he_o feel_v a_o inward_a strength_n and_o vigour_n in_o himself_o and_o the_o constant_a spring_n of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n rise_v up_o in_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o overflow_a his_o soul_n but_o vice_n sneak_n and_o be_v cowardly_a and_o fill_v a_o man_n with_o fear_n and_o confusion_n and_o all_o the_o mean_a and_o little_a and_o uneasy_a and_o torment_a passion_n that_o belong_v to_o humane_a nature_n virtue_n approve_v itself_o to_o our_o reason_n and_o agree_v with_o the_o native_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o have_v a_o natural_a beauty_n and_o loveliness_n that_o commend_v it_o to_o our_o first_o sight_n and_o apprehension_n and_o make_v it_o amiable_a and_o desirable_a esteem_v and_o honour_v and_o admire_v by_o every_o one_o even_o by_o those_o who_o forsake_v it_o who_o can_v but_o be_v so_o just_a to_o it_o as_o to_o commend_v and_o approve_v it_o very_o often_o in_o other_o but_o vice_n have_v a_o natural_a ugliness_n and_o deformity_n that_o make_v man_n ashamed_a of_o it_o after_o they_o have_v commit_v it_o and_o commit_v it_o in_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n and_o after_o to_o deny_v and_o extenuate_v it_o as_o be_v present_o sensible_a of_o the_o folly_n and_o undecency_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o as_o have_v do_v what_o they_o can_v justify_v and_o what_o present_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n if_o they_o have_v not_o a_o brow_n of_o brass_n and_o a_o forehead_n of_o steel_n it_o be_v contrary_a and_o awry_o to_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o against_o the_o first_o sense_n and_o tenderness_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n so_o that_o great_a violence_n must_v be_v use_v to_o commit_v it_o at_o first_o and_o great_a pain_n follow_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v a_o force_n a_o rape_n upon_o the_o virgin-modesty_n and_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o we_o be_v bear_v with_o virtue_n have_v always_o very_o good_a and_o desirable_a effect_n upon_o we_o in_o this_o life_n as_o well_o as_o great_a reward_n in_o another_o it_o be_v in_o the_o wise_a man_n phrase_n and_o in_o a_o true_a literal_a sense_n health_n to_o our_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o our_o bone_n prov._n 3.8_o it_o keep_v our_o body_n in_o good_a plight_n neither_o drain_v or_o exhaust_v they_o with_o force_a pleasure_n or_o unruly_a passion_n nor_o choke_v or_o suffocate_v they_o with_o immoderate_a load_n nor_o drown_v and_o wash_v they_o away_o with_o flood_n of_o drink_n and_o cup_n of_o intemperance_n it_o bring_v a_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o estate_n and_o often_o make_v we_o rich_a by_o the_o help_n of_o industry_n and_o frugality_n whilst_o nothing_o be_v so_o expensive_a and_o so_o impoverish_v as_o vice_n which_o spend_v many_o time_n all_o upon_o its_o lust_n and_o the_o hungry_a wolf_n come_v often_o to_o the_o door_n where_o the_o swine_n and_o the_o goat_n have_v be_v use_v to_o dwell_v though_o virtue_n may_v not_o always_o bring_v abundance_n neither_o be_v it_o desirable_a always_o to_o a_o wise_a man_n though_o solomon_n put_v riches_n as_o the_o common_a blessing_n in_o the_o left_a hand_n of_o wisdom_n prov._n 3.16_o yet_o it_o make_v a_o little_a that_o the_o righteous_a have_v better_a than_o great_a riches_n of_o the_o ungodly_a ps_n 37.16_o honour_n and_o a_o good_a name_n do_v more_o certain_o belong_v to_o virtue_n than_o riches_n and_o whilst_o vice_n bring_v a_o blot_n and_o a_o reproach_n upon_o a_o man_n credit_n virtue_n make_v he_o love_v and_o honour_v and_o esteem_v by_o all_o that_o know_v he_o while_o he_o live_v and_o embalm_v his_o name_n when_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o make_v his_o memory_n to_o be_v precious_a but_o above_o all_o it_o make_v a_o man_n true_o easy_a and_o happy_a within_o himself_o it_o secure_v he_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o great_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o all_o natural_a good_a and_o all_o that_o be_v desirable_a to_o humane_a nature_n grow_v as_o a_o proper_a fruit_n out_o of_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o true_a root_n that_o natural_o bring_v forth_o all_o good_a as_o sin_n do_v all_o evil_a and_o these_o be_v so_o annex_v to_o they_o by_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o thing_n as_o effect_n to_o their_o proper_a cause_n that_o nothing_o can_v cut_v they_o off_o or_o precide_v they_o and_o these_o beside_o all_o the_o superadd_v motive_n of_o reveal_v religion_n be_v by_o plain_a reason_n and_o observation_n of_o thing_n