iniquity_n testify_v against_o thou_o to_o thy_o very_a face_n how_o can_v there_o be_v peace_n when_o thy_o lust_n and_o debauchery_n thy_o impiety_n to_o god_n and_o thy_o injury_n to_o man_n have_v be_v so_o many_o how_o can_v there_o be_v peace_n when_o thy_o whole_a life_n have_v be_v a_o continue_a contempt_n and_o provocation_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o a_o perpetual_a violence_n and_o affront_n to_o the_o light_n and_o reason_n of_o thy_o own_o mind_n therefore_o whatever_o temptation_n there_o may_v be_v in_o sin_n at_o a_o distance_n whatever_o pleasure_n in_o the_o act_n and_o commission_n of_o it_o yet_o remember_v that_o it_o always_o go_v off_o with_o trouble_n and_o will_v be_v bitterness_n in_o the_o end_n those_o word_n of_o solomon_n have_v a_o terrible_a sting_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o they_o rejoice_v o_o young_a man_n in_o thy_o youth_n and_o let_v thy_o heart_n cheer_v thou_o in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o eye_n but_o know_v that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v thou_o into_o judgement_n this_o one_o think_v which_o will_v very_o often_o unavoidable_o break_v into_o our_o mind_n that_o god_n will_v bring_v we_o into_o judgement_n be_v enough_o to_o dash_v all_o our_o contentment_n and_o to_o spoil_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o sinful_a life_n never_o expect_v to_o be_v quiet_a in_o thy_o own_o mind_n and_o to_o have_v the_o true_a enjoyment_n of_o thyself_o till_o thou_o live_v a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a life_n and_o if_o this_o discourse_n be_v true_a as_o i_o be_o confident_a i_o have_v every_o man_n conscience_n on_o my_o side_n i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v true_a let_v we_o venture_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o happy_a that_o be_v to_o be_v religious_a let_v we_o resolve_v to_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n as_o ever_o we_o desire_v to_o avoid_v the_o unspeakable_a torment_n of_o a_o guilty_a mind_n and_o will_v not_o be_v perpetual_o uneasy_a to_o ourselves_o grant_v we_o beseech_v thou_o almighty_a god_n that_o we_o may_v every_o one_o of_o we_o know_v and_o do_v in_o this_o our_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n which_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v we_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o we_o always_o that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o his_o sight_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n febr._n 26_o the_o 1674_o 5._o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n febr._n 26_o the_o 1674_o 5._o psal._n cxix_o 59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n the_o two_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o man_n be_v infidelity_n and_o want_n of_o consideration_n some_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n or_o at_o least_o have_v by_o argue_v against_o they_o render_v they_o so_o doubtful_a to_o themselves_o as_o to_o take_v away_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o they_o but_o these_o be_v but_o a_o ve-very_a small_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o consider_v these_o thing_n for_o most_o man_n take_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o never_o entertain_v any_o considerable_a doubt_n in_o their_o mind_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o for_o all_o this_o they_o never_o attend_v to_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a consequence_n of_o these_o principle_n nor_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o own_o case_n they_o never_o serious_o consider_v the_o notorious_a inconsistency_n of_o their_o life_n with_o this_o belief_n and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v who_o be_v very_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o no_o man_n that_o be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o consider_v the_o necessary_a and_o immediate_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o persuasion_n can_v think_v it_o safe_a to_o affront_v he_o by_o a_o wicked_a life_n no_o man_n that_o believe_v the_o infinite_a happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o another_o world_n and_o consider_v withal_o that_o one_o of_o these_o shall_v certain_o be_v his_o portion_n according_a as_o he_o demean_v himself_o in_o this_o present_a life_n can_v think_v it_o indifferent_a what_o course_n he_o take_v man_n may_v thrust_v away_o these_o thought_n and_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o their_o mind_n for_o a_o long_a time_n but_o no_o man_n that_o enter_v into_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o matter_n can_v possible_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a to_o he_o whether_o he_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o so_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o evil_n of_o man_n life_n will_v be_v cure_v if_o they_o will_v but_o once_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n will_v they_o but_o serious_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n they_o will_v see_v so_o plain_a reason_n and_o so_o