and_o when_o he_o have_v say_v these_o thing_n he_o cry_v he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v in_o which_o parable_n our_o bless_a saviour_n set_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o different_a success_n which_o his_o gospel_n then_o do_v and_o will_v ever_o after_o be_v likely_a to_o meet_v with_o according_a to_o the_o different_a disposition_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v preach_v it_o be_v indeed_o a_o uncomfortable_a reflection_n and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v one_o of_o the_o great_a discouragement_n we_o labour_v under_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o ministry_n to_o consider_v how_o very_a little_a benefit_n for_o the_o most_o part_n all_o our_o endeavour_n have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o to_o who_o we_o declare_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n that_o after_o all_o we_o can_v do_v 11_o either_o by_o the_o goodness_n or_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o persuade_v man_n yet_o scarce_o a_o four_o part_n bring_v any_o fruit_n at_o all_o to_o perfection_n 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the_o natural_a reason_n of_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n require_v i_o shall_v into_o the_o general_a indisposition_n of_o man_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n we_o now_o as_o the_o sour_a in_o the_o parable_n scatter_v the_o same_o seed_n on_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o field_n indifferent_o we_o desire_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v yield_v a_o suitable_a increase_n what_o can_v possible_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o strange_a variety_n we_o find_v in_o the_o product_n that_o one_o part_n shall_v bring_v forth_o a_o plentiful_a crop_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n another_o either_o none_o at_o all_o or_o but_o a_o very_a small_a one_o in_o comparison_n but_o only_o this_o that_o the_o ground_n be_v in_o some_o better_o prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o seed_n than_o it_o be_v in_o other_o and_o therefore_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n according_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a design_n both_o of_o the_o parable_n before_o mention_v and_o of_o that_o exhortation_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o conclude_v it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o which_o word_n that_o i_o may_v pursue_v the_o same_o method_n which_o our_o bless_a lord_n do_v in_o his_o parable_n i_o will_v i._o show_v you_o what_o sort_n of_o hearer_n they_o be_v to_o who_o the_o word_n be_v in_o vain_a speak_v who_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o benefit_v themselves_o by_o our_o preach_v and_o ii_o will_v offer_v some_o rule_n for_o the_o dispose_n of_o your_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n you_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v benefit_n by_o it_o i._o i_o be_o to_o show_v what_o kind_n of_o hearer_n they_o be_v to_o who_o the_o word_n be_v in_o vain_a speak_v who_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o benefit_v themselves_o by_o our_o preach_v in_o pursuance_n of_o which_o point_n i_o shall_v be_v infinite_a shall_v i_o insist_v particular_o on_o all_o those_o indisposition_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o render_v a_o man_n a_o unprofitable_a hearer_n of_o divine_a truth_n i_o will_v reduce_v this_o first_o sort_n of_o auditor_n to_o as_o few_o general_n as_o i_o can_v and_o that_o with_o all_o the_o freedom_n and_o plainness_n that_o both_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o such_o a_o undertake_n require_v 1._o and_o the_o first_o that_o i_o shall_v mention_v be_v the_o careless_a hearer_n it_o be_v the_o misfortune_n of_o too_o many_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 5_o that_o in_o st._n paul_n character_n they_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o be_v little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o power_n of_o it_o they_o come_v to_o our_o assembly_n and_o hear_v our_o discourse_n and_o for_o the_o time_n be_v very_o much_o affect_v with_o they_o but_o they_o go_v away_o and_o present_o they_o forget_v what_o they_o hear_v their_o holy_a affection_n be_v scatter_v as_o a_o morning_n cloud_n they_o grow_v cold_a and_o indifferent_a as_o they_o be_v before_o nor_o much_o concern_v themselves_o with_o any_o far_a thought_n of_o religion_n till_o the_o next_o sunday_n come_v and_o another_o sermon_n again_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o it_o as_o if_o the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o preach_v be_v only_o to_o make_v the_o service_n a_o little_a the_o more_o solemn_a to_o entertain_v they_o a_o hour_n extraordinary_a in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o do_v but_o sit_v out_o that_o with_o any_o tolerable_a attention_n they_o have_v then_o discharge_v their_o duty_n they_o