_o you_o be_v reprove_v for_o they_o can_v you_o without_o horror_n read_v or_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n say_v concern_v they_o 2.25_o 1_o sam._n 2.25_o they_o hearken_v not_o to_o the_o voice_n of_o their_o father_n because_o the_o lord_n will_v slay_v they_o you_o who_o lewd_a and_o ungodly_a conversation_n have_v be_v often_o reprove_v and_o condemn_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o you_o be_v still_o insensible_a of_o your_o danger_n and_o proceed_v still_o in_o your_o old_a way_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o your_o heart_n to_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n consider_v what_o befall_v such_o as_o you_o be_v 12._o zech._n 7.11_o 12._o they_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v and_o pull_v away_o the_o shoulder_n and_o stop_v their_o ear_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o hear_v yea_o they_o make_v their_o heart_n as_o a_o adamant_n stone_n lest_o they_o shall_v hear_v the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n send_v by_o his_o prophet_n therefore_o come_v a_o great_a wrath_n from_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n therefore_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o he_o cry_v and_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v so_o they_o cry_v and_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n you_o who_o no_o counsel_n or_o persuasion_n can_v prevail_v with_o to_o leave_v your_o lewd_a and_o graceless_a companion_n you_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v or_o do_v to_o keep_v you_o in_o and_o withhold_v you_o from_o your_o wicked_a associate_n say_v still_o with_o that_o lewd_a and_o ungovernable_a generation_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n 2.25_o jer._n 2.25_o no_o i_o have_v love_v stranger_n and_o after_o they_o will_v i_o go_v consider_v with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v what_o the_o prophet_n say_v to_o amaziah_n who_o stop_v his_o ear_n against_o good_a advice_n 25.16_o 2_o chron._n 25.16_o by_o this_o i_o know_v that_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o destroy_v thou_o because_o thou_o have_v not_o hearken_v to_o my_o counsel_n i_o do_v not_o say_v god_n have_v determine_v to_o destroy_v you_o also_o i_o take_v not_o upon_o i_o to_o be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o god_n secret_a purpose_n but_o this_o i_o say_v you_o be_v at_o present_a in_o the_o highway_n to_o destruction_n and_o you_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o fear_v lest_o god_n destroy_v you_o as_o he_o have_v do_v by_o other_o such_o incorrigible_a person_n as_o you_o be_v if_o you_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v like_o other_o who_o have_v be_v destroy_v for_o the_o same_o sin_n what_o reason_n have_v you_o to_o expect_v more_o favour_n than_o they_o have_v god_n be_v not_o change_v he_o be_v still_o the_o same_o his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n his_o justice_n and_o severity_n against_o sin_n be_v still_o as_o great_a as_o ever_o it_o be_v and_o so_o much_o concern_v that_o observation_n i_o come_v now_o to_o that_o which_o i_o chief_o intend_v can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n that_o be_v they_o can_v no_o art_n or_o labour_n can_v effect_v it_o wash_v and_o rub_v the_o skin_n of_o the_o ethiopian_a while_n you_o will_v it_o will_v retain_v its_o natural_a hue_n you_o may_v soon_o rub_v away_o the_o skin_n than_o alter_v the_o colour_n of_o it_o and_o so_o for_o those_o spot_n with_o which_o nature_n have_v mark_v the_o leopard_n you_o may_v by_o much_o tamper_n destroy_v the_o subject_n of_o they_o but_o the_o subject_n remain_v you_o can_v never_o get_v out_o the_o spot_n and_o little_o less_o difficulty_n there_o be_v in_o remove_v those_o habitual_a inclination_n to_o sin_n which_o long_a custom_n have_v produce_v the_o case_n be_v much_o alike_o to_o wash_v a_o blackamoor_n white_a and_o to_o get_v he_o to_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a so_o then_o it_o be_v a_o proverbial_a comparison_n by_o which_o be_v signify_v the_o extreme_a difficulty_n of_o deliver_v a_o man_n from_o those_o vicious_a impression_n which_o custom_n in_o sin_n have_v make_v upon_o he_o and_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o purpose_v to_o treat_v of_o custom_n in_o sin_n make_v it_o very_o difficult_a to_o leave_v sin_n there_o need_v little_a other_o proof_n hereof_o than_o our_o own_o experience_n though_o some_o vicious_a person_n who_o be_v take_v in_o hand_n and_o deal_v with_o betimes_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o draw_v off_o from_o their_o sinful_a course_n yet_o how_o rare_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o see_v any_o man_n recover_v who_o have_v long_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o trade_n of_o sin_n shall_v you_o easy_o prevail_v with_o the_o intemperate_a or_o lustful_a or_o ambitious_a or_o covetous_a person_n to_o leave_v those_o path_n of_o sin_n which_o have_v be_v long_o tread_v by_o they_o so_o great_a be_v the_o force_n of_o custom_n in_o sin_n that_o man_n will_v by_o no_o argument_n be_v persuade_v to_o forsake_v those_o long-continued_a sinful_a practice_n which_o be_v continual_o attend_v with_o so_o many_o visible_a and_o great_a inconvenience_n as_o one_o will_v think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o man_n weary_a of_o such_o course_n take_v for_o a_o instance_n but_o a_o wander_a beggar_n that_o necessary_o undergo_v many_o hardship_n and_o run_v many_o hazard_n in_o that_o irregular_a and_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n which_o he_o have_v be_v wont_v to_o and_o you_o shall_v in_o vain_a tempt_v he_o to_o leave_v it_o by_o the_o best_a provision_n and_o accommodation_n which_o you_o can_v proffer_v he_o in_o any_o settle_a way_n of_o honest_a employment_n or_o take_v a_o near_a instance_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n when_o almost_o do_v you_o ever_o see_v one_o of_o our_o poor_a people_n who_o hand_n refuse_v to_o labour_n and_o who_o make_v a_o trade_n of_o beg_v from_o door_n to_o door_n i_o say_v when_o almost_o do_v you_o see_v any_o such_o person_n reclaim_v and_o bring_v to_o endeavour_v to_o get_v his_o live_n in_o any_o honest_a and_o laborious_a call_v i_o deny_v not_o but_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o maybe_o instance_n of_o some_o such_o that_o have_v be_v reduce_v to_o a_o orderly_a course_n of_o life_n but_o i_o believe_v such_o instance_n be_v very_o rare_a especial_o of_o those_o who_o have_v from_o their_o childhood_n be_v addict_v to_o that_o disorderly_a course_n as_o too_o many_o be_v the_o only_a breed_n and_o education_n which_o their_o parent_n give_v they_o be_v to_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o idleness_n and_o live_v upon_o the_o charity_n of_o other_o if_o that_o may_v be_v call_v charity_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o such_o people_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o point_n be_v these_o 1._o custom_n beget_v a_o strong_a fix_v and_o habitual_a inclination_n to_o sin_n hence_o a_o man_n be_v ever_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o yield_v to_o and_o comply_v with_o any_o temptation_n to_o that_o sin_n unto_o which_o he_o have_v be_v accustom_v no_o soon_o be_v occasion_n offer_v but_o it_o meet_v with_o a_o preparation_n of_o heart_n to_o embrace_v it_o instead_o of_o prepare_v to_o resist_v temptation_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o approach_v and_o offer_v themselves_o he_o that_o have_v be_v accustom_v to_o sin_n will_v meet_v they_o half_a way_n invite_v they_o to_o come_v on_o and_o bid_v they_o welcome_n instead_o of_o decline_a temptation_n he_o will_v seek_v after_o they_o and_o studious_o make_v provision_n for_o his_o lust_n for_o custom_n be_v now_o become_v another_o nature_n to_o he_o and_o he_o seem_v to_o enjoy_v himself_o no_o long_o than_o he_o be_v comply_v with_o it_o to_o be_v divorce_v and_o separate_v from_o such_o sin_n be_v a_o most_o grievous_a thing_n it_o be_v as_o the_o pull_n out_o of_o a_o right_a eye_n or_o the_o cut_n off_o of_o a_o right_a hand_n 2._o custom_n in_o sin_n bring_v on_o delight_n in_o sin_n the_o action_n that_o be_v natural_a be_v most_o
early_o and_o before_o long_a custom_n in_o sin_n have_v produce_v those_o confirm_v radicate_v and_o obstinate_a habit_n of_o sin_n which_o can_v easy_o be_v remove_v god_n be_v very_o gracious_a to_o some_o this_o way_n he_o take_v they_o up_o sharp_o and_o chasten_v they_o severe_o betimes_o they_o no_o soon_o enter_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n but_o he_o oppose_v himself_o against_o they_o and_o hedge_v up_o their_o way_n with_o thorn_n this_o be_v very_o grievous_a and_o afflict_a to_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o can_v endure_v no_o restraint_n but_o we_o little_o consider_v or_o understand_v how_o much_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o god_n for_o his_o care_n of_o we_o herein_o how_o many_o other_o be_v there_o who_o he_o suffer_v to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n without_o check_n or_o control_v till_o they_o contract_v those_o strong_a habit_n of_o sin_n which_o they_o be_v never_o rid_v of_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v do_v you_o think_v yourself_o hardly_o deal_v with_o that_o god_n do_v not_o suffer_v you_o also_o to_o take_v your_o course_n and_o make_v yourself_o as_o vile_a here_o and_o as_o miserable_a hereafter_o as_o other_o it_o be_v god_n exceed_v great_a kindness_n to_o you_o that_o he_o imbitter_v unto_o you_o the_o beginning_n of_o sin_n and_o strew_v the_o first_o entrance_n into_o sinful_a way_n with_o briar_n and_o prickle_n so_o that_o you_o can_v go_v on_o but_o you_o must_v hurt_v yourself_o it_o seem_v you_o will_v have_v like_v it_o better_o if_o the_o way_n to_o hell_n have_v be_v strew_v with_o rose_n for_o you_o beware_v you_o do_v not_o misinterpret_v god_n providence_n if_o he_o be_v please_v to_o use_v seasonable_a mean_n to_o make_v you_o weary_a of_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n before_o you_o be_v more_o harden_v in_o they_o count_v it_o a_o singular_a favour_n and_o a_o effect_n of_o that_o his_o gracious_a care_n of_o you_o for_o which_o you_o can_v never_o be_v enough_o thankful_a use_v 3_o this_o discover_v the_o folly_n and_o danger_n of_o defer_v repentance_n and_o especial_o of_o put_v it_o off_o till_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n or_o till_o our_o deathbed_n the_o long_o we_o defer_v repentance_n the_o more_o difficult_a will_v the_o business_n be_v through_o so_o long_a custom_n in_o sin_n if_o you_o find_v it_o hard_o at_o present_a to_o think_v of_o leave_v your_o sin_n what_o will_v it_o be_v hereafter_o when_o they_o will_v have_v take_v deep_a root_n in_o you_o and_o when_o your_o habitual_a inclination_n to_o they_o will_v be_v strong_a and_o as_o for_o put_v off_o repentance_n till_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n or_o death_n what_o wise_a man_n will_v put_v off_o a_o work_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n and_o the_o most_o difficult_a work_n and_o a_o work_n that_o will_v be_v still_o more_o difficult_a every_o day_n the_o long_a it_o be_v put_v off_o i_o say_v what_o wise_a man_n will_v put_v off_o such_o a_o work_n till_o that_o time_n when_o he_o will_v be_v weak_a and_o most_o unable_a to_o undertake_v it_o and_o go_v through_o with_o it_o be_v the_o infirmity_n of_o sickness_n be_v the_o pain_n and_o languish_n of_o a_o deathbed_n likely_a to_o make_v you_o strong_a and_o able_a for_o this_o work_n be_v that_o a_o fit_a season_n to_o be_v choose_v beforehand_o for_o beginning_n to_o break_v and_o subdue_v those_o inveterate_a corruption_n in_o you_o that_o have_v be_v gather_v strength_n all_o your_o day_n your_o great_a and_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n the_o devil_n himself_o can_v not_o direct_v you_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o more_o unfit_a season_n for_o that_o business_n and_o yet_o beside_o who_o know_v whither_o or_o no_o you_o shall_v then_o have_v any_o opportunity_n of_o endeavour_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o that_o great_a work_n which_o you_o put_v off_o till_o then_o as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o fit_a season_n for_o it_o who_o can_v tell_v you_o but_o you_o may_v be_v so_o sudden_o and_o violent_o surprise_v with_o sickness_n and_o cut_v off_o that_o you_o may_v have_v no_o time_n to_o bestow_v one_o serious_a thought_n upon_o that_o business_n which_o be_v of_o no_o less_o concernment_n to_o you_o than_o your_o soul_n eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n or_o if_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o quick_o take_v away_o yet_o who_o can_v tell_v but_o you_o may_v then_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o what_o then_o will_v become_v of_o this_o great_a business_n which_o be_v put_v off_o till_o that_o time_n must_v be_v then_o dispatch_v or_o never_o use_v 4._o this_o shall_v admonish_v the_o young_a sort_n to_o remember_v their_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o youth_n 12.1_o eccl._n 12.1_o as_o solomon_n counsel_v they_o to_o consecrate_v their_o tender_a year_n to_o god_n before_o custom_n of_o sin_n have_v strengthen_v vicious_a inclination_n in_o they_o and_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o god_n as_o it_o be_v much_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n when_o we_o give_v he_o the_o first-fruit_n when_o we_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o the_o flower_n of_o our_o age_n so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a and_o comfortable_a for_o we_o for_o hereby_o we_o prevent_v those_o habit_n of_o sin_n which_o time_n and_o custom_n will_v beget_v to_o our_o far_a great_a trouble_n afterward_o those_o vice_n which_o in_o young_a year_n discover_v themselves_o be_v more_o easy_o pluck_v up_o as_o young_a weed_n out_o of_o the_o soil_n in_o which_o they_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o take_v any_o deep_a root_n old_a habit_n of_o sin_n so_o close_o do_v they_o stick_v to_o we_o so_o deep_o be_v they_o root_v in_o we_o and_o so_o strong_o and_o intricate_o be_v their_o root_n twist_v together_o with_o our_o nature_n that_o the_o pluck_n of_o they_o up_o be_v as_o the_o root_n up_o of_o a_o great_a oak_n that_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o many_o year_n growth_n to_o settle_v itself_o in_o the_o ground_n you_o who_o be_v young_a if_o you_o be_v wise_a create_v not_o so_o much_o trouble_v to_o yourselves_o as_o to_o let_v sin_n grow_v old_a and_o strong_a in_o you_o before_o you_o break_v it_o off_o or_o pluck_v it_o up_o by_o repentance_n use_v 5._o this_o shall_v also_o prevail_v with_o parent_n to_o be_v very_o careful_a of_o their_o child_n education_n begin_v to_o restrain_v and_o beat_v down_o sin_n in_o they_o in_o season_n that_o so_o custom_n in_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o sad_a effect_n thereof_o may_v be_v prevent_v how_o happy_a have_v it_o be_v both_o for_o many_o parent_n and_o child_n if_o seasonable_a restraint_n and_o chastisement_n have_v be_v apply_v before_o the_o customary_a practice_n of_o sin_n have_v make_v they_o obstinate_a and_o incorrigible_a the_o neglect_n whereof_o how_o much_o sorrow_n and_o heart-breaking_n do_v it_o occasion_n to_o parent_n and_o how_o much_o sin_n and_o misery_n to_o child_n nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o to_o hear_v the_o sad_a complaint_n that_o parent_n make_v of_o the_o stubbornness_n and_o untractableness_n of_o their_o child_n and_o of_o those_o sinful_a course_n which_o they_o addict_v themselves_o unto_o and_o can_v be_v draw_v off_o from_o by_o all_o the_o mean_n they_o can_v think_v of_o to_o reclaim_v they_o but_o who_o may_v too_o many_o parent_n thank_v for_o it_o rather_o than_o themselves_o who_o indulgence_n to_o they_o or_o neglect_v of_o they_o in_o their_o tender_a year_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n they_o will_v not_o begin_v with_o they_o in_o season_n while_o they_o be_v tender_a and_o pliable_a and_o now_o they_o be_v by_o long_a practice_n of_o sin_n become_v stubborn_a and_o refractory_a then_o they_o will_v not_o restrain_v they_o and_o now_o they_o can_v do_v it_o and_o what_o great_a mischief_n can_v parent_n do_v their_o child_n than_o by_o give_v they_o the_o head_n and_o lay_v the_o reins_o on_o their_o neck_n when_o they_o be_v young_a whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v irreclaimable_o and_o desperate_o harden_v in_o sin_n when_o they_o grow_v up_o while_o parent_n complain_v of_o child_n may_v not_o child_n as_o just_o complain_v of_o parent_n that_o have_v by_o their_o neglect_n of_o they_o betray_v they_o to_o sin_n and_o satan_n many_o such_o child_n when_o by_o their_o sin_n they_o have_v come_v to_o shameful_a end_n have_v most_o passionate_o cry_v out_o against_o their_o parent_n who_o ill_a example_n or_o neglect_v to_o correct_v they_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o that_o misery_n and_o can_v we_o listen_v to_o the_o language_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o hell_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o our_o ear_n will_v tingle_v to_o hear_v the_o lamentable_a outcry_n and_o curse_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o undo_v child_n against_o those_o who_o parental_a relation_n shall_v have_v engage_v they_o to_o have_v leave_v