very_o strong_a argument_n to_o bring_v man_n off_o from_o vice_n to_o virtue_n i._n e._n to_o true_a repentance_n 4._o therefore_o four_o a_o wise_a man_n when_o he_o come_v to_o reflect_v and_o consider_v find_v that_o that_o which_o hinder_v he_o from_o see_v all_o this_o before_o be_v only_o his_o foolish_a lust_n and_o his_o corrupt_a senfual_a inclination_n and_o his_o strong_a passion_n and_o violent_a and_o unreasonable_a appetite_n which_o blind_v his_o reason_n and_o cloud_v his_o judgement_n and_o darken_v his_o understanding_n and_o besot_v intoxicated_a and_o bewitch_v he_o i._n e._n by_o some_o unaccountable_a way_n hinder_v he_o from_o discern_v and_o consider_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a and_o therefore_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o before_o choose_v vice_n and_o forsake_v virtue_n be_v because_o he_o do_v not_o see_v and_o consider_v this_o nor_o be_v so_o true_o convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o the_o good_a of_o virtue_n but_o now_o he_o have_v quite_o other_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n about_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v change_v in_o his_o will_n and_o his_o affection_n by_o this_o change_n wrought_v in_o his_o mind_n and_o his_o understanding_n and_o this_o be_v a_o last_a and_o effectual_a change_n upon_o all_o the_o inward_a principle_n of_o action_n have_v a_o necessary_a influence_n upon_o his_o outward_a action_n that_o be_v always_o move_v and_o turn_v by_o those_o inward_a spring_n and_o wheel_n within_o we_o for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v still_o at_o liberty_n and_o be_v under_o no_o force_n and_o compulsion_n from_o without_o but_o act_n free_o from_o within_o himself_o yet_o his_o will_n will_v follow_v the_o last_o dictate_v of_o his_o understanding_n and_o he_o will_v not_o choose_v evil_a as_o evil_a when_o he_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o he_o must_v some_o way_n have_v his_o reason_n corrupt_v and_o judge_v false_o and_o erroneous_o before_o he_o will_v practise_v so_o omnis_fw-la peccans_fw-la ignorat_fw-la if_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o good_a of_o virtue_n abide_v upon_o his_o mind_n he_o will_v not_o choose_v vice_n again_o it_o be_v this_o sense_n i_o doubt_v not_o confirm_v the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o and_o will_v do_v the_o soul_n of_o all_o good_a man_n in_o heaven_n when_o they_o see_v and_o know_v this_o so_o perfect_o that_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o fall_v but_o now_o we_o see_v thing_n dark_o and_o judge_v weak_o and_o often_o change_v and_o alter_v our_o mind_n as_o not_o have_v such_o a_o clear_a view_n of_o thing_n nor_o attend_v so_o close_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o impartial_a reason_n but_o our_o thought_n be_v often_o lure_v off_o by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o our_o mind_n harken_v but_o to_o one_o side_n to_o the_o false_a reason_n and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o our_o own_o lust_n or_o be_v surprise_v with_o the_o sudden_a importunity_n of_o a_o temptation_n before_o they_o can_v recollect_v themselves_o else_o no_o man_n can_v say_v video_fw-la meliora_fw-la proboque_fw-la deteriora_fw-la sequor_fw-la for_o we_o can_v but_o love_v and_o choose_v good_a when_o we_o apprehend_v it_o and_o hate_n and_o abhor_v evil_a when_o it_o be_v visible_a and_o naked_a to_o we_o we_o must_v therefore_o strip_v vice_n of_o its_o disguise_n and_o its_o false_a colour_n and_o wash_v off_o its_o paint_n and_o meretricious_a charm_n and_o see_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o deformity_n and_o ugliness_n and_o in_o the_o miserable_a and_o sad_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v hate_v that_o which_o we_o once_o love_v and_o throw_v away_o the_o gild_a poison_n and_o shake_v the_o smooth_a and_o shine_a viper_n off_o of_o our_o hand_n and_o cast_v the_o rot_a courtesan_n from_o our_o arm_n and_o embrace_n we_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a that_o we_o be_v so_o cheat_v and_o impose_v upon_o so_o delude_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n that_o we_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o our_o mean_a passion_n and_o low_a inclination_n which_o be_v the_o imperfection_n and_o the_o soft_a side_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o live_v up_o to_o that_o reason_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o we_o and_o distinguish_v we_o from_o brute_n that_o we_o
