it_o be_v long_o since_o judicious_o note_v by_o aristotle_n that_o moral_a and_o proverbial_a speech_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v too_o strict_o as_o if_o they_o be_v universal_o true_a and_o in_o all_o case_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o they_o be_v true_a for_o the_o most_o part_n and_o in_o several_a respect_n which_o be_v very_o considerable_a and_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v most_o of_o the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o make_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o in_o all_o case_n do_v in_o my_o opinion_n take_v a_o very_a hard_a task_n upon_o himself_o but_o which_o be_v near_o to_o my_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n himself_o in_o the_o chapter_n before_o my_o text_n and_o in_o the_o moral_a application_n of_o a_o parable_n too_o namely_o that_o of_o the_o unjust_a steward_n use_v a_o proverbial_a speech_n just_a in_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n 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i_o confess_v be_v very_o high_a say_n but_o yet_o very_a well_o design_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o repentance_n and_o they_o be_v not_o without_o good_a reason_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o great_a the_o difficulty_n of_o virtue_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a be_v the_o praise_n and_o commendation_n of_o it_o and_o not_o only_o we_o ourselves_o take_v the_o more_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o it_o but_o it_o be_v more_o admirable_a and_o delightful_a to_o other_o now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v much_o more_o difficult_a to_o break_v off_o a_o vicious_a habit_n than_o to_o go_v on_o in_o a_o good_a way_n which_o we_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o and_o always_o accustom_v to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v well_o educate_v have_v great_a cause_n to_o thank_v god_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o care_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n for_o piety_n and_o goodness_n be_v almost_o infinite_o easy_a to_o such_o 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than_o their_o resolute_a constancy_n in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o god_n who_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n and_o see_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o every_o man_n temper_n and_o inclination_n know_v how_o far_o this_o man_n will_v have_v fall_v have_v he_o have_v the_o temptation_n of_o other_o man_n and_o how_o irrecoverable_o perhaps_o he_o will_v have_v be_v plunge_v in_o a_o evil_a course_n have_v he_o once_o enter_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o repentance_n be_v a_o very_a great_a thing_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o most_o just_a and_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o deserve_v great_a commendation_n because_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o very_o hard_a and_o difficult_a and_o therefore_o though_o absolute_o speak_v innocence_n be_v better_a than_o repentance_n yet_o as_o the_o circumstance_n may_v be_v the_o virtue_n of_o some_o penitent_n may_v be_v great_a than_o of_o many_o just_a and_o righteous_a person_n 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sinner_n be_v in_o and_o more_o apt_a to_o commiserate_v their_o case_n remember_v that_o it_o be_v once_o their_o own_o condition_n and_o with_o what_o difficulty_n they_o be_v rescue_v from_o so_o great_a a_o danger_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n great_a penitent_n be_v more_o free_a from_o pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o themselves_o once_o be_v be_v enough_o to_o keep_v they_o humble_v all_o their_o day_n so_o that_o penitent_n be_v many_o time_n more_o thorough_o and_o perfect_o good_a and_o after_o their_o recovery_n do_v in_o several_a respect_n outstrip_v and_o excel_v those_o who_o be_v never_o engage_v in_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n as_o a_o break_a bone_n that_o be_v well_o set_v be_v sometime_o strong_a than_o it_o be_v before_o 2._o it_o will_v conduce_v also_o very_o much_o to_o the_o extenuate_a of_o this_o difficulty_n to_o consider_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o here_o compare_v repentance_n with_o absolute_a innocence_n and_o perfect_a righteousness_n but_o with_o the_o imperfect_a obedience_n of_o good_a man_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n but_o yet_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o general_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o their_o life_n be_v by_o the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o gospel_n esteem_v just_a and_o righteous_a person_n and_o for_o the_o merit_n and_o perfect_a obedience_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n so_o accept_v by_o god_n now_o this_o alter_v the_o case_n very_o much_o and_o bring_v the_o penitent_a and_o this_o sort_n of_o righteous_a person_n much_o near_o to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o in_o compare_v they_o together_o the_o true_a penitent_n may_v in_o some_o case_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o deserve_v upon_o some_o account_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o he_o 3._o which_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v consider_v for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o this_o difficulty_n this_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o speak_v very_o much_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o suitable_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o humane_a passion_n and_o the_o usual_a occasion_n of_o move_v they_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v exceed_o affect_v with_o the_o obtain_n of_o what_o we_o do_v not_o hope_v for_o and_o much_o more_o with_o the_o regain_n of_o what_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o lose_v and_o desperate_a whatever_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o sensible_o move_v at_o the_o continuance_n of_o a_o good_a which_o we_o have_v long_o possess_v as_o at_o the_o recovery_n of_o it_o after_o it_o be_v lose_v and_o go_v from_o we_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o judicious_a value_n and_o esteem_v of_o a_o settle_a pleasure_n and_o contentment_n be_v one_o thing_n
to_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o absalon_n do_v with_o joab_n he_o send_v one_o civil_a message_n to_o he_o after_o another_o but_o he_o will_v not_o come_v at_o last_o he_o set_v on_o fire_n his_o cornfield_n to_o try_v whether_o that_o will_v bring_v he_o this_o course_n god_n have_v take_v with_o we_o we_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v by_o message_n of_o kindness_n by_o his_o many_o blessing_n and_o favour_n to_o return_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o have_v he_o send_v among_o we_o the_o terrible_a messenger_n of_o his_o wrath_n first_o we_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o foreign_a war_n and_o though_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o some_o considerable_a success_n in_o it_o yet_o it_o seem_v our_o provocation_n be_v so_o great_a that_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o punish_v we_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o let_v we_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o take_v the_o work_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o punish_v we_o himself_o by_o send_v a_o pestilence_n among_o we_o the_o sore_a and_o most_o destructive_a that_o have_v befall_v this_o nation_n for_o many_o age_n but_o we_o do_v not_o upon_o this_o return_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o his_o fierce_a anger_n kindle_v a_o fearful_a fire_n among_o we_o which_o have_v lay_v the_o honour_n of_o our_o nation_n one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o rich_a city_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o dust_n and_o that_o by_o so_o sudden_a and_o irresistible_a so_o dismal_a and_o amaze_a a_o devastation_n as_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v parallel_v in_o any_o history_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o most_o of_o we_o be_v mighty_o affect_v with_o this_o judgement_n whilst_o it_o be_v upon_o we_o so_o astonish_v a_o calamity_n can_v not_o but_o make_v we_o open_v our_o eye_n a_o little_a and_o awaken_v we_o to_o consideration_n even_o the_o richman_n in_o the_o gospel_n though_o