keep_v a_o more_o narrow_a and_o constant_a watch_n over_o ourselves_o and_o to_o take_v better_a heed_n to_o our_o way_n than_o we_o have_v do_v now_o though_o all_o be_v concern_v high_o concern_v to_o walk_v circumspect_o yet_o be_v some_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n concern_v to_o do_v it_o above_o other_o as_o 1._o they_o who_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o rank_n and_o quality_n their_o acquaintance_n and_o alliance_n their_o calling_n and_o employment_n be_v expose_v to_o most_o temptation_n they_o who_o necessary_o meet_v with_o many_o temptation_n can_v but_o often_o offend_v unless_o they_o be_v very_o circumspect_a 2._o it_o concern_v they_o above_o other_o to_o be_v circumspect_a who_o have_v former_o most_o offend_a through_o their_o carelessness_n their_o heedlessness_n and_o their_o want_n of_o more_o circumspection_n how_o often_o have_v you_o be_v overtake_v with_o sin_n in_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o which_o you_o may_v easy_o have_v avoid_v if_o you_o have_v be_v circumspect_a it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o you_o to_o resolve_v to_o be_v more_o circumspect_a for_o the_o future_a who_o have_v already_o contract_v so_o much_o guilt_n through_o your_o carelessness_n and_o especial_o if_o you_o have_v also_o smart_v for_o your_o careless_a and_o regardless_o walk_v 3._o it_o concern_v they_o above_o other_o to_o be_v circumspect_a who_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o place_n and_o station_n ought_v to_o be_v example_n to_o other_o these_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o oblige_v to_o walk_v circumspect_o because_o else_o they_o become_v ill_a pattern_n to_o those_o who_o eye_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o occasion_n of_o much_o sin_n and_o guilt_n to_o they_o 4._o it_o behoove_v they_o above_o other_o to_o walk_v circumspect_o who_o be_v draw_v near_o the_o end_n of_o their_o walk_n who_o be_v not_o far_o from_o their_o long_a home_n and_o have_v little_a time_n leave_v they_o to_o correct_v the_o manifold_a error_n of_o their_o life_n past_a 5._o it_o behoove_v they_o above_o other_o to_o walk_v circumspect_o who_o after_o more_o strictness_n former_o have_v for_o some_o time_n now_o last_o pass_v take_v more_o liberty_n and_o walk_v more_o loose_o and_o careless_o for_o 1._o if_o these_o give_v not_o all_o dilgence_n to_o recover_v themselves_o and_o regain_v what_o they_o have_v lose_v they_o will_v still_o grow_v more_o remiss_a and_o careless_a 2._o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a sad_a thing_n if_o their_o last_o way_n shall_v be_v their_o worst_a and_o if_o death_n shall_v surprise_v they_o in_o a_o decline_a condition_n 6._o it_o behoove_v they_o above_o other_o to_o walk_v circumspect_o who_o have_v be_v often_o convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n and_o comfort_n of_o circumspect_a walk_n and_o have_v often_o resolve_v on_o it_o can_v never_o yet_o put_v their_o resolution_n in_o practice_n or_o at_o least_o with_o any_o constancy_n go_v on_o therein_o the_o conviction_n and_o resolution_n of_o these_o person_n as_o they_o do_v much_o aggravate_v and_o heighten_v their_o sin_n so_o they_o will_v much_o heighten_v and_o inflame_v their_o reckon_n when_o god_n shall_v call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n now_o in_o the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o this_o use_n i_o shall_v offer_v some_o direction_n for_o walk_v circumspect_o give_v some_o caution_n about_o it_o and_o last_o answer_v such_o objection_n as_o may_v be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o way_n of_o direction_n for_o walk_v circumspect_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v these_o few_o thing_n 1._o keep_v your_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n as_o the_o frame_n of_o your_o heart_n be_v so_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v your_o action_n 4.23_o prov._n 4.23_o from_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n your_o circumspection_n in_o the_o course_n of_o your_o life_n have_v its_o rise_n from_o your_o keep_v your_o heart_n he_o that_o neglect_v his_o heart_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o order_n and_o frame_v his_o word_n and_o action_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n wherefore_o be_v sure_a that_o you_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o your_o circumspection_n in_o the_o hee_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o in_o keep_v it_o under_o government_n govern_v your_o heart_n well_o and_o you_o govern_v your_o tongue_n and_o rule_v your_o hand_n and_o the_o whole_a man._n let_v the_o heart_n be_v once_o out_o of_o order_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o will_v soon_o appear_v in_o the_o unruliness_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o the_o irregularity_n of_o your_o action_n whatsoever_o else_o be_v out_o of_o order_n to_o be_v sure_o the_o heart_n be_v first_o out_o of_o order_n o_o how_o easy_a a_o task_n will_v it_o be_v to_o order_v all_o the_o rest_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v well_o order_v o_o let_v we_o begin_v there_o keep_v a_o strict_a and_o constant_a guard_n over_o it_o 2._o set_a god_n always_o before_o your_o eye_n and_o labour_n to_o keep_v up_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o omniscience_n how_o awful_a and_o circumspect_a will_v this_o make_v you_o how_o solicitous_a will_v you_o be_v of_o please_v he_o and_o how_o much_o afraid_a of_o offend_v he_o this_o constant_a sense_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o awe_n of_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n upon_o our_o heart_n no_o man_n that_o have_v not_o have_v some_o experience_n of_o it_o can_v easy_o conceive_v what_o a_o influence_n it_o will_v have_v upon_o we_o to_o beget_v in_o we_o this_o holy_a circumspection_n it_o be_v our_o unmindfulness_n of_o god_n eye_n and_o presence_n that_o make_v we_o so_o heedless_a and_o unwatchful_a 3._o consider_v all_o your_o way_n and_o ponder_v your_o path_n as_o solomon_n counsel_n be_v weigh_v your_o word_n and_o action_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n 4.26_o prov._n 4.26_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o rule_n but_o let_v this_o be_v do_v most_o careful_o and_o exact_o when_o any_o matter_n of_o great_a and_o weighty_a consequence_n lie_v before_o you_o then_o be_v sure_a that_o you_o do_v nothing_o but_o upon_o sound_n and_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o upon_o clear_a satisfaction_n that_o what_o you_o do_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o suitable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o good_a conscience_n how_o often_o do_v man_n precipitancy_n and_o rashness_n hurry_v they_o into_o those_o sin_n which_o afterward_o occasion_n much_o anguish_n and_o horror_n of_o conscience_n to_o they_o so_o what_o be_v rash_o do_v in_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n lie_v grate_v upon_o their_o conscience_n many_o year_n after_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v never_o full_o ease_v of_o the_o burden_n of_o it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v 4._o take_v heed_n of_o be_v sway_v and_o overrule_v by_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o other_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o in_o what_o your_o own_o conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v to_o do_v the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o multitude_n be_v a_o deceitful_a and_o crooked_a rule_n what_o the_o generality_n cry_v up_o approve_v of_o and_o applaud_v concur_v and_o agree_v in_o may_v be_v extreme_o evil_a what_o be_v high_o esteem_v among_o man_n may_v be_v abomination_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n 16.15_o luk._n 16.15_o and_o again_o what_o man_n cry_v down_o and_o vilify_v what_o they_o make_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o reproach_n and_o contumely_n that_o may_v be_v in_o such_o account_n with_o god_n as_o it_o may_v be_v high_o accept_v and_o reward_v and_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o place_n very_o much_o in_o the_o opinion_n and_o example_n of_o a_o multitude_n what_o many_o or_o most_o do_v what_o the_o generality_n of_o town_n and_o country_n do_v that_o we_o stick_v not_o to_o do_v weak_a argument_n shall_v be_v strong_a enough_o to_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o be_v of_o the_o strong_a side_n and_o to_o concur_v with_o the_o multitude_n wherefore_o it_o be_v not_o without_o great_a cause_n that_o god_n give_v his_o people_n a_o special_a caution_n against_o this_o weak_a and_o sinful_a compliance_n 23.2_o exod._n 23.2_o thou_o shall_v not_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a neither_o shall_v thou_o speak_v in_o a_o cause_n to_o decline_v after_o many_o to_o wrest_v judgement_n god_n see_v our_o proneness_n to_o be_v influence_v and_o sway_v by_o the_o multitude_n and_o to_o go_v non_fw-la quà _fw-la eundum_fw-la sed_fw-la quà _fw-la itur_fw-la not_o in_o that_o path_n in_o which_o we_o shall_v go_v but_o in_o which_o the_o great_a part_n go_v if_o in_o any_o thing_n therefore_o our_o circumspection_n be_v necessary_a it_o be_v when_o we_o be_v assault_v with_o the_o temptation_n to_o warp_v and_o turn_v aside_o out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n 5._o be_v careful_a to_o keep_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o all_o temptation_n to_o sin_n as_o far_o as_o you_o be_v able_a where_o you_o foresee_v they_o be_v make_v towards_o you_o avoid_v they_o run_v away_o
fool_n run_v on_o sing_v and_o dance_v to_o the_o correction_n of_o the_o stock_n if_o god_n be_v please_v to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o run_v on_o heedless_o and_o secure_o upon_o these_o dangerous_a precipice_n shall_v we_o not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o our_o happiness_n have_v he_o reason_n to_o think_v himself_o hardly_o deal_v with_o or_o injure_v by_o i_o from_o who_o lip_n i_o snatch_v away_o a_o cup_n of_o sweet_a and_o delicious_a poison_n which_o he_o be_v endeavour_v to_o swallow_v down_o as_o greedy_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o cordial_a 2._o yet_o be_v not_o this_o all_o god_n call_v we_o off_o from_o these_o kill_a pleasure_n that_o we_o may_v exchange_v they_o for_o better_a for_o safe_a sound_a and_o substantial_a pleasure_n true_a delight_n satisfy_v contentment_n durable_a and_o last_a joy_n such_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o any_o man_n deny_v himself_o as_o to_o all_o sinful_a delight_n the_o more_o strict_o heedful_o and_o circumspect_o he_o walk_v the_o more_o of_o these_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o refresh_n may_v he_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v obj._n 2._o many_o of_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o walk_v circumspect_o and_o to_o be_v of_o a_o very_a strict_a and_o severe_a conversation_n seem_v to_o lead_v but_o heavy_a and_o uncomfortable_a life_n for_o who_o be_v more_o full_a of_o sad_a complaint_n and_o inward_a trouble_n who_o be_v more_o subject_a to_o doubt_n and_o dissatisfaction_n about_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n who_o be_v more_o hold_v under_o bondage_n through_o the_o fear_n of_o their_o eternal_a miscarry_v than_o many_o of_o these_o ans_fw-fr though_o all_o this_o be_v true_a yet_o be_v this_o no_o prejudice_n no_o just_a prejudice_n to_o circumspect_a walk_n for_o one_a the_o cause_n hereof_o be_v most_o in_o themselves_o and_o not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n neither_o be_v it_o in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o their_o circumspect_a walk_n but_o rather_o to_o their_o not_o walk_v more_o circumspect_o their_o own_o carelessness_n and_o want_v of_o due_a heed_n and_o circumspection_n in_o their_o way_n their_o venture_n on_o sin_n or_o inconstancy_n and_o slothfulness_n in_o holy_a duty_n or_o some_o other_o miscarriage_n be_v often_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o their_o trouble_n be_v they_o more_o circumspect_a they_o will_v be_v free_a from_o trouble_n 2._o sometime_o their_o trouble_n arise_v from_o their_o darkness_n and_o misapprehension_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o term_n on_o which_o god_n offer_v mercy_n unto_o sinner_n 3._o sometime_o their_o trouble_n arise_v from_o their_o unbelief_n and_o from_o their_o refuse_v to_o be_v comfort_v and_o their_o put_v off_o and_o thrust_v away_o from_o themselves_o those_o comfort_n which_o god_n reach_v forth_o unto_o they_o 4._o sometime_o their_o trouble_n be_v much_o from_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n god_n for_o divers_a wise_a and_o gracious_a end_n permit_v they_o to_o be_v so_o exercise_v but_o however_o it_o be_v and_o from_o what_o cause_n soever_o their_o trouble_n proceed_v while_o they_o be_v in_o god_n way_n they_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o all_o shall_v at_o length_n end_v in_o peace_n 5._o in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o condition_n at_o present_a with_o all_o its_o disadvantage_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n better_o than_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o spend_v their_o day_n in_o sinful_a frolic_v and_o even_o glut_v themselves_o with_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o sensual_a delight_n and_o sudden_o go_v down_o to_o hell_n and_o there_o meet_v with_o so_o much_o the_o more_o torment_n and_o sorrow_n by_o how_o much_o they_o live_v more_o voluptuous_o and_o delicious_o here_o o_o thrice_o miserable_a be_v their_o condition_n who_o go_v from_o their_o heaven_n of_o sensual_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n here_o to_o a_o eternity_n of_o misery_n and_o torment_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o thrice_o happy_a they_o who_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o the_o narrow_a way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n through_o many_o inward_a trouble_n and_o fear_n and_o much_o outward_a tribulation_n also_o if_o need_v be_v enter_z at_z last_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o bless_a and_o glorious_a kingdom_n where_o all_o tear_n be_v wipe_v from_o their_o eye_n where_o sorrow_n and_o sigh_v shall_v flee_v away_o and_o everlasting_a joy_n shall_v be_v upon_o their_o head_n and_o so_o much_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n obj._n 3_o the_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v be_v a_o god_n of_o mercy_n 145.9_o mich._n 7.18_o psal_n 145.9_o he_o delight_v in_o mercy_n and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n there_o be_v no_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v more_o exalt_v and_o magnify_v than_o his_o mercy_n his_o mercy_n be_v so_o great_a why_o may_v we_o not_o hope_v to_o find_v mercy_n with_o he_o although_o we_o take_v some_o liberty_n and_o be_v not_o so_o strict_a and_o circumspect_a can_v we_o apprehend_v that_o a_o god_n of_o so_o great_a mercy_n will_v be_v so_o severe_a as_o to_o condemn_v we_o cast_v we_o into_o