a_o irresistible_a force_n and_o impulse_n which_o shall_v do_v all_o this_o in_o a_o instant_n and_o convert_v a_o sinner_n in_o a_o moment_n no_o this_o must_v be_v do_v gradual_o and_o successive_o by_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o other_o thought_n disposition_n inclination_n and_o practice_n by_o a_o kindly_a and_o gentle_a influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n the_o spirit_n descend_v like_o rain_n or_o shed_v its_o virtue_n like_o dew_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o so_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n in_o we_o not_o like_o a_o violent_a stream_n or_o a_o mighty_a torrent_n bear_v down_o all_o immediate_o before_o it_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v compare_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o we_o see_v the_o effect_n though_o we_o discern_v not_o the_o cause_n do_v not_o by_o a_o sudden_a gust_n like_o a_o hurricane_n convert_v a_o sinner_n and_o turn_v he_o from_o his_o sin_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o a_o tree_n be_v tear_v up_o by_o the_o root_n with_o a_o violent_a tempest_n but_o by_o a_o fresh_a and_o gentle_a gale_n it_o carry_v the_o sinner_n from_o vice_n to_o virtue_n by_o fill_v his_o mind_n with_o new_a thought_n and_o strong_o move_v and_o determine_v he_o the_o right_a way_n and_o secret_o incline_v his_o mind_n to_o choose_v and_o his_o understanding_n to_o see_v and_o consider_v what_o be_v his_o true_a interest_n and_o happiness_n and_o by_o a_o inward_a energy_n and_o virtue_n as_o a_o principle_n of_o life_n act_v secret_o and_o undiscernable_o upon_o all_o our_o faculty_n change_v our_o thought_n desire_n and_o affection_n and_o work_v upon_o our_o mind_n though_o in_o a_o way_n agreeable_a to_o our_o rational_a faculty_n yet_o by_o a_o power_n superior_a and_o superad_v to_o they_o and_o now_o let_v every_o sinner_n consider_v what_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n and_o so_o what_o obligation_n he_o have_v to_o repent_v by_o the_o gospel_n how_o powerful_o and_o how_o endear_o by_o motive_n both_o of_o love_n and_o fear_v christ_n do_v there_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n it_o be_v his_o great_a work_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o recover_v lose_v and_o undo_v mankind_n and_o to_o rescue_v they_o from_o that_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n they_o be_v in_o and_o to_o restore_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n this_o be_v a_o design_n worthy_a christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o mysterious_a dispensation_n of_o christianity_n 7._o and_o this_o be_v of_o such_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o importance_n to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o can_v otherwise_o escape_v misery_n and_o not_o perish_v inevitable_o god_n when_o he_o will_v show_v the_o great_a mercy_n and_o kindness_n to_o we_o in_o the_o world_n and_o demonstrate_v his_o love_n to_o we_o in_o the_o high_a manner_n as_o he_o have_v do_v by_o the_o gospel_n yet_o have_v there_o tell_v we_o that_o except_o we_o repent_v we_o shall_v all_o certain_o perish_v luke_n 13.5_o this_o be_v the_o perpetual_a and_o indispensable_a condition_n upon_o which_o alone_o we_o must_v expect_v any_o benefit_n by_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v as_o low_a as_o god_n can_v go_v with_o we_o perfect_a and_o uninterrupted_a obedience_n all_o our_o life_n be_v his_o due_n and_o when_o we_o have_v break_v that_o and_o he_o compound_v with_o we_o and_o accept_v of_o partial_a and_o renew_a obedience_n instead_o of_o entire_a i._n e._n of_o repentance_n and_o return_v to_o our_o duty_n instead_o of_o keep_v always_o to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a favour_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o he_o or_o that_o he_o can_v grant_v to_o we_o and_o repentance_n be_v the_o only_a way_n by_o which_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o sinner_n to_o escape_v wrath_n and_o damnation_n this_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a clear_a and_o make_v out_o and_o then_o persuade_v to_o this_o duty_n of_o repentance_n from_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o it_o 1._o then_o it_o be_v this_o alone_a can_v consist_v with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v governor_n of_o the_o world_n god_n as_o he_o be_v a_o be_v of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o compassion_n to_o his_o creature_n so_o he_o be_v a_o very_a wise_a and_o prudent_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o though_o like_o a_o merciful_a prince_n out_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o tender_a inclination_n he_o have_v for_o all_o his_o subject_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o