Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n great_a part_n see_v 3,501 5 3.2009 3 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A66401 Sermons and discourses on several occasions by William Wake ...; Sermons. Selections Wake, William, 1657-1737. 1690 (1690) Wing W271; ESTC R17962 210,099 546

There are 13 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

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 and_o even_o those_o too_o in_o a_o very_a small_a measure_n some_o few_o perhaps_o there_o be_v who_o produce_v a_o little_a increase_n they_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o consider_v their_o duty_n and_o return_v it_o thirty-fold_n in_o piety_n and_o good_a work_n but_o for_o the_o sixty_o and_o the_o hundred-fold_n scarce_o any_o there_o be_v 8_o that_o ever_o arrive_v at_o this_o pitch_n or_o but_o give_v we_o any_o great_a cause_n to_o hope_n that_o ever_o they_o will_v come_v up_o to_o it_o instead_o of_o fruitless_a complaint_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a consequence_n both_o to_o our_o ministry_n and_o to_o your_o salvation_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o my_o endeavour_n on_o this_o occasion_n both_o for_o the_o happy_a prosecution_n of_o my_o own_o duty_n and_o if_o it_o may_v please_v god_n for_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o your_o soul_n plain_o to_o lay_v before_o you_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o by_o resolve_v it_o as_o both_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o 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 ●_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 send_v we_o they_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n by_o which_o you_o ought_v to_o live_v and_o by_o your_o neglect_n or_o observance_n whereof_o you_o must_v preserve_v or_o lose_v your_o soul_n to_o all_o eternity_n the_o light_a esteem_n of_o what_o we_o say_v do_v not_o mistake_v it_o reflect_v not_o upon_o we_o but_o on_o he_o who_o minister_n we_o be_v who_o gospel_n we_o preach_v and_o who_o goodness_n we_o set_v forth_o and_o who_o therefore_o will_v one_o day_n call_v you_o to_o a_o severe_a account_n for_o that_o little_a regard_n you_o now_o show_v of_o what_o we_o deliver_v unto_o you_o but_o 2_o dly_a a_o second_o sort_n of_o hearer_n who_o reap_v but_o little_a benefit_n by_o all_o our_o discourse_n be_v the_o curious_a
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 a_o man_n so_o little_o instruct_v in_o morality_n that_o have_v not_o learn_v to_o run_v into_o a_o invective_n against_o the_o interest_n and_o pleasure_n the_o honour_n and_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n that_o the_o good_a christian_a must_v resolve_v either_o to_o abandon_v they_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a or_o at_o least_o to_o quit_v all_o undue_a esteem_n and_o inordinate_a desire_n of_o they_o but_o the_o great_a and_o catholic_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o evil_n inconsideration_n this_o be_v either_o not_o at_o all_o or_o but_o very_o light_o touch_v upon_o by_o they_o so_o far_o be_v man_n from_o expose_v the_o danger_n of_o it_o that_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v few_o who_o have_v yet_o learn_v to_o place_v it_o in_o the_o number_n of_o their_o temptation_n or_o that_o think_v themselves_o at_o all_o concern_v to_o provide_v against_o it_o very_o necessary_a therefore_o it_o be_v before_o i_o proceed_v to_o those_o particular_a proposal_n i_o be_o hereafter_o to_o make_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o this_o evil_a that_o i_o shall_v first_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o set_v about_o it_o to_o show_v you_o that_o of_o all_o the_o artifices_fw-la of_o the_o devil_n this_o have_v be_v the_o most_o successful_a that_o whatsoever_o strength_n any_o other_o temptation_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v it_o be_v all_o derive_v from_o the_o influence_n of_o this_o in_o a_o word_n that_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o pleasure_n and_o interest_n seduce_v some_o particular_n only_o triumph_v over_o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o certain_a disposition_n that_o be_v more_o peculiarly_a apt_a to_o be_v move_v by_o they_o but_o that_o inconsideration_n be_v a_o general_a snare_n stop_v not_o at_o particular_n but_o carry_v all_o before_o it_o the_o one_o last_o universal_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v as_o we_o ought_v what_o our_o duty_n be_v and_o what_o our_o obligation_n be_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o 1_o sy_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o inconsideration_n expose_v we_o to_o every_o temptation_n which_o the_o devil_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o lay_v in_o our_o way_n be_v very_o often_o the_o cause_n that_o we_o be_v tempt_v at_o all_o but_o always_o the_o reason_n that_o we_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o temptation_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v how_o many_o sin_n man_n fall_v into_o for_o want_v of_o consider_v and_o know_v that_o they_o be_v so_o i_o will_v to_o god_n the_o frequent_a excuse_n that_o be_v draw_v from_o this_o topick_n do_v not_o too_o full_o show_v how_o great_a a_o cause_n this_o be_v of_o our_o offend_n there_o be_v hardly_o a_o more_o general_a plea_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o every_o sinner_n than_o that_o he_o mean_v no_o harm_n in_o what_o he_o do_v but_o either_o he_o do_v not_o know_v or_o he_o do_v not_o think_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a but_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o must_v resolve_v to_o lay_v aside_o this_o excuse_n altogether_o and_o confess_v it_o to_o be_v as_o false_a as_o indeed_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n frivolous_a or_o we_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o this_o want_n of_o consideration_n expose_v man_n to_o infinite_a temptation_n by_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o unwarrantable_a ignorance_n of_o what_o they_o may_v have_v know_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v consider_v but_o they_o be_v not_o only_o the_o ignorant_a that_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o danger_n he_o who_o know_v his_o duty_n the_o best_a be_v yet_o oftentimes_o no_o less_o surprise_v by_o his_o incogitancy_n than_o he_o who_o be_v the_o most_o ignorant_a of_o it_o the_o devil_n who_o know_v our_o weak_a time_n and_o constant_o watch_v his_o advantage_n never_o fail_v then_o especial_o to_o assault_v we_o when_o he_o see_v we_o be_v least_o upon_o our_o guard_n and_o by_o consequence_n lest_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o resist_v he_o and_o if_o by_o a_o diligent_a care_n of_o ourselves_o and_o attention_n to_o our_o duty_n we_o be_v not_o as_o ready_a and_o prepare_v to_o resist_v those_o temptation_n which_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o solicit_v we_o from_o it_o as_o we_o be_v otherwise_o well_o instruct_v in_o the_o duty_n its_o self_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o enemy_n will_v have_v a_o very_a great_a advantage_n against_o we_o and_o it_o be_v odds_o if_o for_o want_n of_o be_v prepare_v to_o fight_v we_o be_v not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n overcome_v by_o he_o for_o 2_o dly_a and_o which_o may_v be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o confirm_v my_o assertion_n that_o it_o be_v our_o inconsideration_n that_o be_v the_o real_a ultimate_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n be_v it_o observe_v second_o that_o there_o be_v in_o our_o religion_n such_o motive_n such_o engagement_n to_o obedience_n that_o be_v they_o but_o due_o weigh_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n ever_o to_o live_v wicked_o and_o indeed_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a great_a instance_n of_o this_o defect_n i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o and_o never_o have_v consider_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o of_o his_o religion_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v that_o can_v reasonable_o doubt_v of_o what_o i_o now_o say_v be_v there_o any_o among_o we_o that_o have_v but_o once_o serious_o reflect_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n almighty_n how_o excellent_a his_o goodness_n be_v how_o terrible_a his_o justice_n with_o what_o a_o irreconcilable_a hatred_n he_o prosecute_v sin_n and_o sinner_n for_o its_o sake_n that_o he_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o can_v be_v resist_v omniscient_a and_o can_v be_v deceive_v nay_o that_o he_o be_v present_a with_o we_o see_v our_o most_o retire_a action_n and_o will_v one_o day_n bring_v they_o all_o to_o light_v in_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o the_o day_n when_o he_o shall_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n be_v there_o any_o one_o here_o that_o have_v but_o serious_o consider_v all_o this_o let_v he_o then_o say_v whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o devil_n to_o have_v be_v able_a to_o draw_v he_o into_o sin_n whilst_o he_o have_v such_o thought_n as_o these_o present_a to_o his_o mind_n to_o oppose_v to_o his_o temptation_n but_o christianity_n carry_v we_o yet_o far_o it_o show_v we_o a_o god_n incarnate_a a_o god_n make_v man_n on_o purpose_n for_o our_o salvation_n he_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n 11_o and_o purchase_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n it_o represent_v to_o we_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n seal_v with_o his_o own_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o into_o which_o we_o have_v every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v solemn_o initiate_v that_o be_v solemn_o swear_v at_o our_o baptism_n and_o the_o condition_n whereof_o on_o our_o part_n we_o know_v be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v forsake_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o all_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o instead_o of_o serve_v these_o shall_v obedient_o keep_v god_n holy_a will_n and_o commandment_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v how_o often_o we_o have_v i_o believe_v the_o most_o of_o we_o renew_v this_o covenant_n whether_o in_o the_o church_n at_o the_o holy_a table_n or_o on_o other_o occasion_n that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o put_v up_o our_o vow_n to_o heaven_n nor_o need_v i_o add_v that_o it_o be_v to_o such_o a_o practice_n alone_o as_o that_o require_v that_o god_n have_v promise_v the_o blessing_n of_o eternal_a glory_n but_o sure_o i_o be_o whosoever_o will_v but_o due_o consider_v the_o weight_n and_o moment_n of_o this_o
