of_o mind_n and_o mistrust_n that_o he_o shall_v one_o day_n fall_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n his_o rage_n against_o nabal_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o regard_n these_o be_v but_o imperfect_o voluntary_a therefore_o they_o make_v no_o blot_n in_o his_o character_n but_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o vriah_n the_o fact_n be_v horrible_a there_o be_v time_n for_o deliberation_n the_o use_n of_o cunning_a and_o contrivance_n and_o therefore_o full_a consent_n wherefore_o this_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o consideration_n from_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o leave_v such_o a_o stain_n upon_o he_o as_o require_v many_o tear_n and_o prayer_n and_o a_o very_a serious_a and_o signal_n repentance_n to_o cleanse_v he_o from_o §_o vi_o thus_o much_o i_o have_v think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o clear_n the_o distinction_n between_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o presumption_n but_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o mistake_n equal_o common_a and_o dangerous_a which_o wherever_o it_o take_v place_n do_v not_o only_o render_v all_o we_o have_v hitherto_o say_v useless_a but_o be_v of_o fatal_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n it_o be_v to_o this_o effect_n when_o man_n be_v about_o the_o commission_n of_o some_o great_a and_o enormous_a sin_n it_o be_v not_o unusual_a for_o they_o to_o find_v some_o reluctancy_n and_o abhorrence_n within_o themselves_o now_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o they_o think_v that_o although_o they_o yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n and_o commit_v the_o sin_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v esteem_v altogether_o a_o voluntary_a transgression_n but_o will_v admit_v of_o great_a abatement_n by_o reason_n of_o such_o combat_n and_o conflict_n which_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n they_o apply_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 7._o 15._o that_o which_o i_o do_v i_o allow_v not_o for_o what_o i_o will_v that_o do_v i_o not_o but_o what_o i_o will_v not_o that_o i_o do_v and_o that_o which_o follow_v also_o vers_fw-la 17._o so_o than_o it_o be_v no_o more_o i_o that_o do_v it_o but_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o i_o but_o to_o remove_v so_o dangerous_a a_o mistake_n it_o will_v be_v well_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o however_o some_o have_v learned_a to_o call_v such_o a_o reluctancy_n as_o aforesaid_a by_o the_o specious_a name_n of_o the_o combat_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n or_o the_o regenerate_a and_o unregenerate_a part_n as_o the_o same_o man_n love_v to_o speak_v it_o be_v certain_o nothing_o else_o but_o mere_o some_o remain_v of_o natural_a conscience_n in_o man_n and_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o be_v in_o all_o but_o those_o who_o conscience_n be_v sear_v and_o utter_o insensible_a it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o conscience_n itself_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o kind_n of_o internal_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n implant_v by_o god_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o a_o man_n may_v more_o easy_o destroy_v any_o of_o his_o outward_a sense_n than_o quite_o extinguish_v this_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o roman_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 15._o who_o vice_n be_v yet_o so_o notorious_a as_o that_o they_o be_v utter_o out_o of_o capacity_n of_o be_v account_v regenerate_v man_n indeed_o if_o a_o man_n find_v in_o himself_o so_o quick_a a_o sense_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o be_v so_o tender_a of_o all_o degree_n of_o evil_a that_o his_o conscience_n not_o only_o check_v but_o call_v he_o off_o and_o restrain_v he_o upon_o the_o first_o appearance_n or_o approach_n of_o sin_n this_o as_o i_o have_v intimate_v before_o will_v be_v a_o good_a sign_n of_o regeneration_n and_o such_o beginning_n of_o evil_a so_o resist_v will_v not_o be_v impute_v as_o wilful_a transgression_n but_o when_o a_o man_n conscience_n only_o check_v he_o but_o he_o go_v on_o and_o commit_v the_o sin_n the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o be_v only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sear_a conscience_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o