show_v all_o mercy_n and_o clemency_n to_o those_o that_o have_v offend_v he_o yet_o if_o he_o shall_v do_v this_o too_o easy_o without_o any_o security_n of_o their_o good_a behaviour_n for_o the_o future_a or_o any_o care_n and_o provision_n for_o their_o better_a obedience_n it_o will_v not_o a_o little_a reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o government_n and_o represent_v he_o as_o too_o soft_a and_o easy_a a_o be_v and_o render_v his_o authority_n in_o time_n cheap_a and_o contemptible_a it_o will_v not_o only_o loosen_v the_o reins_o of_o government_n but_o be_v a_o let_v they_o go_v out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o throw_v they_o upon_o the_o neck_n of_o his_o insolent_a and_o rebellious_a vassal_n if_o without_o any_o tie_n or_o obligation_n for_o the_o future_a or_o let_v they_o know_v upon_o what_o condition_n they_o shall_v be_v capable_a of_o his_o favour_n and_o continue_v in_o it_o he_o shall_v take_v off_o all_o the_o punishment_n their_o past_a crime_n have_v deserve_v this_o will_v be_v to_o encourage_v they_o to_o commit_v new_a one_o and_o give_v they_o just_a ground_n to_o hope_n for_o a_o absolute_a and_o perpetual_a impunity_n shall_v god_n have_v grant_v by_o the_o gospel_n or_o any_o other_o way_n such_o a_o unconditional_a charter_n of_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n this_o will_v have_v certain_o destroy_v that_o very_a power_n by_o which_o he_o grant_v it_o and_o such_o a_o privilege_n or_o concession_n as_o it_o will_v great_o have_v reflect_v upon_o his_o honour_n so_o it_o will_v have_v quite_o undermine_v his_o authority_n it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o resign_v up_o his_o throne_n and_o a_o lay_v his_o crown_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o his_o own_o insolent_a rebel_n for_o what_o will_v have_v remain_v to_o he_o of_o power_n to_o govern_v or_o to_o punish_v if_o he_o have_v do_v this_o if_o he_o have_v set_v out_o a_o stand_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o all_o sinner_n without_o any_o condition_n or_o proviso_n that_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o wickedness_n which_o they_o have_v commit_v that_o they_o shall_v come_v in_o and_o lay_v down_o all_o their_o hostile_a weapon_n and_o be_v faithful_a and_o loyal_a hereafter_o or_o else_o be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o any_o benefit_n of_o it_o without_o this_o it_o have_v be_v rather_o a_o dispensation_n or_o indulgence_n to_o be_v wicked_a than_o a_o wise_a proclamation_n of_o mercy_n to_o serve_v the_o true_a end_n and_o interest_n of_o government_n god_n indeed_o have_v with_o great_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n find_v out_o such_o a_o temper_n in_o his_o government_n and_o contrive_v such_o a_o expedient_a as_o show_v the_o most_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o the_o most_o wonderful_a mercy_n both_o together_o and_o that_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n and_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o pardon_v and_o yet_o to_o punish_v the_o sinner_n by_o the_o same_o way_n to_o give_v a_o instance_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o a_o remonstrance_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o the_o design_n of_o all_o that_o be_v to_o show_v that_o though_o he_o be_v the_o most_o incline_v to_o mercy_n and_o clemency_n yet_o he_o will_v never_o show_v it_o but_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n of_o his_o government_n he_o be_v willing_a to_o abate_v of_o his_o extreme_a right_n over_o his_o creature_n and_o to_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n and_o severity_n of_o his_o law_n so_o far_o as_o prudence_n and_o the_o wise_a end_n of_o government_n will_v give_v leave_n but_o not_o so_o far_o as_o shall_v give_v any_o manner_n of_o encouragement_n to_o disobedience_n and_o wickedness_n and_o that_o will_v be_v unavoidable_a if_o he_o shall_v ever_o grant_v a_o pardon_n to_o wicked_a man_n upon_o any_o other_o condition_n than_o turn_v away_o from_o their_o wickedness_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v this_o alone_a can_v consist_v with_o the_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v a_o wise_a governor_n so_o nothing_o but_o this_o can_v render_v we_o acceptable_a to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v a_o true_o righteous_a and_o holy_a be_v if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o such_o as_o a_o be_v essential_o holy_a so_o that_o this_o be_v not_o only_o his_o perfection_n but_o his_o very_a nature_n than_o