about_o whether_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o ought_v certain_o yet_o much_o more_o to_o carry_v every_o good_a christian_n to_o this_o far_a necessary_a reflection_n whether_o it_o may_v be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o whosoever_o venture_v upon_o any_o action_n without_o this_o he_o may_v by_o accident_n not_o do_v ill_a but_o it_o be_v his_o good_a fortune_n not_o his_o praise_n that_o he_o do_v not_o and_o be_v it_o never_o so_o good_a yet_o for_o want_v of_o do_v it_o with_o that_o design_n and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v such_o he_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v ever_o impute_v that_o to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n which_o he_o himself_o do_v not_o design_n or_o perform_v with_o that_o intent_n as_o to_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o consideration_n that_o of_o our_o state_n and_o of_o our_o duty_n what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o and_o how_o we_o have_v live_v according_a thereunto_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v some_o time_n or_o other_o enter_v upon_o it_o and_o then_o i_o suppose_v i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o very_o prudent_a it_o will_v be_v for_o we_o not_o to_o defer_v it_o for_o since_o our_o life_n be_v but_o a_o puff_n of_o breath_n every_o day_n in_o our_o nostril_n and_o which_o we_o can_v at_o no_o time_n say_v shall_v be_v our_o own_o the_o next_o moment_n sure_o it_o will_v very_o much_o concern_v we_o not_o to_o defer_v consider_v how_o we_o be_v provide_v for_o another_o world_n see_v we_o have_v so_o very_o little_a hope_n or_o security_n in_o this_o repentance_n be_v not_o a_o duty_n that_o can_v be_v discharge_v in_o a_o moment_n and_o i_o fear_v the_o best_a among_o we_o upon_o the_o enquiry_n will_v find_v that_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o very_a great_a one_o now_o there_o be_v no_o time_n no_o place_n for_o repentance_n but_o only_o in_o this_o present_a life_n and_o shall_v we_o suffer_v our_o incogitancy_n so_o far_o to_o prevail_v upon_o we_o as_o to_o neglect_v it_o here_o we_o shall_v in_o vain_a lament_v our_o sin_n and_o our_o folly_n to_o all_o eternity_n hereafter_o if_o there_o be_v therefore_o any_o one_o among_o we_o that_o have_v hitherto_o omit_v so_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o consideration_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v to_o he_o let_v he_o no_o long_o defer_v it_o nay_o but_o rather_o in_o the_o word_n of_o holy_a david_n 4._o let_v he_o not_o go_v back_o unto_o his_o house_n nor_o climb_v up_o into_o his_o bed_n let_v he_o not_o suffer_v his_o eye_n to_o sleep_v nor_o his_o eyelid_n to_o slumber_n till_o he_o have_v begin_v to_o set_v about_o it_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n very_o much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o day_n to_o slip_v without_o this_o consideration_n there_o be_v i_o believe_v but_o seldom_o a_o day_n pass_v in_o which_o we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o something_o that_o may_v just_o call_v for_o a_o particular_a repentance_n to_o obtain_v our_o forgiveness_n and_o who_o can_v tell_v if_o he_o lie_v down_o to_o sleep_v ere_o he_o have_v do_v this_o whether_o he_o shall_v ever_o rise_v up_o to_o perform_v it_o afterward_o but_o alas_o this_o be_v the_o great_a instance_n of_o all_o of_o our_o inconsideration_n and_o instead_o of_o repass_v in_o this_o manner_n every_o day_n upon_o our_o action_n i_o fear_v there_o be_v many_o who_o go_v on_o whole_a week_n and_o month_n and_o year_n without_o ever_o think_v at_o all_o of_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o practise_v this_o duty_n by_o the_o same_o proportion_n which_o some_o of_o our_o modern_a casuist_n have_v prescribe_v for_o that_o other_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n some_o of_o which_o have_v think_v it_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v only_o upon_o sunday_n and_o holiday_n other_o not_o above_o once_o a_o year_n some_o once_o in_o five_o year_n other_o at_o any_o one_o time_n in_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o last_o other_o never_o at_o all_o either_o live_v or_o die_v but_o tho'_o there_o be_v then_o no_o time_n so_o proper_a as_o the_o present_a for_o the_o do_v of_o that_o which_o can_v without_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v defer_v the_o least_o moment_n yet_o some_o season_n there_o be_v which_o seem_v more_o especial_o to_o invite_v we_o to_o it_o thus_o 1_o st_z if_o old_a age_n be_v creep_v upon_o we_o or_o any_o sickness_n or_o danger_n threaten_v we_o with_o a_o speedy_a appearance_n before_o god_n tribunal_n this_o aught_o certain_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o it_o admonish_v we_o of_o the_o shortness_n of_o our_o present_a life_n to_o call_v we_o to_o a_o immediate_a provide_v for_o the_o next_o 2._o tho'_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v not_o just_a upon_o we_o yet_o if_o we_o see_v his_o arm_n lift_v up_o to_o strike_v if_o we_o have_v some_o just_a cause_n to_o apprehend_v any_o evil_n or_o affliction_n likely_a to_o come_v upon_o we_o much_o more_o if_o our_o country_n and_o our_o church_n be_v in_o danger_n for_o the_o iniquity_n of_o her_o child_n and_o people_n within_o she_o this_o also_o may_v be_v another_o time_n that_o seem_v on_o purpose_n mark_v out_o to_o call_v we_o to_o consideration_n to_o think_v upon_o our_o way_n and_o how_o to_o prevent_v both_o our_o own_o and_o the_o public_a desolation_n but_o now_o 3_o dly_a if_o these_o evil_n be_v not_o mere_o apprehend_v but_o be_v actual_o upon_o we_o so_o that_o we_o already_o have_v begin_v to_o bear_v the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o may_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o apprehend_v yet_o more_o dreadful_a effect_n of_o they_o this_o certain_o ought_v yet_o more_o strong_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o such_o a_o consideration_n in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o these_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n natural_o become_v religious_a god_n himself_o can_v say_v of_o the_o rebellious_a israelite_n 15_o that_o in_o their_o affliction_n they_o will_v seek_v he_o early_o and_o the_o prophet_n observe_v of_o all_o man_n in_o general_a that_o when_o god_n judgement_n be_v in_o the_o earth_n 9_o than_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n will_v learn_v righteousness_n i_o will_v only_o add_v 4_o thly_a and_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o approach_a season_n that_o as_o the_o time_n of_o lent_n have_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o season_n proper_a for_o the_o business_n of_o repentance_n so_o certain_o we_o can_v better_o prepare_v for_o it_o than_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o great_a preliminary_n duty_n of_o consideration_n without_o which_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o ever_o to_o discharge_v it_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o however_o the_o godly_a primitive_a discipline_n of_o public_a confession_n and_o penance_n have_v for_o the_o hardness_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v of_o late_o lay_v aside_o among_o we_o yet_o ought_v we_o not_o therefore_o to_o be_v ever_o the_o less_o nay_o rather_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a to_o examine_v our_o own_o soul_n and_o call_v our_o way_n to_o remembrance_n and_o by_o our_o private_a diligence_n make_v some_o supply_n of_o what_o seem_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o our_o church_n ash-wednesday_n as_o want_v to_o our_o public_a discipline_n and_o to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v the_o better_o enforce_v this_o practice_n which_o upon_o all_o these_o account_n seem_v so_o very_o proper_a for_o we_o i_o will_v now_o final_o close_a all_o iv_o thly_a with_o some_o motive_n that_o may_v serve_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o so_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o it_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o consideration_n that_o be_v real_o the_o last_o universal_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o i_o have_v just_a now_o show_v that_o till_o it_o be_v remove_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o sure_a than_o one_o will_v think_v that_o nothing_o more_o need_v be_v say_v to_o engage_v any_o sober_a man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o i_o must_v now_o go_v yet_o far_o for_o to_o complete_a our_o obligation_n to_o so_o necessary_a a_o practice_n inconsideration_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v charge_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o evil_n but_o the_o corrupter_n of_o our_o good_a too_o it_o spoil_v our_o very_a virtue_n insomueh_o that_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o unthinking_a man_n to_o fulfil_v every_o command_n and_o not_o deviate_v in_o the_o least_o degree_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o duty_n all_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a his_o inconsideration_n alone_o will_v ruin_v he_o and_o his_o virtue_n themselves_o lose_v by_o it_o not_o only_o their_o praise_n but_o their_o very_a nature_n
well_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o to_o maintain_v a_o paradox_n and_o show_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o skill_n only_o to_o demonstrate_v how_o much_o may_v be_v say_v for_o the_o most_o incredible_a thing_n heaven_n be_v a_o place_n which_o can_v raise_v his_o desire_n who_o have_v not_o thought_n purify_v enough_o to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o innocent_a and_o spiritual_a delight_n the_o pleasure_n of_o those_o happy_a region_n be_v not_o suit_v to_o the_o sensual_a apprehension_n of_o such_o man_n as_o know_v no_o attractive_n but_o those_o of_o a_o mahometan_a paradise_n and_o hell_n itself_o though_o the_o most_o formidable_a consideration_n of_o any_o yet_o such_o as_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o put_v as_o far_o from_o he_o as_o he_o can_v and_o either_o fancy_n that_o perhaps_o there_o be_v no_o such_o place_n or_o if_o there_o be_v yet_o ho●e_v it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o hereafter_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o escape_n of_o it_o 3._o and_o then_o last_o for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o religious_a instruction_n the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o without_o which_o all_o our_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a this_o be_v what_o such_o a_o one_o be_v yet_o more_o indispose_v to_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o can_v be_v content_a to_o applaud_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o will_v allow_v of_o all_o that_o we_o can_v say_v in_o praise_n of_o it_o that_o yet_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n can_v endure_v to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n like_o the_o ground_n overrun_v with_o thorn_n in_o the_o parable_n they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o gladness_n but_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n choke_v the_o seed_n so_o that_o they_o seldom_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n unto_o perfection_n it_o be_v therefore_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o he_o who_o will_v be_v a_o fit_a disciple_n for_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n shall_v first_o dispose_v himself_o by_o a_o probity_n and_o integrity_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o follow_v his_o instruction_n that_o he_o labour_v sincere_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n 16._o that_o he_o come_v to_o our_o religious_a exercise_n with_o a_o pious_a mind_n not_o to_o please_v his_o fancy_n or_o gratify_v his_o curiosity_n but_o to_o learn_v true_a wisdom_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o practice_n instead_o of_o consider_v how_o the_o discourse_n be_v manage_v whether_o the_o preacher_n perform_v his_o part_n as_o he_o expect_v he_o shall_v he_o must_v employ_v his_o thought_n on_o more_o substantial_a meditation_n in_o what_o particular_a especial_o the_o discourse_n come_v up_o to_o his_o own_o condition_n and_o how_o he_o may_v best_o apply_v it_o thereunto_o if_o any_o vice_n be_v reprove_v whether_o his_o own_o sin_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o if_o any_o duty_n explain_v or_o encourage_v whether_o that_o be_v not_o direct_v by_o god_n to_o inform_v his_o knowledge_n or_o to_o reprove_v his_o remissness_n if_o it_o set_v forth_o any_o of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n or_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o what_o we_o must_v do_v to_o attain_v to_o they_o to_o remember_v that_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n call_v upon_o we_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o power_n and_o to_o celebrate_v his_o goodness_n who_o have_v send_v so_o wonderful_a and_o gracious_a a_o salvation_n to_o we_o this_o be_v the_o true_a way_n whereby_o the_o pious_a christian_a may_v profit_v himself_o even_o by_o the_o mean_a of_o our_o discourse_n but_o without_o such_o a_o disposition_n to_o receive_v instruction_n the_o best_a seed_n will_v in_o vain_a be_v cast_v away_o upon_o we_o 2_o dly_z the_o next_o qualification_n require_v in_o a_o christian_a