have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o to_o such_o auditor_n as_o these_o i_o will_v only_o beg_v leave_n to_o remonstrate_v how_o unreasonable_a such_o a_o negligence_n as_o this_o be_v and_o of_o what_o a_o dangerous_a consequence_n it_o will_v most_o certain_o prove_v to_o they_o in_o the_o end_n our_o discourse_n in_o these_o place_n all_o of_o they_o i_o be_o sure_a shall_v be_v and_o i_o believe_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v either_o explication_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o or_o exhortation_n to_o fulfil_v it_o or_o else_o to_o show_v the_o danger_n and_o baseness_n of_o those_o â—_z that_o most_o usual_o draw_v man_n aside_o from_o it_o now_o all_o these_o natural_o imply_v a_o obligation_n on_o the_o part_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v we_o to_o do_v somewhat_o in_o pursuance_n of_o these_o instruction_n either_o to_o fulfil_v this_o duty_n or_o to_o fly_v those_o sin_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o or_o to_o watch_v and_o arm_v themselves_o against_o those_o temptation_n which_o they_o be_v forewarn_v will_v otherwise_o be_v apt_a to_o seduce_v they_o from_o it_o and_o if_o they_o neglect_v to_o do_v this_o they_o will_v be_v much_o more_o inexcusable_a than_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v instruct_v by_o we_o what_o our_o saviour_n once_o say_v of_o the_o jew_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o preach_v will_v be_v find_v as_o true_a now_o with_o respect_n to_o we_o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o 22_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o in_o discourse_n of_o this_o kind_a as_o in_o other_o ordinary_a address_n that_o be_v sometime_o make_v to_o we_o which_o if_o they_o do_v but_o afford_v we_o some_o agreeable_a entertainment_n for_o the_o present_a we_o have_v our_o desire_n and_o though_o we_o afterward_o never_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o any_o far_a thought_n of_o they_o yet_o we_o run_v no_o great_a hazard_n nor_o it_o may_v be_v sustain_v any_o loss_n by_o our_o neglect_n of_o they_o but_o when_o we_o tell_v you_o your_o duty_n and_o lay_v before_o you_o the_o doctrine_n by_o which_o you_o be_v to_o be_v save_v the_o case_n be_v much_o otherwise_o we_o speak_v as_o the_o commissioner_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n we_o beseech_v you_o to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o the_o word_n which_o we_o deliver_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v not_o our_o own_o but_o his_o that_o 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to_o god_n must_v obtain_v this_o who_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o 13_o and_o now_o how_o shall_v we_o wonder_v if_o the_o seed_n though_o never_o so_o careful_o sow_v produce_v yet_o but_o a_o very_a mean_a increase_n when_o god_n know_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o ground_n be_v so_o utter_o unprepared_a to_o receive_v it_o this_o certain_o be_v a_o consideration_n that_o ought_v to_o engage_v every_o good_a christian_n serious_o to_o search_v and_o examine_v himself_o how_o he_o be_v dispose_v to_o become_v a_o fit_a hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n if_o you_o have_v therefore_o hitherto_o come_v to_o our_o assembly_n without_o such_o a_o due_a preparation_n as_o you_o see_v be_v thus_o necessary_a to_o qualify_v your_o mind_n to_o receive_v that_o benefit_n you_o ought_v from_o these_o instruction_n let_v i_o now_o earnest_o beseech_v you_o no_o long_o to_o deceive_v your_o own_o soul_n but_o to_o prepare_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o our_o preach_a may_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o you_o let_v not_o any_o little_a unworthy_a design_n accompany_v you_o to_o these_o holy_a exercise_n but_o come_v as_o befit_v christian_n with_o charity_n with_o humility_n with_o a_o honest_a and_o upright_o heart_n sincere_o desirous_a of_o understand_v your_o duty_n how_o mean_a soever_o the_o person_n be_v that_o be_v to_o deliver_v it_o unto_o you_o but_o above_o all_o come_v with_o a_o firm_a resolution_n of_o practise_v what_o you_o hear_v remember_v that_o it_o be_v this_o christianity_n design_n in_o all_o its_o instruction_n and_o however_o our_o zeal_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n seem_v unhappy_o engage_v more_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o divine_a truth_n than_o in_o what_o i_o can_v rather_o wish_v we_o do_v chief_o aim_v at_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n yet_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a so_o to_o maintain_v the_o one_o as_o not_o to_o prejudice_v or_o overthrow_v the_o other_o and_o if_o we_o thus_o sincere_o direct_v all_o our_o hear_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o everlasting_a salvation_n we_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o hear_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v god_n will_v open_v our_o ear_n and_o illuminate_v our_o understand_n and_o