fair_a way_n to_o that_o also_o for_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o body_n by_o be_v often_o rub_v and_o hurt_v grow_v at_o last_o callous_a and_o insensible_a so_o the_o conscience_n be_v often_o resist_v in_o its_o intimation_n and_o stifle_v and_o overbear_v by_o the_o fury_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n grow_v at_o last_o stupid_a and_o dead_a so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 1._o 28._o because_o they_o like_v not_o to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o mind_n he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o vain_a imagination_n and_o because_o they_o give_v themselves_o to_o sensuality_n he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o unnatural_a lust_n and_o so_o by_o degree_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o a_o state_n of_o stupidity_n a_o spirit_n of_o injudiciousness_n to_o lose_v the_o feel_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o extenuate_v the_o guilt_n of_o a_o man_n sin_n that_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o for_o it_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o his_o presumption_n that_o he_o go_v on_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o if_o a_o man_n can_v say_v he_o do_v not_o so_o well_o know_v his_o duty_n as_o he_o shall_v and_o therefore_o his_o conscience_n not_o be_v right_o inform_v do_v not_o give_v he_o warning_n of_o it_o or_o that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o hurry_n and_o can_v not_o consider_v or_o confess_v his_o rashness_n and_o precipitancy_n these_o be_v some_o mitigation_n for_o as_o s._n clemens_n well_o pronounce_v 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o be_v involuntary_a be_v sudden_a and_o where_o a_o man_n can_v deliberate_v 2._o he_o scarce_o consent_v but_o when_o the_o case_n be_v such_o that_o a_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v he_o know_v what_o he_o do_v he_o think_v of_o it_o and_o condemn_v it_o and_o yet_o do_v it_o this_o sure_o be_v a_o aggravation_n if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v so_o it_o be_v say_v a_o generous_a heathen_a 〈◊〉_d plutarch_n by_o name_n a_o most_o unmanly_a and_o brutish_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n that_o know_v what_o he_o shall_v do_v soft_o and_o effeminate_o to_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o swing_n of_o intemperate_a passion_n in_o short_a if_o when_o a_o man_n confess_v the_o truth_n must_v say_v he_o have_v reason_n against_o what_o he_o do_v but_o confront_v it_o his_o conscience_n shame_v he_o but_o he_o resolve_v to_o be_v shameless_a he_o have_v weapon_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o resist_v temptation_n but_o he_o cast_v they_o down_o and_o yield_v all_o which_o be_v imply_v when_o a_o man_n say_v his_o conscience_n smite_v he_o when_o he_o go_v about_o a_o sin_n but_o nevertheless_o he_o persist_v and_o commit_v it_o i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o voluntary_a sin_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n incident_a to_o mankind_n §_o vii_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o guilt_n or_o malignity_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o general_a now_o brief_o for_o the_o various_a state_n and_o mansion_n of_o sinner_n which_o we_o shall_v the_o more_o easy_o understand_v if_o we_o first_o consider_v the_o several_a degree_n of_o virtue_n or_o so_o many_o high_a and_o low_a capacity_n as_o there_o be_v of_o be_v good_a and_o holy_a and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v these_o more_o exact_o reckon_v up_o and_o describe_v then_o by_o s._n clement_n of_o alexandria_n who_o make_v four_o station_n of_o perfection_n 〈◊〉_d 1._o not_o to_o sin_n at_o all_o which_o say_v he_o be_v the_o felicity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a not_o the_o condition_n of_o any_o mere_a man_n in_o this_o world_n 2._o not_o to_o commit_v any_o wilful_a or_o voluntary_a sin_n which_o be_v the_o attainment_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n or_o true_a gnostick_n 1._o as_o he_o use_v to_o speak_v 3._o rare_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o inadvertency_n or_o involuntary_a lapse_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o good_a proficient_a in_o religion_n 4._o and_o last_o when_o a_o man_n have_v sin_v to_o recover_v himself_o early_o by_o repentance_n and_o not_o lie_v under_o the_o guilt_n nor_o much_o less_o grow_v into_o a_o habit_n of_o sin_n which_o low_a degree_n though_o it_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o every_o of_o the_o former_a yet_o it_o be_v tolerable_a and_o acceptable_a through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v anon_o now_o in_o some_o proportion_n to_o this_o discourse_n we_o will_v suppose_v 4_o station_n or_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n 1._o such_o as_o do_v nothing_o but_o sin_n which_o we_o only_o mention_v for_o method-sake_n for_o as_o we_o be_v certain_a non_fw-la datur_fw-la summum_fw-la