which_o we_o can_v never_o enjoy_v the_o true_a happiness_n we_o be_v make_v for_o and_o to_o which_o our_o mind_n be_v fit_v virtue_n alone_o can_v give_v that_o and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n peace_n and_o joy_n that_o result_n from_o it_o whereas_o wickedness_n will_v necessary_o not_o only_a corrupt_a and_o impair_v the_o mind_n and_o spoil_v its_o faculty_n but_o disorder_n and_o wound_n and_o corrode_v it_o and_o make_v it_o very_o painful_a and_o uneasy_a and_o a_o hell_n and_o torment_n to_o itself_o 2._o as_o none_o but_o good_a man_n shall_v enter_v into_o heaven_n so_o none_o can_v be_v make_v good_a on_o a_o sudden_a those_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a habit_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v or_o attain_v immediate_o in_o a_o little_a time_n and_o on_o a_o sudden_a hurry_n as_o be_v intimate_v here_o by_o the_o virgin_n want_v oil_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o procure_v or_o buy_v it_o in_o their_o present_a distress_n when_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v a_o come_n we_o must_v be_v prepare_v and_o provide_v with_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o future_a happiness_n before_o death_n come_v and_o put_v we_o on_o a_o sudden_a hurry_n and_o alarm_n we_o with_o its_o unexpected_a approach_n or_o else_o we_o shall_v be_v sad_o disappoint_v and_o unprovided_a if_o we_o expect_v to_o procure_v or_o attain_v they_o then_o if_o we_o think_v to_o borrow_v of_o another_o virtue_n and_o merit_n to_o help_v out_o our_o own_o defect_n and_o want_n at_o that_o time_n as_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n imagine_v something_o like_o these_o foolish_a virgin_n or_o as_o other_o that_o the_o bridegroom_n himself_o shall_v supply_v they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n out_o of_o his_o stock_n though_o they_o have_v no_o oil_n at_o all_o in_o their_o own_o vessel_n no_o righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o all_o these_o vain_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o idle_a and_o careless_a and_o foolish_a sinner_n will_v then_o deceive_v and_o disappoint_v they_o and_o make_v they_o miserable_a if_o man_n have_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o religion_n nor_o any_o degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n all_o their_o life_n and_o think_v to_o acquire_v they_o now_o on_o a_o sudden_a when_o they_o be_v near_o die_v they_o may_v as_o well_o hope_v that_o a_o tree_n that_o have_v bear_v no_o fruit_n all_o the_o year_n shall_v on_o a_o sudden_a when_o it_o be_v just_a to_o be_v cut_v down_o and_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o it_o sprout_n and_o bud_n and_o blossom_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit._n this_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a miracle_n and_o it_o must_v be_v as_o great_a and_o unaccountable_a to_o have_v a_o wicked_a man_n on_o a_o sudden_a become_v a_o good_a one_o and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o virtue_n and_o repentance_n all_o our_o virtue_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o the_o growth_n of_o all_o plant_n and_o tree_n be_v to_o the_o rain_n and_o warmth_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o heaven_n but_o to_o think_v that_o god_n grace_n which_o can_v not_o work_v upon_o a_o man_n all_o his_o life_n before_o will_v now_o in_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n change_v and_o convert_v he_o on_o a_o sudden_a as_o to_o make_v he_o immediate_o become_v a_o good_a man_n be_v to_o suppose_v a_o saint_n make_v as_o adam_n be_v in_o full_a growth_n and_o perfect_a flature_n the_o first_o day_n he_o live_v without_o pass_v through_o the_o degree_n of_o youth_n and_o childhood_n as_o god_n think_v not_o fit_a to_o make_v mankind_n so_o now_o but_o produce_v they_o by_o the_o ordinary_a and_o appoint_a way_n of_o his_o providence_n so_o he_o make_v good_a man_n by_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o influence_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v form_v by_o degree_n and_o grow_v into_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o increase_v in_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n till_o it_o come_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o spirit_n work_v upon_o our_o mind_n agreable_o to_o their_o nature_n in_o a_o manner_n indiscernible_a from_o its_o own_o proper_a operation_n enlighten_v the_o understanding_n and_o incline_v the_o will_n gentle_o and_o kind_o by_o the_o thought_n and_o consideration_n of_o religion_n offer_v they_o clear_o and_o imprint_v they_o strong_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o in_o a_o rational_a way_n beget_v right_a