he_o have_v all_o his_o life-time_n be_v immerse_v in_o sensuality_n yet_o can_v not_o but_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n when_o he_o be_v in_o flame_n and_o sure_o god_n expect_v that_o such_o judgement_n as_o these_o shall_v not_o only_o rouse_v we_o a_o little_a for_o the_o present_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o permanent_a operation_n and_o effect_n upon_o we_o and_o work_v a_o thorough_a and_o last_a reformation_n among_o we_o but_o yet_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o this_o dreadful_a fire_n have_v have_v no_o other_o influence_n upon_o we_o but_o what_o it_o use_v to_o have_v upon_o metal_n which_o be_v only_o melt_v by_o it_o for_o the_o present_a but_o when_o the_o fire_n be_v remove_v they_o sudden_o cool_v and_o return_v to_o their_o former_a hardness_n one_o will_v have_v think_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o a_o calamity_n as_o this_o shall_v have_v remain_v long_o upon_o we_o methinks_v god_n seem_v to_o say_v to_o we_o after_o this_o judgement_n as_o he_o do_v once_o to_o jerusalem_n zeph._n 3.7_o sure_o thou_o will_v fear_v i_o thou_o will_v receive_v instruction_n but_o we_o like_o they_o have_v be_v but_o the_o more_o forward_o to_o provoke_v he_o they_o rise_v early_o and_o corrupt_a their_o do_n we_o have_v after_o all_o this_o harden_v our_o heart_n from_o his_o fear_n and_o refuse_v to_o return_v and_o therefore_o god_n be_v now_o come_v to_o one_o of_o his_o last_o judgement_n our_o enemy_n distress_v we_o in_o our_o gate_n god_n have_v begin_v to_o let_v we_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n and_o by_o give_v our_o enemy_n a_o sudden_a and_o fatal_a advantage_n upon_o we_o have_v smite_v we_o with_o a_o breach_n great_a as_o the_o sea_n these_o be_v terrible_a calamity_n indeed_o to_o come_v so_o thick_a and_o so_o swift_o upon_o we_o like_o desolation_n and_o as_o a_o whirlwind_n such_o a_o quick_a succession_n of_o judgement_n tread_v almost_o upon_o one_o another_o heel_n do_v but_o too_o plain_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v high_o incense_v against_o we_o for_o sure_o these_o be_v not_o the_o wound_n of_o a_o friend_n but_o the_o terrible_a assault_n of_o a_o enemy_n they_o do_v not_o look_v like_o the_o displeasure_n of_o a_o father_n but_o the_o severity_n of_o a_o judge_n not_o like_o visitation_n but_o like_o vengeance_n and_o beside_o these_o more_o visible_a judgement_n upon_o the_o nation_n we_o be_v by_o a_o secret_a curse_n of_o god_n insensible_o decay_v in_o our_o riches_n and_o strength_n we_o be_v i_o know_v not_o how_o strange_o impoverish_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o plenty_n and_o almost_o undo_v by_o victory_n and_o which_o add_v to_o our_o misery_n few_o among_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v sufficient_o sensible_a of_o it_o or_o to_o take_v any_o notice_n by_o what_o silent_a step_n and_o imperceptible_a degree_n like_o gray_a hair_n and_o the_o infirmity_n of_o old_a age_n poverty_n and_o weakness_n be_v steal_v in_o upon_o we_o so_o that_o we_o may_v fit_o apply_v to_o ourselves_o what_o the_o prophet_n say_v of_o ephraim_n hos_n 7.9_o stranger_n have_v devour_v his_o strength_n and_o he_o know_v it_o not_o yea_o gray_a hair_n be_v here_o and_o there_o upon_o he_o and_o yet_o he_o know_v it_o not_o and_o our_o condition_n as_o we_o be_v a_o church_n be_v not_o much_o better_a how_o be_v this_o famous_a protestant_a church_n of_o we_o which_o be_v once_o the_o admiration_n of_o her_o friend_n and_o the_o envy_n of_o her_o enemy_n sink_v and_o decline_v in_o her_o glory_n and_o reduce_v into_o a_o very_a narrow_a compass_n so_o that_o she_o be_v leave_v like_o the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n isa_n 1.8_o as_o a_o cottage_n in_o a_o vineyard_n as_o a_o lodge_n in_o a_o garden_n of_o cucumber_n as_o a_o besiege_a city_n straighten_a and_o hem_v in_o on_o all_o part_n by_o the_o impudence_n of_o atheism_n the_o insolence_n of_o popery_n and_o the_o turbulence_n of_o faction_n all_o which_o do_v every_o day_n visible_o and_o apace_o gain_v ground_n upon_o she_o and_o distress_n she_o on_o every_o side_n just_a as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v describe_v before_o my_o text_n the_o syrian_n before_o and_o the_o philistine_n behind_o both_o ready_a to_o devour_v israel_n with_o open_a mouth_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o god_n have_v bring_v we_o thus_o low_a that_o he_o have_v send_v all_o these_o judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o that_o he_o do_v still_o threaten_v we_o with_o more_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o we_o be_v still_o impenitent_a the_o people_n turn_v not_o to_o he_o that_o smite_v they_o there_o have_v be_v almost_o a_o universal_a degeneracy_n among_o we_o and_o there_o be_v still_o i_o fear_v a_o general_a impenitency_n the_o people_n turn_v not_o etc._n etc._n notwithstanding_o all_o those_o dismal_a calamity_n which_o our_o eye_n have_v see_v wickedness_n do_v still_o prevail_v in_o the_o nation_n and_o overflow_v it_o like_o a_o mighty_a deluge_n so_o as_o to_o overspread_v all_o rank_n and_o order_n of_o man_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o be_v grow_v impudent_a and_o appear_v with_o a_o whore_n forehead_n all_o kind_n of_o modesty_n seem_v to_o have_v forsake_v the_o sinner_n of_o this_o age._n and_o be_v this_o repentance_n to_o live_v in_o filthy_a and_o abominable_a lust_n to_o tear_v the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o horrid_a oath_n and_o imprecation_n to_o be_v atheistical_a and_o profane_a and_o by_o a_o unexampled_a boldness_n to_o turn_v the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o the_o grave_a and_o most_o serious_a matter_n of_o religion_n into_o raillery_n this_o be_v not_o to_o turn_v to_o he_o that_o smite_v we_o but_o to_o turn_v upon_o he_o and_o smite_v he_o again_o and_o yet_o such_o cry_v and_o clamorous_a sin_n as_o these_o be_v almost_o come_v to_o be_v the_o garb_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o to_o be_v aecount_v the_o wit_n and_o gallantry_n of_o the_o age._n and_o shall_v not_o god_n visit_v for_o these_o thing_n shall_v not_o his_o soul_n be_v avenge_v on_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o this_o yes_o he_o have_v visit_v and_o it_o be_v for_o these_o thing_n that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n have_v be_v so_o manifest_o reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o we_o for_o this_o cause_n misery_n and_o destruction_n have_v be_v in_o our_o way_n and_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n have_v we_o not_o know_v because_o there_o have_v be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o our_o eye_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o god_n anger_n be_v not_o turn_v away_o but_o his_o hand_n be_v stretch_v out_o still_o because_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 but_o do_v not_o we_o seek_v god_n do_v we_o not_o every_o day_n acknowledge_v our_o sin_n to_o he_o and_o pray_v that_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o miserable_a offender_n
scripture_n do_v our_o saviour_n anywhere_o speak_v one_o word_n concern_v the_o worship_v of_o she_o nay_o do_v he_o not_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o restrain_v all_o extravagant_a apprehension_n and_o imagination_n concern_v the_o honour_n due_a to_o she_o as_o foresee_v the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o thing_n when_o he_o be_v tell_v that_o his_o mother_n and_o brethren_n be_v without_o who_o say_v he_o be_v my_o mother_n and_o my_o brethren_n he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n the_o same_o be_v my_o mother_n and_o sister_n and_o brother_n and_o when_o the_o woman_n break_v forth_o into_o that_o rapture_n concern_v the_o bless_a mother_n of_o our_o lord_n blessed_n be_v the_o womb_n that_o bear_v thou_o and_o the_o pap_n that_o give_v thou_o suck_v our_o saviour_n divert_v to_o another_o thing_n yea_o rather_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v it_o do_v either_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o particular_a precept_n and_o direction_n concern_v prayer_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o by_o who_o we_o be_v to_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o pray_v to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n or_o make_v use_n of_o her_o mediation_n and_o can_v any_o man_n believe_v that_o if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o