urgent_a a_o necessity_n for_o the_o reform_n of_o it_o that_o they_o will_v not_o venture_v to_o continue_v any_o long_o in_o it_o this_o course_n david_n take_v here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o he_o find_v the_o happy_a success_n of_o it_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n in_o which_o word_n there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n considerable_a i._o the_o course_n which_o david_n here_o take_v for_o the_o reform_n of_o his_o life_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n ii_o the_o success_n of_o this_o course_n it_o produce_v actual_a and_o speedy_a reformation_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n these_o be_v the_o two_o head_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n which_o when_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v myself_o and_o you_o to_o take_v the_o same_o course_n which_o david_n here_o do_v and_o god_n grant_v that_o it_o may_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n i._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o course_n which_o david_n here_o take_v for_o the_o reform_n of_o his_o life_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v render_v in_o our_o old_a translation_n i_o call_v i_o own_o way_n to_o remembrance_n and_o this_o may_v either_o signify_v a_o general_a survey_n and_o examination_n of_o his_o life_n respect_v indifferent_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a action_n of_o it_o or_o else_o which_o be_v more_o probable_a it_o may_v special_o refer_v to_o the_o sin_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o life_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n that_o be_v i_o call_v my_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n neither_o of_o these_o sense_n can_v be_v much_o amiss_o in_o order_n to_o the_o effect_n mention_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n and_o therefore_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v reasonable_o be_v exclude_v though_o i_o shall_v principal_o insist_v upon_o the_o late_a 1._o this_o think_v of_o our_o way_n may_v signify_v a_o general_a survey_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o life_n respect_v indifferent_o our_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n for_o way_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a word_n denote_v the_o course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n and_o action_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n that_o be_v i_o examine_v my_o life_n and_o call_v myself_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n for_o the_o action_n of_o it_o i_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o my_o duty_n and_o consider_v how_o far_o i_o have_v obey_v that_o law_n or_o offend_v against_o it_o how_o much_o evil_a i_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o how_o little_a good_a i_o have_v do_v in_o comparison_n of_o what_o i_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v i_o may_v come_v to_o understand_v the_o true_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o discern_v how_o many_o and_o great_a my_o fault_n and_o defect_n be_v i_o may_v amend_v whatever_o be_v amiss_o and_o be_v more_o careful_a of_o my_o duty_n for_o the_o future_a and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o excellent_a use_n for_o man_n to_o set_v apart_o some_o particular_a time_n for_o the_o examination_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o account_n stand_v between_o god_n and_o they_o pythagoras_n or_o
the_o reward_n of_o his_o goodness_n 1._o the_o description_n of_o a_o good_a man_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o that_o love_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o love_v to_o meditate_v upon_o it_o and_o to_o practice_v it_o 2._o the_o reward_n of_o his_o goodness_n great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n the_o word_n peace_n be_v many_o time_n use_v in_o scripture_n in_o a_o very_a large_a sense_n so_o as_o to_o comprehend_v all_o kind_n of_o happiness_n sometime_o it_o signify_v outward_a peace_n and_o quiet_a in_o opposition_n to_o war_n and_o contention_n and_o sometime_o inward_a peace_n and_o contentment_n in_o opposition_n to_o inward_a trouble_n and_o anguish_n i_o understand_v the_o text_n chief_o in_o this_o last_o sense_n not_o whole_o exclude_v either_o of_o the_o other_o my_o design_n at_o present_a from_o these_o word_n be_v to_o recommend_v religion_n to_o man_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o inward_a peace_n and_o pleasure_n which_o attend_v it_o and_o sure_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v more_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o considerate_a man_n than_o this_o for_o the_o aim_n of_o all_o philosophy_n and_o the_o great_a search_n of_o wise_a man_n have_v be_v how_o to_o attain_v peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o if_o religion_n be_v able_a to_o give_v this_o a_o great_a commendation_n need_v not_o be_v give_v to_o religion_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v premise_v two_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o caution_n first_o