dispose_v our_o wi_n the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_v upon_o such_o ground_n shall_v not_o fail_v to_o spring_v up_o into_o a_o bless_a increase_n and_o produce_v those_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n in_o this_o life_n which_o shall_v final_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o everlasting_a joy_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o next_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n vouchsafe_v unto_o we_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o practice_n of_o consideration_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n before_o the_o princess_n of_o denmark_n febr._n 26._o 1687_o 8._o deut._n xxxii_o 29_o o_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a that_o they_o understand_v this_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o latter_a end_n the_o word_n be_v part_n of_o that_o great_a song_n which_o moses_n speak_v unto_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n immediate_o before_o his_o death_n 30._o and_o by_o god_n express_a command_n leave_v with_o they_o as_o his_o last_o and_o best_a legacy_n to_o they_o and_o their_o posterity_n for_o ever_o a_o song_n both_o in_o its_o self_n so_o considerable_a and_o so_o high_o esteem_v by_o they_o that_o they_o think_v no_o word_n can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o set_v forth_o its_o excellency_n insomuch_o that_o we_o find_v it_o at_o this_o day_n characterise_v by_o the_o jew_n of_o our_o own_o time_n as_o 1_o the_o foundation_n and_o summary_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n we_o have_v a_o sad_a and_o terrible_a declaration_n of_o those_o judgement_n that_o shall_v hereafter_o befall_v they_o for_o their_o impenitence_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o this_o great_a prophet_n from_o who_o god_n never_o conceal_v any_o thing_n that_o concern_v that_o people_n have_v here_o by_o so_o much_o a_o more_o particular_a prospect_n of_o those_o evil_n that_o be_v afterward_o to_o come_v upon_o they_o as_o he_o be_v now_o the_o near_a to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v from_o these_o therefore_o that_o we_o must_v derive_v at_o once_o both_o the_o occasion_n and_o importance_n of_o that_o passionate_a wish_n into_o which_o the_o holy_a man_n here_o break_v out_o in_o consideration_n both_o of_o their_o danger_n and_o of_o their_o insensibility_n of_o it_o o_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a that_o they_o understand_v this_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o latter_a end_n whether_o by_o their_o latter_a end_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o great_a and_o terrible_a destruction_n which_o final_o befall_v both_o themselves_o and_o their_o country_n in_o the_o loss_n of_o jerusalem_n or_o whether_o with_o some_o we_o shall_v interpret_v it_o of_o god_n reject_v of_o they_o from_o his_o covenant_n from_o be_v what_o they_o be_v once_o his_o own_o peculiar_a inheritance_n or_o whether_o last_o the_o more_o to_o heighten_v the_o idea_n we_o shall_v join_v they_o both_o together_o in_o the_o prophecy_n as_o they_o be_v by_o god_n unite_v in_o the_o execution_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o a_o great_a and_o more_o amaze_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n upon_o a_o particular_a nation_n have_v hardly_o be_v know_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n than_o that_o of_o their_o destruction_n nor_o shall_v there_o i_o suppose_v be_v any_o parallel_n to_o the_o very_a end_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o enter_v on_o any_o reflection_n of_o their_o punishment_n but_o to_o inquire_v rather_o what_o it_o be_v that_o moses_n here_o so_o much_o wish_n they_o will_v have_v do_v in_o order_n to_o the_o prevent_n of_o it_o what_o that_o great_a defect_n be_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o their_o evil_n now_o that_o in_o one_o word_n be_v inconsideration_n a_o fault_n certain_o very_o great_a in_o that_o people_n than_o which_o none_o have_v ever_o receive_v more_o clear_a and_o sensible_a proof_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o goodness_n they_o have_v see_v the_o miracle_n by_o which_o god_n have_v bring_v they_o up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o continue_v to_o conduct_v they_o now_o almost_o forty_o year_n through_o the_o wilderness_n they_o have_v behold_v his_o majesty_n when_o himself_o in_o that_o terrible_a manner_n that_o we_o read_v in_o the_o nineteeen_o the_o and_o xx_o the_o chapter_n of_o exodus_fw-la vouchsafe_v to_o give_v they_o his_o own_o law_n from_o mount_n sinai_n nay_o that_o nothing_o may_v be_v want_v to_o awaken_v a_o stupid_a and_o insensible_a people_n they_o have_v know_v his_o judgement_n too_o in_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n they_o have_v see_v the_o destruction_n which_o their_o father_n have_v suffer_v and_o they_o be_v here_o express_o foretell_v what_o evil_n themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n