apprehension_n and_o affection_n in_o it_o and_o so_o alter_v the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o by_o frequent_a act_n and_o repeat_v practice_n bring_v a_o man_n to_o new_a habit_n and_o thus_o convert_v he_o from_o bad_a to_o good_a not_o in_o a_o instant_n but_o by_o long_a strive_n and_o gradual_a operation_n upon_o he_o no_o very_o bad_a man_n be_v ever_o make_v a_o good_a one_o on_o a_o sudden_a nor_o can_v any_o more_o be_v so_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o a_o child_n over_o night_n become_v a_o man_n the_o next_o morning_n by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n or_o seed_n sow_o in_o the_o ground_n spring_v up_o and_o ripen_v and_o bear_v fruit_n in_o a_o few_o hour_n such_o mushroon_n convert_v and_o penitent_n have_v no_o good_a root_n but_o die_v away_o and_o wither_v as_o sudden_o and_o instantaneous_o as_o they_o come_v up_o with_o the_o first_o heat_n and_o trial_n of_o a_o temptation_n till_o religion_n shoot_v deep_a into_o their_o heart_n and_o get_v better_a root_n in_o their_o soul_n like_o the_o seed_n that_o fall_v on_o stony_a ground_n it_o be_v quick_o go_v and_o do_v not_o grow_v at_o all_o nor_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n as_o the_o scripture_n emphatical_o speak_v i._n e._n with_o due_a continuance_n good_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n and_o such_o like_a good_a principle_n of_o action_n must_v continue_v some_o time_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o exert_v their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o it_o by_o proper_a act_n and_o trial_n and_o experiment_n or_o else_o they_o be_v but_o like_o false_a conception_n that_o produce_v nothing_o like_o cloud_n without_o rain_n blossom_n without_o fruit_n and_o abortive_a cause_n without_o any_o effect_n a_o sudden_a sorrow_n upon_o a_o wicked_a mind_n will_v no_o more_o make_v it_o good_a nor_o bring_v forth_o the_o worthy_a fruit_n of_o repentance_n than_o a_o sudden_a shower_n upon_o the_o sand_n of_o arabia_n or_o rock_n of_o caucasus_n will_v make_v they_o become_v fertile_a and_o good_a ground_n there_o must_v be_v long_a cultivation_n and_o great_a labour_n and_o pain_n take_v with_o such_o barren_a ground_n before_o it_o will_v be_v a_o fruitful_a soil_n and_o bring_v forth_o any_o thing_n by_o all_o the_o shower_n and_o influence_n of_o heaven_n upon_o it_o a_o harden_a sinner_n who_o have_v live_v many_o year_n in_o the_o wretched_a course_n and_o habit_n of_o wickedness_n must_v by_o long_a time_n and_o great_a care_n and_o many_o method_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o goodness_n have_v his_o heart_n change_v and_o his_o life_n mend_v and_o his_o old_a vicious_a habit_n pluck_v up_o and_o new_a virtuous_a one_o plant_v in_o their_o place_n and_o these_o take_v root_n and_o grow_v up_o and_o bear_v fruit_n in_o his_o life_n before_o he_o can_v become_v such_o a_o good_a man_n as_o be_v fit_v for_o heaven_n such_o a_o one_o can_v never_o be_v make_v so_o in_o a_o little_a time_n just_a before_o death_n but_o it_o must_v require_v at_o least_o a_o good_a part_n of_o his_o life_n to_o become_v such_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v indeed_o the_o business_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n to_o make_v ourselves_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v thus_o fit_a for_o heaven_n to_o think_v that_o great_a work_n can_v be_v do_v at_o the_o latter_a end_n when_o we_o be_v just_o a_o die_a and_o may_v be_v dispatch_v in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n all_o on_o a_o sudden_a be_v as_o idle_a and_o unreasonable_a as_o for_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o good_a day_n journey_n to_o take_v to_o lie_v loiter_v and_o never_o mind_n it_o till_o the_o sun_n be_v near_o down_o and_o night_n be_v come_v upon_o he_o and_o then_o to_o set_v out_o and_o think_v to_o reach_v it_o by_o a_o sudden_a start_n or_o by_o some_o unaccountable_a way_n to_o fly_v thither_o or_o be_v magical_o transport_v and_o set_v down_o he_o know_v not_o how_o at_o his_o journey_n end_n or_o rather_o to_o make_v the_o case_n more_o exact_o parallel_v to_o a_o old_a sinner_n like_o one_o who_o have_v travel_v almost_o all_o the_o day_n in_o a_o wrong_a way_n and_o spur_v and_o drive_v on_o very_o furious_o in_o his_o vicious_a course_n and_o be_v now_o to_o turn_v back_o and_o begin_v to_o take_v the_o right_a way_n when_o