beginning_n our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n will_v have_v be_v so_o silent_a about_o so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n insomuch_o that_o in_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o her_o name_n be_v so_o much_o as_o once_o mention_v and_o yet_o the_o worship_n of_o she_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o have_v be_v so_o for_o several_a age_n a_o main_a part_n of_o their_o public_a worship_n yea_o and_o of_o their_o private_a devotion_n too_o in_o which_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o they_o to_o say_v ten_o ave_fw-la 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more_o need_n to_o consider_v this_o because_o this_o be_v the_o great_a popular_a argument_n wherewith_o the_o emissary_n and_o agent_n of_o that_o church_n be_v wont_a to_o assault_v our_o people_n your_o church_n say_v they_o grant_v that_o a_o papist_n may_v be_v save_v we_o deny_v that_o a_o protestant_n can_v be_v save_v therefore_o it_o be_v safe_a to_o be_v of_o our_o church_n in_o which_o salvation_n by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o both_o side_n be_v possible_a for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v so_o intolerable_o weak_a and_o sophistical_a that_o any_o considerate_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v catch_v by_o it_o for_o either_o it_o be_v good_a of_o itself_o and_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o relinquish_v our_o church_n and_o to_o pass_v over_o to_o they_o without_o enter_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n on_o either_o side_n and_o without_o compare_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o both_o the_o church_n together_o or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o leave_v our_o church_n without_o compare_v the_o doctrine_n on_o both_o side_n than_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o get_v by_o it_o for_o if_o upon_o examination_n and_o compare_v of_o doctrine_n the_o one_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a and_o the_o other_o false_a this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a inducement_n to_o any_o man_n to_o cleave_v to_o that_o church_n where_o the_o true_a doctrine_n be_v find_v and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o this_o argument_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o argument_n be_v good_a in_o itself_o without_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o both_o church_n this_o seem_v a_o very_a strange_a thing_n for_o any_o man_n to_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o a_o man_n to_o be_v of_o any_o church_n whatever_o her_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v if_o she_o do_v but_o damn_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o she_o and_o if_o the_o church_n that_o differ_v from_o she_o do_v but_o allow_v a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n in_o her_o communion_n but_o they_o who_o use_v this_o argument_n pretend_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v apply_v myself_o to_o show_v as_o brief_o and_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v the_o miserable_a weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o it_o to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n conscience_n or_o prudence_n to_o change_v his_o religion_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v 1._o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o this_o argument_n rely_v 2._o give_v some_o parallel_a instance_n by_o which_o it_o will_v clear_o appear_v that_o it_o conclude_v false_a 3._o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o some_o gross_a absurdity_n that_o follow_v from_o it_o 4._o show_v how_o unfit_a it_o be_v to_o work_v upon_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v and_o 5._o how_o improper_a it_o be_v to_o be_v urge_v by_o those_o that_o make_v use_v of_o it_o i._o i_o shall_v show_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o this_o argument_n rely_v and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o whatever_o different_a party_n in_o religion_n agree_v in_o be_v safe_a to_o be_v choose_v the_o true_a consequence_n of_o which_o principle_n if_o it_o be_v drive_v to_o the_o head_n be_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o forsake_v christianity_n and_o to_o make_v they_o take_v up_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n for_o in_o these_o all_o religion_n do_v agree_v for_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v true_a and_o signify_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o embrace_v any_o thing_n wherein_o the_o several_a party_n in_o religion_n differ_v because_o that_o only_o be_v safe_a and_o prudent_a to_o be_v choose_v wherein_o all_o agree_v so_o that_o this_o argument_n if_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v good_a will_v persuade_v further_o than_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o it_o desire_v it_o shall_v do_v for_o it_o will_v not_o only_o make_v man_n forsake_v the_o protestant_a religion_n but_o popery_n too_o and_o which_o be_v much_o more_o considerable_a christianity_n itself_o ii_o i_o will_v give_v some_o parallel_a instance_n by_o which_o it_o will_v clear_o be_v see_v that_o this_o argument_n conclude_v false_a the_o donatist_n deny_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o catholic_n to_o be_v good_a but_o the_o catholic_n acknowledge_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o donatist_n to_o be_v valid_a so_o that_o both_o side_n be_v agree_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o donatist_n be_v good_a therefore_o the_o safe_a way_n for_o st._n austin_n and_o other_o catholic_n according_a to_o this_o argument_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a again_o by_o the_o donatist_n
determine_v for_o though_o a_o man_n endeavour_v never_o so_o much_o to_o settle_v himself_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o infidelity_n and_o to_o persuade_v his_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reward_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o nor_o punishment_n to_o be_v fear_v in_o another_o life_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o attain_v to_o a_o steady_a and_o unshaken_a persuasion_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o however_o he_o may_v please_v himself_o with_o witty_a reason_n against_o the_o common_a belief_n of_o mankind_n and_o smart_a repartee_n to_o their_o argument_n and_o bold_a and_o pleasant_a raillery_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o i_o dare_v say_v no_o man_n ever_o sit_v down_o in_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n concern_v they_o for_o when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v to_o reason_n himself_o out_o of_o religion_n his_o conscience_n ever_o and_o anon_o recoil_v upon_o he_o and_o his_o natural_a thought_n and_o apprehension_n rise_v up_o against_o his_o reason_n and_o all_o his_o wit_n and_o subtlety_n be_v confute_v and_o bear_v down_o by_o a_o secret_a and_o strong_a suspicion_n which_o he_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n get_v out_o of_o his_o mind_n that_o thing_n may_v be_v otherwise_o and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v plain_a because_o all_o this_o be_v a_o endeavour_n against_o nature_n and_o those_o vigorous_a instinct_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o the_o contrary_n for_o whenever_o our_o mind_n be_v free_a and_o not_o violent_o hurry_v away_o by_o passion_n nor_o blind_v by_o prejudice_n they_o do_v of_o themselves_o return_v to_o their_o first_o and_o most_o natural_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o when_o the_o atheist_n fall_v into_o any_o great_a calamity_n and_o be_v awaken_v to_o a_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o apprehension_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n and_o despair_n of_o enjoy_v any_o long_o those_o pleasure_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o he_o have_v all_o this_o while_n rebel_v against_o religion_n his_o courage_n present_o sink_v and_o all_o his_o argument_n fail_v he_o and_o his_o case_n be_v now_o too_o serious_a to_o admit_v of_o jest_v and_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o doubt_v of_o all_o that_o which_o he_o assert_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n and_o set_v so_o good_a a_o face_n upon_o before_o and_o can_v find_v no_o ease_n to_o his_o mind_n but_o in_o retreat_v from_o his_o former_a