malum_fw-la or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o be_v absolute_o evil_a as_o the_o manichee_n imagine_v so_o it_o be_v very_o questionable_a whether_o the_o very_a devil_n himself_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v evil_a but_o it_o be_v out_o of_o all_o question_n with_o i_o that_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o vicious_o incline_v man_n do_v some_o good_a and_o for_o those_o that_o can_v assert_v the_o most_o virtuous_a action_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n to_o be_v express_a sin_n they_o may_v pretend_v what_o patron_n they_o will_v of_o their_o opinion_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a neither_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n will_v countenance_v it_o for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o best_a action_n of_o such_o man_n be_v not_o acceptable_a as_o the_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n because_o they_o be_v disjoin_v from_o habitual_a sanctification_n and_o true_a holiness_n yet_o that_o they_o be_v not_o therefore_o sin_n will_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v not_o long_o since_o in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n neither_o because_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o some_o circumstance_n do_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a or_o become_v sin_n for_o then_o the_o best_a performance_n of_o the_o best_a man_n in_o this_o world_n will_v be_v sin_n too_o because_o they_o be_v also_o defective_a in_o circumstance_n 2._o the_o second_o or_o rather_o first_o rank_n of_o sinner_n consist_v of_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o great_a and_o enormous_a sin_n whether_o of_o one_o kind_a or_o of_o many_o i_o confess_v at_o the_o first_o sight_n one_o will_v think_v these_o shall_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o class_n whereof_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v those_o profligate_v wretch_n and_o son_n of_o belial_n who_o perfect_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n as_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o or_o run_v from_o one_o kind_n of_o sin_n to_o another_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o greediness_n as_o if_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o love_v evil_a for_o its_o own_o sake_n or_o have_v a_o spite_n both_o at_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o second_o shall_v be_v those_o more_o reserve_v and_o cautious_a sinner_n who_o perhaps_o may_v carry_v it_o very_o demure_o in_o many_o respect_n but_o maintain_v some_o bosom_n sin_n which_o be_v as_o dear_a to_o they_o as_o their_o right_a eye_n and_o as_o necessary_a as_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o this_o they_o hope_v god_n will_v indulge_v they_o oh_o it_o be_v a_o little_a one_o and_o their_o soul_n shall_v live_v i_o say_v i_o shall_v in_o civility_n have_v provide_v these_o a_o form_n by_o themselves_o and_o not_o set_v they_o with_o the_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n but_o that_o i_o observe_v god_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o his_o servant_n you_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o who_o you_o obey_v and_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n whether_o a_o man_n have_v many_o master_n or_o one_o he_o be_v equal_o a_o slave_n that_o be_v lead_v captive_a either_o way_n and_o so_o 8._o james_n in_o that_o most_o remarkable_a passage_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 10._o whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o of_o which_o seem_a paradox_n he_o give_v account_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n for_o he_o that_o say_v do_v not_o commit_v adultery_n say_v also_o do_v not_o kill_v