like_v but_o hate_n without_o this_o our_o tear_n run_v waste_v and_o our_o sorrow_n be_v but_o as_o a_o empty_a cloud_n or_o rain_n upon_o barren_a ground_n without_o any_o fruit_n and_o all_o our_o bitter_a cry_n and_o lamentation_n be_v but_o as_o the_o mourning_n of_o the_o ephesian_a matron_n when_o we_o can_v strike_v up_o again_o immediate_o with_o our_o sin_n and_o take_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o sorrow_n and_o the_o murderer_n of_o our_o belove_a joy_n immediate_o into_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o embrace_n 3._o humiliation_n bodily_a austerity_n and_o mortification_n and_o especial_o fast_v make_v up_o this_o duty_n of_o penitence_n or_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n for_o thus_o the_o penitent_n of_o old_a put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o spread_v ash_n upon_o their_o head_n lay_v prostrate_a upon_o the_o ground_n and_o rend_v their_o clothes_n in_o the_o eastern_a country_n and_o fast_v and_o deny_v themselves_o their_o ordinary_a food_n and_o afflict_v their_o soul_n with_o these_o severity_n upon_o their_o body_n for_o sin_n be_v commit_v chief_o by_o the_o body_n as_o not_o only_o the_o instrument_n but_o the_o tempter_n to_o it_o and_o the_o flesh_n and_o its_o carnal_a gratification_n be_v the_o strong_a and_o common_a allurement_n to_o it_o therefore_o to_o show_v their_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n against_o it_o they_o revenge_v it_o upon_o their_o body_n and_o chastise_v those_o servant_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o use_v such_o a_o discipline_n upon_o they_o as_o may_v punish_v they_o for_o what_o be_v past_a and_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o prevent_v their_o sin_v for_o the_o future_a and_o to_o show_v the_o sense_n they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o vileness_n and_o unworthiness_n for_o have_v offend_v god_n they_o express_v and_o testify_v it_o by_o all_o act_n of_o humiliation_n and_o lowly_a submission_n to_o his_o power_n and_o greatness_n which_o they_o have_v former_o oppose_v withstand_v and_o disobey_v now_o these_o act_n or_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n be_v so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n when_o they_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o true_a penitent_a heart_n that_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n how_o it_o prevail_v with_o god_n so_o far_o to_o pardon_v sin_n as_o to_o remove_v the_o temporal_a judgement_n he_o have_v denounce_v against_o it_o thus_o niniveh_n be_v save_v from_o destruction_n jonah_n 3._o when_o they_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o decree_v that_o neither_o man_n nor_o beast_n shall_v taste_v any_o thing_n but_o be_v cover_v with_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n ver_fw-la 7.8_o and_o josiah_n when_o he_o thus_o humble_v himself_o and_o rend_v his_o clothes_n upon_o his_o hear_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n denounce_v by_o the_o prophetess_n have_v it_o defer_v till_o after_o his_o death_n 2_o king_n 22.19_o and_o even_o wicked_a ahab_n have_v god_n judgement_n respite_v and_o take_v off_o from_o himself_o because_o when_o he_o hear_v it_o he_o rend_v his_o clothes_n and_o put_v sackcloth_n upon_o his_o flesh_n and_o fast_v 1_o kin._n 21.27_o god_n himself_o assign_v this_o as_o a_o reason_n to_o the_o prophet_n see_v thou_o how_o ahab_n humble_v himself_o before_o i_o because_o he_o humble_v himself_o before_o i_o i_o will_v not_o bring_v the_o evil_n in_o his_o day_n ver_fw-la 29._o and_o we_o find_v these_o act_n of_o humiliation_n and_o this_o discipline_n of_o fast_v join_v with_o repentance_n not_o only_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o also_o in_o the_o christian_a in_o the_o first_o and_o best_a age_n when_o this_o penitential_a discipline_n be_v most_o strict_o observe_v by_o all_o penitent_n now_o the_o question_n be_v 1._o whether_o these_o be_v necessary_a as_o proper_a act_n or_o part_n of_o repentance_n or_o whether_o internal_a repentance_n without_o these_o outward_a exercise_n of_o it_o may_v not_o be_v sufficient_a 2._o whether_o if_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a they_o be_v not_o useful_a and_o proper_a to_o promote_v or_o at_o least_o to_o express_v it_o now_o as_o to_o the_o first_o question_n the_o necessity_n of_o these_o we_o must_v make_v a_o difference_n between_o public_a and_o private_a repentance_n in_o public_a repentance_n as_o that_o of_o a_o nation_n or_o city_n when_o they_o will_v remove_v or_o avert_v a_o judgement_n and_o deprecate_v god_n anger_n due_a to_o their_o sin_n and_o exercise_v a_o solemn_a and_o public_a repentance_n for_o they_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v by_o outward_a humiliation_n and_o fast_n and_o such_o sign_n and_o expression_n as_o be_v proper_a and_o usual_a to_o testify_v great_a concern_n and_o trouble_v