hell_n and_o expose_v we_o to_o everlasting_a torment_n for_o want_n of_o this_o circumspection_n ans_fw-fr though_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v exceed_o great_a yet_o save_v mercy_n be_v not_o extend_v to_o all_o but_o reserve_v for_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o 18._o psal_n 103.17_o 18._o for_o such_o as_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o remember_v his_o commandment_n to_o do_v they_o it_o be_v for_o the_o true_o humble_v penitent_a and_o reform_a sinner_n he_o that_o confess_v his_o sin_n 28.13_o prov._n 28.13_o and_o forsake_v it_o shall_v have_v mercy_n god_n show_v mercy_n to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o 20.6_o exod._n 20.6_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n but_o as_o for_o such_o as_o plead_v god_n mercy_n to_o justify_v themselves_o in_o their_o careless_a and_o loose_a conversation_n these_o must_v expect_v no_o mercy_n from_o he_o god_n never_o promise_v save_v mercy_n to_o any_o that_o be_v not_o so_o strict_a as_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o the_o least_o sin_n and_o so_o circumspect_a as_o to_o keep_v a_o watch_n over_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o overtake_v with_o sin_n without_o some_o measure_n of_o this_o circumspection_n no_o man_n can_v satisfy_v himself_o touch_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o repentance_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o forgiveness_n no_o mercy_n to_o be_v look_v for_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o true_a repentance_n necessary_o include_v a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o relinquish_v all_o sin_n now_o how_o can_v this_o serious_a and_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o leave_v all_o sin_n be_v without_o such_o a_o holy_a wariness_n and_o circumspection_n as_o that_o which_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o can_v a_o uncircumspect_a and_o careless_a person_n that_o heed_v not_o what_o he_o do_v or_o how_o he_o walk_v that_o take_v liberty_n to_o please_v himself_o that_o stick_v not_o to_o run_v upon_o any_o temptation_n to_o sin_v that_o lie_n in_o his_o way_n can_v this_o person_n be_v think_v to_o be_v one_o that_o serious_o and_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o forsake_v all_o sin_n nothing_o less_o he_o that_o true_o desire_v and_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o forsake_v sin_n will_v be_v circumspect_a and_o watchful_a if_o he_o be_v not_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o he_o have_v no_o great_a edge_n against_o his_o sin_n there_o be_v as_o yet_o no_o such_o deadly_a feud_n between_o he_o and_o his_o sin_n as_o be_v require_v in_o every_o true_a penitent_n obj._n 4._o christ_n have_v free_v we_o from_o the_o law_n and_o believer_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o at_o liberty_n than_o former_o they_o be_v what_o necessity_n therefore_o be_v there_o of_o so_o much_o strictness_n and_o circumspection_n how_o do_v such_o a_o severe_a course_n of_o life_n consist_v with_o the_o liberty_n that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o ans_fw-fr christ_n have_v indeed_o free_v we_o from_o any_o obligation_n to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o from_o the_o moral_a law_n as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n that_o require_v perfect_a and_o unerring_a obedience_n we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n but_o however_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v still_o in_o force_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o we_o be_v still_o under_o the_o command_a power_n thereof_o and_o that_o we_o be_v so_o be_v manifest_a several_a way_n 1._o 5.17_o mat._n 5.17_o christ_n himself_o express_o declare_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o and_o the_o apostle_n even_o when_o he_o dispute_v against_o justification_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n be_v so_o far_o from_o assert_v that_o we_o be_v free_v from_o the_o obligation_n
enter_v into_o the_o field_n of_o the_o fatherless_a which_o solomon_n will_v have_v no_o man_n so_o hardy_a as_o to_o attempt_v because_o their_o redeemer_n be_v mighty_a 11._o prov._n 23.10_o 11._o and_o he_o will_v plead_v their_o cause_n you_o who_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o poors-money_n take_v heed_n you_o derive_v not_o upon_o you_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o sin_n a_o sin_n of_o that_o heinous_a nature_n as_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o set_v a_o whole_a town_n on_o fire_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o ash_n look_v to_o it_o therefore_o and_o see_v that_o the_o charity_n of_o benefactor_n run_v in_o its_o own_o proper_a channel_n 2._o the_o poor_a may_v be_v oppress_v by_o the_o rich_a in_o deal_v rigorous_o and_o unmerciful_o with_o they_o and_o use_v they_o hardly_o in_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o they_o make_v use_v of_o their_o labour_n to_o enforce_v they_o to_o do_v their_o work_n upon_o such_o pitiful_a term_n as_o that_o all_o which_o they_o can_v get_v by_o their_o utmost_a diligence_n will_v hardly_o buy_v they_o bread_n to_o keep_v they_o alive_a while_o you_o raise_v your_o self_n and_o grow_v rich_a upon_o their_o uncessant_a labour_n be_v certain_o in_o god_n account_n no_o better_o than_o oppression_n a_o sin_n which_o may_v just_o bring_v the_o curse_n of_o god_n upon_o your_o estate_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o here_o that_o be_v concern_v i_o will_v earnest_o request_v they_o to_o consider_v serious_o of_o it_o if_o upon_o enquiry_n you_o shall_v find_v you_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o this_o kind_n of_o oppression_n you_o may_v well_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o one_o of_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o god_n have_v have_v a_o controversy_n with_o you_o and_o punish_v you_o by_o snatch_v away_o from_o you_o what_o have_v be_v so_o heap_v together_o and_o let_v i_o further_o lay_v these_o thing_n before_o you_o to_o be_v ponder_v 1._o to_o take_v advantage_n of_o poor_a people_n necessity_n and_o make_v they_o part_v with_o their_o work_n at_o any_o rate_n because_o they_o must_v have_v bread_n for_o themselves_o and_o they_o or_o starve_v be_v that_o measure_n which_o you_o will_v not_o shall_v be_v make_v you_o if_o you_o be_v in_o their_o circumstance_n suppose_v yourself_o to_o be_v in_o their_o condition_n and_o they_o in_o you_o will_v you_o not_o then_o think_v it_o very_o hard_a measure_n to_o be_v so_o deal_v with_o 2._o though_o allow_v they_o for_o their_o labour_n so_o much_o as_o may_v make_v their_o livelihood_n a_o little_a better_o you_o will_v gain_v so_o much_o the_o less_o yet_o you_o will_v have_v much_o more_o comfort_n in_o what_o be_v so_o get_v be_v it_o never_o so_o little_a it_o be_v but_o a_o uncomfortable_a thing_n for_o any_o man_n to_o grow_v rich_a by_o pinch_v the_o poor_a 3._o you_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o not_o his_o curse_n upon_o what_o be_v so_o get_v be_v it_o more_o or_o less_o i_o beseech_v you_o let_v this_o be_v write_v upon_o the_o table_n of_o your_o heart_n let_v it_o be_v deep_o engrave_v there_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n a_o unquestionable_a principle_n which_o can_v never_o fail_v you_o that_o in_o the_o conclusion_n you_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o poor_a for_o use_v poor_a people_n well_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o rich_a for_o have_v use_v they_o hardly_o have_v hitherto_o speak_v to_o the_o rich_a i_o come_v now_o to_o speak_v a_o few_o word_n to_o the_o poor_a who_o may_v also_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v mind_v of_o their_o duty_n several_a way_n do_v the_o rich_a and_o poor_a meet_v together_o and_o do_v they_o both_o stand_v upon_o even_a ground_n and_o be_v they_o upon_o equal_a term_n as_o in_o many_o other_o respect_v before_o mention_v so_o more_o especial_o as_o to_o their_o high_a concernment_n be_v the_o poor_a the_o low_a the_o mean_a and_o the_o most_o contemptible_a among_o they_o as_o much_o the_o object_n of_o god_n care_n and_o of_o his_o gracious_a providence_n as_o the_o rich_a even_o as_o those_o among_o the_o rich_a the_o height_n and_o splendour_n of_o who_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n have_v make_v they_o object_n of_o the_o envy_n of_o all_o their_o inferior_n be_v the_o poor_a even_o such_o as_o be_v clothe_v in_o rag_n in_o as_o fair_a a_o way_n for_o heaven_n and_o as_o capable_a of_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o as_o the_o great_a prince_n as_o the_o most_o illustrious_a and_o renown_a potentate_n in_o the_o world_n then_o let_v the_o poor_a hence_o learn_v not_o to_o be_v discourage_v much_o less_o give_v way_n to_o murmur_a and_o repine_v at_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o have_v put_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o their_o superior_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n it_o have_v seem_v good_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o place_v they_o below_o while_o other_o be_v seat_v above_o to_o make_v their_o condition_n mean_a and_o despicable_a while_o the_o condition_n of_o other_o have_v render_v they_o honourable_a and_o even_o adorable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o inferior_a world_n but_o see_v the_o poor_a and_o the_o rich_a meet_v together_o and_o be_v in_o equal_a condition_n as_o to_o the_o best_a the_o most_o excellent_a and_o the_o most_o desirable_a thing_n what_o good_a reason_n be_v there_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v well_o content_v with_o their_o condition_n and_o be_v most_o thankful_a unto_o god_n for_o it_o what_o reason_n have_v they_o to_o justify_v their_o envy_v at_o the_o rich_a and_o honourable_a see_v they_o themselves_o be_v no_o way_n inferior_a to_o they_o and_o come_v no_o way_n short_a of_o they_o as_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o great_a value_n and_o of_o high_a importance_n use_v 2._o see_v the_o poor_a be_v as_o capable_a of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v as_o the_o rich_a let_v they_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o be_v due_o qualify_v for_o it_o let_v their_o constant_a and_o earnest_a endeavour_n be_v to_o labour_v after_o a_o meetness_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n see_v god_n have_v put_v they_o in_o as_o fair_a a_o way_n for_o heaven_n as_o any_o else_o let_v they_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o fall_v not_o short_a of_o heaven_n through_o their_o sloth_n and_o carelessness_n and_o through_o their_o neglect_n of_o the_o great_a salvation_n which_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v and_o as_o free_o offer_v to_o they_o as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o rich_a and_o which_o if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o upon_o the_o same_o term_n on_o which_o the_o rich_a be_v capable_a thereof_o yea_o in_o some_o respect_n upon_o easy_a term_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o riches_n honour_n preferment_n and_o high_a place_n of_o their_o superior_n so_o load_v encumber_v and_o clog_v they_o as_o they_o be_v thereby_o much_o retard_v and_o hinder_v in_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n both_o condition_n have_v their_o difficulty_n both_o their_o advantage_n both_o have_v the_o like_a end_n to_o respect_n both_o have_v the_o like_a capacity_n of_o attain_v it_o herein_o they_o both_o meet_v together_o but_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o be_v that_o god_n be_v the_o maker_n and_o disposer_n of_o both_o the_o six_o sermon_n 2_o chron._n 33.10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o and_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o manasseh_n and_o to_o his_o people_n but_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v wherefore_o the_o lord_n bring_v upon_o they_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n which_o take_v manasseh_n among_o the_o thorn_n and_o bind_v he_o with_o fetter_n and_o carry_v he_o to_o babylon_n and_o when_o he_o be_v in_o affliction_n he_o beseech_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n and_o humble_v himself_o great_o before_o the_o god_n of_o his_o father_n and_o pray_v unto_o he_o and_o he_o be_v entreat_v of_o he_o and_o hear_v his_o supplication_n and_o bring_v he_o again_o to_o jerusalem_n into_o his_o kingdom_n then_o manasseh_n know_v that_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n in_o this_o chapter_n we_o have_v a_o brief_a history_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o manasseh_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o chapter_n to_o the_o 20_o verse_n this_o manasseh_n be_v the_o son_n of_o hezekiah_n a_o most_o wicked_a son_n though_o descend_v from_o a_o most_o pious_a and_o religious_a father_n i_o say_v a_o most_o wicked_a son_n for_o such_o he_o be_v till_o god_n be_v please_v to_o humble_v he_o and_o work_v a_o change_n in_o he_o he_o that_o shall_v read_v the_o account_n that_o be_v here_o and_o in_o 2_o king_n 21._o give_v of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o
that_o when_o other_o mean_n prove_v ineffectual_a for_o the_o reclaim_n of_o impenitent_a and_o obstinate_a sinner_n god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o affliction_n it_o be_v true_a god_n can_v effectual_o reclaim_v and_o convert_v the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o obstinate_a the_o most_o obdurate_a and_o hard-hearted_a sinner_n without_o affliction_n he_o need_v not_o take_v the_o rod_n in_o hand_n to_o do_v his_o work_n upon_o they_o he_o that_o make_v heart_n can_v remake_v they_o he_o can_v change_v and_o renew_v they_o when_o he_o please_v and_o how_o he_o please_v he_o can_v do_v it_o by_o mean_n and_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o mean_n he_o can_v create_v and_o infuse_v grace_n in_o a_o instant_a he_o can_v in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n without_o the_o intervention_n or_o service_n of_o any_o create_a instrument_n transform_v the_o filthy_a the_o most_o loathsome_a and_o abominable_a sinner_n into_o a_o saint_n a_o devil_n into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n there_o be_v nothing_o too_o hard_o for_o he_o who_o be_v omnipotent_a can_v do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v but_o yet_o however_o ordinary_o he_o make_v use_v of_o affliction_n for_o humble_v and_o reclaim_v obstinate_a sinner_n when_o other_o mean_n prevail_v not_o and_o see_v he_o do_v make_v use_n of_o affliction_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o he_o judge_v that_o the_o best_a and_o fit_a course_n for_o otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o make_v choice_n of_o it_o we_o may_v perhaps_o in_o favour_n to_o ourselves_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v this_o great_a work_n may_v be_v much_o better_o effect_v without_o affliction_n our_o carnal_a wisdom_n may_v apprehend_v that_o it_o will_v more_o conduce_v to_o the_o exalt_v and_o magnify_v of_o god_n power_n and_o goodness_n if_o this_o great_a work_n of_o change_v and_o renew_v the_o heart_n of_o obstinate_a sinner_n be_v effect_v by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n on_o the_o heart_n without_o the_o suffer_a the_o smart_n or_o durance_n of_o the_o sinner_n but_o alas_o who_o be_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v presume_v to_o oppose_v our_o foolish_a reason_n against_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n whatever_o our_o dark_a selfish_a and_o partial_a reason_n may_v suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o best_a and_o fit_a course_n that_o can_v be_v take_v which_o god_n have_v pitch_v on_o no_o better_a course_n can_v be_v think_v on_o no_o wise_a method_n can_v be_v devise_v for_o bring_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o for_o work_v a_o change_n in_o they_o than_o that_o which_o he_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o when_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o matter_n this_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n grant_v unless_o we_o will_v make_v ourselves_o wise_a than_o god_n unless_o we_o will_v take_v upon_o we_o