principle_n nor_o no_o hope_n of_o consolation_n for_o himself_o but_o in_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n who_o he_o have_v deny_v and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n who_o he_o have_v affront_v this_o be_v always_o the_o case_n of_o these_o person_n when_o they_o come_v to_o extremity_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o infinite_a check_n and_o rebuke_n which_o their_o own_o mind_n give_v they_o upon_o other_o occasion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o that_o these_o man_n have_v any_o tolerable_a enjoyment_n of_o themselves_o but_o be_v force_v to_o run_v away_o from_o themselves_o into_o company_n and_o to_o stupify_v themselves_o by_o intemperance_n that_o they_o may_v not_o feel_v the_o fearful_a twitch_n and_o gripe_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n whereas_o he_o who_o entertain_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o therein_o follow_v his_o own_o natural_a apprehension_n and_o the_o general_a voice_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o know_o and_o wilful_o live_v contrary_a to_o these_o principle_n have_v no_o anxiety_n in_o his_o mind_n about_o these_o thing_n be_v very_o persuade_v they_o be_v true_a and_o that_o he_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o think_v so_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v prove_v otherwise_o which_o he_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o suspect_v yet_o he_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o he_o have_v take_v the_o wise_a course_n and_o have_v consult_v his_o own_o present_a peace_n and_o future_a security_n infinite_o better_o than_o the_o atheist_n have_v do_v in_o case_n he_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v mistake_v for_o it_o be_v a_o fatal_a mistake_n to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o god_n if_o there_o be_v one_o but_o a_o mistake_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n have_v no_o future_a bad_a consequence_n depend_v upon_o it_o nor_o indeed_o any_o great_a present_a inconvenience_n religion_n only_o restrain_v a_o man_n from_o do_v some_o thing_n from_o most_o of_o which_o it_o be_v good_a he_o shall_v be_v restrain_v however_o so_o that_o at_o the_o worst_a the_o religious_a man_n be_v only_o mistake_v but_o the_o atheist_n be_v miserable_a if_o he_o be_v mistake_v miserable_a beyond_o all_o imagination_n and_o past_o all_o remedy_n 2._o another_o and_o indeed_o a_o principal_a cause_n of_o trouble_n and_o discontent_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v gild_n now_o gild_n be_v a_o consciousness_n to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o the_o very_a thought_n that_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o be_v apt_a to_o lie_v very_o cross_a in_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o cause_v great_a anguish_n and_o confusion_n beside_o that_o gild_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o fear_n which_o natural_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o a_o secret_a apprehension_n of_o the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o his_o sin_n will_v bring_v upon_o he_o and_o of_o the_o vengeance_n that_o hang_v over_o he_o from_o god_n and_o will_v overtake_v he_o either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o other_o and_o though_o the_o sinner_n while_o he_o be_v in_o full_a health_n and_o prosperity_n may_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o divert_v and_o shake_v off_o these_o fear_n yet_o they_o frequent_o return_v upon_o he_o and_o upon_o every_o little_a noise_n of_o danger_n upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o any_o calamity_n that_o come_v near_o he_o his_o guilty_a mind_n be_v present_o jealous_a that_o it_o be_v make_v towards_o he_o and_o be_v particular_o level_v against_o he_o for_o he_o be_v sensible_a that_o there_o be_v a_o just_a power_n above_o he_o to_o who_o indignation_n he_o be_v continual_o liable_a and_o therefore_o he_o be_v always_o in_o fear_n of_o he_o and_o how_o long_o soever_o he_o may_v have_v escape_v punishment_n in_o this_o world_n he_o can_v but_o dread_v the_o vengeance_n of_o the_o other_o and_o these_o thought_n be_v a_o continual_a disturbance_n to_o his_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o laughter_n make_v his_o heart_n heavy_a and_o the_o long_o he_o continue_v in_o a_o wicked_a course_n the_o more_o he_o multiply_v the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o his_o fear_n but_o now_o religion_n free_v a_o man_n from_o all_o this_o torment_n either_o by_o prevent_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o or_o direct_v to_o the_o cure_n either_o by_o preserve_v we_o from_o guilt_n or_o clear_v we_o of_o it_o in_o case_n we_o have_v contract_v it_o it_o preserve_v we_o from_o guilt_n by_o keep_v we_o innocent_a and_o in_o case_n we_o have_v offend_v it_o clear_v we_o of_o it_o by_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o the_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o recover_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o secure_v we_o against_o all_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n from_o the_o divine_a justice_n though_o not_o absolute_o from_o all_o fear_n of_o punishment_n in_o this_o world_n yet_o from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o all_o the_o condemnation_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v a_o man_n mind_n be_v settle_v in_o perfect_a peace_n religion_n free_v he_o from_o those_o torment_a fear_n of_o the_o divine_a displeasure_n which_o he_o can_v upon_o no_o other_o term_n rid_v himself_o of_o whereas_o the_o sinner_n be_v always_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o trouble_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o continual_a discontent_n to_o himself_o second_o as_o religion_n remove_v the_o chief_a ground_n of_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v so_o it_o minister_n to_o we_o all_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n whoever_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n lay_v these_o three_o great_a foundation_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o himself_o 1._o he_o be_v satisfy_v that_o in_o be_v religious_a he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a 2._o that_o he_o secure_v himself_o against_o the_o great_a mischief_n and_o danger_n by_o make_v god_n his_o friend_n 3._o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n he_o do_v in_o all_o respect_v most_o effectual_o consult_v and_o promote_v his_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n 1._o he_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a pleasure_n to_o be_v justify_v to_o ourselves_o to_o be_v satisfy_v
he_o have_v it_o and_o according_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_o with_o great_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n appeal_v to_o god_n concern_v the_o integrity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n towards_o he_o job_n and_o david_n hezekiah_n and_o nehemiah_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a st._n paul_n for_o himself_o and_o timothy_n make_v this_o solemn_a profession_n of_o their_o sincerity_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o can_v call_v to_o mind_n so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o passage_n in_o scripture_n from_o whence_o it_o can_v be_v collect_v that_o any_o good_a man_n ever_o doubt_v of_o his_o own_o sincerity_n and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n it_o will_v not_o be_v modesty_n but_o impudence_n in_o any_o man_n to_o declare_v that_o he_o suspect_v himself_o of_o hypocrisy_n good_a man_n have_v always_o abhor_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o patience_n of_o job_n and_o yet_o he_o can_v not_o bear_v to_o have_v his_o integrity_n question_v it_o be_v a_o brave_a and_o a_o generous_a speech_n of_o he_o till_o i_o die_v i_o will_v not_o remove_v my_o integrity_n from_o i_o and_o yet_o it_o have_v so_o happen_v that_o this_o be_v become_v a_o very_a common_a doubt_n among_o religious_a people_n and_o they_o have_v be_v so_o unreasonable_o cherish_v in_o it_o as_o to_o have_v it_o make_v a_o considerable_a evidence_n of_o a_o man_n sincerity_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o himself_o it_o be_v indeed_o say_v in_o scripture_n jer._n 17.9_o that_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o which_o be_v true_a concern_v our_o future_a intention_n and_o action_n no_o man_n know_v