auditor_n as_o well_o as_o in_o all_o other_o be_v that_o he_o be_v docile_a by_o which_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v endue_v with_o quick_a part_n and_o ability_n to_o learn_v that_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o which_o sometime_o may_v do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a but_o i_o mean_v that_o he_o be_v desirous_a of_o instruction_n and_o to_o that_o end_n prepare_v with_o such_o a_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o to_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o pursue_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o and_o to_o this_o end_n more_o particular_o 1_o st_z that_o he_o be_v humble_a i._n e._n neither_o vain_o conceit_v of_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o instruction_n nor_o esteem_v himself_o to_o be_v too_o great_a to_o receive_v it_o even_o from_o the_o mean_a preacher_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n so_o great_a a_o enemy_n to_o our_o proficiency_n in_o any_o thing_n as_o pride_n when_o man_n look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o too_o great_a to_o learn_v and_o as_o such_o neglect_n and_o despise_v the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n indeed_o i_o be_o not_o so_o vain_a as_o to_o think_v that_o we_o be_v not_o many_o time_n call_v to_o speak_v to_o those_o who_o be_v much_o fit_a to_o become_v our_o teacher_n but_o yet_o neither_o can_v i_o so_o far_o undervalue_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o deliver_v unto_o you_o as_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v ordinary_o any_o sermon_n so_o mean_a and_o despicable_a but_o that_o a_o humble_a mind_n may_v have_v profit_v by_o it_o and_o have_v find_v somewhat_o at_o least_o to_o exercise_v his_o charity_n and_o his_o patience_n if_o not_o to_o excite_v his_o zeal_n and_o improve_v his_o knowledge_n 2._o a_o second_o thing_n require_v to_o this_o docility_n be_v that_o a_o man_n be_v free_a from_o passion_n this_o disturb_v the_o mind_n and_o blind_v the_o reason_n and_o hinder_v many_o time_n the_o best_a doctrine_n from_o produce_v any_o suitable_a effect_n upon_o we_o those_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o command_n of_o their_o own_o affection_n judge_v more_o according_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o they_o than_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n he_o that_o espouse_n a_o party_n or_o interest_n that_o love_v a_o opinion_n and_o desire_v it_o shall_v be_v true_a easy_o approve_v of_o whatsoever_o do_v but_o seem_v to_o make_v for_o it_o and_o reject_v almost_o at_o all_o adventure_n whatsoever_o appear_v against_o it_o how_o do_v the_o hope_n and_o desire_n of_o honour_n or_o favour_n or_o fortune_n in_o the_o world_n carry_v man_n away_o to_o the_o vile_a thing_n for_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o and_o so_o all_o the_o other_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n whether_o it_o be_v fear_n or_o pleasure_n or_o whatever_o else_o be_v the_o affection_n that_o rule_v we_o they_o hinder_v the_o reason_n from_o judge_v aright_o and_o weigh_v impartial_o what_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o and_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o but_o such_o a_o auditor_n receive_v or_o condemn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n not_o according_a as_o the_o authority_n of_o holy_a sripture_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o right_a reason_n require_v he_o shall_v but_o as_o his_o own_o passion_n and_o inclination_n prompt_v he_o to_o do_v 3._o a_o three_o thing_n require_v to_o docility_n be_v that_o a_o man_n be_v free_a from_o prejudice_n he_o that_o will_v advance_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o find_n out_o of_o truth_n must_v bring_v to_o it_o that_o traveller_n indifference_n which_o the_o heathen_a so_o long_o since_o recommend_v to_o the_o world_n he_o must_v not_o desire_v it_o shall_v lie_v on_o the_o one_o side_n rather_o than_o the_o other_o lest_o his_o desire_n that_o it_o shall_v prompt_v he_o without_o just_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o do_v and_o so_o in_o religion_n too_o he_o that_o will_v make_v a_o right_a judgement_n what_o to_o believe_v or_o what_o to_o practice_n must_v first_o throw_v off_o all_o prejudice_n in_o favour_n of_o his_o own_o opinion_n or_o against_o any_o other_o and_o resolve_v never_o to_o be_v so_o tie_v up_o to_o any_o point_n or_o party_n as_o not_o to_o be_v at_o all_o time_n ready_a impartial_o to_o examine_v whatsoever_o can_v reasonable_o be_v object_v against_o either_o how_o far_o the_o want_n of_o this_o do_v at_o this_o day_n divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o will_v to_o god_n we_o have_v not_o too_o great_a reason_n on_o all_o side_n to_o complain_v there_o be_v many_o among_o we_o so_o strange_o engage_v by_o false_a principle_n to_o a_o ill_a cause_n that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o offer_v they_o the_o clear_a argument_n to_o convince_v they_o if_o you_o bring_v they_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a that_o must_v be_v hear_v but_o then_o be_v it_o never_o so_o plain_a they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o mean_v of_o it_o and_o they_o dare_v
one_o engagement_n will_v find_v in_o it_o a_o impregnable_a fortress_n against_o sin_n and_o such_o as_o all_o the_o temptation_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v for_o to_o reflect_v on_o it_o only_o in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o our_o sin_n or_o in_o all_o those_o temptation_n that_o lead_v we_o to_o they_o who_o force_n and_o power_n will_v not_o be_v utter_o overcome_v by_o this_o one_o serious_a consideration_n where_o be_v the_o lust_n that_o can_v offer_v any_o sufficient_a shall_v i_o say_v or_o rather_o any_o tolerable_a inducement_n to_o comply_v with_o it_o that_o may_v be_v worthy_a to_o compare_v with_o our_o obligation_n to_o love_n and_o obey_v so_o great_a and_o so_o excellent_a a_o redeemer_n be_v there_o a_o passion_n so_o darling_n or_o a_o interest_n so_o valuable_a that_o the_o most_o desperate_a sinner_n will_v in_o his_o cool_a thought_n be_v willing_a to_o exchange_v heaven_n for_o it_o or_o rather_o for_o indeed_o that_o be_v the_o true_a case_n will_v be_v content_a for_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o to_o go_v down_o it_o may_v be_v the_o next_o moment_n into_o hell_n and_o there_o dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n no_o no_o sin_n may_v deceive_v we_o by_o our_o own_o carelessness_n but_o it_o can_v stand_v before_o consideration_n it_o may_v surprise_v our_o passion_n but_o it_o can_v never_o reconcile_v its_o self_n to_o our_o reason_n nor_o be_v our_o nature_n yet_o become_v so_o degenerate_a but_o that_o a_o due_a reflection_n on_o our_o engagement_n to_o obedience_n will_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n soon_o resolve_v into_o a_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o hell_n the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o next_o once_o thorough_o consider_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o stop_v our_o ear_n 5_o that_o all_o the_o art_n of_o the_o charmer_n charm_v he_o never_o so_o wise_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o open_v they_o to_o his_o insinuation_n and_o for_o a_o far_a proof_n of_o this_o and_o which_o may_v be_v yet_o another_o argument_n to_o confirm_v my_o position_n that_o it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o consider_v that_o be_v real_o the_o great_a and_o last_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n let_v i_o 3_o dly_a appeal_v to_o the_o common_a practice_n and_o experience_n of_o mankind_n no_o soon_o do_v any_o one_o begin_v serious_o to_o consider_v these_o thing_n but_o he_o present_o become_v a_o good_a christian._n what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o this_o that_o make_v the_o very_o worst_a of_o sinner_n if_o they_o come_v but_o into_o any_o danger_n or_o calamity_n if_o any_o sickness_n or_o affliction_n befall_v they_o any_o thing_n that_o but_o stop_v they_o in_o their_o wild_a career_n so_o long_o as_o to_o give_v they_o only_a time_n to_o cool_v and_o to_o consider_v their_o duty_n and_o their_o great_a and_o dangerous_a deviation_n from_o it_o what_o be_v it_o i_o say_v but_o this_o that_o make_v these_o person_n present_o disclaim_v their_o extravagancy_n to_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o notion_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o have_v therefore_o prefer_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o one_o because_o they_o have_v either_o never_o know_v or_o never_o sufficient_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o other_o and_o if_o perhaps_o these_o pious_a reflection_n have_v not_o be_v able_a afterward_o to_o secure_v their_o obedience_n but_o they_o have_v again_o return_v to_o the_o folly_n they_o so_o late_o renounce_v it_o be_v not_o that_o they_o be_v ever_o the_o more_o convince_v that_o they_o be_v overreach_v in_o the_o argument_n that_o piety_n and_o religion_n have_v not_o that_o reason_n on_o their_o side_n which_o we_o pretend_v and_o which_o ought_v to_o engage_v they_o to_o the_o troublesome_a task_n of_o deny_v themselves_o and_o forsake_v all_o their_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o worldly_a interest_n for_o its_o sake_n no_o but_o only_o that_o their_o danger_n be_v remove_v they_o have_v also_o lose_v their_o consideration_n with_o it_o and_o their_o incogitancy_n now_o again_o expose_v they_o to_o those_o sin_n which_o no_o soon_o shall_v some_o new_a occasion_n call_v they_o again_o to_o reflect_v on_o but_o they_o will_v be_v no_o less_o ready_a again_o to_o condemn_v they_o than_o they_o be_v before_o and_o now_o though_o i_o suppose_v it_o may_v by_o this_o time_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a how_o great_a the_o mischief_n of_o inconsideration_n be_v yet_o for_o a_o final_a demonstration_n of_o its_o danger_n i_o will_v offer_v one_o reflection_n more_o and_o it_o be_v 4._o that_o whatever_o particular_a temptation_n we_o may_v at_o any_o time_n chance_n to_o be_v expose_v to_o they_o will_v all_o of_o they_o have_v no_o force_n at_o all_o but_o for_o this_o one_o general_n defect_n for_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o pleasure_n and_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o interest_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o vanity_n beside_o that_o be_v yet_o more_o powerful_a than_o all_o these_o they_o be_v not_o such_o omnipotent_a temptation_n as_o our_o corrupt_a affection_n will_v represent_v they_o to_o we_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o have_v no_o force_n at_o all_o but_o by_o our_o own_o incogitancy_n to_o consider_v they_o only_o be_v to_o overcome_v they_o 1_o sy_n for_o pleasure_n be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o the_o base_a voluptuary_n will_v pursue_v that_o as_o he_o do_v do_v he_o real_o reflect_v what_o shall_v in_o a_o little_a time_n be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o debauch_n that_o yet_o a_o few_o year_n at_o the_o most_o it_o may_v be_v a_o few_o month_n or_o day_n and_o all_o his_o enjoyment_n shall_v cease_v and_o his_o pleasure_n be_v exchange_v for_o pain_n and_o sickness_n impotence_n and_o infirmity_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o torment_n in_o this_o life_n that_o be_v usual_o the_o sad_a forerunner_n of_o his_o eternal_a punishment_n in_o the_o other_o 2_o dly_z for_o riches_n the_o next_o instance_n be_v it_o possible_a man_n shall_v take_v so_o much_o care_n and_o labour_n to_o get_v they_o and_o when_o they_o have_v get_v they_o neither_o be_v satisfy_v with_o they_o themselves_o nor_o do_v good_a to_o other_o have_v they_o ever_o be_v acquaint_v with_o that_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n which_o the_o gospel_n speak_v of_o so_o infinite_o surpass_v all_o the_o high_a acquisition_n here_o so_o much_o sure_a to_o be_v obtain_v and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o much_o easy_a too_o and_o