shall_v hereafter_o undergo_v for_o their_o impiety_n yet_o be_v not_o all_o this_o sufficient_a to_o awaken_v their_o consideration_n to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o danger_n and_o a_o care_n to_o prevent_v it_o and_o now_o i_o will_v to_o god_n these_o jew_n be_v the_o only_a man_n we_o can_v just_o charge_v with_o this_o neglect_n and_o that_o our_o own_o indifferency_n in_o the_o concern_n of_o our_o duty_n do_v not_o equal_o tax_v we_o with_o the_o same_o inconsideration_n but_o alas_o i_o fear_v be_v we_o here_o to_o enter_v on_o a_o review_n we_o shall_v find_v but_o too_o just_a a_o parallel_n both_o in_o our_o danger_n and_o in_o our_o incogitancy_n and_o that_o a_o very_a little_a reason_n upon_o the_o method_n of_o god_n providence_n without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n may_v be_v more_o than_o enough_o to_o make_v any_o sober_a consider_v man_n tremble_v to_o think_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o general_a insensibility_n as_o we_o have_v these_o many_o year_n show_v notwithstanding_o all_o his_o mercy_n and_o his_o judgement_n in_o vain_a make_v use_n of_o to_o reclaim_v we_o at_o least_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o apologise_v for_o i_o if_o i_o beg_v leave_n especial_o at_o such_o a_o season_n as_o this_o free_o to_o expostulate_v with_o you_o in_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n in_o the_o text_n o_o that_o you_o be_v wise_a that_o you_o understand_v this_o that_o you_o will_v consider_v your_o latter_a end_n in_o speak_v upon_o a_o subject_a both_o in_o its_o self_n so_o important_a and_o to_o we_o so_o necessary_a that_o i_o may_v if_o possible_a not_o omit_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v serve_v either_o to_o excite_v or_o to_o direct_v the_o
practice_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o plainness_n i_o can_v to_o discourse_v to_o you_o of_o these_o four_o thing_n i_o sy_n of_o the_o danger_n and_o mischief_n of_o inconsideration_n two_o dly_z i_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o iii_o dly_a i_o will_v offer_v some_o general_n rule_v for_o the_o practice_n of_o consideration_n and_o iv_o thly_a and_o last_o will_v close_v all_o with_o some_o motive_n that_o may_v serve_v to_o stir_v you_o up_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n in_o so_o great_a and_o important_a a_o instance_n of_o it_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i._o of_o the_o danger_n and_o mischief_n of_o inconsideration_n it_o have_v be_v the_o usual_a method_n of_o most_o casuist_n in_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o sin_n to_o expose_v the_o mischief_n and_o aggravate_v the_o danger_n of_o those_o particular_a temptation_n that_o be_v the_o immediate_a occasion_n of_o it_o hence_o there_o be_v hardly_o 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any_o honest_a and_o christian_a mean_n to_o promote_v the_o interest_n and_o enlarge_v the_o border_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n yet_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o be_o so_o little_o concern_v for_o such_o member_n as_o these_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n i_o can_v almost_o wish_v that_o all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o live_v christianly_o in_o our_o communion_n will_v be_v so_o kind_a to_o we_o as_o to_o live_v unchristian_o out_o of_o it_o rather_o than_o in_o it_o the_o loss_n of_o ten_o thousand_o such_o proselyte_n will_v only_o lessen_v our_o number_n but_o neither_o our_o honour_n nor_o our_o interest_n nay_o perhaps_o will_v rather_o help_v to_o promote_v both_o for_o i_o shall_v then_o begin_v to_o hope_n that_o god_n have_v indeed_o a_o blessing_n in_o store_n for_o we_o can_v i_o once_o see_v these_o jonas_n cast_v out_o for_o who_o sake_n perhaps_o it_o be_v that_o the_o present_a storm_n be_v fall_v upon_o we_o and_o who_o departure_n 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the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v be_v bear_v in_o a_o different_a communion_n from_o we_o and_o breed_v up_o all_o their_o life_n not_o only_o in_o a_o utter_a ignorance_n of_o the_o right_a faith_n but_o in_o a_o irreconcilable_a hatred_n to_o it_o who_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o damn_v we_o as_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o to_o value_v themselves_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o own_o pretend_a catholicism_n if_o they_o be_v otherwise_o sincere_a in_o that_o faith_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o repent_v they_o true_o of_o their_o sin_n but_o especial_o of_o their_o uncharitableness_n to_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o may_v through_o the_o extraordinary_a mercy_n of_o god_n be_v save_v notwithstanding_o such_o their_o error_n but_o for_o we_o who_o know_v their_o delusion_n that_o while_o they_o damn_v all_o other_o as_o heretic_n they_o be_v indeed_o themselves_o the_o most_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a