how_o his_o mind_n may_v change_v hereafter_o little_o do_v hazael_n think_v that_o ever_o he_o shall_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v he_o but_o though_o this_o be_v true_a in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o text._n for_o the_o prophet_n in_o that_o chapter_n plain_o make_v use_v of_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o falsehood_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o man_n heart_n as_o a_o argument_n to_o take_v off_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o trust_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o in_o those_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o they_o of_o foreign_a assistance_n from_o egypt_n because_o man_n may_v pretend_v fair_a and_o yet_o deceive_v those_o that_o rely_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a and_o desperate_o wicked_a and_o none_o but_o god_n know_v whether_o man_n inward_a intention_n be_v answerable_a to_o their_o outward_a profession_n for_o he_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o reins_o and_o this_o i_o very_o believe_v be_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n here_o intend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o bad_a man_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v rely_v upon_o their_o promise_n and_o profession_n but_o god_n know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n but_o now_o because_o god_n alone_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o intention_n towards_o one_o another_o do_v it_o from_o hence_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n either_o impossible_a or_o very_a difficult_a for_o any_o man_n to_o know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o own_o present_a intention_n and_o action_n to_o make_v any_o such_o conclusion_n be_v to_o condemn_v the_o generation_n of_o god_n child_n those_o holy_a and_o excellent_a man_n in_o scripture_n job_n and_o david_n and_o hezekiah_n and_o st._n paul_n who_o do_v so_o frequent_o appeal_v to_o god_n concern_v their_o own_o integrity_n and_o sure_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v no_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o he_o plain_o suppose_v that_o every_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o the_o motion_n and_o intention_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o that_o i_o may_v from_o the_o very_a foundation_n destroy_v a_o imagination_n which_o be_v not_o only_o untrue_a in_o itself_o but_o have_v likewise_o be_v a_o very_a great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n of_o many_o good_a man_n iii_o let_v we_o inquire_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o so_o many_o person_n be_v at_o so_o great_a uncertainty_n about_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n we_o will_v distinct_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o false_a hope_n and_o confidence_n of_o man_n real_o bad_a concern_v their_o good_a condition_n second_o the_o causeless_a doubt_n and_o jealousy_n of_o man_n real_o good_a concern_v their_o bad_a condition_n and_o three_o the_o just_a cause_n of_o doubt_v in_o other_o as_o for_o the_o trouble_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n who_o be_v notorious_o bad_a and_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o know_a vice_n these_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o our_o consideration_n if_o they_o be_v trouble_v about_o their_o condition_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o if_o they_o be_v only_o doubtful_a of_o it_o it_o be_v less_o than_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o person_n in_o this_o condition_n there_o be_v only_a counsel_n to_o be_v give_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o become_v better_o but_o no_o comfort_n to_o be_v administer_v to_o they_o till_o first_o they_o have_v follow_v that_o counsel_n for_o till_o they_o reform_v if_o they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o bad_a condition_n they_o think_v just_a as_o they_o ought_v and_o as_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n and_o no_o body_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v they_o otherwise_o first_o then_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o false_a hope_n and_o confidence_n of_o man_n real_o bad_a concern_v their_o good_a condition_n i_o do_v not_o now_o mean_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n but_o such_o as_o make_v some_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o goodness_n it_o be_v very_o unpleasing_a to_o man_n to_o fall_v under_o the_o hard_a opinion_n and_o censure_n of_o other_o but_o the_o most_o grievous_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v condemn_v by_o himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n use_v all_o manner_n of_o shift_n to_o avoid_v so_o great_a a_o inconvenience_n as_o be_v the_o ill_a opinion_n of_o a_o man_n self_n concern_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o condition_n some_o therefore_o rely_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o their_o be_v baptize_v into_o it_o but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o exemption_n from_o a_o good_a life_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o solemn_a obligation_n to_o it_o do_v thou_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n thou_o of_o all_o man_n be_v inexcusable_a if_o thou_o allow_v thyself_o in_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n other_o trust_v to_o their_o external_a devotion_n they_o frequent_v the_o church_n and_o serve_v god_n constant_o they_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n but_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o god_n be_v not_o mock_v all_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o impiety_n of_o our_o life_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o impiety_n of_o our_o life_n spoil_v all_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o devotion_n he_o that_o turn_v away_o his_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n that_o be_v from_o obey_v it_o even_o his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v a_o abomination_n other_o who_o be_v sensible_a they_o be_v very_o bad_a depend_v very_o much_o upon_o their_o repentance_n especial_o if_o they_o set_v solemn_a time_n apart_o for_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n will_v put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o good_a condition_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o no_o repentance_n be_v sincere_a but_o that_o which_o produce_v a_o real_a change_n and_o reformation_n in_o our_o life_n for_o we_o have_v not_o repent_v to_o purpose_n if_o we_o return_v again_o to_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v well_o thou_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n sensible_a of_o thy_o miscarriage_n but_o thou_o be_v never_o safe_a till_o thou_o have_v forsake_v thy_o sin_n thy_o estate_n and_o condition_n towards_o god_n be_v not_o change_v till_o thou_o have_v real_o alter_v thyself_o and_o the_o course_n of_o thy_o life_n other_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o particular_a grace_n and_o virtue_n justice_n and_o liberality_n and_o charity_n and_o be_v it_o not_o
to_o go_v on_o and_o fortify_v their_o good_a resolution_n to_o be_v more_o vigilant_a and_o watchful_a over_o themselves_o to_o strive_v against_o sin_n and_o to_o resist_v it_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o according_a to_o the_o success_n of_o their_o endeavour_n in_o this_o conflict_n the_o evidence_n of_o their_o good_a condition_n will_v every_o day_n clear_v up_o and_o become_v more_o manifest_a the_o more_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o the_o seldomer_n we_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o the_o more_o even_a and_o constant_a our_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o our_o good_a estate_n towards_o god_n for_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o the_o shine_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n and_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o i_o shall_v only_o make_v two_o or_o three_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_n of_o omission_n as_o well_o as_o commission_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n the_o mere_a neglect_n of_o any_o of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o religion_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n though_o we_o be_v free_a from_o the_o commission_n of_o great_a