when_o it_o be_v get_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v enjoy_v 3_o dly_z for_o honour_n the_o next_o temptation_n if_o there_o can_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o honour_n without_o virtue_n and_o that_o high_a place_n and_o great_a title_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o trifle_n that_o have_v so_o long_o usurp_v the_o name_n may_v indeed_o be_v allow_v the_o character_n of_o it_o what_o other_o judgement_n can_v any_o consider_a man_n pass_v upon_o such_o honour_n but_o this_o that_o even_o christianity_n apart_o it_o must_v certain_o be_v a_o very_a vain_a thing_n to_o build_v a_o man_n hope_n and_o expend_v himself_o and_o his_o life_n upon_o that_o which_o when_o all_o be_v do_v depend_v upon_o other_o man_n opinion_n of_o and_o value_n for_o we_o who_o too_o often_o give_v this_o honour_n to_o the_o most_o undeserving_a person_n and_o with_o who_o the_o true_o brave_a and_o worthy_a man_n sometime_o find_v the_o least_o share_n of_o it_o and_o then_o 4_o thly_a for_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o world_n good_a god_n what_o can_v they_o appear_v to_o any_o serious_a consider_v man_n but_o mere_a vanity_n who_o have_v learn_v of_o his_o saviour_n to_o ask_v his_o conscience_n that_o great_a and_o wise_a question_n 26_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o in_o all_o these_o and_o whatever_o instance_n beside_o can_v be_v offer_v of_o the_o great_a temptation_n it_o be_v only_a for_o want_v of_o consider_v that_o they_o prevail_v upon_o we_o and_o so_o that_o not_o they_o but_o our_o own_o incogitancy_n ought_v to_o be_v charge_v by_o we_o as_o our_o great_a danger_n and_o mischief_n the_o one_o last_o universal_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o it_o can_v certain_o but_o be_v very_o well_o worth_a our_o while_n to_o search_v a_o little_a two_o dly_a into_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o inconsideration_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o and_o the_o first_o and_o perhaps_o the_o most_o fatal_a of_o all_o other_o and_o which_o may_v serve_v to_o remove_v a_o very_a
contrivance_n of_o state_n policy_n nor_o the_o effect_n of_o priest-craft_n that_o when_o we_o discourse_v of_o another_o world_n after_o this_o and_o a_o final_a inquest_n to_o pass_v upon_o all_o our_o action_n and_o a_o vast_a eternity_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o what_o they_o now_o do_v whether_o good_a or_o evil_a we_o do_v not_o alarm_n man_n mind_v with_o false_a fear_n and_o ungrounded_a terros_n but_o speak_v to_o they_o a_o truth_n which_o the_o very_a gentile_n themselves_o have_v universal_o acknowledge_v nay_o which_o their_o own_o conscience_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o disbelieve_v however_o they_o may_v sometime_o endeavour_v to_o stifle_v their_o conviction_n and_o have_v the_o impudence_n to_o deny_v what_o at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o felix_n they_o tremble_v to_o think_v of_o in_o short_a that_o whether_o we_o look_v into_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n within_o we_o or_o contemplate_v the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n without_o they_o both_o speak_v to_o we_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o god_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o judgement_n 1._o if_o first_o we_o look_v back_o into_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o heathen_a theology_n what_o point_n shall_v we_o find_v more_o universal_o acknowledge_v by_o they_o than_o this_o of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v this_o we_o may_v see_v illustrate_v not_o only_o in_o the_o flight_n of_o their_o poet_n in_o the_o harangue_n of_o their_o orator_n in_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o philosopher_n and_o all_o which_o have_v be_v particular_o collect_v by_o the_o holy_a father_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o write_n against_o they_o and_o may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o the_o work_v yet_o extant_a of_o justin_n martyr_n eusebius_n theodoret_n and_o other_o but_o as_o tertullian_n well_o observe_v even_o in_o their_o common_a conversation_n in_o which_o man_n usual_o the_o most_o speak_v according_a to_o their_o natural_a impression_n they_o still_o testify_v the_o same_o belief_n and_o by_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v and_o judge_v of_o their_o action_n by_o commend_v themselves_o and_o their_o cause_n to_o god_n when_o they_o can_v find_v no_o remedy_n or_o relief_n from_o man_n they_o plain_o show_v it_o to_o be_v a_o principle_n root_v in_o their_o very_a nature_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o see_v and_o observe_v what_o pass_v here_o below_o and_o will_v one_o day_n set_v to_o right_n all_o the_o present_a seem_a irregular_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n i_o shall_v not_o in_o this_o place_n enter_v so_o far_o into_o this_o argument_n as_o to_o show_v you_o in_o the_o particular_a expression_n of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n themselves_o how_o clear_o and_o peremptory_o they_o have_v deliver_v themselves_o as_o to_o this_o point_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v but_o thus_o much_o i_o suppose_v i_o may_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o conclude_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o in_o general_n observe_v that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n set_v apart_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n must_v be_v allow_v even_o upon_o the_o mere_a principle_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v very_o high_o probable_a which_o the_o gentile_n themselves_o without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n have_v so_o firm_o and_o universal_o receive_v and_o indeed_o so_o clear_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o it_o that_o wheresoever_o we_o turn_v our_o eye_n whether_o into_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o little_a world_n within_o or_o into_o the_o government_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o great_a without_o we_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o belief_n for_o 2_o dly_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n within_o we_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o conscience_n even_o in_o the_o most_o wicked_a man_n that_o will_v plain_o bear_v witness_n to_o this_o great_a truth_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a principle_n implant_v in_o every_o one_o of_o we_o that_o not_o only_o direct_v and_o inform_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o avoid_v but_o do_v moreover_o check_v or_o encourage_v we_o according_a as_o what_o we_o have_v do_v be_v either_o good_a or_o evil._n now_o upon_o this_o sentence_n which_o our_o conscience_n here_o pass_v upon_o all_o our_o action_n we_o find_v either_o a_o pleasure_n and_o confidence_n and_o satisfaction_n if_o we_o have_v do_v well_o or_o else_o a_o fear_n and_o terror_n and_o distrust_n if_o we_o have_v do_v ill_o and_o this_o not_o with_o reference_n to_o any_o reward_n we_o be_v like_a to_o receive_v or_o any_o punishment_n we_o may_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o suffer_v in_o this_o present_a world_n the_o great_a monarch_n be_v no_o less_o sensible_a of_o these_o motion_n within_o when_o their_o conscience_n do_v either_o approve_v or_o condemn_v they_o than_o the_o mean_a of_o their_o subject_n and_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o though_o the_o action_n be_v never_o so_o secret_a no_o less_o than_o if_o it_o have_v be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o what_o be_v all_o this_o but_o a_o plain_a evidence_n plant_v in_o our_o very_a nature_n to_o keep_v we_o in_o a_o continual_a expectation_n of_o some_o account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o our_o action_n in_o another_o world_n beyond_o what_o be_v do_v in_o this_o when_o the_o long_a series_n of_o our_o present_a life_n shall_v be_v review_v and_o our_o conscience_n now_o our_o judge_n then_o become_v witness_n and_o give_v testimony_n for_o or_o against_o we_o according_a as_o we_o have_v do_v either_o good_a or_o evil._n but_o that_o which_o will_v be_v a_o yet_o far_o confirmation_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v that_o the_o near_o we_o approach_v to_o our_o latter_a end_n still_o the_o more_o powerful_a and_o vigorous_a be_v these_o impression_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n upon_o our_o soul_n how_o do_v the_o sinner_n then_o begin_v with_o horror_n to_o reflect_v upon_o his_o life_n past_a and_o to_o hate_v and_o fear_v the_o consequence_n of_o his_o evil_a do_n when_o he_o be_v just_a ready_a to_o die_v and_o by_o consequence_n be_v pass_v all_o apprehension_n of_o any_o far_a inquest_n in_o this_o life_n more_o than_o he_o do_v at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o commission_n of_o they_o whilst_o the_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n embrace_v death_n with_o such_o a_o quiet_a and_o composure_n and_o oftentimes_o with_o such_o a_o sensible_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n as_o if_o he_o be_v about_o to_o receive_v some_o great_a good_a by_o it_o to_o be_v sure_o do_v not_o fear_v any_o evil_n from_o it_o this_o certain_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o still_o more_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v root_v in_o our_o very_a nature_n and_o that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o restitution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o life_n beside_o what_o be_v make_v to_o our_o action_n in_o this_o 3._o to_o all_o which_o if_o we_o add_v 3_o dly_a the_o far_a strength_n that_o will_v be_v give_v to_o this_o principle_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o present_a irregular_a dispensation_n of_o god_n providence_n as_o they_o seem_v to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o expect_v some_o judgement_n in_o the_o other_o i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o the_o great_a sceptic_a can_v have_v to_o oppose_v against_o so_o firm_a and_o clear_a a_o demonstration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v i_o presume_v agree_v among_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o admit_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n that_o as_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o perfection_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n so_o he_o can_v have_v nothing_o defective_a or_o imperfect_a in_o himself_o that_o as_o this_o world_n be_v not_o at_o first_o make_v by_o chance_n and_o fortune_n but_o by_o a_o most_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o powerful_a god_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o now_o govern_v by_o chance_n but_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o the_o same_o god_n who_o first_o make_v it_o now_o if_o god_n be_v infinite_o perfect_a than_o he_o must_v be_v perfect_o wise_a and_o just_o and_o good_a and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o suppose_v he_o not_o to_o be_v god_n as_o not_o allow_v he_o to_o be_v all_o this_o but_o if_o he_o be_v so_o and_o if_o this_o world_n be_v indeed_o subject_a to_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o providence_n than_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o as_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n be_v order_v in_o this_o present_a world_n they_o show_v but_o very_o little_a sign_n of_o a_o exact_a justice_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o