that_o these_o kind_n of_o observation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v too_o strict_o and_o rigorous_o as_o if_o they_o never_o fail_v in_o any_o one_o instance_n aristotle_n observe_v long_o since_o that_o moral_a and_o proverbial_a say_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v true_a general_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n and_o that_o be_v all_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o they_o as_o when_o solomon_n say_v train_z up_o a_o child_n in_o the_o way_n wherein_o he_o shall_v go_v and_o when_o he_o be_v old_a he_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o it_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o take_v as_o if_o no_o child_n that_o be_v pious_o educate_v do_v ever_o miscarry_v afterward_o but_o that_o the_o good_a education_n of_o child_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o make_v good_a man_n and_o common_o approve_v to_o be_v so_o by_o experience_n so_o here_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o love_n god_n law_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o religion_n have_v general_o this_o effect_n though_o in_o some_o case_n and_o as_o to_o some_o person_n it_o may_v be_v accidental_o hinder_v second_o when_o i_o say_v that_o religion_n give_v peace_n and_o tranquillity_n to_o our_o mind_n this_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o religious_a state_n in_o which_o a_o man_n be_v well_o settle_a and_o confirm_v and_o not_o of_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o it_o for_o that_o be_v more_o or_o less_o troublesome_a according_a as_o we_o make_v it_o if_o we_o begin_v a_o religious_a course_n betimes_o before_o we_o have_v contract_v any_o great_a guilt_n and_o before_o the_o habit_n of_o sin_n be_v grow_v strong_a in_o we_o the_o work_n go_v on_o easy_o without_o any_o great_a conflict_n or_o resistance_n but_o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o when_o a_o man_n break_v off_o from_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o become_v religious_a from_o the_o direct_a contrary_a course_n in_o which_o he_o have_v be_v long_o and_o deep_o engage_v in_o this_o case_n no_o man_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sensible_a trouble_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o make_n of_o this_o change_n but_o when_o it_o be_v once_o make_v peace_n and_o comfort_n will_v spring_v up_o by_o degree_n and_o daily_o increase_v as_o we_o grow_v more_o confirm_v and_o establish_v in_o a_o good_a course_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o religion_n give_v a_o man_n the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a peace_n nor_o any_o comparable_a pleasure_n to_o be_v have_v in_o a_o contrary_a course_n and_o that_o from_o these_o two_o head_n from_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n i._n first_o from_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n i_o shall_v select_v some_o of_o those_o text_n which_o be_v more_o full_a and_o express_a to_o this_o purpose_n job_n 22.21_o speak_v of_o god_n acquaint_v thyself_o now_o with_o he_o and_o be_v at_o peace_n to_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o god_n be_v a_o phrase_n of_o the_o same_o importance_n with_o come_v to_o god_n and_o seek_v of_o he_o and_o many_o other_o like_o expression_n in_o scripture_n which_o signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o become_v religious_a psal_n 37.38_o mark_v the_o perfect_a man_n and_o behold_v the_o upright_a for_o the_o end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v peace_n or_o as_o these_o word_n be_v render_v according_a to_o the_o lxx_o in_o our_o old_a translation_n keep_v innocency_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v right_a for_o that_o shall_v bring_v thou_o peace_n at_o the_o last_o prov._n 3.17_o where_o solomon_n speak_v of_o wisdom_n which_o with_o he_o be_v but_o another_o name_n for_o religion_n say_v her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n isa_n 32.17_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 matt._n 11.28_o 29_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n now_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n be_v to_o become_v his_o disciple_n to_o believe_v and_o practice_v his_o doctrine_n for_o so_o our_o saviour_n explain_v himself_o in_o the_o next_o word_n take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o and_o learn_v of_o i_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n for_o your_o soul_n rom._n 2.10_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o peace_n to_o every_o man_n that_o work_v good_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_n the_o scripture_n represent_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o be_v full_a of_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v david_n though_o he_o be_v a_o very_a good_a man_n yet_o when_o he_o have_v grievous_o offend_v god_n the_o anguish_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v such_o as_o even_o to_o disorder_v and_o distemper_v his_o body_n psal_n 38.2_o 3_o 4_o thy_o arrow_n stick_v fast_o in_o i_o and_o thy_o hand_n press_v i_o sore_o