to_o dictate_v and_o prescribe_v to_o he_o a_o better_a way_n than_o he_o have_v contrive_v now_o for_o the_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o point_n that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o affliction_n for_o the_o reclaim_n of_o obstinate_a sinner_n when_o other_o mean_n prevail_v not_o i_o need_v not_o say_v much_o our_o own_o experience_n be_v a_o sufficient_a confirmation_n thereof_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o have_v observe_v god_n deal_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o must_v have_v take_v notice_n that_o nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a in_o the_o course_n of_o god_n providence_n than_o to_o bring_v they_o home_o to_o himself_o by_o affliction_n who_o will_v not_o otherwise_o be_v reduce_v from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o as_o he_o take_v this_o course_n with_o wicked_a man_n to_o convert_v they_o so_o he_o take_v the_o same_o course_n with_o his_o child_n to_o recall_v they_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o right_a way_n again_o when_o they_o have_v go_v astray_o this_o be_v the_o course_n which_o he_o take_v with_o david_n as_o he_o himself_o acknowledge_v 119.67_o psal_n 119.67_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v i_o go_v astray_o but_o now_o i_o keep_v thy_o word_n and_o again_o 71._o ver._n 71._o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v that_o i_o may_v learn_v thy_o statute_n he_o mean_v that_o he_o may_v so_o learn_v god_n statute_n as_o to_o practice_v they_o and_o frame_v his_o life_n and_o conversation_n according_a to_o they_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o truth_n brief_o use_v 1_o if_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o affliction_n for_o reclaim_v and_o reduce_v sinner_n when_o other_o mean_n will_v not_o prevail_v then_o if_o man_n be_v wise_a and_o if_o they_o will_v prevent_v and_o keep_v off_o affliction_n it_o concern_v they_o to_o improve_v those_o other_o mean_n which_o god_n make_v use_v of_o i_o mean_v instruction_n admonition_n reproof_n and_o warning_n humble_v themselves_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o reform_v their_o life_n that_o so_o god_n may_v not_o bring_v those_o affliction_n upon_o they_o which_o will_v be_v grievous_a to_o they_o what_o folly_n and_o madness_n be_v it_o when_o man_n will_v put_v god_n to_o lay_v sore_o and_o grievous_a thing_n upon_o they_o because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o gentle_a mean_n solomon_n say_v 17.10_o prov._n 17.10_o a_o reproof_n enter_v more_o into_o a_o wise_a man_n than_o a_o hundred_o stripe_n into_o a_o fool._n so_o then_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o solomon_n he_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n into_o who_o a_o reproof_n enter_v that_o be_v on_o who_o it_o make_v impression_n and_o by_o who_o it_o be_v entertain_v and_o improve_v 12.1_o prov._n 12.1_o but_o he_o that_o hate_v reproof_n be_v brutish_a he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n that_o he_o be_v scarce_o a_o man_n he_o be_v more_o like_o a_o brute_n than_o a_o man_n he_o understand_v not_o his_o own_o interest_n which_o be_v to_o take_v reproof_n to_o heart_n to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o and_o to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o and_o not_o by_o reject_v they_o to_o draw_v those_o evil_n upon_o himself_o which_o he_o may_v avoid_v if_o he_o will_v consider_v this_o you_o that_o be_v now_o admonish_v reprove_v and_o warn_v but_o will_v not_o hearken_v do_v you_o know_v what_o you_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v you_o put_v the_o rod_n into_o god_n hand_n to_o correct_v you_o severe_o and_o to_o make_v you_o smart_v sore_o to_o try_v if_o that_o course_n may_v not_o take_v better_a effect_n upon_o you_o than_o those_o mild_a course_n which_o he_o have_v hitherto_o take_v with_o you_o why_o shall_v you_o consult_v and_o procure_v sorrow_n suffering_n and_o smart_a to_o yourself_o how_o much_o better_o have_v it_o be_v for_o manasseh_n to_o have_v hearken_v to_o the_o message_n of_o the_o lord_n bring_v to_o he_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o not_o by_o his_o disobedience_n and_o obstinacy_n to_o have_v procure_v the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n to_o be_v send_v against_o he_o to_o bind_v he_o with_o fetter_n and_o carry_v he_o to_o babylon_n when_o we_o suffer_v for_o our_o sin_n than_o we_o condemn_v and_o cry_v out_o against_o ourselves_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o foolish_o obstinate_a as_o not_o to_o hearken_v to_o good_a counsel_n when_o time_n be_v whereby_o we_o may_v have_v prevent_v our_o suffering_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n we_o seldom_o learn_v wit_n till_o we_o have_v buy_v it_o and_o pay_v dear_o for_o it_o use_v 2._o if_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o affliction_n to_o reclaim_v and_o reduce_v sinner_n when_o other_o mean_n will_v not_o prevail_v then_o let_v such_o as_o be_v afflict_v be_v careful_a that_o they_o do_v not_o impatient_o murmur_v and_o fret_v against_o the_o lord_n who_o correct_v they_o for_o 1._o they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v correct_v they_o have_v be_v the_o author_n and_o procurer_n of_o their_o own_o suffering_n if_o they_o will_v have_v be_v humble_v and_o reform_v by_o gentle_a mean_n there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o those_o severe_a course_n which_o now_o be_v take_v with_o they_o god_n be_v not_o forward_o to_o correct_v he_o take_v no_o such_o delight_n in_o correct_v as_o to_o take_v the_o rod_n in_o hand_n when_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o he_o do_v not_o afflict_v willing_o he_o never_o do_v it_o but_o when_o there_o be_v great_a cause_n for_o it_o and_o our_o obstinate_a perseverance_n in_o our_o sin_n against_o all_o other_o mean_n make_v correction_n necessary_a 2._o they_o have_v so_o little_a reason_n to_o fret_v and_o murmur_v against_o god_n for_o correct_v they_o that_o they_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o his_o care_n of_o they_o and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o
sinner_n it_o make_v man_n serious_a it_o call_v in_o their_o mind_n from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n thereof_o and_o make_v they_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o and_o consider_v 2._o affliction_n bring_v man_n to_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o further_o step_v towards_o their_o reclaim_n the_o affliction_n which_o god_n lay_v upon_o a_o man_n be_v ofttimes_o such_o as_o to_o its_o kind_a nature_n and_o circumstance_n that_o it_o evident_o point_v at_o a_o man_n sin_n and_o plain_o show_v the_o sinner_n what_o the_o sin_n be_v which_o god_n correct_v he_o for_o to_o make_v man_n see_v and_o discern_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o better_a to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n god_n often_o as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o sin_n upon_o the_o punishment_n and_o that_o in_o such_o fair_a and_o legible_a character_n as_o that_o all_o may_v read_v it_o especial_o the_o sinner_n himself_o who_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o so_o can_v best_o discern_v how_o exact_o god_n suit_n the_o punishment_n thereunto_o a_o most_o famous_a and_o remarkable_a instance_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o adonibezek_n 7._o judg._n 1.6_o 7._o who_o have_v cut_v off_o the_o thumb_n and_o great_a toe_n of_o threescore_o and_o ten_o king_n have_v at_o length_n his_o own_o thumb_n and_o great_a toe_n cut_v off_o which_o make_v he_o acknowledge_v the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n herein_o say_v as_o i_o have_v do_v so_o god_n have_v requite_v i_o but_o though_o affliction_n be_v not_o such_o as_o evident_o point_v at_o the_o sin_n and_o present_o make_v man_n see_v it_o and_o acknowledge_v it_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o yet_o do_v they_o conduce_v to_o the_o bring_n of_o we_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o sin_n divers_a way_n one_a affliction_n make_v man_n sensible_a of_o god_n displeasure_n when_o they_o be_v afflict_v they_o apprehend_v god_n to_o be_v angry_a with_o they_o though_o perhaps_o they_o can_v see_v what_o it_o be_v by_o which_o they_o have_v provoke_v he_o they_o say_v within_o themselves_o sure_o god_n be_v much_o displease_v with_o we_o or_o else_o such_o or_o such_o a_o affliction_n have_v never_o befall_v we_o 2_o this_o make_v they_o search_v and_o inquire_v after_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o affliction_n the_o sin_n by_o which_o god_n have_v be_v so_o much_o provoke_v to_o displeasure_n against_o they_o this_o be_v a_o work_n that_o man_n take_v little_a content_a in_o it_o be_v a_o work_n which_o they_o be_v most_o averse_a from_o man_n care_v not_o how_o little_a and_o how_o seldom_o they_o look_v into_o themselves_o they_o have_v much_o rather_o be_v abroad_o than_o at_o home_n but_o however_o affliction_n put_v they_o upon_o this_o unacceptable_a work_n search_v after_o their_o sin_n they_o will_v rather_o than_o still_o smart_a under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n that_o afflict_v they_o 3_o affliction_n make_v man_n willing_a to_o find_v out_o their_o sin_n and_o they_o make_v they_o search_v after_o their_o sin_n as_o those_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o find_v they_o man_n feel_v the_o smart_n of_o the_o rod_n and_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v free_v from_o it_o and_o to_o be_v at_o ease_n will_v search_v after_o their_o sin_n narrow_o and_o diligent_o they_o will_v search_v after_o they_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v in_o another_o case_n they_o will_v search_v after_o they_o with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o find_v they_o and_o never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o they_o do_v find_v they_o because_o they_o know_v till_o then_o they_o may_v not_o hope_v to_o be_v free_v from_o their_o affliction_n 4thly_a affliction_n do_v also_o open_v man_n eye_n to_o see_v that_o which_o before_o they_o can_v not_o or_o will_v not_o see_v man_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o see_v their_o sin_n they_o willing_o overlook_v they_o or_o close_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v not_o see_v they_o but_o affliction_n make_v they_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v those_o their_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o they_o will_v never_o be_v convince_v of_o or_o acknowledge_v till_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o they_o the_o child_n that_o be_v correct_v will_v confess_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o fault_n under_o the_o rod_n which_o he_o will_v never_o own_v or_o acknowledge_v before_o 24.4_o 2_o sam._n 24.4_o when_o david_n command_v the_o people_n to_o be_v number_v he_o see_v not_o or_o will_v not_o see_v the_o evil_a of_o that_o action_n though_o joab_n and_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n see_v it_o and_o utter_o dislike_v the_o thing_n and_o as_o for_o joab_n though_o he_o be_v none_o of_o the_o best_a man_n otherwise_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o 21.6_o 1_o chron._n 21.6_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o king_n be_v abominable_a to_o he_o but_o whatever_o joab_n and_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n think_v of_o this_o action_n david_n be_v resolute_a and_o will_v have_v it_o do_v and_o his_o word_n prevail_v against_o joab_n and_o against_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o place_n beforementioned_a thus_o far_o david_n will_v not_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o his_o command_v the_o people_n to_o be_v number_v but_o afterward_o when_o his_o heart_n have_v smite_v he_o and_o especial_o after_o that_o seventy_o thousand_o of_o his_o people_n have_v be_v sweep_v away_o by_o the_o pestilence_n 10._o ver._n 10._o than_o he_o see_v his_o miscarriage_n and_o cry_v out_o i_o have_v sin_v and_o i_o have_v do_v wicked_o 17._o ver._n 17._o but_o these_o sheep_n what_o have_v they_o do_v let_v thy_o hand_n be_v against_o i_o and_o against_o my_o father_n house_n thus_o we_o have_v see_v how_o affliction_n be_v mean_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o how_o many_o way_n they_o conduce_v thereunto_o 3._o by_o affliction_n man_n come_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o evil_a the_o heinous_a nature_n and_o danger_n of_o sin_n before_o the_o sinner_n be_v afflict_v he_o make_v light_a of_o sin_n he_o think_v there_o be_v no_o great_a evil_a or_o danger_n in_o those_o sin_n which_o he_o indulge_v himself_o in_o but_o when_o god_n severe_o correct_v he_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o look_v upon_o as_o small_a matter_n and_o very_o pardonable_a offence_n such_o venial_a sin_n as_o he_o think_v no_o man_n need_v question_n but_o that_o they_o be_v pardon_v in_o course_n and_o remit_v as_o often_o and_o as_o easy_o as_o commit_v i_o say_v when_o god_n severe_o correct_v he_o for_o those_o thing_n than_o he_o begin_v to_o have_v other_o thought_n of_o they_o then_o he_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v much_o more_o evil_a and_o malignity_n in_o they_o than_o he_o be_v aware_a of_o then_o he_o begin_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n of_o allow_v himself_o in_o they_o thus_o by_o affliction_n god_n rectify_v his_o judgement_n and_o correct_v his_o error_n and_o mistake_v about_o the_o nature_n and_o danger_n of_o sin_n the_o unclean_a person_n as_o long_o as_o he_o escape_v unpunished_a be_v apt_a to_o think_v he_o may_v safe_o enough_o gratify_v his_o lust_n by_o addict_v himself_o to_o that_o abominable_a sin_n but_o when_o he_o feel_v that_o his_o bone_n be_v full_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o youth_n when_o he_o have_v bring_v upon_o himself_o those_o infirmity_n and_o disease_n those_o exquisite_a and_o torment_a pain_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a attendant_n and_o proper_a fruit_n of_o that_o sin_n then_o he_o begin_v to_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v much_o more_o evil_a and_o danger_n in_o that_o sin_n than_o he_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o so_o the_o drunkard_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v there_o be_v little_a evil_n or_o danger_n in_o that_o excess_n which_o he_o often_o indulge_v himself_o in_o but_o when_o he_o find_v that_o he_o have_v thereby_o ruin_v himself_o and_o his_o distress_a family_n that_o he_o have_v bring_v both_o himself_o and_o such_o as_o depend_v on_o he_o to_o a_o morsel_n of_o bread_n and_o moreover_o that_o he_o have_v overthrow_v the_o state_n of_o his_o body_n impair_v his_o health_n waste_v his_o strength_n treasure_v up_o in_o his_o decline_a and_o half-rotten_a carcase_n matter_n for_o all_o manner_n of_o disease_n almost_o extinguish_v natural_a heat_n and_o even_o drown_v nature_n by_o the_o continual_a dropping_n of_o his_o excess_n and_o by_o all_o this_o bring_v himself_o to_o the_o brink_n of_o the_o pit_n then_o at_o length_n he_o become_v sensible_a of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o the_o woeful_a consequent_n of_o his_o intemperate_a course_n then_o he_o cry_v out_o against_o himself_o that_o he_o shall_v ever_o be_v such_o a_o beast_n as_o he_o have_v be_v that_o he_o shall_v by_o his_o excess_n ruin_v his_o family_n and_o destroy_v