administration_n of_o they_o the_o best_a man_n now_o be_v oftentimes_o the_o most_o unfortunate_a and_o the_o most_o profligate_v miscreant_n the_o most_o happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n either_o therefore_o we_o must_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n altogether_o or_o that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o he_o or_o we_o must_v say_v that_o he_o be_v not_o just_a and_o good_a and_o therefore_o mind_v not_o what_o become_v of_o those_o that_o be_v so_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v he_o be_v not_o god_n or_o else_o that_o he_o be_v impotent_a and_o ignorant_a either_o do_v not_o know_v how_o thing_n pass_v here_o below_o or_o though_o he_o do_v know_v yet_o be_v not_o able_a to_o redress_v they_o and_o this_o again_o destroy_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n which_o include_v a_o infinite_a perfection_n in_o power_n and_o knowledge_n no_o less_o than_o in_o goodness_n and_o justice_n or_o last_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o god_n do_v take_v care_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n and_o be_v good_a and_o just_a and_o have_v such_o a_o knowledge_n and_o power_n as_o we_o say_v he_o have_v than_o it_o must_v remain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o future_a judgement_n in_o which_o all_o these_o uncertain_a irregular_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o shall_v be_v clear_v and_o set_v right_o and_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a receive_v the_o just_a recompense_n of_o what_o their_o action_n here_o have_v deserve_v see_v then_o we_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n doubt_n either_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o that_o this_o god_n be_v just_a or_o that_o his_o providence_n do_v indeed_o superintend_v over_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o thing_n now_o be_v not_o order_v with_o so_o exact_a a_o justice_n as_o a_o divine_a providence_n do_v require_v it_o must_v remain_v that_o neither_o can_v we_o with_o any_o reason_n doubt_n but_o that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v in_o which_o god_n will_v make_v a_o perfect_a demonstration_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o justice_n to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n and_o of_o which_o our_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v before_o show_v shall_v then_o render_v a_o most_o exact_a account_n which_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v say_v much_o to_o show_v two_o dly_a that_o then_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o those_o who_o live_v wicked_o now_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v hereafter_o in_o a_o most_o wretched_a and_o deplorable_a condition_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a indeed_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o forego_n reflection_n for_o if_o the_o very_a end_n of_o this_o judgement_n be_v as_o we_o have_v say_v to_o make_v a_o great_a and_o eternal_a demonstration_n of_o god_n justice_n in_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o the_o child_n of_o man_n then_o in_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n rom._n two_o 6_o etc._n he_o must_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o will_n do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a of_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_a for_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n if_o the_o present_a administration_n of_o affair_n in_o this_o life_n be_v not_o exact_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o equity_n and_o justice_n god_n permit_v the_o righteous_a man_n to_o struggle_v under_o the_o pressure_n of_o a_o adverse_a fortune_n and_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a to_o prosper_v in_o their_o wickedness_n yet_o may_v this_o be_v very_o well_o reconcilable_a with_o his_o justice_n both_o because_o he_o may_v have_v other_o excellent_a end_n to_o serve_v by_o such_o a_o irregularity_n and_o for_o that_o he_o have_v yet_o a_o opportunity_n remain_v in_o his_o hand_n abundant_o to_o recompense_v all_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o one_o and_o to_o punish_v all_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o other_o and_o instead_o of_o conclude_v from_o these_o promiscuous_a event_n now_o that_o god_n be_v not_o just_o or_o do_v not_o regard_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n that_o he_o know_v not_o neither_o understand_v how_o thing_n pass_v here_o below_o nor_o have_v power_n sufficient_a to_o govern_v they_o as_o in_o justice_n he_o ought_v to_o do_v i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o infer_v that_o this_o life_n be_v only_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n that_o the_o great_a time_n of_o retribution_n remain_v in_o another_o world_n when_o all_o these_o irregularity_n shall_v be_v set_v right_a and_o the_o goodness_n the_o justice_n the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v make_v know_v in_o a_o most_o severe_a and_o exact_a sentence_n which_o shall_v then_o pass_v upon_o every_o man_n in_o the_o day_n when_o he_o shall_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n but_o if_o god_n not_o only_o suffer_v the_o wicked_a to_o flourish_n now_o but_o shall_v hereafter_o also_o let_v they_o go_v unpunished_a if_o he_o permit_v they_o to_o enjoy_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o will_v take_v no_o care_n to_o avenge_v himself_o upon_o they_o in_o the_o next_o 25_o how_o then_o shall_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a or_o what_o be_v there_o more_o remain_v whereby_o to_o justify_v god_n in_o his_o do_n who_o thus_o apparent_o connive_n at_o sinner_n and_o neither_o assert_n his_o cause_n in_o their_o ruin_n here_o nor_o will_v call_v they_o to_o any_o account_n for_o all_o their_o wickedness_n hereafter_o it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o as_o certain_o as_o that_o god_n be_v just_a and_o therefore_o must_v some_o time_n or_o other_o render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n the_o sinner_n shall_v one_o day_n receive_v a_o dreadful_a sentence_n of_o horror_n and_o misery_n from_o that_o god_n neither_o who_o knowledge_n he_o can_v escape_v nor_o who_o power_n he_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v who_o see_v all_o his_o most_o secret_a villainy_n now_o and_o will_v hereafter_o bring_v he_o to_o judgement_n for_o they_o but_o now_o what_o or_o how_o great_a that_o punishment_n be_v which_o remain_v for_o sinner_n in_o the_o other_o world_n this_o be_v what_o we_o can_v pretend_v by_o any_o natural_a way_n of_o reason_v precise_o to_o define_v and_o yet_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v even_o our_o own_o reason_n may_v suggest_v to_o we_o i_o sy_n that_o it_o must_v be_v some_o very_a great_a punishment_n which_o a_o long_a life_n of_o sin_n and_o impiety_n and_o that_o too_o heighten_v with_o all_o the_o aggravate_v circumstance_n of_o be_v commit_v against_o knowledge_n against_o the_o check_n of_o our_o conscience_n to_o the_o contrary_a it_o may_v be_v against_o vow_n and_o resolution_n of_o do_v better_a nay_o possible_o against_o many_o special_a mean_n and_o method_n of_o god_n providence_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o repentance_n must_v deserve_v and_o therefore_o in_o all_o probability_n shall_v receive_v 2_o dly_z that_o as_o there_o be_v different_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o sinner_n now_o all_o man_n do_v not_o rise_v up_o to_o a_o equal_a pitch_n of_o wickedness_n nor_o begin_v so_o soon_o nor_o continue_v so_o long_o in_o their_o evil_a do_n nor_o it_o may_v be_v have_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o do_v so_o much_o mischief_n as_o other_o sinner_n do_v so_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o may_v believe_v that_o there_o shall_v also_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o punishment_n suitable_a to_o all_o these_o and_o some_o be_v condemn_v to_o a_o much_o more_o severe_a and_o intolerable_a infliction_n than_o other_o to_o both_o which_o remark_n i_o can_v tell_v whether_o i_o may_v not_o add_v 3_o dly_a that_o see_v the_o soul_n be_v a_o spirit_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n capable_a of_o immortality_n have_v neither_o any_o dependence_n on_o the_o body_n nor_o be_v expose_v to_o any_o of_o those_o casualty_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v decay_n and_o perish_v here_o and_o there_o be_v no_o declaration_n any_o where_o make_v to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n ever_o to_o extinguish_v they_o after_o they_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o body_n we_o may_v i_o think_v have_v some_o cause_n to_o fear_n whether_o our_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o eternal_a existence_n the_o punishment_n also_o which_o in_o that_o last_o judgement_n they_o shall_v be_v doom_v to_o may_v not_o be_v for_o all_o eternity_n and_o all_o this_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o conscience_n direct_v we_o
to_o and_o the_o great_a infidel_n must_v be_v force_v at_o least_o to_o confess_v the_o probability_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o however_o wicked_a man_n may_v endeavour_v to_o dissemble_v their_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o live_v so_o as_o if_o they_o true_o do_v not_o give_v the_o least_o credit_n to_o they_o yet_o be_v their_o fear_n many_o time_n too_o strong_a for_o they_o and_o discover_v their_o apprehension_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n this_o be_v the_o next_o point_n i_o propose_v iii_o dly_a that_o however_o sinner_n may_v live_v as_o if_o they_o believe_v nothing_o ●f_o all_o this_o yet_o the_o great_a of_o they_o can_v choose_v but_o tremble_v sometime_o at_o the_o appprehension_n of_o it_o so_o felix_n do_v and_o so_o we_o have_v be_v tell_v of_o many_o other_o that_o have_v do_v likewise_o man_n may_v pretend_v to_o outbrave_v hell_n and_o eternity_n at_o a_o distance_n may_v laugh_v at_o our_o discourse_n concern_v another_o world_n and_o the_o judgement_n that_o be_v to_o pass_v on_o all_o our_o action_n in_o it_o and_o make_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o wit_n and_o gallantry_n not_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o but_o i_o have_v seldom_o hear_v of_o that_o man_n that_o can_v look_v damnation_n in_o the_o face_n when_o he_o come_v within_o prospect_n of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a time_n when_o all_o man_n begin_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o not_o to_o believe_v a_o heaven_n yet_o at_o least_o to_o fear_v a_o hell_n atheism_n and_o profaneness_n be_v thing_n that_o pass_v well_o enough_o while_o there_o be_v no_o great_a cause_n to_o reflect_v on_o the_o danger_n of_o they_o whilst_o man_n pulse_n beat_v strong_a their_o year_n run_v brisk_o on_o their_o condition_n be_v easie_n and_o prosperous_a they_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n without_o control_v and_o therefore_o without_o consider_v either_o what_o they_o do_v or_o whether_o they_o be_v run_v but_o no_o soon_o do_v any_o trouble_n and_o adversity_n come_v upon_o they_o if_o their_o prosperity_n fail_v they_o and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o way_n begin_v to_o encompass_v they_o round_o about_o if_o age_n and_o infirmity_n call_v upon_o they_o to_o think_v what_o they_o have_v do_v or_o where_o it_o be_v they_o must_v next_o go_v but_o present_o all_o their_o scheme_n and_o hypothesis_n vanish_v they_o awake_v as_o man_n out_o of_o a_o deep_a sleep_n and_o too_o late_o begin_v if_o not_o to_o convince_v themselves_o that_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v yet_o to_o tremble_v with_o horror_n lest_o perhaps_o there_o shall_v be_v one._n but_o alas_o what_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o consequence_n of_o these_o terror_n be_v it_o even_o now_o at_o least_o to_o fit_v and_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o it_o no_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o can_v endure_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o yet_o still_o they_o neglect_v to_o provide_v against_o it_o this_o be_v the_o last_o point_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v and_o be_v evident_o the_o sad_a condition_n of_o many_o of_o these_o man_n viz._n iv_o thly_a that_o the_o use_n they_o make_v of_o these_o reason_v concern_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v be_v not_o to_o bring_v themselves_o thereby_o