etc._n etc._n i._n e._n the_o reverence_n of_o every_o branch_n of_o god_n law_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o right_a to_o prescribe_v to_o we_o which_o he_o impeache_n whosoever_o dispense_v with_o himself_o in_o the_o habitual_a breach_n of_o any_o one_o of_o his_o command_n for_o whatever_o particular_a he_o choose_v to_o transgress_v in_o he_o derogate_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a beside_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o all_o sin_n can_v stand_v together_o some_o sin_n be_v as_o repugnant_a and_o contradictory_n to_o each_o other_o as_o all_o be_v to_o virtue_n and_o moreover_o non_fw-la omnis_fw-la fert_fw-la omne_fw-la tellus_fw-la it_o may_v be_v not_o the_o humour_n or_o interest_n or_o not_o suitable_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o some_o man_n to_o act_v some_o sin_n when_o yet_o it_o be_v neither_o love_n of_o virtue_n nor_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o make_v he_o abstain_v from_o it_o these_o therefore_o be_v just_o join_v together_o namely_o all_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o one_o or_o more_o notorious_a sin_n 3._o a_o three_o rank_n be_v such_o as_o though_o they_o live_v not_o in_o the_o habit_n yet_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o act_n of_o some_o very_a great_a and_o flagitious_a crime_n for_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n very_o deadly_a even_o in_o single_a act_n as_o either_o contain_v a_o complication_n of_o many_o wickedness_n together_o as_o sacrilege_n adultery_n sedition_n or_o such_o as_o can_v never_o be_v revoke_v nor_o amends_o be_v make_v for_o they_o as_o take_v away_o a_o man_n life_n or_o never_o repeat_v nor_o repent_v of_o as_o to_o murder_v a_o man_n self_n and_o several_a other_o now_o these_o be_v of_o so_o deadly_a a_o nature_n every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o virtue_n or_o care_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n ought_v ever_o to_o be_v sufficient_o guard_v against_o they_o and_o at_o utter_a defiance_n of_o they_o and_o he_o that_o can_v be_v so_o careless_a as_o to_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o any_o such_o betray_v the_o great_a atheism_n and_o security_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o miscarriage_n of_o david_n in_o the_o business_n of_o bathshebah_n and_o vriah_n lay_v such_o a_o horrible_a blot_n upon_o he_o and_o need_v all_o that_o repentance_n whereof_o we_o have_v the_o footstep_n in_o the_o 51._o psalm_n 4._o the_o four_o and_o last_o rank_n be_v they_o that_o avoid_v both_o the_o habit_n and_o the_o act_n of_o great_a sin_n yet_o allow_v themselves_o in_o the_o frequent_a commission_n of_o lesser_a and_o persevere_v in_o they_o without_o repentance_n by_o lesser_a sin_n i_o mean_v both_o such_o as_o i_o reckon_v up_o before_o under_o the_o name_n of_o infirmity_n and_o more_o particular_o such_o as_o these_o follow_v when_o a_o man_n dare_v not_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o beastly_a sensuality_n yet_o will_v too_o much_o humour_n and_o caress_n his_o body_n in_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o pleasure_n or_o will_v not_o steal_v and_o cozen_v but_o will_v be_v covetous_a and_o have_v his_o heart_n too_o much_o upon_o the_o world_n that_o dare_v not_o cast_v off_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o will_v indulge_v himself_o to_o be_v remiss_a and_o flat_a in_o they_o and_o several_a of_o this_o nature_n too_o easy_a to_o be_v observe_v now_o these_o kind_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a in_o that_o partly_o our_o conscience_n not_o be_v present_o startle_v at_o they_o as_o at_o great_a crime_n we_o more_o easy_o admit_v they_o or_o they_o insensible_o steal_v upon_o we_o from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o become_v frequent_a and_o so_o arise_v to_o a_o great_a number_n and_o seem_v to_o equal_v that_o way_n what_o they_o have_v not_o in_o weight_n these_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o pass_v unregarded_a grow_v to_o a_o great_a danger_n since_o no_o danger_n be_v little_a when_o once_o it_o be_v esteem_v so_o and_o beside_o though_o these_o may_v pass_v for_o inadvertency_n when_o they_o be_v once_o or_o rare_o commit_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o vicious_a neglect_n of_o ourselves_o when_o they_o be_v frequent_a and_o ordinary_a forasmuch_o