take_v off_o our_o heart_n from_o sin_n and_o make_v we_o willing_a to_o leave_v it_o how_o shall_v it_o humble_v and_o abase_v we_o and_o cause_v we_o even_o to_o loathe_v ourselves_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v such_o wicked_a and_o vile_a nature_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o disingenuous_a and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o curse_a league_n between_o we_o and_o sin_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v so_o much_o kindness_n and_o entire_a friendship_n and_o affection_n for_o sin_n which_o be_v most_o odious_a to_o god_n and_o most_o destructive_a to_o our_o own_o soul_n use_v 2._o if_o affliction_n will_v work_v upon_o man_n and_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o return_v to_o god_n from_o who_o they_o have_v go_v astray_o when_o all_o other_o mean_n be_v ineffectual_a this_o shall_v reconcile_v we_o to_o affliction_n and_o make_v we_o willing_a to_o submit_v to_o that_o spiritual_a discipline_n which_o the_o most_o wise_a god_n think_v fit_a to_o train_v we_o up_o under_o for_o our_o good_n why_o shall_v you_o murmur_v and_o fret_v against_o the_o lord_n when_o his_o chastn_n hand_n be_v upon_o you_o why_o shall_v your_o heart_n rise_v against_o that_o wholesome_a and_o necessary_a severity_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o for_o reclaim_v you_o be_v there_o not_o a_o cause_n do_v he_o not_o see_v that_o nothing_o else_o will_v prevail_v with_o you_o what_o will_v you_o have_v he_o do_v will_v you_o have_v he_o let_v you_o alone_o and_o suffer_v you_o to_o perish_v in_o your_o sin_n be_v not_o so_o in_o love_n with_o your_o present_a east_n as_o to_o be_v unwilling_a to_o suffer_v a_o little_a here_o to_o prevent_v your_o suffering_n eternal_o in_o another_o world_n be_v not_o so_o fond_o foolish_o irrational_o and_o mad_o in_o love_n with_o sin_n as_o to_o be_v averse_a from_o undergo_a any_o thing_n whereby_o you_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o it_o have_v not_o such_o mean_a low_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o the_o great_a and_o inestimable_a mercy_n of_o be_v reduce_v from_o the_o error_n of_o your_o way_n and_o bring_v home_o unto_o god_n as_o to_o think_v much_o of_o any_o severity_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v effect_v certain_o if_o you_o judge_v sin_n to_o be_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o if_o you_o be_v real_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a happiness_n to_o be_v free_v from_o it_o and_o to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o you_o will_v not_o think_v any_o course_n harsh_a grievous_a and_o intolerable_a whereby_o it_o may_v be_v attain_v i_o now_o come_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n of_o what_o manasseh_n do_v in_o his_o affliction_n he_o beseech_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n and_o humble_v himself_o great_o before_o the_o god_n of_o his_o father_n and_o pray_v unto_o he_o in_o which_o word_n we_o be_v inform_v what_o manasseh_n do_v first_o in_o general_a term_n he_o beseech_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n and_o then_o we_o be_v more_o particular_o inform_v how_o he_o seek_v he_o namely_o by_o humiliation_n and_o prayer_n he_o humble_v himself_o great_o before_o the_o god_n of_o his_o father_n and_o he_o pray_v unto_o he_o concern_v the_o account_n in_o general_n of_o what_o manasseh_n do_v in_o those_o word_n he_o beseech_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o those_o general_a term_n but_o what_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n namely_o that_o he_o humble_v himself_o great_o before_o the_o god_n of_o his_o father_n and_o pray_v unto_o he_o first_o he_o humble_v himself_o great_o before_o the_o god_n of_o his_o father_n in_o which_o word_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n considerable_a that_o he_o humble_v himself_o that_o he_o humble_v himself_o great_o and_o that_o he_o humble_v himself_o great_o before_o the_o god_n of_o his_o father_n one_a he_o humble_v himself_o but_o when_o be_v it_o that_o he_o humble_v himself_o it_o be_v when_o god_n have_v first_o humble_v he_o and_o not_o till_o then_o when_o god_n have_v deliver_v he_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n when_o god_n have_v cause_v he_o to_o be_v carry_v away_o captive_a to_o babylon_n make_v he_o a_o prisoner_n and_o put_v he_o in_o durance_n there_o from_o whence_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o shall_v ever_o be_v release_v and_o set_v at_o liberty_n again_o whence_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o proud_a stubborn_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n will_v not_o humble_v themselves_o till_o god_n have_v humble_v they_o till_o by_o affliction_n he_o have_v take_v down_o their_o haughty_a spirit_n and_o lay_v they_o low_o wherefore_o you_o who_o turn_v the_o deaf_a ear_n to_o all_o god_n gracious_a call_n and_o invitation_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o all_o his_o severe_a denunciation_n of_o judgement_n will_v you_o prevent_v god_n humble_v you_o by_o those_o sharp_a and_o heavy_a affliction_n which_o will_v be_v very_o grievous_a to_o you_o then_o humble_a yourselves_o betimes_o before_o he_o take_v you_o in_o hand_n to_o humble_v you_o this_o be_v the_o best_a course_n or_o rather_o the_o only_a course_n that_o you_o can_v take_v for_o prevent_v god_n humble_v you_o 11.31_o 1_o cor._n 11.31_o for_o if_o we_o will_v judge_n ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v when_o manasseh_n lie_v under_o god_n afflict_a hand_n than_o he_o humble_v himself_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a season_n for_o humiliation_n for_o 1._o then_o if_o ever_o we_o see_v our_o sin_n our_o affliction_n open_v our_o eye_n make_v we_o look_v about_o we_o and_o help_v we_o to_o discover_v those_o our_o miscarriage_n which_o before_o we_o will_v not_o own_v nor_o take_v notice_n of_o 2._o then_o the_o heart_n be_v soften_v and_o touch_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o sin_n 3._o then_o also_o the_o sinner_n begin_v to_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o god_n displeasure_n against_o he_o for_o his_o sin_n by_o the_o affliction_n which_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n have_v lay_v upon_o he_o he_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o he_o which_o he_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o sensible_a of_o before_o he_o be_v afflict_v now_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o a_o little_a further_o our_o humiliation_n use_v let_v we_o therefore_o when_o affliction_n come_v upon_o we_o improve_v that_o season_n for_o our_o humiliation_n else_o all_o those_o advantage_n will_v be_v lose_v now_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o we_o be_v to_o be_v active_a in_o humble_v ourselves_o i_o answer_v 1._o by_o make_v diligent_a search_n after_o our_o sin_n by_o labour_v to_o find_v they_o out_o and_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o they_o and_o this_o be_v no_o easy_a work_n consider_v our_o natural_a blindness_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n our_o unwillingness_n to_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o ourselves_o our_o partiality_n to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o aptness_n to_o overlook_v our_o sin_n 2._o by_o use_v our_o best_a endeavour_n to_o affect_v our_o heart_n with_o our_o sin_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n quality_n and_o aggravation_n of_o our_o sin_n as_o also_o of_o the_o extreme_a danger_n attend_v they_o and_o of_o the_o dismal_a consequent_n of_o sin_n unrepented_a of_o and_o the_o most_o fearful_a and_o eternal_a wrath_n of_o god_n which_o it_o unavoidable_o expose_v the_o sinner_n unto_o 3._o by_o humble_a and_o affectionate_a confession_n of_o our_o sin_n unto_o god_n with_o our_o most_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a supplication_n to_o he_o for_o the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o they_o 4._o by_o judge_v ourselves_o for_o they_o and_o by_o pass_a sentence_n against_o ourselves_o as_o those_o who_o have_v by_o our_o provocation_n deserve_v to_o be_v disow_v and_o cast_v off_o for_o ever_o and_o to_o be_v make_v the_o miserable_a object_n of_o god_n fierce_a indignation_n to_o eternity_n 5._o by_o take_v up_o the_o most_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a resolution_n to_o cast_v off_o all_o our_o transgression_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o as_o far_o as_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o enable_v we_o never_o to_o return_v to_o folly_n any_o more_o now_o follow_v the_o second_o particular_a he_o humble_v himself_o great_o as_o he_o have_v be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o most_o heinous_a sinner_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v far_o observe_v that_o our_o humiliation_n must_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o our_o sin_n a_o little_a slight_a humiliation_n for_o great_a and_o grievous_a sin_n be_v in_o god_n account_n next_o to_o no_o humiliation_n at_o all_o let_v not_o therefore_o such_o as_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o great_a and_o horrid_a sin_n think_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o they_o to_o have_v hang_v down_o their_o head_n as_o
their_o affliction_n they_o will_v seek_v i_o early_o thus_o do_v god_n people_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o affliction_n 26.16_o isa_n 26.16_o lord_n say_v the_o prophet_n in_o trouble_v they_o have_v visit_v thou_o they_o pour_v out_o a_o prayer_n when_o thy_o chastn_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o divers_a reason_n there_o be_v why_o all_o god_n people_n shall_v in_o their_o affliction_n betake_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n as_o 1._o all_o affliction_n come_v from_o god_n i_o form_n light_n say_v he_o 45.7_o isa_n 45.7_o and_o create_v darkness_n i_o make_v peace_n and_o create_v evil_a i_o the_o lord_n do_v all_o these_o thing_n shall_v there_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o city_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o do_v it_o amos_n 3.6_o which_o word_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o affliction_n and_o punishment_n not_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n that_o be_v a_o evil_a whereof_o god_n who_o be_v perfect_o and_o infinite_o good_a can_v never_o be_v the_o author_n man_n may_v be_v instrument_n in_o our_o suffering_n they_o may_v be_v actor_n in_o subject_v we_o to_o affliction_n and_o in_o bring_v such_o evil_n upon_o we_o but_o it_o be_v god_n that_o employ_v they_o and_o make_v use_v of_o they_o to_o chasten_v his_o people_n for_o their_o sin_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o psalmist_n intend_v when_o he_o call_v wicked_a man_n god_n sword_n 17.13_o psal_n 17.13_o deliver_v my_o soul_n from_o the_o wicked_a say_v he_o which_o be_v thy_o sword_n the_o sword_n wherewith_o he_o thrust_v at_o wound_n and_o pierce_v chasten_v and_o correct_v his_o people_n when_o they_o have_v by_o their_o provocation_n incur_v his_o displeasure_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_v it_o be_v that_o he_o call_v assyria_n the_o rod_n of_o his_o anger_n 10.5_o isa_n 10.5_o and_o the_o staff_n in_o their_o hand_n his_o indignation_n that_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o his_o indignation_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n hence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o he_o call_v the_o babylonian_n his_v battle-axe_n 51.20_o jer._n 51.20_o and_o weapon_n of_o war_n with_o which_o he_o break_v in_o piece_n the_o nation_n and_o destroy_v kingdom_n 2._o because_o god_n only_o can_v remove_v those_o affliction_n from_o his_o people_n which_o his_o hand_n have_v lay_v upon_o they_o this_o god_n assume_v to_o himself_o as_o his_o own_o prerogative_n 32.39_o deut._n 32.39_o i_o kill_v say_v he_o and_o i_o make_v alive_a i_o wound_v and_o i_o heal_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o that_o can_v deliver_v out_o of_o my_o hand_n to_o the_o same_o effect_n be_v that_o passage_n in_o the_o song_n of_o hannah_n where_o she_o say_v 2.6_o 1_o sam._n 2.6_o the_o lord_n kill_v and_o make_v alive_a he_o bring_v down_o to_o the_o grave_a and_o bring_v up_o and_o that_o of_o psal_n 68.20_o unto_o god_n the_o lord_n belong_v the_o issue_n from_o death_n hence_o god_n himself_o complain_v of_o man_n neglect_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o he_o by_o prayer_n in_o their_o affliction_n who_o alone_o can_v relieve_v they_o by_o remove_v his_o afflict_a hand_n from_o they_o say_v 9.13_o jer._n 9.13_o the_o people_n turn_v not_o to_o he_o that_o smite_v they_o neither_o do_v they_o seek_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n 3._o our_o neglect_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n in_o our_o affliction_n blast_v all_o other_o mean_n which_o we_o make_v use_v of_o for_o our_o relief_n no_o question_n can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o but_o that_o ahaziah_n have_v take_v a_o dangerous_a fall_n from_o a_o lattice_n make_v use_v of_o all_o the_o best_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v have_v for_o his_o cure_n but_o because_o in_o that_o his_o affliction_n he_o seek_v not_o unto_o the_o true_a god_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n for_o heal_v but_o unto_o the_o god_n of_o ekron_n the_o prophet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o come_v down_o from_o that_o bed_n on_o which_o he_o have_v go_v up_o 1.4_o 2_o king_n 1.4_o but_o shall_v sure_o die_v as_o according_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o issue_n wherefore_o this_o be_v note_v as_o a_o great_a miscarriage_n in_o asa_n though_o otherwise_o a_o good_a man_n that_o in_o his_o disease_n 16.12_o 2_o chron._n 16.12_o even_o when_o it_o be_v very_o grievous_a he_o seek_v unto_o the_o physician_n and_o not_o unto_o god_n 4._o it_o concern_v we_o in_o our_o affliction_n to_o seek_v unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a need_n we_o have_v of_o his_o help_n and_o assistance_n many_o other_o way_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o affliction_n as_o one_a to_o teach_v we_o his_o meaning_n in_o those_o affliction_n with_o which_o he_o exercise_v we_o what_o he_o design_n in_o they_o and_o what_o at_o such_o a_o time_n he_o expect_v from_o we_o 2_o to_o sanctify_v affliction_n to_o we_o and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o improve_v they_o to_o our_o spiritual_a advantage_n 3_o to_o support_v we_o under_o our_o affliction_n 4thly_a to_o give_v we_o patience_n under_o his_o afflict_a hand_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o murmur_a repine_a discontent_n fret_v against_o god_n and_o all_o other_o sinful_a distemper_n which_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o evil_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n we_o be_v subject_a unto_o in_o our_o affliction_n these_o particular_n i_o have_v only_o mention_v leave_v it_o to_o every_o man_n to_o enlarge_v on_o they_o in_o his_o private_a meditation_n as_o he_o shall_v see_v cause_n use_v see_v we_o be_v upon_o so_o many_o consideration_n oblige_v and_o high_o concern_v to_o seek_v unto_o god_n in_o our_o affliction_n let_v we_o all_o be_v caution_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o neglect_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n while_o god_n afflict_a hand_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o when_o if_o ever_o this_o duty_n be_v both_o most_o seasonable_a and_o most_o necessary_a as_o soon_o as_o ever_o any_o affliction_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n begin_v to_o light_v on_o we_o let_v we_o immediate_o betake_v ourselves_o unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n let_v this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n we_o do_v and_o let_v we_o never_o think_v of_o make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o our_o relief_n till_o this_o be_v do_v neither_o let_v we_o rest_v here_o but_o let_v we_o continue_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v as_o long_o as_o god_n think_v good_a to_o continue_v his_o afflict_a hand_n upon_o we_o and_o we_o thus_o do_v with_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n we_o need_v not_o question_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o good_a issue_n out_o of_o our_o affliction_n whatever_o they_o be_v in_o god_n appoint_a time_n but_o in_o all_o our_o affliction_n let_v we_o not_o only_o pray_v but_o labour_v to_o be_v sound_o humble_v for_o our_o sin_n which_o have_v be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o suffering_n let_v we_o earnest_o beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o they_o and_o strength_n against_o they_o for_o the_o future_a this_o be_v the_o best_a course_n that_o we_o can_v take_v in_o our_o affliction_n and_o the_o only_a course_n that_o can_v give_v we_o any_o security_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o due_a time_n deliver_v out_o of_o our_o affliction_n and_o be_v deliver_v with_o such_o advantage_n to_o our_o soul_n as_o shall_v give_v we_o just_a cause_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o have_v be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o have_v be_v afflict_v and_o that_o god_n have_v in_o faithfulness_n chasten_v we_o as_o david_n after_o his_o affliction_n profess_a and_o acknowledge_v psal_n 119.75_o now_o follow_v the_o five_o particular_a namely_o the_o issue_n of_o manasseh_n prayer_n god_n be_v entreat_v of_o he_o and_o hear_v his_o supplication_n and_o bring_v he_o again_o to_o jerusalem_n into_o his_o kingdom_n then_o manasseh_n know_v that_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n most_o sad_a and_o doleful_a be_v the_o condition_n of_o manasseh_n while_o he_o be_v a_o captive_n in_o babylon_n he_o be_v bind_v with_o chain_n and_o fetter_v with_o iron_n he_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o dark_a and_o uncomfortable_a vault_n and_o cloister_n of_o a_o prison_n and_o though_o perhaps_o in_o regard_n that_o he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o prisoner_n but_o a_o king_n he_o may_v have_v better_a accommodation_n than_o many_o other_o yet_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o he_o have_v small_a or_o no_o hope_n of_o be_v ever_o release_v or_o set_v at_o liberty_n again_o and_o which_o be_v the_o height_n of_o his_o misery_n he_o have_v no_o security_n for_o his_o life_n but_o be_v perpetual_o in_o danger_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n under_o fear_n of_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o prison_n and_o bring_v to_o execution_n every_o day_n and_o every_o hour_n this_o be_v his_o dismal_a