that_o ever_o be_v shall_v we_o forsake_v our_o truth_n 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fellix_fw-la tremble_v and_o answer_v go_v thy_o way_n for_o this_o time_n when_o i_o have_v a_o convenient_a season_n i_o will_v call_v for_o thou_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a method_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o awaken_v man_n fear_n by_o declare_v to_o they_o the_o terror_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o strict_a account_n that_o we_o must_v one_o day_n render_v to_o god_n of_o all_o our_o action_n that_o so_o be_v full_a of_o horror_n at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o their_o danger_n they_o may_v become_v the_o better_a dispose_v to_o hearken_v to_o those_o mean_n he_o be_v afterward_o to_o propose_v to_o they_o whereby_o to_o secure_v they_o against_o it_o and_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n five_o the_o 11._o he_o give_v we_o a_o account_n how_o effectual_a a_o preparation_n it_o common_o make_v for_o he_o to_o prevail_v know_v therefore_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n i._n e._n as_o appear_v by_o the_o forego_n verse_n 10_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o future_a judgement_n we_o persuade_v man_n he_o have_v here_o in_o this_o fellix_fw-la a_o most_o profligate_v sinner_n to_o deal_v with_o a_o man_n in_o his_o subnixo_fw-la government_n violent_a and_o unjust_a in_o his_o own_o manner_n lewd_a and_o debauch_a he_o have_v ravish_v another_o man_n 159._o wife_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n and_o live_v in_o a_o open_a state_n of_o adultery_n with_o she_o and_o now_o what_o so_o proper_a to_o awaken_v his_o conscience_n and_o make_v he_o indeed_o begin_v to_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n as_o to_o reason_n before_o he_o of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v what_o application_n so_o pertinent_a as_o to_o show_v he_o the_o particular_a danger_n of_o unjust_a and_o intemperate_a man_n that_o be_v such_o as_o himself_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o in_o it_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o proper_a address_v to_o such_o a_o one_o and_o such_o be_v this_o of_o st._n paul_n to_o felix_n he_o reason_v before_o he_o of_o righteousness_n temperance_n and_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o behold_v in_o my_o text_n the_o result_n of_o his_o discourse_n such_o as_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o may_v expect_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v felix_n tremble_v and_o now_o who_o will_v not_o hope_v for_o some_o good_a effect_n from_o so_o fair_a and_o promise_a a_o beginning_n and_o that_o the_o next_o thing_n we_o shall_v have_v hear_v of_o shall_v have_v be_v some_o such_o question_n to_o st._n paul_n as_o the_o jew_n once_o make_v on_o the_o like_a occasion_n to_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n act_n two_o 37_o 37_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v this_o one_o may_v reasonable_o have_v be_v expect_v shall_v have_v be_v the_o result_n of_o his_o terror_n but_o alas_o we_o find_v a_o much_o different_a effect_n of_o it_o he_o be_v indeed_o amaze_v to_o hear_v of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v but_o he_o can_v not_o for_o all_o that_o resolve_v 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convenient_a season_n i_o will_v call_v for_o thou_o such_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o st._n paul_n reason_v at_o this_o time_n before_o felix_n and_o i_o will_v to_o god_n we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o complain_v that_o such_o be_v too_o often_o the_o consequence_n of_o our_o preach_v to_o you_o that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v and_o the_o belief_n which_o we_o profess_v of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v be_v so_o efficacious_a to_o our_o amendment_n that_o we_o none_o of_o we_o need_v to_o be_v call_v upon_o no_o long_o to_o defer_v it_o but_o to_o begin_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o consider_v how_o to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o to_o provide_v for_o eternity_n but_o alas_o i_o fear_v i_o have_v here_o pitch_v upon_o a_o subject_n never_o like_v to_o be_v out-dated_n and_o though_o it_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a contradiction_n in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n but_o to_o our_o own_o interest_n too_o and_o to_o which_o we_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v so_o blind_a to_o pretend_v to_o believe_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o yet_o nevertheless_o to_o neglect_v to_o provide_v for_o it_o yet_o i_o know_v not_o how_o such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o our_o lust_n that_o they_o stop_v our_o ear_n against_o all_o argument_n though_o never_o so_o clear_a and_o forcible_a that_o will_v induce_v we_o to_o forsake_v they_o we_o tremble_v to_o