as_o all_o sincere_a virtue_n be_v awaken_v to_o great_a diligence_n by_o every_o sensible_a declension_n to_o which_o add_v especial_o that_o whatsoever_o sin_n and_o how_o little_a soever_o it_o be_v be_v not_o repent_v of_o when_o it_o be_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n be_v by_o that_o mean_v become_v a_o voluntary_a transgression_n increase_v its_o guilt_n ex_fw-la post_fw-la pacto_fw-la these_o be_v the_o principal_a station_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o several_a way_n upon_o which_o a_o man_n be_v denominate_v a_o sinner_n in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o wise_a man_n but_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v render_v this_o important_a point_n as_o clear_a as_o we_o can_v and_o now_o also_o come_v more_o direct_o to_o the_o parable_n before_o we_o we_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o psalmist_n david_n distribution_n of_o sinner_n into_o a_o threefold_a classis_fw-la psal_n 1._o vers_fw-la 1._o bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n nor_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o
that_o the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v especial_o and_o most_o remarkable_o verify_v in_o the_o charity_n of_o parent_n that_o it_o bear_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n for_o they_o ready_o believe_v well_o of_o their_o child_n because_o they_o so_o passionate_o desire_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o notwithstanding_o the_o son_n can_v not_o think_v his_o father_n so_o soft_a and_o easy_a as_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o with_o word_n and_o ceremony_n and_o himself_o be_v not_o now_o so_o ill_o nature_a as_o to_o go_v about_o to_o abuse_v so_o much_o goodness_n if_o it_o it_o have_v be_v in_o his_o power_n wherefore_o the_o text_n say_v vers_fw-la 20._o so_o he_o arise_v and_o come_v to_o his_o father_n i._n e._n he_o do_v not_o only_o change_v his_o note_n his_o address_n his_o countenance_n but_o he_o change_v his_o course_n he_o return_v to_o his_o father_n and_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o son_n and_o we_o have_v under_o this_o type_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o it_o see_v describe_v the_o preface_n and_o introduction_n to_o repentance_n towards_o god_n namely_o the_o sinner_n bewail_v his_o sin_n take_v shame_n to_o himself_o under_o agony_n of_o mind_n prick_v to_o the_o heart_n humble_o implore_v the_o divine_a favour_n and_o cry_v earnest_o for_o mercy_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o that_o repentance_n mean_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v yet_o behind_o viz._n actual_a reformation_n this_o be_v that_o which_o every_o awaken_v conscience_n in_o its_o agony_n promise_n and_o resolve_v upon_o this_o god_n expect_v and_o every_o sincere_a convert_n real_o perform_v for_o without_o this_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o empty_a pomp_n and_o pageantry_n and_o mere_a hypocrisy_n as_o we_o shall_v show_v anon_o but_o when_o this_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a such_o a_o person_n from_o thenceforth_o be_v a_o new_a man_n and_o in_o a_o new_a estate_n he_o have_v complete_o make_v his_o return_n to_o god_n as_o the_o son_n in_o the_o text_n be_v say_v to_o have_v actual_o return_v to_o his_o father_n i_o have_v note_v heretofore_o that_o all_o irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n be_v wont_n in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v express_v by_o the_o phrase_n of_o depart_v from_o god_n or_o go_v out_o from_o he_o or_o forsake_v he_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a practice_n of_o religion_n be_v contrariwise_o set_v forth_o by_o draw_v nigh_o to_o or_o come_v to_o god_n particular_o hebr._n 11._o 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n q._n d._n he_o that_o become_v a_o proselyte_n to_o religion_n for_o from_o thence_o do_v that_o word_n proselyte_n take_v its_o original_n wherefore_o now_o we_o will_v first_o observe_v what_o be_v employ_v by_o this_o phrase_n of_o the_o son_n be_v return_v or_o come_v to_o his_o father_n and_o in_o proportion_n thereto_o describe_v this_o most_o important_a business_n of_o the_o penitent'_v return_v to_o god_n which_o be_v his_o actual_a conversion_n or_o reformation_n and_o in_o the_o former_a these_o three_o thing_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v