sin_n be_v enough_o to_o cast_v we_o out_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o shut_v we_o for_o ever_o out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n i_o be_v hungry_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o meat_n thirsty_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o drink_n sick_z and_o in_o prison_n and_o you_o visit_v i_o not_o therefore_o depart_v you_o curse_v 2._o it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v vain_a than_o for_o man_n to_o live_v in_o any_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o impiety_n and_o yet_o to_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o to_o hope_v for_o eternal_a life_n the_o child_n of_o god_n will_v do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o whoever_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v he_o hereafter_o will_v endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o here_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a 3._o you_o see_v what_o be_v the_o great_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o man_n good_a or_o bad_a condition_n whosoever_o do_v righteousness_n be_v of_o god_n and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o sensible_a evidence_n by_o which_o every_o man_n that_o will_v deal_v honest_o with_o hâ—mself_n may_v certain_o know_v his_o own_o condition_n and_o then_o according_a as_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v may_v take_v comfort_n in_o it_o or_o make_v haste_n out_o of_o it_o and_o we_o need_v not_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n nor_o go_v down_o into_o the_o deep_a to_o search_v out_o the_o secret_a counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n there_o need_v no_o anxious_a enquiry_n whether_o we_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_v if_o we_o daily_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o grow_v in_o goodness_n and_o take_v care_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o charity_n and_o all_o other_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n we_o certain_o take_v the_o best_a course_n in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v any_o comfortable_a and_o well_o ground_a assurance_n of_o our_o good_a condition_n this_o one_o mark_n of_o do_v righteousness_n be_v that_o into_o which_o all_o other_o sign_n and_o character_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n give_v of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v final_o resolve_v and_o this_o answer_v all_o those_o various_a phrase_n which_o some_o man_n will_v make_v to_o be_v so_o many_o several_a and_o distinct_a mark_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n as_o whether_o we_o have_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a illumination_n for_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n whether_o we_o sincere_o love_v god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o whether_o god_n love_v we_o for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n will_v behold_v the_o upright_a whether_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v of_o god_n for_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o whether_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o as_o many_o as_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n whether_o we_o belong_v to_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o or_o not_o for_o they_o that_o be_v christ_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n thereof_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n belong_v to_o we_o for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n the_o end_n will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n so_o that_o you_o see_v at_o last_o the_o scripture_n bring_v all_o to_o this_o one_o mark_n viz._n holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o a_o vicious_a and_o wicked_a life_n in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n let_v we_o then_o deal_v impartial_o with_o ourselves_o and_o bring_v our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o this_o trial_n and_o never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o the_o matter_n be_v bring_v to_o some_o issue_n and_o we_o have_v make_v a_o deliberate_a judgement_n of_o our_o condition_n whether_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o if_o upon_o a_o full_a and_o fair_a examination_n our_o conscience_n give_v we_o this_o testimony_n that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o have_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n we_o may_v take_v joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o it_o for_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n but_o if_o upon_o the_o search_n and_o trial_n of_o our_o way_n our_o case_n appear_v clear_o to_o be_v otherwise_o or_o if_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o let_v we_o not_o venture_v to_o continue_v one_o moment_n long_o in_o so_o uncertain_a and_o dangerous_a a_o condition_n and_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o way_n of_o peace_n the_o scripture_n have_v set_v it_o plain_o before_o we_o wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v white_a as_o snow_n let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v though_o our_o case_n be_v very_o bad_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o desperate_a this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o man_n to_o be_v embrace_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o he_o be_v still_o willing_a to_o save_v we_o if_o we_o be_v but_o willing_a to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n the_o remain_a part_n of_o our_o life_n we_o may_v yet_o be_v turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n we_o who_o have_v venture_v so_o long_o upon_o the_o brink_n of_o ruin_n may_v yet_o by_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v rescue_v from_o the_o base_a and_o miserable_a slavery_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o our_o lust_n into_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o plainness_n i_o can_v to_o represent_v every_o man_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o let_v he_o clear_o see_v what_o his_o condition_n be_v towards_o god_n and_o how_o the_o case_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o of_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n stand_v and_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n
of_o joy_n any_o more_o than_o of_o grief_n or_o any_o other_o passion_n because_o this_o will_v be_v to_o imagine_v some_o new_a accession_n to_o his_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n which_o be_v always_o infinite_a can_v never_o have_v any_o thing_n add_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v this_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o god_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o we_o do_v infinite_a other_o passage_n of_o scripture_n where_o humane_a passion_n be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o to_o be_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o condescension_n and_o after_o the_o language_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o to_o signify_v only_o thus_o much_o to_o we_o that_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v a_o thing_n high_o please_v and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o it_o refer_v to_o angel_n and_o other_o bless_a spirit_n i_o see_v no_o inconvenience_n why_o it_o may_v not_o be_v understand_v more_o strict_o and_o literal_o that_o they_o conceive_v a_o new_a joy_n at_o the_o news_n of_o a_o sinner_n repentance_n and_o find_v a_o fresh_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n spring_v up_o in_o their_o mind_n whenever_o they_o hear_v the_o joyful_a tiding_n of_o a_o sinner_n rescue_v from_o the_o slavery_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n of_o a_o new_a member_n add_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v be_v a_o companion_n and_o sharer_n with_o they_o in_o that_o blessedness_n which_o they_o enjoy_v there_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o happiness_n of_o bless_a spirit_n in_o another_o world_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o happiness_n among_o the_o bless_a from_o whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v happy_a than_o they_o be_v and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a since_o the_o happiness_n of_o angel_n and_o good_a man_n be_v but_o finite_a that_o those_o who_o be_v most_o happy_a do_v continual_o receive_v new_a addition_n