think_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o sin_n yet_o still_o we_o go_v on_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o and_o now_o what_o argument_n can_v i_o take_v up_o more_o seasonable_a to_o the_o present_a time_n or_o indeed_o more_o fit_a at_o all_o time_n for_o our_o consideration_n than_o to_o reason_v a_o while_n of_o this_o great_a and_o dangerous_a neglect_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n which_o move_v so_o many_o thus_o to_o delay_v their_o repentance_n and_o to_o offer_v some_o effectual_a argument_n that_o may_v convince_v you_o of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n to_o stir_v up_o such_o a_o auditory_a as_o this_o both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o this_o wretched_a man_n in_o the_o text_n and_o from_o the_o just_a cause_n we_o may_v have_v to_o fear_v lest_o if_o we_o continue_v with_o he_o to_o put_v off_o still_o the_o time_n of_o our_o repentance_n we_o final_o perish_v with_o he_o in_o his_o impenitence_n to_o hasten_v with_o all_o the_o speed_n we_o can_v to_o return_v to_o our_o duty_n that_o our_o iniquity_n may_v not_o be_v our_o ruin_n and_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n wherein_o i_o shall_v first_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n that_o move_v so_o many_o to_o delay_v their_o repentance_n and_o be_v still_o put_v off_o their_o provision_n for_o another_o world_n to_o some_o more_o convenient_a season_n and_o second_o shall_v show_v the_o danger_n of_o so_o do_v and_o by_o both_o endeavour_n what_o i_o can_v to_o engage_v every_o one_o that_o now_o hear_v 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it_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o can_v so_o soon_o resolve_v to_o part_v with_o their_o sin_n and_o enter_v on_o a_o course_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o principal_a cause_n that_o i_o presume_v may_v be_v likely_a to_o prompt_v man_n to_o put_v off_o their_o concern_v for_o another_o world_n and_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o my_o endeavour_n with_o all_o the_o plainness_n that_o i_o can_v to_o show_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o 1_o st_z there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o do_v not_o think_v at_o all_o or_o not_o to_o any_o purpose_n of_o their_o future_a state_n and_o therefore_o neglect_v to_o provide_v for_o it_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o sad_a consideration_n to_o see_v how_o very_a careless_a and_o secure_a most_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v as_o to_o the_o business_n of_o another_o world_n they_o live_v if_o not_o as_o those_o who_o believe_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o it_o yet_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o danger_n of_o miscarry_v in_o their_o way_n to_o it_o they_o think_v and_o contrive_v how_o to_o manage_v their_o affair_n in_o this_o present_a life_n to_o establish_v their_o health_n and_o to_o improve_v their_o fortune_n and_o add_v still_o new_a degree_n to_o their_o honour_n and_o dignity_n only_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o look_v upon_o as_o hardly_o worth_a their_o care_n they_o leave_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o provide_v for_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o come_v near_o to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v no_o long_o worth_a their_o while_n to_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o and_o now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o such_o a_o incogitancy_n to_o spend_v all_o our_o thought_n and_o our_o endeavour_n upon_o a_o few_o temporal_a pursuit_n that_o have_v neither_o worth_n nor_o duration_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o desire_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n never_o to_o think_v at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o any_o purpose_n of_o those_o joy_n and_o glory_n that_o shall_v continue_v to_o all_o eternity_n indeed_o have_v we_o either_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v or_o do_v we_o not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o state_n as_o our_o religion_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o a_o state_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n if_o we_o do_v well_o but_o of_o eternal_a punishment_n if_o we_o continue_v to_o do_v ill_o there_o may_v then_o be_v some_o excuse_n for_o such_o a_o neglect_n and_o yet_o even_o in_o this_o case_n too_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o another_o world_n before_o we_o can_v reasonable_o give_v over_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o he_o that_o live_v well_o and_o deny_v himself_o some_o part_n of_o that_o liberty_n he_o will_v otherwise_o indulge_v himself_o now_o out_o of_o 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everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n 41_o and_o yet_o still_o to_o continue_v careless_a and_o unconcern_v and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o spend_v a_o thought_n how_o they_o be_v prepare_v to_o stand_v before_o the_o great_a tribunal_n this_o be_v doubtless_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o indiscretion_n as_o may_v well_o deserve_v our_o pity_n and_o our_o wonder_n but_o certain_o will_v not_o need_v that_o i_o shall_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o expose_v the_o desperate_a folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o 2_o dly_z another_o cause_n of_o man_n delay_v their_o repentance_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o repent_v as_o we_o say_v there_o be_v