nothing_o again_o if_o he_o please_v so_o continue_v it_o in_o be_v he_o may_v lay_v any_o such_o pain_n or_o anguish_n upon_o it_o without_o relation_n to_o sin_n we_o see_v what_o anguish_n the_o unreasonable_a creature_n endure_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o sin_n and_o why_o may_v not_o god_n inflict_v the_o like_a on_o any_o rational_a creature_n though_o no_o sin_n have_v occasion_v it_o or_o make_v way_n for_o it_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o may_v not_o for_o even_o a_o innocent_a creature_n be_v a_o creature_n however_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o creator_n from_o who_o it_o receive_v its_o be_v it_o be_v true_a such_o evil_n can_v not_o then_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o punishment_n because_o punishment_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v relation_n to_o sin_n but_o yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o injustice_n in_o such_o a_o dispensation_n no_o more_o than_o when_o by_o many_o torment_a and_o linger_a pain_n god_n take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o brute_n beast_n who_o nature_n be_v not_o a_o subject_a capable_a of_o sin_n or_o moral_n evil._n now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o creature_n will_v have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o complain_v or_o murmur_v because_o no_o injury_n can_v possible_o be_v do_v it_o by_o god_n use_v that_o just_a and_o rightful_a power_n and_o dominion_n which_o he_o have_v over_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n whence_o we_o may_v thus_o argue_v to_o our_o present_a purpose_n if_o god_n absolute_a power_n over_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n be_v such_o as_o call_v for_o humble_a submission_n to_o his_o providence_n and_o silent_a bear_n of_o whatever_o he_o inflict_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v his_o justice_n strike_v we_o dumb_a and_o effectual_o restrain_v we_o from_o all_o murmur_a or_o mutter_v against_o he_o if_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o complain_v or_o murmur_v though_o we_o have_v no_o sin_n how_o much_o less_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o do_v it_o when_o we_o have_v so_o much_o upon_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n take_v up_o her_o resolution_n of_o patient_a submission_n to_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n 7.9_o micah_n 7.9_o i_o will_v bear_v the_o indignation_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o i_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o now_o i_o come_v to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v speak_v use_v 1_o let_v we_o in_o all_o our_o affliction_n observe_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o be_v humble_v for_o all_o the_o secret_a grudge_n and_o rise_n of_o our_o spirit_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o especial_o if_o the_o inward_a distemper_n of_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v at_o any_o time_n so_o great_a as_o to_o break_v forth_o and_o vent_v themselves_o in_o any_o unmeet_a language_n if_o our_o inward_a discontent_n and_o heartburning_n shall_v discover_v themselves_o by_o complain_v and_o murmur_v against_o god_n and_o by_o make_v such_o representation_n of_o he_o to_o other_o as_o if_o he_o have_v deal_v hardly_o with_o we_o and_o as_o if_o we_o may_v have_v expect_v other_o measure_n at_o his_o hand_n this_o be_v a_o miscarriage_n which_o we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o run_v into_o when_o our_o affliction_n be_v severe_a and_o last_a when_o they_o smart_v much_o and_o continue_v long_o but_o however_o it_o fare_v with_o we_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o our_o murmur_a against_o god_n be_v so_o great_a that_o no_o circumstance_n of_o our_o suffering_n can_v render_v it_o excusable_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v sufficient_o humble_v for_o it_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v the_o better_o discover_v the_o evil_a of_o it_o and_o see_v what_o reason_n there_o be_v why_o we_o shall_v be_v humble_v for_o it_o let_v we_o first_o look_v upon_o it_o in_o its_o cause_n and_o the_o root_n whence_o it_o spring_v then_o let_v we_o behold_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o consider_v it_o in_o its_o formal_a nature_n and_o last_o let_v we_o view_v it_o in_o its_o effect_n and_o consequent_n 1._o let_v we_o look_v upon_o it_o in_o its_o root_n we_o loath_a and_o abhor_v some_o thing_n the_o more_o when_o we_o know_v whence_o they_o be_v and_o what_o give_v birth_n to_o they_o the_o wicked_a offspring_n for_o the_o curse_a mother_n that_o bear_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o forth_o now_o the_o root_n of_o our_o murmur_a be_v our_o pride_n we_o have_v entertain_v too_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o ourselves_o we_o think_v we_o have_v deserve_v better_a thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o murmur_v and_o complain_v as_o if_o we_o be_v injure_v be_v we_o thorough_o sensible_a of_o our_o sinfulness_n be_v we_o convince_v that_o we_o be_v worthy_a of_o far_o sore_a evil_n than_o those_o which_o we_o groan_v under_o instead_o of_o murmur_a we_o will_v not_o only_o accept_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n as_o the_o phrase_n be_v levit._fw-la 26.41_o take_v in_o good_a part_n meek_o and_o patient_o bear_v whatsoever_o god_n lay_v on_o we_o but_o from_o our_o heart_n acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v merciful_o and_o kind_o deal_v with_o in_o that_o no_o more_o be_v inflict_v on_o we_o 2._o if_o we_o behold_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o consider_v the_o formal_a nature_n of_o it_o our_o murmur_a be_v in_o effect_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o degree_n of_o insurrection_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n as_o discontent_a subject_n or_o mutinous_a soldier_n sharpen_v their_o tongue_n against_o their_o prince_n or_o general_n and_o thereby_o heighten_v their_o own_o and_o other_o man_n discontent_n to_o dispose_v they_o to_o make_v resistance_n so_o when_o we_o murmur_v against_o god_n we_o set_v our_o mouth_n against_o heaven_n do_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o strengthen_v in_o ourselves_o and_o instil_v into_o other_o principle_n of_o disaffection_n against_o the_o high_a majesty_n and_o to_o withdraw_v they_o with_o who_o we_o converse_v from_o their_o obedience_n and_o loyalty_n 3._o let_v we_o view_v it_o in_o the_o effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o it_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o ease_v ourselves_o by_o murmur_v that_o it_o both_o increase_v and_o prolong_v our_o affliction_n one_a it_o increase_v they_o for_o our_o unquietness_n and_o stubborness_n under_o god_n hand_n provoke_v he_o to_o lay_v more_o load_n upon_o we_o that_o be_v all_o we_o gain_v by_o our_o untowardness_n as_o the_o child_n that_o struggle_v swell_v and_o murmur_n when_o he_o be_v correct_v do_v but_o thereby_o procure_v to_o himself_o the_o more_o stripe_n beside_o our_o fret_a and_o murmur_v do_v of_o itself_o make_v those_o our_o affliction_n much_o more_o grievous_a which_o may_v be_v undergo_v with_o ease_n if_o with_o humble_a silence_n and_o patience_n we_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o chastisement_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n 2_o it_o also_o prolong_v our_o affliction_n for_o our_o murmur_a divert_v we_o and_o take_v we_o off_o from_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o that_o course_n which_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v put_v a_o speedy_a end_n to_o our_o trouble_n and_o that_o be_v the_o course_n which_o we_o be_v put_v upon_o in_o the_o text_n namely_o a_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o a_o diligent_a search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o the_o sin_n which_o have_v procure_v our_o affliction_n and_o a_o turn_n from_o they_o unto_o god_n who_o we_o have_v forsake_v as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v take_v up_o in_o murmur_v this_o work_n be_v not_o mind_v and_o so_o our_o affliction_n be_v protract_v and_o draw_v out_o to_o a_o great_a length_n than_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v if_o in_o stead_n of_o murmur_v against_o god_n we_o have_v seasonable_o and_o narrow_o search_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o way_n find_v out_o our_o sin_n judge_v ourselves_o for_o they_o and_o forsake_v they_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o be_v humble_v for_o this_o sin_n but_o though_o in_o these_o respect_v all_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v humble_v yet_o have_v they_o most_o reason_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o murmur_v who_o have_v least_o reason_n to_o murmur_v such_o as_o be_v 1._o great_a and_o notorious_a sinner_n who_o offence_n and_o enormity_n have_v be_v such_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o suffer_v unless_o they_o be_v wilful_o blind_a or_o strange_o partial_a to_o themselves_o they_o must_v be_v enforce_v to_o confess_v that_o they_o suffer_v just_o shall_v they_o complain_v of_o hard_a measure_n who_o be_v so_o bad_a that_o no_o punishment_n be_v severe_a enough_o for_o they_o and_o yet_o these_o be_v ofttimes_o as_o ready_a to_o complain_v as_o any_o else_o 2._o those_o who_o have_v draw_v such_o affliction_n upon_o themselves_o as_o in_o which_o they_o may_v plain_o read_v their_o sin_n write_v in_o legible_a character_n
and_o reform_v than_o many_o time_n we_o discover_v more_o of_o the_o pride_n stubbornness_n and_o incorrigibleness_n of_o our_o heart_n than_o ever_o we_o do_v before_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o ephraim_n when_o god_n in_o order_n to_o his_o humiliation_n and_o reformation_n lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o he_o when_o i_o will_v have_v heal_v israel_n 7.1_o hosea_n 7.1_o than_o the_o iniquity_n of_o ephraim_n be_v discover_v 3._o though_o god_n correction_n have_v for_o the_o present_a put_v some_o little_a stop_n to_o your_o sin_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v afterward_o you_o quick_o return_v to_o they_o again_o and_o if_o we_o return_v to_o sin_n we_o need_v not_o count_v it_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v return_v to_o afflict_v we_o 4._o though_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o new_a provocation_n yet_o god_n may_v afflict_v we_o again_o for_o prevention_n he_o see_v the_o secret_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o your_o heart_n if_o there_o be_v but_o a_o readiness_n and_o preparation_n of_o heart_n to_o return_v to_o sin_n again_o upon_o any_o occasion_n or_o temptation_n offer_v god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n discern_v this_o evil_a frame_n thereof_o and_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o stop_v the_o break_n forth_o thereof_o by_o some_o affliction_n or_o other_o to_o be_v sure_a god_n never_o return_v to_o chasten_v and_o renew_v his_o witness_n against_o we_o but_o when_o there_o be_v need_n and_o therefore_o this_o we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o whensoever_o he_o take_v the_o rod_n again_o into_o his_o hand_n there_o be_v a_o cause_n whether_o we_o discern_v it_o or_o no._n wherefore_o if_o we_o must_v needs_o complain_v let_v we_o complain_v against_o ourselves_o let_v we_o complain_v of_o the_o desperate_a wickedness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o stubbornness_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n that_o call_v for_o so_o many_o blow_v let_v we_o complain_v of_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n within_o we_o that_o need_v so_o many_o affliction_n to_o break_v the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o subdue_v it_o let_v we_o complain_v that_o after_o we_o have_v suffer_v so_o much_o we_o shall_v still_o be_v so_o bad_a that_o so_o many_o rod_n must_v be_v wear_v out_o upon_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v little_a the_o better_a object_n 6._o but_o my_o affliction_n be_v such_o as_o i_o see_v not_o how_o they_o can_v ever_o do_v i_o any_o good_n if_o i_o see_v any_o probable_a ground_n of_o hope_n that_o they_o may_v prove_v beneficial_a to_o my_o soul_n and_o that_o i_o may_v be_v a_o gainer_n by_o they_o in_o the_o end_n than_o i_o think_v i_o can_v bear_v they_o more_o quiet_o but_o when_o i_o can_v discern_v no_o tendency_n that_o they_o have_v to_o my_o good_a how_o can_v i_o shuse_v but_o complain_v of_o my_o hard_a lot_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v more_o grievous_o afflict_v than_o many_o other_o in_o such_o way_n as_o from_o which_o no_o advantage_n can_v redound_v unto_o i_o answ_n 1._o if_o it_o shall_v so_o be_v as_o you_o apprehend_v that_o no_o benefit_n can_v accrue_v to_o you_o or_o be_v ever_o intend_v you_o by_o your_o affliction_n if_o god_n shall_v lay_v his_o hand_n on_o you_o mere_o because_o it_o please_v he_o so_o to_o deal_v with_o you_o if_o he_o have_v no_o other_o end_n in_o afflict_v you_o than_o only_o to_o use_v his_o sovereignty_n and_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o you_o yet_o in_o that_o case_n ought_v you_o quiet_o to_o submit_v you_o be_v his_o creature_n the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o he_o make_v you_o for_o himself_o 4.11_o prov._n 16.4_o rev._n 4.11_o for_o his_o pleasure_n you_o be_v and_o be_v create_v and_o have_v make_v you_o for_o himself_o and_o for_o his_o own_o pleasure_n have_v you_o any_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o wrong_n do_v you_o if_o he_o deal_v with_o you_o as_o he_o please_v what_o be_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v think_v to_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o all_o creature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o their_o creator_n and_o to_o be_v absolute_o at_o his_o disposal_n 2._o but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n god_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o afflict_v we_o mere_o to_o exercise_v his_o dominion_n over_o we_o he_o chasten_v we_o for_o our_o profit_n 12.10_o heb._n 12.10_o that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n this_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v his_o design_n in_o his_o chastisement_n and_o the_o assurance_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o hereof_o in_o the_o general_n shall_v quiet_v we_o even_o when_o we_o can_v discover_v the_o particular_a end_n of_o his_o correction_n for_o the_o present_a much_o less_o perceive_v wherein_o our_o