and_o mourning_n and_o humiliation_n that_o so_o they_o may_v make_v the_o best_a acknowledgement_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o best_a reparation_n to_o his_o injure_a honour_n and_o authority_n and_o may_v beget_v in_o other_o and_o propagate_v over_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n or_o nation_n the_o same_o penitential_a sense_n and_o concern_v for_o their_o sin_n in_o order_n to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n and_o the_o judgement_n due_a upon_o they_o and_o thus_o in_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o penitence_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n when_o any_o have_v by_o a_o notorious_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n bring_v a_o reproach_n and_o infamy_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o their_o religion_n the_o governor_n be_v concern_v for_o its_o honour_n and_o credit_n to_o take_v notice_n and_o turn_v they_o out_o of_o their_o communion_n and_o put_v they_o in_o a_o state_n of_o public_a penitence_n for_o their_o grievous_a fault_n and_o here_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o such_o person_n to_o satisfy_v the_o church_n by_o their_o outward_a act_n of_o repentance_n mourn_v and_o humiliation_n that_o they_o be_v true_o and_o inward_o penitent_a and_o be_v likely_a to_o live_v better_a and_o become_v other_o man_n before_o they_o receive_v they_o again_o into_o their_o communion_n and_o this_o though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o prudential_n method_n and_o a_o external_n discipline_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o be_v excellent_o fit_v for_o the_o reclaim_n and_o reform_v great_a and_o open_a offender_n by_o thus_o shame_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o keep_v the_o rod_n over_o they_o and_o shut_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n till_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v admit_v and_o receive_v in_o again_o upon_o the_o probable_a sign_n of_o a_o true_a repentance_n and_o this_o our_o church_n have_v good_a reason_n to_o wish_v for_o again_o and_o aught_o to_o restore_v it_o do_v not_o the_o state_n and_o circumstance_n we_o be_v in_o unavoidable_o hinder_v it_o but_o it_o be_v utter_o impracticable_a under_o great_a schism_n and_o division_n from_o the_o church_n and_o great_a looseness_n and_o contempt_n of_o religion_n which_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v this_o discipline_n which_o be_v otherwise_o its_o duty_n but_o this_o be_v at_o most_o but_o a_o useful_a discipline_n not_o a_o necessary_a or_o essential_a part_n of_o repentance_n to_o go_v through_o those_o penitential_a course_n of_o humiliation_n and_o mortification_n which_o the_o ancient_a penitent_n do_v all_o that_o be_v strict_o necessary_a and_o all_o that_o the_o scripture_n command_v as_o a_o duty_n be_v a_o internal_a penitence_n towards_o god_n transact_v between_o he_o and_o our_o own_o soul_n wherein_o we_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o he_o under_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o vileness_n and_o unworthiness_n and_o with_o the_o great_a submission_n of_o our_o soul_n bow_v down_o ourselves_o and_o own_o his_o power_n and_o right_o to_o punish_v we_o and_o beseech_v he_o for_o christ_n sake_n not_o to_o use_v it_o i._n e._n to_o pardon_n and_o forgive_v we_o now_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o with_o sincerity_n of_o mind_n at_o present_a and_o amendment_n of_o life_n afterward_o be_v a_o sufficient_a exercise_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o private_a and_o particular_a person_n without_o all_o the_o other_o solemnity_n and_o performace_n of_o a_o public_a penitence_n for_o the_o design_n of_o those_o be_v hereby_o full_o attain_v as_o to_o the_o person_n himself_o which_o be_v to_o amend_v he_o and_o to_o recover_v he_o and_o to_o make_v he_o more_o careful_a not_o to_o offend_v for_o the_o future_a by_o his_o shame_n and_o suffering_n for_o what_o be_v past_a the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v turn_v this_o discipline_n of_o public_a penitence_n use_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n into_o auricular_a confession_n and_o private_a penance_n which_o beside_o the_o folly_n of_o give_v absolution_n first_o and_o suppose_v some_o of_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n remain_v after_o the_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o make_v the_o eternal_a punishment_n easy_a to_o be_v get_v off_o than_o than_o the_o temporal_a and_o impose_v trifle_v and_o ridiculous_a penance_n and_o make_v they_o proper_o satisfactory_a be_v a_o shameful_a