there_o be_v no_o soundness_n in_o my_o flesh_n because_o of_o thy_o anger_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o rest_n in_o my_o bone_n because_o of_o my_o sin_n for_o my_o iniquity_n be_v go_v over_o my_o head_n and_o as_o a_o heavy_a burden_n they_o be_v too_o heavy_a for_o i_o isa_n 57.20_o 21_o the_o wicked_a be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a and_o isa_n 59.7.8_o misery_n and_o destruction_n be_v in_o their_o path_n and_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n they_o know_v not_o they_o have_v make_v themselves_o crooked_a path_n whosoever_o go_v therein_o shall_v not_o know_v peace_n rom._n 2.9_o tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a you_o see_v how_o full_a and_o express_v the_o scripture_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o ii_o second_o place_n to_o give_v you_o a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o this_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o religion_n be_v apt_a to_o remove_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o inward_a trouble_n and_o disquiet_v 2._o it_o furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n 3._o the_o reflection_n upon_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o it_o do_v afterward_o yield_v great_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n first_o religion_n be_v apt_a to_o remove_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o inward_a trouble_n and_o disquiet_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o inward_a trouble_n and_o discontent_n be_v these_o two_o doubt_v and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n and_o gild_n of_o conscience_n now_o religion_n be_v apt_a to_o free_v we_o from_o both_o these_o 1._o from_o doubt_v and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n irreligion_n and_o atheism_n make_v a_o man_n full_a of_o doubt_n and_o jealousy_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o whether_o at_o last_o thing_n will_v not_o prove_v quite_o otherwise_o than_o he_o have_v rash_o
body_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a so_o that_o if_o these_o pleasure_n be_v great_a than_o they_o be_v a_o man_n have_v better_o be_v without_o they_o than_o purchase_v they_o at_o such_o dear_a rate_n to_o the_o second_o that_o religion_n impose_v many_o harsh_a and_o grievous_a thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o have_v speak_v of_o as_o the_o bearing_z of_o persecution_n repentance_n and_o mortification_n fast_v and_o abstinence_n and_o many_o other_o rigour_n and_o severity_n as_o to_o persecution_n this_o discourse_n do_v not_o pretend_v that_o religion_n exempt_v man_n from_o outward_a trouble_n but_o that_o when_o they_o happen_v it_o support_v man_n under_o they_o better_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o as_o for_o repentance_n and_o mortification_n this_o chief_o concern_v our_o first_o entrance_n into_o religion_n after_o a_o wicked_a life_n which_o i_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o be_v very_o grievous_a but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o though_o religion_n may_v be_v troublesome_a at_o first_o to_o some_o person_n who_o former_a sin_n and_o crime_n have_v make_v it_o so_o it_o may_v be_v pleasant_a afterward_o when_o we_o be_v accustom_v to_o it_o and_o whatever_o the_o trouble_n of_o repentance_n be_v it_o be_v unavoidable_a unless_o we_o resolve_v to_o be_v miserable_a for_o except_o we_o repent_v we_o must_v perish_v now_o there_o be_v always_o a_o rational_a satisfaction_n in_o submit_v to_o a_o less_o inconvenience_n to_o remedy_n and_o prevent_v a_o great_a as_o for_o fast_v and_o abstinence_n which_o be_v many_o time_n very_o helpful_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o such_o extraordinary_a trouble_n in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v discreet_o manage_v as_o be_v worth_a the_o speak_n of_o and_o as_o for_o other_o rigour_n and_o severity_n which_o some_o pretend_v religion_n do_v impose_v i_o have_v only_o this_o to_o say_v that_o if_o man_n will_v play_v the_o fool_n and_o make_v religion_n more_o troublesome_a than_o god_n have_v make_v it_o i_o can_v help_v that_o and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o false_a representation_n of_o religion_n which_o some_o in_o the_o world_n have_v make_v as_o if_o it_o do_v chief_o consist_v not_o in_o please_a god_n but_o in_o displease_v and_o torment_v ourselves_o this_o be_v not_o to_o paint_v religion_n like_o herself_o but_o rather_o like_o one_o of_o the_o fury_n with_o nothing_o but_o whip_n and_o snake_n about_o she_o to_o the_o three_o that_o those_o who_o be_v religious_a be_v many_o time_n very_o disconsolate_a and_o full_a of_o trouble_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o great_a objection_n indeed_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o trouble_n but_o there_o be_v other_o plain_a cause_n of_o it_o to_o which_o religion_n right_o understand_v be_v not_o accessary_a as_o false_a and_o mistake_v principle_n in_o religion_n the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o a_o melancholy_a temper_n and_o disposition_n false_a and_o mistake_v