to_o their_o blessedness_n and_o that_o their_o felicity_n be_v never_o at_o a_o stand_n but_o perpetual_o grow_v and_o improve_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o that_o as_o their_o knowledge_n and_o love_n do_v increase_v so_o likewise_o the_o capacity_n and_o cause_n of_o their_o happiness_n be_v still_o more_o and_o more_o enlarge_v and_o augment_v so_o that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a enough_o to_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v real_o joy_n among_o the_o angel_n and_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a over_o every_o sinner_n that_o repent_v ii_o who_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o just_a person_n who_o need_v no_o repentance_n that_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o expression_n give_v some_o glance_n and_o reflection_n upon_o the_o pharisee_n who_o pride_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o instead_o of_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o god_n stand_v upon_o their_o own_o justification_n as_o if_o they_o need_v no_o repentance_n be_v very_o probable_a because_o this_o parable_n be_v design_v to_o answer_v their_o murmur_n against_o he_o for_o converse_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n and_o by_o the_o by_o to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o those_o who_o be_v so_o conceit_v of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o repentance_n and_o this_o be_v very_o suitable_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n elsewhere_o say_v to_o they_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n that_o the_o whole_a have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o physician_n but_o the_o sick_a that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o the_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n but_o yet_o though_o our_o saviour_n express_v himself_o so_o as_o that_o the_o pharisee_n may_v with_o reason_n enough_o apply_v it_o to_o themselves_o that_o there_o be_v more_o joy_n in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o of_o they_o who_o be_v so_o conceit_v of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n that_o they_o think_v they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o repentance_n for_o indeed_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o leave_v room_n for_o such_o a_o severe_a application_n yet_o i_o think_v there_o be_v little_a doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o he_o intend_v something_o further_o and_o that_o suppose_v the_o pharisee_n be_v as_o just_a as_o they_o pretend_v and_o be_v real_o righteous_a man_n so_o as_o to_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o great_a sinner_n do_v yet_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v there_o be_v more_o joy_n in_o heaven_n over_o one_o penitent_a sinner_n than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o such_o just_a person_n but_o be_v there_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n so_o just_a as_o absolute_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o repentance_n no_o there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o person_n in_o the_o world_n he_o only_o except_v who_o say_v this_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o have_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n and_o therefore_o this_o phrase_n of_o need_v no_o repentance_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o qualify_a sense_n and_o with_o some_o allowance_n otherwise_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v suppose_v a_o case_n which_o never_o be_v of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o perfect_o righteous_a man_n and_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n in_o this_o be_v sufficient_o explain_v in_o the_o last_o parable_n of_o this_o chapter_n concern_v the_o prodigal_a son_n where_o the_o prodigal_a son_n be_v the_o sinner_n that_o repent_v and_o his_o elder_a brother_n who_o have_v always_o observe_v and_o obey_v his_o father_n he_o be_v the_o just_a person_n who_o need_v no_o repentance_n so_o that_o by_o he_o our_o saviour_n plain_o design_v those_o who_o be_v religious_o educate_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n have_v never_o break_v out_o into_o any_o extravagant_a and_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n and_o so_o in_o some_o sense_n have_v no_o need_n of_o repentance_n that_o be_v of_o change_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n as_o the_o prodigal_a son_n have_v not_o but_o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o many_o fault_n and_o infirmity_n which_o they_o have_v too_o much_o cause_n to_o repent_v of_o as_o our_o saviour_n sufficient_o intimate_v in_o that_o parable_n for_o certain_o it_o be_v no_o small_a infirmity_n in_o the_o elder_a brother_n to_o be_v so_o envious_a and_o to_o take_v so_o heinous_o the_o joyful_a welcome_n and_o entertainment_n which_o his_o prodigal_a brother_n at_o his_o return_n find_v from_o his_o father_n but_o yet_o this_o single_a fault_n and_o sudden_a surprise_n of_o passion_n consider_v the_o constant_a duty_n which_o he_o have_v pay_v to_o his_o father_n throughout_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n do_v not_o make_v he_o such_o a_o sinner_n as_o to_o need_v such_o a_o repentance_n as_o his_o brother_n do_v which_o consist_v in_o a_o perfect_a change_n of_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o of_o such_o just_a person_n as_o these_o and_o of_o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o this_o it_o seem_v very_o plain_a that_o our_o saviour_n intend_v this_o discourse_n iii_o but_o the_o main_a difficulty_n of_o all_o be_v with_o what_o reason_n it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o there_o be_v more_o joy_n in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n which_o need_v no_o repentance_n be_v it_o not_o better_v not_o to_o offend_v than_o to_o sin_n and_o repent_v be_v not_o innocence_n better_o than_o amendment_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o prevention_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o that_o of_o remedy_n be_v it_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o do_v amiss_o to_o make_v way_n for_o repentance_n and_o be_v not_o this_o almost_o like_o sin_v that_o grace_n may_v abound_v and_o if_o repentance_n be_v not_o better_o than_o righteousness_n why_o be_v there_o more_o joy_n in_o heaven_n over_o the_o penitent_a than_o over_o the_o righteous_a nay_o over_o one_o penitent_a sinner_n than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n do_v not_o the_o bless_a always_o rejoice_v most_o in_o that_o which_o be_v real_o best_o here_o be_v the_o difficulty_n and_o it_o require_v some_o care_n and_o consideration_n clear_o to_o remove_v it_o in_o order_n to_o which_o be_v please_v to_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o think_v to_o be_v very_o material_a to_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o i._o that_o the_o same_o thing_n consider_v in_o several_a respect_n may_v in_o some_o respect_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o another_o thing_n and_o for_o those_o reason_n be_v prefer_v before_o it_o and_o yet_o not_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o it_o absolute_o and_o in_o all_o respect_n moral_a comparison_n be_v not_o to_o be_v exact_v to_o a_o mathematical_a strictness_n and_o rigour_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v observe_v in_o a_o former_a discourse_n that_o