to_o a_o repentance_n of_o their_o evil-doing_n but_o rather_o to_o endeavour_v by_o any_o mean_n to_o put_v off_o these_o thought_n of_o their_o future_a state_n that_o be_v so_o troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o they_o there_o be_v not_o perhaps_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o ruin_v more_o soul_n than_o this_o unhappy_a method_n so_o common_a with_o most_o sinner_n of_o still_o put_v off_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n they_o can_v endure_v the_o thought_n of_o another_o world_n and_o that_o judgement_n which_o we_o must_v every_o one_o of_o we_o undergo_v in_o it_o they_o tremble_v at_o the_o reflection_n of_o it_o and_o delude_v themselves_o with_o a_o future_a prospect_n of_o resolve_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o it_o but_o like_o felix_n in_o the_o text_n they_o put_v off_o this_o work_n to_o another_o time_n without_o ever_o fix_v when_o that_o time_n be_v to_o come_v and_o it_o happen_v to_o they_o as_o it_o do_v to_o he_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o never_o come_v at_o all_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v but_o few_o in_o the_o world_n so_o wicked_a as_o never_o to_o have_v have_v their_o lucid_a interval_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n nor_o occasion_n both_o to_o consider_v of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o how_o much_o it_o will_v import_v they_o to_o provide_v for_o it_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v the_o great_a part_n of_o sinner_n go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n now_o with_o a_o confidence_n and_o resolution_n of_o repent_v some_o time_n or_o other_o but_o still_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v their_o do_v of_o it_o and_o death_n overtake_v they_o before_o they_o be_v aware_a and_o they_o go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n or_o ever_o they_o have_v make_v the_o least_o provision_n for_o another_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v how_o unreasonable_a such_o a_o procrastination_n be_v even_o upon_o those_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n on_o which_o i_o have_v hitherto_o proceed_v in_o the_o manage_n of_o this_o great_a argument_n for_o if_o we_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n as_o we_o have_v see_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v in_o which_o we_o must_v render_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o every_o day_n experience_n convince_v we_o of_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o present_a life_n and_o the_o little_a depend●nce_n we_o can_v make_v upon_o it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v if_o in_o that_o judgement_n the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o sinner_n shall_v without_o controversy_n be_v very_o grievous_a and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o promise_v ourselves_o either_o any_o peace_n of_o conscience_n now_o or_o any_o hope_n of_o happiness_n hereafter_o but_o only_o by_o act_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o put_v ourselves_o in_o such_o a_o state_n that_o we_o need_v not_o be_v either_o ashamed_a to_o live_v or_o afraid_a to_o die_v it_o must_v then_o certain_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a for_o all_o of_o we_o to_o begin_v personal_o to_o consider_v and_o do_v like_o man_n and_o no_o long_o continue_v in_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v our_o torment_n now_o and_o which_o shall_v we_o chance_v to_o die_v ere_o we_o have_v repent_v of_o they_o will_v prove_v our_o ruin_n for_o ever_o and_o all_o this_o the_o very_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a conscience_n speak_v to_o we_o to_o call_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o danger_n and_o vnreasonableness_n of_o the_o least_o delay_v of_o it_o and_o if_o there_o shall_v chance_v to_o be_v any_o here_o present_a who_o wickedness_n and_o infidelity_n render_v this_o discourse_n as_o seasonable_a to_o they_o now_o as_o st._n paul_n once_o be_v to_o felix_n i_o can_v but_o hope_v they_o may_v meet_v with_o somewhat_o in_o this_o reason_n that_o may_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o they_o but_o with_o a_o better_a consequence_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v upon_o that_o wretched_a man_n may_v serve_v not_o only_o to_o awaken_v their_o fear_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v but_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o a_o immediate_a provision_n for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o remember_v that_o i_o be_o speak_v all_o this_o while_n to_o a_o christian_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o to_o such_o as_o will_v admit_v of_o yet_o more_o lively_a persuasive_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o of_o the_o great_a and_o eternal_a torment_n that_o await_v the_o wicked_a after_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v how_o much_o our_o religion_n have_v discover_v to_o we_o to_o make_v the_o sinner_n tremble_v at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o that_o dreadful_a inquest_n which_o the_o best_a christian_n can_v think_v of_o without_o amazement_n for_o indeed_o where_o be_v the_o soul_n so_o well_o establish_v so_o secure_a of_o its_o own_o sincerity_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o endure_v the_o horror_n of_o that_o day_n when_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v come_v the_o world_n its_o self_n shall_v begin_v to_o tremble_v and_o fall_v into_o its_o ancient_a chaos_n when_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o star_n shall_v be_v darken_v the_o mountain_n shall_v quake_v and_o the_o power_n of_o heaven_n be_v shake_v when_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v set_v on_o fire_n the_o heaven_n shall_v be_v shrivele_v up_o as_o a_o scroll_n the_o element_n also_o shall_v melt_v with_o
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 i_o to_o a_o timely_a a_o speedy_a or_o rather_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o to_o a_o present_a repentance_n and_o i_o sy_n of_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 now_o those_o i_o presume_v may_v well_o be_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o general_n consideration_n either_o 1_o sy_n they_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 or_o 2_o dly_a they_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o repent_v in_o order_n thereunto_o as_o we_o say_v there_o be_v or_o 3_o dly_a they_o suppose_v they_o may_v do_v this_o hereafter_o as_o well_o as_o now_o or_o 4_o thly_a though_o they_o be_v convince_v both_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o repent_v and_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o set_v present_o about_o 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 the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o another_o life_n that_o be_v to_o come_v do_v at_o the_o most_o run_v but_o the_o little_a hazard_n of_o live_v a_o more_o reserve_v and_o innocent_a sort_n of_o life_n than_o he_o need_v to_o have_v do_v if_o it_o shall_v hereafter_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v mistake_v whereas_o he_o that_o confident_o presume_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o future_a state_n and_o so_o neglect_v to_o provide_v for_o it_o shall_v it_o chance_v to_o be_v otherwise_o must_v be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a without_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o reform_v his_o error_n but_o for_o man_n to_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v bring_v they_o to_o judgement_n 9_o and_o they_o can_v tell_v how_o soon_o he_o may_v do_v it_o that_o if_o they_o chance_v to_o be_v catch_v away_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o they_o see_v thousand_o be_v every_o day_n before_o their_o eye_n they_o shall_v then_o be_v doom_v to_o the_o wretched_a sentence_n of_o 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
way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o multiply_v passage_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n out_o of_o every_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o already_o to_o show_v the_o danger_n of_o delay_v our_o repentance_n from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o overpass_a the_o time_n of_o it_o and_o to_o warrant_v that_o great_a conclusion_n which_o i_o think_v be_v general_o receive_v by_o most_o christian_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v to_o every_o wicked_a man_n a_o certain_a time_n when_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o iniquity_n be_v accomplish_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o any_o space_n for_o repentance_n nor_o any_o far_a assistance_n give_v they_o by_o god_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o it_o now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o will_v i_o only_o desire_v that_o these_o three_o thing_n may_v serious_o be_v consider_v by_o every_o one_o of_o we_o 1_o sy_n whether_o he_o who_o be_v invite_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o cheek_n of_o conscience_n within_o and_o the_o importunate_a call_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o to_o repentance_n nevertheless_o neglect_v all_o these_o admonition_n and_o with_o felix_n still_o put_v off_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o some_o more_o convenient_a season_n do_v not_o thereby_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n 30_o and_o despise_v his_o grace_n and_o affront_v his_o goodness_n who_o thus_o gracious_o offer_v and_o continue_v to_o he_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o salvation_n 2_o dly_z whether_o by_o so_o do_v he_o do_v not_o provoke_v god_n in_o as_o high_a a_o manner_n as_o can_v well_o be_v imagine_v no_o long_o to_o continue_v his_o grace_n to_o he_o nor_o to_o expose_v his_o mercy_n to_o contempt_n by_o suffer_v his_o holy_a spirit_n still_o to_o strive_v with_o such_o obstinate_a offender_n and_o then_o by_o consequence_n 3_o dly_a and_o last_o whether_o every_o such_o person_n may_v not_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o apprehend_v that_o by_o delay_v his_o repentance_n and_o put_v off_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o still_o future_a opportunity_n he_o shall_v at_o last_o provoke_v god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o he_o and_o see_v when_o he_o have_v the_o opportunity_n give_v he_o and_o be_v invite_v to_o repent_v he_o despise_v the_o offer_n and_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v god_n may_v not_o hereafter_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o a_o harden_a and_o impenitent_a heart_n 5_o and_o take_v away_o that_o grace_n from_o he_o which_o he_o have_v so_o unworthy_o abuse_v and_o thereby_o deserve_v to_o have_v no_o long_o continue_v to_o he_o to_o conclude_v 30._o if_o in_o that_o famous_a parable_n of_o the_o talent_n there_o be_v any_o application_n yet_o remain_v to_o be_v make_v of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o in_o which_o we_o find_v the_o talon_n take_v from_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o a_o terrible_a sentence_n of_o everlasting_a misery_n pronounce_v against_o he_o for_o his_o neglect_n or_o in_o that_o other_o of_o the_o figtree_n 6_o which_o be_v to_o be_v prune_v and_o dig_v and_o then_o try_v another_o year_n and_o if_o still_o it_o continue_v to_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n then_o to_o be_v cut_v down_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o vineyard_n the_o meaning_n of_o both_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o he_o who_o despise_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o opportunity_n of_o salvation_n continue_v still_o in_o his_o sin_n and_o improve_v not_o those_o ability_n god_n have_v give_v he_o to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v bestow_v upon_o he_o shall_v at_o last_o by_o a_o severe_a but_o most_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n be_v deprive_v of_o they_o and_o