principle_n in_o religion_n as_o this_o for_o one_o that_o god_n do_v not_o sincere_o desire_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n but_o have_v from_o all_o eternity_n effectual_o bar_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n from_o all_o possibility_n of_o attain_v that_o happiness_n which_o he_o offer_v to_o they_o and_o every_o one_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o may_v be_v in_o that_o number_n this_o be_v a_o melancholy_a consideration_n indeed_o if_o it_o be_v true_a but_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n to_o entertain_v any_o such_o thought_n of_o god_n our_o destruction_n be_v of_o ourselves_o and_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v ruin_v by_o any_o decree_n of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o ruin_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o fault_n or_o else_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n some_o perhaps_o be_v very_o devout_a in_o serve_v god_n but_o not_o so_o kind_a and_o charitable_a so_o just_a and_o honest_a in_o their_o deal_n with_o man_n no_o wonder_n if_o such_o person_n be_v disquiet_v the_o natural_a conscience_n of_o man_n be_v not_o more_o apt_a to_o disquiet_v they_o for_o any_o thing_n than_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o those_o moral_a duty_n which_o natural_a light_n teach_v they_o peace_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o impartial_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o i_o hope_v no_o man_n will_v blame_v religion_n for_o that_o which_o plain_o proceed_v from_o the_o want_n of_o religion_n or_o last_o a_o melancholy_a temper_n and_o disposition_n which_o be_v not_o from_o religion_n but_o from_o our_o nature_n and_o constituion_n and_o therefore_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v as_o brief_o and_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o what_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n what_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n religion_n right_o understand_v and_o sincere_o practise_v be_v apt_a to_o bring_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v by_o what_o sort_n of_o argument_n religion_n can_v be_v more_o effectual_o recommend_v to_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n for_o in_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v religious_a i_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o rob_v they_o of_o any_o true_a pleasure_n and_o contentment_n but_o to_o direct_v they_o to_o the_o very_o best_a nay_o indeed_o the_o only_a way_n of_o attain_v and_o secure_v it_o i_o speak_v this_o in_o great_a pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o great_a design_n to_o please_v themselves_o but_o do_v grievous_o mistake_v the_o way_n to_o it_o the_o direct_a way_n be_v that_o which_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n a_o good_a man_n say_v solomon_n be_v satisfy_v from_o himself_o he_o have_v the_o pleasure_n of_o be_v wise_a and_o act_v reasonable_o the_o pleasure_n of_o be_v justify_v to_o himself_o in_o what_o he_o do_v and_o of_o be_v acquit_v by_o the_o sentence_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n there_o be_v a_o great_a pleasure_n in_o be_v innocent_a because_o that_o prevent_v guilt_n and_o trouble_n it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o good_a because_o that_o be_v to_o excel_v many_o other_o and_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o grow_v better_a because_o that_o be_v to_o excel_v ourselves_o nay_o it_o be_v pleasant_a even_o to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v our_o lust_n because_o that_o be_v victory_n it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o command_v our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o due_a order_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n because_o this_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o empire_n this_o be_v to_o govern_v it_o be_v natural_o pleasant_a to_o rule_v and_o have_v power_n over_o other_o but_o he_o be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o absolute_a prince_n who_o command_v himself_o this_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n within_o we_o a_o dominion_n infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o it_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o consist_v in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o a_o word_n the_o pleasure_n of_o be_v good_a and_o of_o do_v good_a be_v the_o chief_a happiness_n of_o god_n himself_o but_o now_o the_o wicked_a man_n deprive_v himself_o of_o all_o this_o pleasure_n and_o create_v perpetual_a discontent_n to_o his_o own_o mind_n o_o the_o torment_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n which_o the_o sinner_n feel_v more_o or_o less_o all_o his_o life_n long_o but_o alas_o thou_o do_v not_o yet_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o it_o no_o not_o in_o this_o world_n what_o will_v thou_o do_v when_o thou_o come_v to_o die_v what_o comfort_n will_v thou_o then_o be_v able_a to_o give_v thyself_o or_o what_o comfort_n can_v any_o one_o else_o give_v thou_o when_o thy_o conscience_n be_v miserable_o rend_v and_o tear_v by_o those_o wake_a fury_n which_o will_v then_o rage_v in_o thy_o breast_n and_o thou_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v thyself_o for_o ease_n then_o perhaps_o at_o last_o the_o priest_n be_v unwilling_o send_v for_o to_o patch_v up_o thy_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o to_o appease_v the_o cry_n of_o it_o and_o to_o force_v himself_o out_o of_o very_a pity_n and_o good_a nature_n to_o say_v peace_n peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n but_o alas_o man_n what_o can_v we_o do_v what_o comfort_n can_v we_o give_v thou_o when_o thy_o