charity_n to_o think_v they_o do_v not_o themselves_o know_v they_o to_o be_v so_o i_o fear_v the_o best_a account_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o give_v of_o this_o matter_n will_v be_v that_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n blind_v their_o eye_n and_o that_o their_o error_n be_v as_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o gross_a and_o unreasonable_a but_o will_v man_n indeed_o lay_v aside_o all_o humane_a consideration_n as_o in_o thing_n wherein_o eternity_n be_v at_o stake_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v will_v they_o with_o charity_n and_o humility_n seek_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o discover_v their_o own_o as_o they_o be_v but_o too_o forward_o to_o censure_v other_o man_n fault_n in_o plain_a term_n will_v they_o be_v christian_n indeed_o seek_v nothing_o but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o most_o of_o our_o controversy_n will_v present_o vanish_v and_o we_o shall_v yet_o recover_v that_o truth_n which_o i_o fear_v some_o man_n have_v too_o long_o detain_v in_o unrighteousness_n and_o be_v deprive_v of_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n but_o especial_o will_v they_o to_o this_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n add_v 4_o thly_a the_o apostle_n next_o direction_n of_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o assistance_n for_o certain_o the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o great_a a_o good_a and_o so_o please_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n almighty_a to_o be_v implore_v of_o he_o that_o a_o pious_a and_o upright_a man_n earnest_o pray_v and_o hearty_o seek_v after_o it_o shall_v hardly_o be_v deny_v the_o happiness_n of_o be_v constant_a to_o the_o faith_n if_o he_o be_v already_o in_o the_o right_a way_n or_o of_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o if_o he_o be_v not_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v the_o true_a votary_n not_o to_o refuse_v he_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a or_o but_o expedient_a for_o he_o if_o he_o ask_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v will_n never_o fail_v to_o answer_v he_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o moment_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o neglect_v himself_o while_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n but_o use_v such_o care_n and_o caution_n as_o st._n judas_n here_o direct_v we_o to_o do_v for_o our_o security_n he_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a though_o he_o be_v encompass_v with_o seducer_n on_o every_o side_n but_o be_v confident_a that_o he_o shall_v either_o still_o go_v on_o in_o the_o right_a way_n or_o obtain_v god_n pardon_n if_o after_o all_o this_o he_o shall_v chance_v to_o be_v mistake_v in_o it_o there_o be_v yet_o one_o mean_n more_o whereby_o st._n judas_n exhort_v the_o christian_n earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o their_o faith_n and_o that_o be_v 5_o thly_a by_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o future_a state_n keep_v yourselves_o say_v he_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n look_v for_o the_o mercy_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o eternal_a life_n ver_fw-la 21._o and_o indeed_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o this_o great_a consideration_n which_o so_o high_o influence_n all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n must_v here_o also_o prove_v of_o a_o singular_a advantage_n to_o keep_v we_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o our_o faith_n this_o will_v make_v we_o diligent_a in_o all_o the_o rest_n will_v awaken_v our_o care_n will_v perfect_v our_o piety_n and_o inflame_v our_o devotion_n by_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v secure_a that_o no_o worldly_a consideration_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o prevail_v upon_o we_o to_o forsake_v our_o religion_n we_o shall_v neither_o be_v move_v for_o any_o terror_n to_o renounce_v it_o nor_o be_v cajol_v by_o any_o interest_n or_o persuasion_n to_o give_v it_o up_o but_o we_o shall_v resolve_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o inquire_v diligent_o into_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o profession_n to_o judge_v impartial_o and_o steadfast_o follow_v what_o we_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v the_o right_a