have_v his_o neglect_n punish_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o god_n grace_n here_o and_o in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o with_o a_o eternal_a damnation_n hereafter_o and_o this_o than_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o put_v off_o the_o business_n of_o repentance_n at_o the_o present_a out_o of_o a_o unwarrantable_a presumption_n that_o it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o perform_v it_o hereafter_o but_o now_o if_o the_o question_n be_v what_o a_o man_n who_o have_v unhappy_o do_v this_o shall_v do_v i_o reply_v 1_o sy_n let_v he_o by_o all_o mean_n hasten_v his_o repentance_n all_o he_o can_v and_o the_o long_o he_o have_v defer_v it_o already_o the_o more_o careful_a and_o resolute_a let_v he_o be_v not_o to_o put_v it_o off_o one_o moment_n long_o 2_o dly_z let_v he_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o zealous_a and_o diligent_a in_o his_o religious_a performance_n let_v his_o sorrow_n be_v the_o more_o pungent_a his_o confession_n the_o more_o humble_a his_o prayer_n the_o more_o fervent_a but_o especial_o his_o resolution_n and_o his_o endeavour_n the_o more_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a to_o break_v off_o the_o course_n of_o his_o sin_n the_o long_o he_o have_v continue_v in_o they_o that_o so_o by_o the_o extraordinary_a vigour_n of_o his_o present_a endeavour_n he_o may_v make_v some_o kind_n of_o reparation_n for_o the_o slowness_n he_o have_v be_v hitherto_o guilty_a of_o in_o set_v about_o his_o duty_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v far_o inquire_v whether_o upon_o the_o principle_n i_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o of_o the_o withdraw_a god_n grace_n from_o such_o as_o refuse_v and_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o it_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o such_o person_n as_o these_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o in_o a_o desperate_a estate_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o now_o to_o think_v of_o repent_v at_o all_o but_o this_o be_v a_o question_n which_o every_o man_n will_v best_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o that_o he_o who_o put_v off_o his_o repentance_n now_o upon_o a_o presumption_n that_o it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o fulfil_v it_o hereafter_o may_v just_o fear_v the_o withdraw_n of_o god_n grace_n from_o he_o i_o have_v full_o show_v but_o that_o god_n do_v absolute_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o every_o such_o person_n i_o do_v not_o say_v and_o whether_o or_o no_o he_o have_v withdraw_v it_o from_o any_o particular_a person_n he_o will_v present_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v by_o the_o state_n in_o which_o he_o find_v his_o soul_n as_o to_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n if_o his_o lust_n and_o his_o passion_n lead_v he_o captive_a at_o their_o pleasure_n if_o he_o have_v no_o affection_n or_o desire_v remain_v after_o piety_n in_o his_o soul_n if_o he_o care_v not_o for_o god_n nor_o his_o duty_n nor_o can_v yet_o persuade_v himself_o either_o to_o think_v of_o another_o world_n or_o to_o provide_v for_o it_o these_o indeed_o be_v though_o i_o will_v not_o say_v certain_a sign_n of_o a_o desperate_a condition_n yet_o such_o as_o may_v give_v we_o just_a cause_n to_o fear_v whether_o he_o be_v not_o come_v into_o that_o state_n from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n and_o in_o which_o god_n will_v no_o long_o give_v he_o any_o assistance_n to_o return_v into_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o even_o now_o begin_v to_o come_v again_o to_o himself_o and_o wish_n and_o desire_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n if_o be_v touch_v with_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o his_o obstinacy_n he_o be_v at_o last_o willing_a to_o amend_v and_o return_v unto_o god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o though_o his_o condition_n may_v be_v bad_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o desperate_a god_n have_v not_o yet_o give_v he_o up_o a_o slave_n to_o the_o devil_n but_o still_o continue_v to_o he_o the_o benefit_n of_o repentance_n so_o that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o again_o want_v to_o himself_o he_o may_v yet_o hope_v for_o a_o sufficient_a measure_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o bring_v he_o by_o repentance_n to_o salvation_n but_o here_o still_o there_o will_v one_o difficulty_n more_o arise_v and_o it_o be_v this_o how_o such_o a_o person_n shall_v satisfy_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v true_o penitent_a and_o by_o consequence_n that_o he_o may_v depend_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o pardon_n notwithstanding_o his_o former_a impenitence_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1_o st_z if_o the_o person_n who_o thus_o repent_v at_o the_o last_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o continue_v yet_o long_a in_o this_o world_n he_o may_v then_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o of_o the_o consequent_a security_n of_o his_o condition_n by_o the_o same_o experience_n that_o all_o other_o be_v viz._n by_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o a_o
be_v dangerous_a to_o profess_v christianity_n they_o may_v free_o deny_v it_o and_o judaïze_v rather_o than_o suffer_v persecution_n if_o their_o lust_n disturb_v they_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o therefore_o lawful_a to_o gratify_v they_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v so_o the_o truth_n be_v i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o repeat_v in_o this_o place_n what_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n have_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o concern_v they_o and_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o to_o refer_v you_o only_o to_o this_o short_a epistle_n 19_o for_o the_o character_n both_o of_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n for_o i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o this_o alone_a will_v not_o suffice_v to_o show_v what_o just_a cause_n our_o apostle_n have_v to_o fear_v their_o prevail_a and_o that_o such_o a_o easy_a practice_n support_v by_o such_o high_a pretence_n may_v be_v but_o too_o apt_a to_o gain_v over_o proselyte_n to_o its_o party_n let_v we_o see_v therefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n 4_o thly_a by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v that_o st._n judas_n here_o exhort_v the_o yet_o orthodox_n christian_n to_o contend_v for_o their_o faith_n and_o secure_v themselves_o in_o those_o dangerous_a time_n and_o those_o be_v principal_o these_o five_o 1._o by_o a_o close_a adherence_n to_o that_o doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o 2._o by_o take_v heed_n of_o those_o that_o will_v seduce_v they_o from_o it_o 3._o by_o building_n themselves_o on_o their_o holy_a faith_n i._n e._n by_o add_v innocency_n of_o life_n to_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o faith_n 4._o by_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o assistance_n and_o 5._o by_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o future_a state_n these_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o st._n judas_n here_o exhort_v they_o to_o make_v use_n of_o to_o secure_v their_o faith_n and_o they_o be_v indeed_o such_o as_o if_o due_o observe_v will_v not_o fail_v to_o have_v a_o prosperous_a effect_n to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v propose_v 1_o sy_n the_o first_o way_n to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n be_v to_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v this_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n in_o our_o text_n advise_v they_o to_o do_v or_o rather_o not_o bare_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o it_o but_z as_o the_o phrase_n here_o be_v to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o it_o and_o that_o be_v then_o a_o most_o undoubted_a security_n when_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o teach_v they_o their_o religion_n and_o so_o their_o faith_n come_v to_o they_o without_o all_o dispute_n pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a and_o however_o we_o do_v not_o now_o pretend_v that_o man_n shall_v give_v up_o themselves_o so_o entire_o to_o our_o conduct_n as_o to_o stop_v their_o ear_n to_o whatever_o can_v be_v say_v against_o we_o yet_o since_o we_o profess_v no_o other_o faith_n than_o that_o which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n since_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o go_v can_v be_v deny_v to_o contain_v that_o faith_n and_o we_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o you_o any_o far_a than_o what_o we_o teach_v be_v find_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o rule_n i_o think_v we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o thus_o far_o at_o least_o make_v the_o application_n even_o now_o that_o you_o ought_v not_o light_o to_o forsake_v a_o faith_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o such_o a_o foundation_n i_o be_o sure_a not_o for_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v build_v upon_o any_o other_o and_o though_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o encourage_v a_o blind_a obstinacy_n in_o any_o one_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o have_v rather_o all_o man_n will_v search_v and_o see_v whether_o what_o we_o profess_v be_v not_o indeed_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n yet_o this_o deference_n we_o think_v every_o one_o ought_v to_o pay_v to_o that_o church_n which_o first_o make_v he_o christian_n and_o to_o those_o guide_n who_o god_n providence_n have_v set_v over_o he_o to_o build_v he_o up_o in_o the_o faith_n as_o not_o light_o to_o forsake_v either_o they_o or_o their_o doctrine_n but_o to_o presume_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o already_o profess_v till_o they_o can_v be_v very_o clear_o and_o evident_o convince_v of_o the_o contrary_n but_o 2_o dly_a the_o next_o mean_n propose_v whereby_o they_o be_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n be_v by_o take_v heed_n of_o those_o who_o will_v have_v seduce_v they_o from_o it_o this_o be_v the_o general_a design_n of_o this_o whole_a epistle_n and_o i_o have_v before_o show_v what_o great_a need_n there_o be_v of_o such_o a_o caution_n now_o by_o take_v heed_n of_o seducer_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o imply_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o obstinate_o wary_a as_o not_o to_o hearken_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o one_o of_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n be_v able_a to_o say_v either_o for_o his_o own_o opinion_n or_o against_o we_o for_o that_o be_v to_o lead_v man_n by_o faction_n not_o reason_n but_o i_o mean_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v our_o ear_n so_o open_a as_o to_o hearken_v to_o every_o thing_n that_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o offer_v to_o disquiet_v our_o mind_n and_o disturb_v our_o conscience_n without_o any_o just_a occasion_n for_o it_o nay_o it_o may_v be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o such_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v certain_o and_o evident_o convince_v that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_n much_o less_o that_o we_o shall_v seek_v occasion_n of_o dispute_n and_o love_n to_o be_v perpetual_o raise_v difficulty_n against_o our_o religion_n lest_o we_o shall_v at_o last_o provoke_v god_n to_o give_v we_o over_o to_o delusion_n and_o punish_v our_o needless_a expose_v ourselves_o to_o temptation_n by_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v overcome_v by_o it_o nor_o second_o so_o far_o comply_v with_o such_o person_n as_o to_o give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o their_o seduction_n and_o become_v easy_a and_o willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a weakness_n in_o any_o man_n to_o go_v to_o his_o enemy_n for_o