and_o outward_a expression_n of_o it_o 3._o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n that_o sin_n be_v the_o stain_n and_o blemish_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o reproach_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n the_o disease_n and_o the_o deformity_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o great_a enemy_n of_o our_o peace_n the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o fear_n and_o trouble_n that_o whenever_o we_o do_v a_o wicked_a action_n we_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n and_o conscience_n to_o our_o plain_a and_o true_a interest_n and_o to_o the_o strong_a tie_n and_o obligation_n of_o duty_n and_o gratitude_n and_o which_o render_v it_o yet_o more_o unreasonable_a sin_n be_v a_o voluntary_a evil_n which_o man_n wilful_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o other_o evil_n may_v be_v force_v upon_o we_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o a_o man_n may_v be_v poor_a or_o sick_a by_o misfortune_n but_o no_o man_n be_v wicked_a and_o vicious_a but_o by_o his_o own_o choice_n how_o do_v we_o betray_v our_o folly_n and_o weakness_n by_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o every_o foolish_a lust_n and_o passion_n to_o do_v thing_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v prejudicial_a and_o hurtful_a to_o ourselves_o and_o so_o base_a and_o unworthy_a in_o themselves_o that_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o do_v they_o not_o only_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n but_o even_o of_o a_o child_n or_o a_o fool_n so_o that_o if_o sin_n be_v follow_v with_o no_o other_o punishment_n beside_o the_o guilt_n of_o have_v do_v a_o shameful_a thing_n a_o man_n will_v not_o by_o intemperance_n make_v himself_o a_o fool_n and_o a_o beast_n one_o will_v not_o be_v false_a and_o unjust_a treacherous_a or_o unthankful_a if_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n yet_o out_o of_o mere_a greatness_n and_o generosity_n of_o mind_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o out_o of_o very_a reverence_n to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n for_o let_v witty_a man_n say_v what_o they_o will_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o vice_n there_o be_v so_o many_o natural_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o sin_n that_o the_o matter_n be_v pass_v all_o denial_n man_n be_v general_o gall_v and_o uneasy_a at_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o evil_a action_n both_o before_o and_o after_o they_o have_v commit_v it_o they_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o crime_n and_o hearty_o vex_v and_o provoke_v whenever_o they_o be_v upbraid_v with_o it_o and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v always_o bad_a and_o vice_n have_v ever_o have_v more_o servant_n and_o follower_n to_o cry_v it_o up_o yet_o never_o be_v there_o any_o age_n so_o degenerate_a in_o which_o vice_n can_v get_v the_o better_a of_o virtue_n in_o point_n of_o general_a esteem_n and_o reputation_n even_o they_o who_o will_n have_v be_v most_o enslave_v to_o sin_n can_v never_o yet_o so_o far_o bribe_v and_o corrupt_v their_o understanding_n as_o to_o make_v they_o give_v full_a approbation_n to_o it_o 4._o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o fearful_a and_o fatal_a consequence_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o these_o be_v so_o sad_a and_o dreadful_a and_o the_o danger_n of_o they_o so_o evident_a and_o so_o perpetual_o threaten_v we_o that_o no_o temptation_n can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o excuse_v a_o man_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o reason_n for_o venture_v upon_o they_o a_o principal_a point_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o look_v to_o the_o end_n of_o thing_n not_o only_o to_o consider_v the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o also_o the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o it_o for_o the_o future_a and_o to_o balance_v they_o one_o against_o the_o other_o now_o sin_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o make_v man_n miserable_a it_o certain_o cause_v trouble_v and_o disquiet_v of_o mind_n and_o to_o a_o considerate_a man_n that_o know_v how_o to_o value_v the_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a argument_n against_o sin_n than_o to_o consider_v that_o the_o forsake_v of_o it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o find_v rest_n to_o our_o soul_n beside_o this_o every_o