faith_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o comfortable_a account_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n when_o we_o shall_v appear_v at_o his_o tribunal_n no_o matter_n how_o severe_o we_o may_v be_v censure_v by_o man_n for_o our_o so_o do_v we_o know_v that_o truth_n very_o often_o meet_v with_o and_o make_v enemy_n to_o the_o best_a men._n christianity_n itself_o be_v once_o every_o where_o speak_v against_o and_o st._n paul_n arraign_v as_o a_o heretic_n but_o whilst_o with_o that_o apostle_n we_o know_v wherefore_o we_o believe_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v afraid_a of_o their_o censure_n or_o ashamed_a of_o our_o profession_n that_o shall_v we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v be_v bring_v even_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o our_o enemy_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a with_o assurance_n to_o answer_v for_o ourselves_o as_o he_o do_v that_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n 14_o so_o worship_v we_o the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n such_o a_o power_n will_v this_o great_a consideration_n of_o eternal_a life_n have_v over_o we_o to_o secure_v we_o in_o our_o religion_n that_o it_o will_v actuate_v all_o the_o other_o mean_n that_o have_v before_o be_v offer_v to_o establish_v our_o faith_n and_o itself_o become_v a_o new_a defence_n and_o such_o as_o all_o the_o sophistry_n and_o malice_n of_o our_o enemy_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a ever_o to_o overcome_v and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v you_o as_o full_a a_o account_n as_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v of_o the_o several_a thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v and_o however_o i_o have_v not_o so_o close_o confine_v my_o reflection_n to_o the_o particular_a concern_v of_o those_o christian_n to_o who_o st._n judas_n write_v as_o not_o to_o have_v observe_v somewhat_o in_o general_a the_o use_n that_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o this_o caution_n yet_o i_o will_v now_o in_o the_o close_o crave_v leave_v to_o offer_v two_o or_o three_o reflection_n more_o which_o may_v serve_v to_o show_v our_o own_o more_o immediate_a concern_v in_o it_o and_o first_o let_v we_o from_o hence_o learn_v with_o what_o zeal_n and_o constancy_n we_o ought_v to_o contend_v for_o our_o religion_n which_o i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v do_v if_o any_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o best_a deserve_v the_o character_n of_o the_o text_n of_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o without_o mixture_n of_o any_o thing_n corruptive_a of_o or_o contrary_a thereunto_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o impose_v any_o thing_n either_o upon_o your_o belief_n or_o practice_n but_o what_o the_o rule_n of_o this_o faith_n the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o prescribe_v or_o at_o least_o allow_v we_o to_o do_v we_o give_v no_o other_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n than_o what_o be_v either_o so_o apparent_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o that_o no_o impartial_a person_n can_v doubt_v of_o it_o or_o else_o have_v be_v so_o universal_o receive_v by_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a antiquity_n and_o be_v otherwise_o so_o agreeable_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v it_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n be_v the_o same_o now_o which_o the_o church_n have_v receive_v and_o profess_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o so_o evident_o found_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n that_o they_o neither_o can_v nor_o do_v admit_v of_o any_o dispute_n among_o christian_n those_o who_o the_o most_o pretend_v we_o to_o be_v defective_a in_o our_o faith_n yet_o dare_v not_o say_v we_o be_v erroneous_a in_o what_o we_o do_v profess_v they_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o we_o believe_v be_v right_a only_o they_o think_v we_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o that_o we_o ought_v because_o not_o all_o that_o they_o will_v have_v we_o to_o do_v and_o certain_o then_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o this_o can_v but_o deserve_v to_o be_v earnest_o contend_v for_o as_o be_v without_o all_o controversy_n true_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o second_o at_o this_o time_n when_o so_o many_o seducer_n for_o i_o shall_v spare_v the_o rest_n of_o st._n jude_n character_n ver_fw-la 4._o be_v creep_v in_o among_o we_o and_o make_v it_o their_o great_a endeavour_n by_o any_o mean_n to_o draw_v we_o away_o from_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o repeat_v either_o the_o manner_n how_o i_o have_v show_v we_o ought_v to_o contend_v for_o our_o faith_n against_o they_o or_o the_o direction_n which_o from_o the_o apostle_n i_o have_v before_o offer_v for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o let_v we_o only_o resolve_v