the_o character_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o inquire_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o profess_a opposer_n of_o it_o if_o man_n have_v doubt_n or_o if_o their_o curiosity_n must_v be_v gratify_v in_o start_v of_o needless_a scruple_n and_o one_o part_n only_o be_v consult_v both_o charity_n and_o duty_n and_o i_o have_v almost_o say_v even_o common_a civility_n too_o may_v satisfy_v they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v their_o instructor_n who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o to_o be_v their_o guide_n in_o holy_a thing_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o but_o if_o this_o be_v think_v too_o great_a a_o partiality_n to_o hear_v one_o side_n only_o and_o not_o inquire_v at_o all_o of_o the_o other_o yet_o at_o least_o if_o our_o enemy_n may_v be_v admit_v our_o own_o guide_n sure_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v but_o to_o be_v allow_v at_o least_o to_o be_v as_o worthy_a our_o regard_n as_o their_o adversary_n nor_o can_v i_o think_v any_o otherwise_o than_o that_o he_o be_v mind_v to_o be_v seduce_v who_o instead_o of_o take_v heed_n of_o heretic_n seek_v only_o to_o they_o instead_o of_o avoid_v they_o avoid_v those_o from_o who_o if_o not_o alone_o yet_o i_o be_o sure_a principal_o he_o ought_v to_o fortify_v himself_o against_o they_o 3_o dly_z the_o next_o mean_n propose_v for_o their_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n be_v by_o innocence_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n this_o st._n judas_n call_v a_o building_n up_o ourselves_o upon_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n ver_fw-la 20._o and_o again_o a_o keep_n of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 21._o and_o a_o excellent_a mean_n no_o doubt_n it_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o be_v seduce_v from_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o tell_v you_o how_o powerful_a a_o motive_n the_o want_n of_o piety_n have_v be_v to_o most_o of_o those_o error_n that_o have_v infest_a the_o church_n whilst_o man_n to_o gratify_v their_o passion_n have_v corrupt_v their_o faith_n and_o pride_n and_o discontent_n interest_n and_o ambition_n looseness_n and_o indulgence_n more_o than_o want_v of_o knowledge_n have_v make_v man_n heretic_n and_o be_v we_o now_o to_o inquire_v what_o the_o true_a cause_n be_v that_o keep_v up_o these_o division_n in_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n why_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o obstinate_a in_o error_n so_o plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o christianity_n and_o i_o have_v almost_o say_v to_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o even_o pose_n our_o
this_o be_v a_o cause_n which_o man_n do_v not_o indeed_o care_v so_o open_o to_o profess_v but_o yet_o such_o a_o one_o as_o their_o action_n oftentimes_o do_v but_o too_o plain_o point_v out_o to_o we_o and_o i_o wish_v that_o even_o this_o be_v all_o and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o some_o in_o the_o world_n who_o very_a principle_n seem_v to_o lead_v they_o into_o such_o a_o opinion_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o fatal_o ruinous_a to_o their_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o 1_o sy_n not_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n now_o to_o those_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o laugh_v at_o all_o our_o discourse_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o of_o a_o account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o all_o our_o action_n before_o a_o divine_a tribunal_n but_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o speak_v loud_o to_o they_o this_o great_a truth_n and_o make_v they_o with_o felix_n still_o fear_v what_o they_o pretend_v not_o to_o believe_v what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o a_o more_o refine_a sort_n of_o disputant_n who_o acknowledge_v a_o future_a judgement_n and_o a_o eternal_a reward_n for_o those_o that_o do_v well_o yet_o extinguish_v ibid._n in_o great_a measure_n all_o the_o flame_n of_o hell-fire_n and_o allow_v of_o little_a or_o no_o danger_n for_o those_o that_o do_v ill_a they_o suppose_v that_o the_o worst_a that_o can_v happen_v to_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v chance_v to_o be_v overtake_v in_o their_o sin_n be_v but_o to_o lose_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o annihilate_v the_o only_a danger_n that_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v they_o attend_v the_o great_a sinner_n in_o the_o other_o world_n but_o yet_o still_o methinks_v since_o they_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o heaven_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o enjoyment_n of_o honour_n and_o glory_n there_o to_o all_o eternity_n for_o those_o who_o at_o that_o day_n shall_v be_v find_v worthy_a of_o it_o even_o this_o shall_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v they_o think_v it_o worth_a their_o while_n to_o endeavour_v to_o procure_v themselves_o a_o share_n in_o so_o much_o happiness_n and_o however_o they_o suppose_v that_o the_o everlasting_a punishment_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n threaten_v sinner_n with_o shall_v be_v only_o a_o eternal_a annihilation_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o same_o scripture_n speak_v very_o dreadful_a thing_n of_o it_o and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v etc._n but_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n have_v and_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a for_o ever_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o misery_n which_o neither_o any_o tongue_n can_v express_v nor_o any_o thought_n conceive_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v many_o passage_n in_o the_o sacred_a writ_n that_o seem_v very_o much_o to_o favour_v this_o apprehension_n indeed_o that_o can_v without_o violence_n be_v detort_v to_o any_o other_o signification_n it_o must_v certain_o be_v the_o wise_a course_n not_o to_o be_v too_o secure_a in_o their_o own_o sense_n but_o whether_o they_o believe_v the_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a to_o be_v eternal_a or_o no_o yet_o certain_o to_o live_v so_o as_o if_o they_o make_v not_o the_o least_o doubt_n of_o it_o 2._o but_o second_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n there_o be_v who_o by_o their_o mistake_a notion_n of_o christianity_n have_v very_o much_o contribute_v to_o lessen_v their_o opinion_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v have_v utter_o corrupt_v the_o very_a nature_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o casuist_n and_o confessor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o be_v a_o point_n common_o dispute_v among_o these_o man_n what_o the_o precise_a time_n be_v in_o which_o man_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o repent_v there_o have_v be_v some_o of_o they_o indeed_o so_o severe_a as_o to_o think_v that_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o repent_v on_o all_o the_o great_a scotus_n festival_n of_o the_o church_n other_o 2._o think_v that_o it_o be_v enough_o if_o a_o man_n do_v it_o against_o easter_n but_o the_o common_a opinion_n be_v that_o this_o be_v only_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o external_a and_o ritual_a repentance_n of_o the_o church_n which_o consist_v in_o confess_v and_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n but_o that_o for_o the_o true_a inward_a repentance_n below_o the_o precise_a time_n in_o which_o the_o sinner_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n to_o be_v contrite_a for_o his_o sin_n be_v the_o imminent_a article_n of_o a_o natural_a or_o violent_a death_n insomuch_o that_o some_o of_o they_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o even_o for_o a_o man_n to_o resolve_v to_o defer_v his_o repentance_n and_o refuse_v to_o repent_v for_o a_o certain_a time_n be_v but_o a_o 2._o venial_a sin_n nay_o and_o other_o think_v anno._n no_o sin_n at_o all_o and_o these_o man_n to_o be_v sure_a in_o express_a term_n take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o present_a repentance_n but_o this_o be_v not_o yet_o all_o for_o when_o they_o do_v come_v to_o the_o time_n that_o they_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n even_o than_o they_o find_v out_o so_o many_o other_o artifices_fw-la to_o elude_v the_o sincere_a performance_n of_o it_o that_o they_o who_o do_v all_o which_o they_o require_v of_o they_o yet_o do_v not_o in_o effect_n true_o repent_v what_o else_o can_v we_o make_v of_o the_o allow_v practice_n of_o that_o church_n upon_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o imperfect_a contrition_n for_o they_o to_o admit_v they_o to_o absolution_n and_o so_o in_o effect_n make_v the_o whole_a of_o this_o duty_n to_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o little_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n 781._o and_o a_o resolution_n to_o forsake_v it_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v they_o do_v not_o themselves_o believe_v that_o ever_o they_o shall_v make_v good_a such_o their_o resolution_n and_o that_o too_o though_o they_o have_v neither_o any_o love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n etc._n nor_o otherwise_o hate_v their_o sin_n than_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o be_v damn_v for_o they_o i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o many_o other_o device_n these_o man_n have_v find_v out_o to_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o true_a repentance_n by_o pardon_n and_o indulgence_n by_o mass_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a by_o consecrate_a garment_n and_o privilege_v fraternity_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o which_o be_v what_o i_o be_o now_o compla_v of_o to_o make_v man_n careless_a and_o negligent_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o piety_n that_o god_n require_v of_o they_o and_o of_o that_o repentance_n which_o alone_o can_v obtain_v a_o effectual_a forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o these_o be_v not_o yet_o all_o who_o by_o their_o mistake_a notion_n of_o some_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v but_o too_o much_o encourage_v to_o neglect_v the_o practice_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n other_o there_o be_v 3_o dly_z and_o those_o of_o a_o more_o near_o concern_v to_o we_o than_o either_o of_o the_o forego_n who_o principle_n seem_v without_o great_a care_n but_o too_o natural_o to_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o neglect_n such_o be_v the_o great_a assertor_n of_o salvation_n by_o faith_n alone_o without_o work_n of_o god_n eternal_a predestination_n and_o in_o consequence_n thereof_o man_n absolute_a election_n or_o reprobation_n of_o the_o slavery_n of_o the_o will_n and_o its_o incapacity_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o business_n of_o our_o future_a state_n without_o that_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n which_o if_o man_n have_v than_o they_o must_v needs_o do_v well_o and_o without_o it_o can_v but_o do_v ill_a and_o which_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v indifferent_o to_o all_o those_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v but_o to_o such_o only_a as_o he_o intend_v thereby_o to_o bring_v to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n first_o and_o then_o to_o salvation_n now_o not_o to_o dispute_v with_o any_o one_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o these_o point_n when_o wise_o and_o sober_o state_v according_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o which_o i_o say_v be_v this_o that_o all_o these_o and_o the_o like_a principle_n be_v apt_a to_o mislead_v ignorant_a and_o wicked_a man_n who_o be_v not_o very_o well_o instruct_v in_o the_o true_a notion_n and_o understanding_n of_o they_o to_o a_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o their_o justification_n be_v either_o so_o secure_a and_o settle_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n