and_o the_o cause_n of_o sudden_a joy_n and_o transport_v another_o a_o continue_a course_n of_o goodness_n may_v in_o itself_o be_v more_o valuable_a and_o yet_o repentance_n after_o a_o great_a fall_n and_o long_a wander_n may_v be_v much_o more_o move_a and_o surprise_v for_o where_o thing_n be_v constant_a and_o keep_v in_o the_o same_o tenor_n they_o be_v not_o apt_a in_o their_o nature_n to_o give_v any_o new_a and_o sudden_a occasion_n of_o joy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n give_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n where_o the_o father_n tell_v his_o elder_a son_n who_o be_v so_o offend_v at_o the_o joyful_a reception_n and_o welcome_n of_o his_o prodigal_a brother_n that_o he_o have_v be_v always_o with_o he_o and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v be_v he_o that_o be_v he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o constant_a duty_n and_o obedience_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v have_v be_v more_o acceptable_a and_o that_o it_o have_v not_o nor_o shall_v not_o lose_v its_o reward_n but_o the_o return_n of_o his_o other_o son_n after_o he_o have_v give_v over_o all_o hope_n of_o he_o and_o look_v upon_o his_o case_n as_o desperate_a this_o be_v a_o marvellous_a surprise_n and_o a_o happiness_n beyond_o expectation_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o natural_a cause_n of_o joy_n and_o gladness_n and_o therefore_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n it_o be_v meet_v that_o we_o shall_v make_v merry_a and_o be_v glad_a for_o this_o thy_o brother_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o be_v lose_v and_o be_v find_v his_o elder_a son_n continuance_n in_o his_o duty_n be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o he_o have_v always_o have_v but_o the_o return_n of_o his_o prodigal_a son_n be_v the_o retrieve_v of_o what_o he_o have_v give_v up_o for_o lose_v and_o a_o kind_n of_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o encourage_v the_o repentance_n of_o sinner_n represent_v god_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n as_o if_o our_o heavenly_a father_n do_v conceive_v such_o a_o joy_n upon_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n as_o earthly_a parent_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v upon_o the_o return_n of_o a_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a son_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o duty_n have_v thus_o as_o brief_o and_o clear_o as_o i_o can_v explain_v the_o several_a difficulty_n in_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v now_o deduce_v some_o inference_n from_o it_o and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o first_o that_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n here_o below_o because_o they_o be_v say_v to_o rejoice_v at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n this_o be_v speak_v more_o particular_o of_o the_o angel_n as_o appear_v by_o compare_v what_o be_v more_o general_o say_v in_o the_o text_n that_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n with_o what_o be_v more_o particular_o express_v in_o the_o 10_o the_o verse_n that_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o angel_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v now_o whether_o the_o angel_n come_v to_o this_o knowledge_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ministry_n here_o below_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o elect_n and_o so_o in_o their_o continual_a intercourse_n between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n bring_v to_o their_o fellow-servant_n in_o heaven_n the_o joyful_a news_n of_o the_o repentance_n of_o sinner_n upon_o earth_n or_o whether_o god_n be_v please_v from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o reveal_v it_o to_o they_o as_o a_o thing_n extreme_o welcome_a and_o delightful_a to_o good_a spirit_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o happiness_n as_o it_o be_v not_o very_o material_a to_o inquire_v so_o perhaps_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o determine_v however_o it_o can_v from_o hence_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o angel_n or_o saint_n in_o heaven_n have_v such_o a_o universal_a knowledge_n of_o our_o condition_n and_o affair_n as_o to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a ground_n and_o warrant_v to_o we_o to_o pray_v to_o they_o yea_o or_o to_o desire_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o we_o no_o though_o this_o be_v do_v without_o any_o solemn_a circumstance_n of_o invocation_n for_o they_o may_v very_o well_o know_v some_o thing_n concern_v we_o wherein_o their_o own_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n be_v likewise_o concern_v and_o yet_o be_v ignorant_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o affair_n this_o one_o thing_n we_o be_v sure_o they_o know_v because_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o so_o but_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o no_o more_o and_o there_o be_v neither_o equal_a reason_n for_o their_o knowledge_n of_o our_o other_o concernment_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o revelation_n in_o scripture_n to_o that_o purpose_n 2._o second_o if_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o rejoice_v at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n so_o shall_v we_o too_o and_o not_o fret_v and_o murmur_v as_o the_o pharisee_n here_o do_v this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o very_o bad_a man_n to_o regret_n and_o envy_v the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o other_o for_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o proportionable_o to_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v the_o grief_n and_o vexation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n of_o evil_a spirit_n and_o wicked_a man_n and_o as_o the_o devil_n delight_v in_o destroy_a soul_n and_o go_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v so_o no_o doubt_n he_o be_v in_o great_a rage_n and_o gnash_v out_o of_o very_a discontent_n when_o at_o any_o time_n he_o be_v frustrate_v of_o his_o hope_n and_o the_o prey_n which_o he_o think_v himself_o sure_a of_o be_v snatch_v out_o of_o his_o jaw_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v with_o bad_a man_n they_o do_v persecute_v those_o that_o forsake_v they_o and_o their_o wicked_a way_n and_o refuse_v any_o further_a to_o go_v along_o with_o they_o to_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n and_o this_o be_v no_o where_o more_o visible_a than_o among_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n how_o full_a of_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n be_v they_o against_o those_o who_o out_o of_o pure_a conviction_n of_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o their_o church_n come_v over_o to_o we_o how_o do_v they_o persecute_v they_o with_o slander_n and_o reproach_n and_o with_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o hatred_n and_o malice_n so_o that_o many_o time_n they_o can_v scarce_o refrain_v from_o do_v they_o a_o real_a mischief_n even_o where_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o themselves_o to_o attempt_v it_o as_o if_o they_o envy_v they_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o opportunity_n of_o be_v save_v i_o know_v it_o be_v too_o natural_a to_o those_o of_o all_o communion_n to_o be_v eager_a and_o fierce_a against_o those_o that_o desert_n they_o and_o yet_o suppose_v they_o have_v the_o truth_n certain_o on_o their_o side_n which_o they_o can_v all_o have_v i_o see_v no_o great_a reason_n for_o this_o temper_n and_o carriage_n for_o why_o shall_v i_o cast_v away_o my_o patience_n and_o my_o charity_n because_o another_o man_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v any_o where_o among_o mankind_n to_o have_v observe_v a_o more_o implacable_a malice_n a_o more_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a ill-will_n than_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v constant_o express_v towards_o those_o that_o forsake_v they_o nay_o though_o they_o give_v never_o so_o modest_a and_o reasonable_a a_o account_n of_o their_o change_n and_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o old_a friend_n with_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o their_o hatred_n and_o indignation_n against_o they_o run_v so_o high_a that_o one_o may_v plain_o see_v they_o will_v soon_o forgive_v a_o man_n the_o great_a sin_n that_o humane_a nature_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o the_o breach_n of_o all_o the_o ten_o commandment_n than_o this_o one_o crime_n of_o leave_v their_o church_n that_o be_v in_o truth_n of_o grow_v wise_a and_o better_a 3._o three_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v shall_v mighty_o inflame_v our_o zeal_n and_o quicken_v our_o industry_n and_o diligence_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n for_o if_o the_o conversion_n of_o one_o soul_n be_v worth_a so_o much_o labour_n and_o pain_n and_o matter_n of_o such_o joy_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n and_o good_a spirit_n what_o pain_n shall_v not_o we_o take_v in_o so_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a a_o age_n as_o this_o of_o we_o where_o impenitent_a sinner_n do_v so_o much_o abound_v and_o the_o just_a be_v almost_o fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n our_o bless_a saviour_n indeed_o according_a to_o the_o extraordinary_a decency_n of_o all_o his_o parable_n put_v the_o case_n very_o