vice_n be_v natural_o attend_v with_o some_o particular_a mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o make_v it_o even_o in_o this_o life_n a_o punishment_n to_o itself_o and_o common_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o just_a judgement_n upon_o sinner_n strike_v in_o to_o heighten_v the_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n this_o we_o have_v represent_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_n his_o riotous_a course_n of_o life_n do_v natural_o and_o of_o itself_o bring_v he_o to_o want_v but_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n likewise_o concur_v to_o render_v his_o condition_n more_o miserable_a at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o arise_v a_o mighty_a famine_n in_o the_o land_n so_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o want_v wherewithal_o to_o supply_v himself_o but_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o relief_n from_o the_o abundance_n and_o superfluity_n of_o other_o sin_n bring_v many_o misery_n upon_o we_o and_o god_n many_o time_n send_v more_o and_o great_a than_o sin_n bring_v and_o the_o further_o we_o go_v on_o in_o a_o sinful_a course_n the_o more_o misery_n and_o the_o great_a difficulty_n we_o involve_v ourselves_o in_o but_o all_o these_o be_v but_o light_n and_o inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o dreadful_a misery_n of_o another_o world_n to_o the_o danger_n whereof_o every_o man_n that_o live_v a_o wicked_a life_n do_v every_o moment_n expose_v himself_o so_o that_o if_o we_o can_v conquer_v shame_n and_o have_v stupidity_n enough_o to_o bear_v the_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n of_o our_o vice_n and_o the_o upbraid_n of_o our_o conscience_n for_o they_o and_o the_o temporal_a mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o they_o though_o for_o the_o present_a gratify_n of_o our_o lust_n we_o can_v brook_v and_o dispense_v with_o all_o these_o yet_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o end_n and_o issue_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n be_v a_o invincible_a objection_n against_o it_o and_o never_o to_o be_v answer_v though_o the_o violence_n of_o our_o sensual_a appetity_n and_o inclination_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v down_o all_o temporal_a consideration_n whatsoever_o yet_o methinks_v the_o interest_n of_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n shall_v lie_v near_o our_o heart_n the_o consideration_n of_o another_o world_n shall_v mighty_o amaze_v and_o startle_v we_o the_o horror_n of_o eternal_a darkness_n and_o the_o dismal_a thought_n of_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o shall_v effectual_o discourage_v any_o man_n from_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o this_o danger_n continual_o threaten_v the_o sinner_n and_o may_v if_o god_n be_v not_o merciful_a to_o he_o happen_v to_o surprise_v he_o the_o next_o moment_n and_o can_v we_o make_v too_o much_o haste_n to_o fly_v from_o so_o great_a and_o apparent_a a_o danger_n when_o will_v we_o think_v of_o save_v ourselves_o if_o not_o when_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v we_o be_v upon_o the_o very_a brink_n of_o ruin_n and_o just_o ready_a to_o drop_v into_o destruction_n 5._o upon_o this_o natural_o follow_v a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o quit_v this_o wicked_a course_n and_o necessity_n be_v always_o a_o powerful_a and_o overrule_a argument_n and_o do_v rather_o compel_v than_o persuade_v and_o after_o it_o be_v once_o evident_a leaf_n no_o place_n for_o further_a deliberation_n and_o the_o great_a the_o necessity_n be_v it_o be_v still_o the_o more_o cogent_a argument_n for_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a be_v so_o in_o order_n to_o some_o end_n and_o the_o great_a the_o end_n the_o great_a be_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o mean_n without_o which_o that_o end_n can_v be_v obtain_v now_o the_o chief_a and_o last_o end_n of_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v happiness_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o that_o have_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o rational_a and_o moral_a necessity_n we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o happiness_n till_o we_o have_v leave_v our_o sin_n for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o though_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o this_o necessity_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o always_o enforce_v a_o present_a change_n because_o man_n hope_v they_o may_v continue_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o remedy_n all_o at_o last_o by_o repentance_n but_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o hazard_n in_o all_o respect_n that_o there_o be_v no_o venture_v upon_o it_o and_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n wise_a man_n will_v run_v no_o hazard_n if_o they_o can_v help_v it_o david_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o this_o danger_n that_o he_o will_v not_o
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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