affliction_n be_v advantageous_a to_o we_o 3._o whereas_o you_o say_v you_o see_v not_o how_o you_o can_v receive_v any_o benefit_n by_o your_o affliction_n why_o shall_v you_o make_v yourself_o wise_a than_o god_n do_v not_o he_o much_o better_o understand_v what_o course_n be_v fit_a to_o do_v you_o good_a than_o you_o do_v will_v you_o so_o disparage_v his_o wisdom_n as_o to_o say_v he_o take_v a_o wrong_a course_n and_o that_o unless_o he_o shall_v think_v of_o deal_n with_o you_o in_o another_o manner_n you_o shall_v never_o be_v the_o better_a for_o his_o chastisement_n if_o you_o grant_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a you_o must_v believe_v that_o the_o course_n which_o he_o take_v with_o you_o be_v best_a and_o shall_v not_o fail_v in_o the_o issue_n to_o procure_v unto_o you_o all_o that_o good_a which_o he_o intend_v you_o thereby_o 4._o what_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o be_v that_o your_o affliction_n shall_v already_o have_v do_v you_o much_o good_a though_o you_o discern_v it_o not_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o often_o be_v we_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o the_o benefit_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v and_o be_v still_o receive_v by_o our_o affliction_n be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n even_o they_o who_o most_o complain_v of_o the_o fruitlesness_n of_o their_o affliction_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o they_o rather_o than_o the_o better_a do_v many_o time_n by_o their_o very_a complaint_n discover_v the_o benefit_n which_o by_o their_o affliction_n they_o have_v receive_v their_o complaint_n show_v that_o since_o they_o have_v be_v afflict_v they_o have_v have_v a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o sin_n in_o themselves_o and_o of_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o of_o the_o obstinacy_n and_o rebellion_n of_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n they_o have_v never_o so_o clear_a a_o sight_n or_o so_o lively_a a_o sense_n of_o these_o thing_n neither_o do_v they_o ever_o so_o much_o take_v they_o to_o heart_n as_o since_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n have_v lie_v heavy_a on_o they_o now_o these_o be_v such_o evident_a and_o signal_n fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o affliction_n as_o aught_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v with_o all_o thankfulness_n 5._o so_o it_o be_v that_o ofttimes_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o most_o wise_a god_n for_o a_o while_n to_o conceal_v from_o we_o his_o intention_n in_o afflict_v we_o to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v thereby_o make_v we_o the_o more_o solicitous_a about_o his_o meaning_n therein_o and_o that_o he_o may_v quicken_v we_o to_o a_o more_o diligent_a enquiry_n and_o search_v after_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o affliction_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o earnest_o and_o importunate_o seek_v unto_o he_o and_o beg_v of_o he_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o show_v we_o why_o he_o contend_v with_o we_o and_o lay_v his_o afflict_a hand_n on_o we_o as_o also_o to_o help_v we_o to_o profit_v by_o our_o affliction_n wherefore_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o can_v discern_v god_n end_n in_o afflict_v we_o much_o less_o see_v that_o we_o profit_n by_o our_o affliction_n this_o shall_v awaken_v we_o and_o affect_v we_o so_o much_o the_o more_o this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o make_v a_o more_o narrow_a search_n after_o those_o sin_n by_o which_o we_o have_v incur_v god_n displeasure_n against_o we_o it_o shall_v incite_v we_o to_o pray_v the_o more_o that_o god_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o improve_v our_o affliction_n to_o those_o end_n for_o which_o god_n lay_v they_o on_o we_o this_o be_v the_o use_n that_o we_o shall_v make_v of_o it_o when_o we_o can_v neither_o perceive_v that_o our_o affliction_n do_v we_o any_o good_a nor_o understand_v why_o god_n afflict_v we_o and_o not_o present_o conclude_v that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v the_o better_a for_o our_o affliction_n 6._o the_o chief_a benefit_n to_o be_v attain_v by_o affliction_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v afterward_o rather_o than_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o lie_v under_o the_o chastning_n of_o god_n so_o much_o the_o apostle_n have_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v heb._n 12.11_o no_o
of_o god_n call_v the_o accept_n of_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n 26.41_o leu._n 26.41_o but_o if_o the_o sinner_n be_v not_o convince_v that_o he_o suffer_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o that_o his_o transgression_n have_v be_v the_o procurer_n of_o his_o affliction_n it_o can_v easy_o be_v but_o that_o his_o corrupt_a nature_n shall_v rebel_v against_o god_n and_o impatient_o rise_v up_o against_o his_o providence_n as_o unequal_a too_o rigorous_a &_o severe_a 2_o neither_o can_v a_o man_n profit_n by_o his_o affliction_n unless_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o his_o sin_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o that_o god_n strike_v at_o they_o in_o his_o suffering_n who_o can_v think_v himself_o concern_v to_o amend_v and_o reform_v that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o affliction_n which_o he_o never_o discern_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o nor_o can_v be_v convince_v that_o they_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o it_o but_o let_v a_o man_n once_o be_v thorough_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n against_o he_o for_o his_o particular_a sin_n and_o see_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o his_o affliction_n strike_v at_o those_o sin_n and_o then_o he_o will_v soon_o think_v himself_o high_o concern_v to_o rectify_v or_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o which_o have_v do_v he_o so_o much_o mischief_n he_o will_v think_v he_o can_v make_v too_o much_o haste_n to_o quit_v and_o be_v rid_v of_o that_o for_o which_o he_o sore_o smart_v already_o and_o may_v yet_o smart_v more_o unless_o by_o his_o speedy_a reformation_n he_o prevent_v it_o when_o god_n have_v send_v a_o plague_n among_o the_o israelite_n for_o their_o murmur_a moses_n be_v deep_o sensible_a of_o the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o god_n against_o they_o for_o that_o sin_n say_v to_o aaron_n 16.46_o numb_a 16.46_o take_v a_o censer_n and_o put_v fire_n therein_o from_o off_o the_o altar_n and_o put_v on_o incense_n and_o go_v quick_o unto_o the_o congregation_n and_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o they_o for_o there_o be_v wrath_n go_v out_o from_o the_o lord_n the_o plague_n be_v begin_v go_v quick_o say_v he_o for_o wrath_n be_v go_v out_o from_o the_o lord_n a_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n in_o your_o affliction_n for_o your_o sin_n will_v speed_v and_o quicken_v your_o endeavour_n to_o make_v your_o peace_n with_o god_n by_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o his_o correction_n 3_o neither_o can_v you_o rational_o expect_v to_o be_v free_v from_o your_o affliction_n in_o a_o way_n of_o mercy_n until_o they_o bring_v you_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o your_o sin_n and_o you_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n for_o till_o that_o be_v do_v upon_o you_o your_o affliction_n be_v whole_o fruitless_a as_o have_v do_v no_o part_n of_o that_o work_n for_o effect_v of_o which_o god_n send_v they_o to_o understand_v why_o you_o be_v afflict_v and_o to_o see_v the_o sin_n which_o god_n strike_v at_o in_o your_o affliction_n be_v the_o first_o step_v towards_o god_n attain_v his_o end_n in_o afflict_v you_o if_o this_o be_v not_o do_v upon_o you_o nothing_o be_v do_v and_o therefore_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o removal_n of_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o make_v way_n for_o some_o other_o more_o smart_a rod_n which_o may_v effectual_o work_v that_o in_o you_o which_o god_n intend_v but_o though_o in_o these_o respect_v it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o see_v and_o own_v our_o sin_n as_o the_o cause_n and_o procurer_n of_o our_o suffering_n yet_o to_o do_v it_o be_v as_o difficult_a as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o such_o be_v the_o pride_n and_o stubbornness_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o be_v not_o easy_o bring_v to_o take_v shame_n to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o own_o particular_a sin_n to_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o suffering_n say_v to_o ourselves_o as_o god_n say_v to_o jerusalem_n 4.18_o jer._n 4.18_o thy_o way_n and_o thy_o do_n have_v procure_v these_o thing_n unto_o thou_o we_o be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o acknowledge_v our_o own_o gild_n and_o will_v much_o rather_o lay_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o suffering_n at_o any_o other_o door_n than_o our_o own_o and_o this_o we_o be_v especial_o apt_a to_o do_v in_o public_a and_o common_a calamity_n these_o we_o ascribe_v 1._o to_o chance_n or_o common_a providence_n in_o which_o we_o do_v not_o think_v ourselves_o particular_o touch_v or_o concern_v 2._o to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o some_o malicious_a and_o mischievous_a instrument_n that_o be_v the_o contriver_n and_o causer_n of_o our_o suffering_n 3._o to_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o the_o provocation_n of_o such_o and_o such_o profligate_v and_o abominable_a person_n draw_v down_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o place_n and_o not_o our_o own_o offence_n as_o for_o ourselves_o we_o suffer_v only_o in_o the_o crowd_n and_o because_o we_o be_v find_v among_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v or_o 4._o if_o we_o acknowledge_v our_o sin_n in_o the_o general_a to_o have_v be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o suffering_n yet_o we_o descend_v not_o to_o particular_n we_o charge_v not_o ourselves_o with_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n for_o which_o god_n have_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o and_o so_o our_o own_v our_o sin_n only_o in_o general_a as_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o suffering_n be_v but_o a_o formal_a thing_n with_o which_o we_o be_v little_o affect_v it_o be_v little_a better_o than_o if_o we_o have_v say_v we_o believe_v indeed_o that_o we_o have_v deserve_v all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o but_o we_o know_v not_o how_o nor_o wherein_o ezra_n no_o doubt_n go_v a_o great_a deal_n further_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o most_o passionate_a confession_n a_o eye_n upon_o the_o particular_a sin_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v in_o babylon_n we_o may_v be_v sure_o they_o be_v not_o generality_n only_o that_o so_o deep_o affect_v he_o he_o have_v upon_o his_o heart_n the_o particular_a instance_n of_o their_o vile_a provocation_n together_o with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o and_o so_o must_v we_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o god_n terrible_a providence_n as_o we_o ought_v and_o to_o take_v they_o to_o heart_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n though_o what_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v concern_v we_o all_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v those_o among_o we_o who_o may_v think_v themselves_o very_o little_o concern_v therein_o 1._o those_o who_o though_o they_o have_v be_v sufferer_n together_o with_o other_o yet_o have_v be_v free_a from_o all_o those_o foul_a and_o enormous_a offence_n and_o high_a provocation_n which_o many_o other_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o possible_o over_o and_o above_o their_o be_v free_a from_o the_o gild_n and_o stain_v of_o foul_a sin_n they_o have_v be_v such_o as_o have_v make_v a_o strict_a profession_n of_o religion_n than_o most_o other_o these_o person_n may_v be_v very_o inclinable_a to_o think_v that_o god_n do_v not_o particular_o intend_v the_o correct_v of_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n in_o the_o common_a judgement_n that_o light_v upon_o the_o place_n but_o that_o they_o suffer_v rather_o upon_o their_o neighbour_n account_v than_o their_o own_o 2._o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n perhaps_o may_v they_o be_v tempt_v to_o be_v who_o seem_v even_o as_o to_o outward_a thing_n to_o have_v gain_v by_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o be_v in_o a_o better_a condition_n as_o to_o trade_n than_o they_o be_v in_o before_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o such_o if_o any_o such_o be_v to_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o a_o pleasant_a dream_n that_o god_n only_o empty_v they_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v fill_v they_o full_a than_o they_o be_v before_o and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o other_o design_n in_o pull_v down_o their_o house_n than_o that_o he_o may_v build_v they_o up_o fair_a but_o let_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o deceive_v themselves_o they_o will_v but_o flatter_v themselves_o if_o they_o shall_v think_v that_o god_n do_v not_o aim_v at_o their_o sin_n in_o his_o severe_a providence_n as_o well_o as_o at_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o neighbour_n as_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o though_o they_o may_v have_v be_v free_a from_o the_o foul_a abomination_n and_o cry_a sin_n of_o the_o place_n and_o though_o they_o may_v have_v make_v a_o strict_a and_o high_a profession_n of_o religion_n yet_o even_o such_o may_v have_v be_v taint_v with_o the_o pollution_n of_o many_o sin_n which_o may_v have_v have_v no_o small_a influence_n in_o procure_v the_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o town_n and_o their_o sin_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o near_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o strict_a profession_n
may_v have_v reflect_v more_o dishonour_n upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n than_o many_o of_o those_o sin_n in_o other_o which_o have_v otherwise_o have_v much_o more_o flagitiousness_n and_o enormity_n in_o they_o and_o as_o for_o the_o latter_a sort_n who_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v gain_v by_o their_o loss_n if_o that_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o any_o among_o we_o let_v they_o not_o be_v too_o forward_o thence_o to_o conclude_v their_o innocency_n god_n may_v pull_v down_o in_o anger_n and_o wound_n in_o high_a displeasure_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v his_o admirable_a goodness_n and_o compassion_n that_o he_o may_v anon_o repent_v he_o of_o the_o evil_n which_o he_o have_v for_o our_o sin_n most_o just_o bring_v upon_o we_o and_o with_o advantage_n rebuild_v what_o he_o have_v pull_v down_o and_o so_o full_o heal_v the_o wound_n that_o he_o have_v make_v as_o to_o leave_v we_o in_o a_o better_a condition_n of_o health_n and_o strength_n than_o he_o find_v we_o in_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n foretell_v the_o return_n of_o the_o israelite_n from_o babylon_n and_o their_o re-establishment_n in_o their_o own_o land_n promise_v to_o settle_v they_o after_o their_o old_a estate_n and_o to_o do_v better_o unto_o they_o than_o at_o their_o beginning_n 36.11_o ezek._n 36.11_o now_o what_o think_v you_o may_v they_o when_o god_n have_v make_v good_a this_o promise_n thence_o infer_v that_o god_n be_v never_o angry_a with_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o their_o suffering_n in_o babylon_n be_v never_o intend_v as_o their_o punishment_n their_o case_n may_v be_v you_o god_n have_v it_o may_v be_v since_o the_o fire_n deal_v better_o with_o you_o than_o at_o the_o beginning_n you_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n perhaps_o in_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o former_o perhaps_o your_o trade_n be_v double_v will_v you_o therefore_o now_o wipe_v your_o mouth_n and_o say_v you_o be_v innocent_a you_o never_o offend_v god_n so_o as_o to_o have_v have_v any_o hand_n in_o procure_v his_o judgement_n to_o be_v pour_v out_o upon_o this_o place_n far_o be_v it_o from_o you_o to_o draw_v such_o a_o proud_a conclusion_n from_o god_n gracious_a providence_n towards_o you_o though_o god_n have_v not_o only_o build_v you_o up_o again_o but_o adorn_v and_o beautify_v you_o and_o advance_v you_o to_o a_o more_o splendid_a condition_n than_o before_o yet_o cease_v not_o you_o still_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o give_v glory_n to_o the_o righteous_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o pull_v you_o down_o and_o empty_v you_o amid_o all_o your_o present_a mercy_n and_o advantage_n be_v you_o still_o find_v put_v your_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n loathe_v and_o abhor_v yourselves_o for_o your_o evil_a way_n and_o from_o your_o heart_n profess_v that_o as_o you_o be_v most_o just_o pluck_v down_o so_o you_o may_v still_o as_o just_o have_v lie_v in_o ruin_n and_o ash_n and_o have_v be_v make_v perpetual_a desolation_n as_o god_n once_o threaten_v the_o land_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n 25.12_o jer._n 25.12_o a_o place_n never_o to_o be_v inhabit_v any_o more_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o second_o thing_n observable_a from_o this_o first_o aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n the_o three_o particular_a thence_o observable_a be_v that_o to_o return_v to_o sin_n after_o we_o have_v be_v severe_o punish_v for_o it_o and_o grievous_o smart_v for_o it_o do_v much_o heighten_v our_o sin_n and_o render_v it_o much_o more_o provoke_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n this_o be_v clear_o imply_v in_o the_o form_n of_o speech_n which_o ezra_n use_v after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o for_o our_o great_a trespass_n shall_v we_o again_o break_v thy_o commandment_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v this_o be_v a_o provocation_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n far_o be_v it_o from_o any_o of_o we_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o there_o be_v these_o three_o thing_n that_o greaten_v and_o aggravate_v our_o sin_n commit_v against_o god_n and_o notwithstanding_o former_a great_a severity_n against_o those_o our_o sin_n 1._o to_o sin_v again_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n after_o that_o we_o have_v grievous_o smart_v for_o sin_n argue_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o hardness_n of_o heart_n the_o scall_v child_n dread_v the_o fire_n and_o the_o very_a bruit_n beast_n be_v afraid_a of_o meddle_v with_o that_o for_o which_o they_o have_v be_v sound_o beat_v and_o be_v there_o any_o tenderness_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n he_o will_v not_o again_o easy_o be_v draw_v to_o venture_v on_o that_o which_o he_o have_v already_o pay_v so_o dear_o for_o 2._o it_o argue_v a_o heart_n strong_o engage_v to_o sin_n and_o desperate_o bend_v after_o it_o which_o no_o former_a severity_n will_v restrain_v or_o hold_v in_o it_o show_v a_o man_n be_v mad_a in_o love_n with_o sin_n that_o will_v out_o after_o it_o whatever_o it_o cost_v he_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o say_v it_o be_v true_a i_o have_v already_o taste_v of_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o sin_n i_o can_v tell_v by_o experience_n what_o it_o will_v cost_v i_o but_o however_o i_o must_v please_v myself_o i_o must_v gratify_v my_o sinful_a desire_n my_o sensual_a and_o brutish_a lust_n and_o i_o will_v i_o be_o resolve_v to_o do_v it_o come_v what_o will_v of_o it_o 3._o it_o argue_v a_o slight_n of_o the_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o a_o contempt_n of_o his_o rod._n herein_o a_o man_n carriage_n towards_o god_n be_v like_o that_o of_o a_o stubborn_a and_o incorrigible_a child_n against_o he_o that_o chasten_v he_o though_o you_o make_v he_o smart_v he_o care_v not_o correct_v he_o as_o long_o as_o you_o will_v he_o be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o will_v do_v what_o he_o please_v do_v you_o what_o you_o will_v or_o can_v to_o reclaim_v he_o take_v heed_n of_o this_o aggravation_n of_o your_o sin_n you_o who_o have_v be_v sufferer_n by_o the_o fire_n and_o all_o you_o who_o have_v any_o other_o way_n be_v severe_o handle_v for_o your_o sin_n beware_v how_o you_o have_v any_o more_o to_o do_v with_o those_o sin_n against_o which_o the_o fierce_a indignation_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v so_o discover_v and_o his_o word_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n keep_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o those_o sin_n come_v not_o near_o the_o border_n or_o confine_n of_o they_o run_v away_o from_o all_o temptation_n to_o they_o and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o they_o 1._o labour_v to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v it_o be_v now_o a_o good_a while_n since_o the_o dreadful_a fire_n though_o you_o be_v then_o in_o a_o miserable_a hurry_n full_a of_o dread_n distraction_n and_o confusion_n so_o as_o you_o have_v scarce_o the_o command_n of_o your_o own_o thought_n though_o then_o you_o have_v not_o so_o much_o sedateness_n and_o composedness_n of_o spirit_n nor_o so_o much_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n as_o to_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v as_o to_o reflect_v and_o inquire_v into_o yourself_o as_o to_o call_v yourself_o to_o a_o account_n and_o find_v out_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n fierce_a indignation_n yet_o since_o you_o have_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o do_v it_o have_v you_o do_v it_o have_v you_o get_v a_o sight_n of_o all_o those_o your_o particular_a sin_n by_o which_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n have_v be_v so_o high_o incense_v against_o you_o if_o you_o have_v not_o if_o this_o work_n have_v so_o long_o be_v neglect_v if_o to_o this_o day_n you_o have_v never_o set_v about_o it_o if_o still_o you_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n contend_v with_o you_o yet_o be_v now_o at_o length_n persuade_v to_o make_v a_o narrow_a search_n after_o all_o those_o sin_n which_o have_v be_v the_o procurer_n of_o so_o much_o misery_n to_o yourselves_o and_o this_o place_n 2._o have_v find_v out_o those_o sin_n have_v they_o often_o in_o your_o thought_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a carry_v always_o upon_o your_o heart_n the_o impression_n of_o that_o terrible_a judgement_n at_o least_o be_v sure_a that_o you_o often_o call_v it_o to_o mind_n and_o renew_v the_o lively_a remembrance_n of_o it_o and_o labour_n to_o preserve_v the_o image_n and_o representation_n of_o all_o the_o dismal_a circumstance_n of_o it_o in_o your_o mind_n and_o then_o say_v with_o ezra_n here_o in_o the_o text_n after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o for_o our_o great_a trespass_n shall_v we_o again_o break_v thy_o commandment_n so_o say_v in_o reference_n to_o all_o your_o particular_a sin_n your_o filthiness_n and_o uncleanness_n your_o drunkenness_n and_o swear_v your_o profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o ordinance_n your_o pride_n and_o gallantry_n your_o covetousness_n and_o earthly-mindedness_a your_o
leave_v they_o now_o to_o themselves_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n to_o their_o ruin_n see_v they_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o he_o and_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o all_o good_a counsel_n admonition_n reproof_n and_o warning_n by_o which_o he_o have_v solicit_v and_o provoke_v they_o to_o repentance_n have_v find_v they_o so_o perverse_a and_o refractory_a how_o just_o may_v he_o now_o rid_v his_o hand_n of_o they_o look_v no_o more_o after_o they_o but_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n 81.12_o psal_n 81.12_o and_o let_v they_o alone_o to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o counsel_n as_o in_o the_o like_a case_n he_o deal_v with_o israel_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o his_o great_a love_n to_o they_o that_o he_o will_v make_v trial_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n before_o he_o will_v utter_o cast_v they_o off_o and_o meddle_v no_o more_o with_o they_o or_o concern_v himself_o any_o further_a about_o their_o good_n use_v 3_o if_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o affliction_n for_o reclaim_v and_o reduce_v of_o sinner_n when_o other_o mean_n prevail_v not_o then_o let_v such_o as_o be_v afflict_a endeavour_n to_o comply_v with_o god_n design_n in_o afflict_v they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v win_v by_o gentle_a mean_n and_o therefore_o now_o god_n be_v try_v whether_o his_o rod_n may_v not_o effect_v that_o good_a in_o they_o which_o his_o word_n alone_o will_v not_o be_v not_o so_o obstinate_a and_o refractory_a as_o to_o render_v all_o mean_n ineffectual_a which_o god_n make_v use_v of_o for_o reclaim_v you_o as_o to_o defeat_v and_o frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o all_o those_o method_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n by_o which_o you_o may_v be_v gain_v and_o be_v bring_v home_o to_o he_o labour_v to_o answer_v god_n end_n in_o correct_v you_o and_o be_v persuade_v to_o hear_v the_o rod_n as_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n enjoin_v 6.9_o mich._n 6.9_o although_o you_o have_v stop_v your_o ear_n against_o the_o word_n let_v not_o the_o same_o complaint_n be_v take_v up_o against_o you_o that_o be_v take_v up_o by_o the_o prophet_n against_o the_o jew_n o_o lord_n 5.3_o jer._n 5.3_o be_v not_o thy_o eye_n upon_o the_o truth_n thou_o have_v strike_v they_o but_o they_o have_v not_o grieve_v thou_o have_v consume_v they_o but_o they_o have_v refuse_v to_o receive_v correction_n they_o have_v make_v their_o face_n hard_a than_o a_o rock_n they_o have_v refuse_v to_o return_v search_v after_o and_o endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o the_o sin_n for_o which_o god_n have_v a_o controversy_n with_o you_o be_v true_o humble_v for_o they_o earnest_o seek_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o cast_v they_o off_o and_o forsake_v they_o if_o god_n chastisement_n take_v you_o not_o off_o from_o your_o sin_n if_o no_o severity_n will_v embitter_v they_o to_o you_o and_o make_v you_o willing_a to_o leave_v they_o than_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o god_n shall_v look_v upon_o you_o as_o a_o incorrigible_a person_n as_o one_o who_o disease_n be_v incurable_a and_o so_o leave_v you_o to_o perish_v in_o your_o iniquity_n thus_o god_n leave_v ephraim_n to_o take_v the_o course_n which_o please_v he_o when_o it_o appear_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v so_o set_v upon_o his_o idol_n that_o nothing_o will_v bring_v he_o out_o of_o love_n with_o they_o 4.17_o hos_fw-la 4.17_o ephraim_n be_v join_v to_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o to_o be_v thus_o let_v alone_o be_v that_o indeed_o which_o wicked_a man_n will_v have_v they_o will_v still_o gratify_v their_o lust_n go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n quiet_o and_o not_o be_v disturb_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o this_o be_v in_o their_o account_n the_o great_a happiness_n but_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o most_o dreadful_a effect_n of_o god_n high_a indignation_n against_o they_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n better_o and_o more_o eligible_a that_o all_o the_o calamity_n and_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v light_v upon_o a_o man_n than_o that_o god_n shall_v say_v of_o he_o he_o be_v a_o obstinate_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n he_o be_v one_o that_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v say_v or_o do_v wherefore_o let_v he_o alone_o let_v he_o take_v his_o fill_v of_o sin_n he_o shall_v have_v no_o more_o disturbance_n from_o i_o till_o i_o come_v to_o reckon_v with_o he_o once_o for_o all_o do_v you_o not_o tremble_v at_o the_o fearful_a state_n of_o such_o a_o man_n if_o you_o do_v not_o you_o just_o may_v o_o take_v heed_n lest_o by_o your_o stubborn_a and_o obstinate_a perseverance_n in_o your_o sin_n against_o all_o mean_n for_o reclaim_v you_o you_o at_o length_n bring_v yourself_o into_o it_o and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v be_v speak_v concern_v that_o point_n the_o point_n which_o i_o have_v now_o last_v speak_v to_o be_v but_o general_a as_o arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o course_n in_o general_a which_o god_n take_v with_o manasseh_n for_o humble_v and_o reclaim_v he_o when_o gentle_a mean_n do_v no_o good_a upon_o he_o god_n make_v use_v of_o affliction_n i_o come_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n of_o that_o affliction_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o lay_v upon_o he_o the_o lord_n bring_v upon_o they_o upon_o he_o and_o his_o people_n the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n and_o they_o take_v manasseh_n among_o the_o thorn_n and_o bind_v he_o with_o fetter_n and_o carry_v he_o to_o babylon_n and_o here_o one_a whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n bring_v upon_o they_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n that_o one_o nation_n make_v war_n against_o another_o that_o one_o country_n invade_v another_o and_o subject_n it_o to_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o the_o sword_n this_o be_v frequent_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n ascribe_v to_o the_o overrule_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o way_n of_o mere_a permission_n but_o so_o as_o god_n be_v make_v in_o some_o sense_n the_o author_n and_o procurer_n of_o war_n and_o invasion_n and_o the_o inflicter_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o attend_v they_o here_o the_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o have_v bring_v upon_o manasseh_n and_o his_o people_n the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n thus_o in_o 2_o king_n 24.2_o 3_o 4._o we_o read_v that_o the_o lord_n send_v against_o jehoiakim_n band_n of_o the_o chaldee_n and_o band_n of_o the_o syrian_n and_o band_n of_o the_o moabite_n and_o band_n of_o the_o child_n of_o ammon_n and_o that_o he_o send_v they_o against_o judah_n to_o destroy_v it_o according_a to_o the_o word_n that_o he_o have_v speak_v by_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n and_o by_o way_n of_o further_a confirmation_n that_o all_o this_o be_v of_o god_n it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n sure_o at_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v this_o upon_o judah_n to_o remove_v they_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o manasseh_n and_o thus_o be_v god_n say_v to_o have_v stir_v up_o hadad_n the_o edomite_n against_o solomon_n 11.14_o 1_o king_n 11.14_o and_o to_o have_v stir_v up_o another_o adversary_n against_o he_o 23._o ver._n 23._o rezon_n the_o son_n of_o eliadah_n so_o god_n speak_v of_o the_o executioner_n of_o his_o justice_n who_o he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o to_o punish_v his_o people_n 5.26_o isa_n 5.26_o say_v he_o will_v lift_v up_o a_o ensign_n to_o the_o nation_n from_o far_o and_o that_o he_o will_v hiss_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o end_v of_o the_o earth_n that_o they_o may_v come_v with_o speed_n swift_o so_o again_o speak_v of_o his_o call_n for_o other_o nation_n to_o invade_v the_o land_n 19_o isa_n 7.18_o 19_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n shall_v hiss_v for_o the_o fly_n that_o be_v in_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o river_n of_o egypt_n and_o for_o the_o bee_n that_o be_v in_o the_o land_n of_o assyria_n and_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o shall_v rest_v all_o of_o they_o in_o the_o desolate_a valley_n so_o describe_v a_o cruel_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n which_o he_o will_v cause_v to_o invade_v they_o he_o say_v behold_v i_o will_v send_v serpent_n 8.17_o jer._n 8.17_o cockatrice_n among_o you_o which_o will_v not_o be_v charm_v and_o they_o shall_v bite_v you_o 16.16_o jer._n 16.16_o behold_v i_o will_v send_v for_o many_o fisher_n and_o they_o shall_v fish_v they_o and_o after_o that_o i_o will_v send_v for_o many_o hunter_n and_o they_o shall_v hunt_v they_o from_o every_o mountain_n and_o from_o every_o hill_n and_o out_o of_o