comprehend_v 1._o that_o the_o son_n now_o return_v home_n to_o his_o father_n family_n and_o presence_n 2._o that_o he_o return_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o son_n by_o obedience_n and_o compliance_n with_o his_o father_n command_n 3._o that_o he_o submit_v to_o his_o father_n government_n and_o provision_n therefore_o in_o the_o latter_a namely_o conversion_n to_o god_n these_o three_o thing_n must_v semblable_o be_v imply_v 1._o that_o the_o penitent_a put_v himself_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o life_n in_o a_o constant_a practice_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n 2._o that_o he_o frame_v himself_o to_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o god_n command_n 3._o that_o he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o divine_a disposal_n and_o entire_o submit_v to_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n 1._o concern_v the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a or_o remarkable_a to_o all_o experience_n and_o observation_n than_o the_o great_a fervour_n of_o devotion_n in_o all_o true_a convert_v from_o a_o evil_a life_n insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v not_o that_o man_n to_o be_v find_v under_o such_o a_o character_n but_o present_o with_o great_a solemnity_n and_o seriousness_n he_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o which_o purpose_n we_o find_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4._o worshipper_n or_o devout_a person_n to_o be_v the_o common_a name_n by_o which_o convert_v to_o religion_n be_v express_v and_o these_o act_v 13._o 48._o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d candidate_n of_o eternal_a life_n or_o put_v into_o order_n and_o dispose_v for_o salvation_n compare_v vers_fw-la 43._o with_o 48._o more_o particular_o it_o be_v observable_a of_o st._n paul_n that_o when_o from_o a_o superstitious_a pharisee_fw-mi and_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n he_o be_v reclaim_v and_o make_v a_o christian_a the_o assurance_n that_o god_n give_v to_o ananias_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o conversion_n be_v act_n 9_o 11._o behold_v he_o pray_v and_o so_o of_o manasses_n 2_o chron._n 33._o 18._o among_o the_o instance_n of_o his_o real_a reformation_n the_o scripture_n take_v especial_a notice_n of_o the_o prayer_n that_o he_o pray_v and_o this_o be_v so_o universal_a a_o truth_n that_o i_o think_v from_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o those_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n hypocritical_o to_o put_v on_o the_o guise_n and_o appearance_n of_o religion_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v notable_o careful_a in_o this_o point_n for_o so_o the_o pharisee_n cloak_v all_o their_o villainy_n with_o this_o garb_n of_o piety_n now_o hypocrisy_n will_v miss_v altogether_o of_o its_o design_n if_o it_o do_v not_o resemble_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n and_o usual_o their_o over_o solicitude_n and_o over_n herein_o betray_v they_o to_o act_v a_o part_n only_o in_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n which_o the_o true_a penitent_n express_v his_o conversion_n by_o though_o this_o be_v by_o some_o too_o fantastical_o call_v duty_n as_o if_o all_o piety_n consist_v in_o that_o only_a for_o as_o the_o literal_a prodigal_a return_n to_o his_o father_n house_n and_o family_n so_o the_o mystical_a return_n to_o god_n house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o associate_n himself_o with_o god_n servant_n in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n viz._n in_o hear_v the_o word_n read_v meditation_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n now_o he_o think_v a_o day_n spend_v in_o god_n court_n better_a than_o a_o thousand_o and_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o doorkeeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n then_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o the_o wicked_a this_o one_o thing_n he_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v most_o passionate_a in_o that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n to_o behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n 4._o and_o to_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n and_o he_o so_o high_o value_v the_o privilege_n of_o god_n church_n that_o no_o private_a opinion_n no_o trifle_a scrupulosity_n nor_o petty_a disgust_n shall_v ever_o alienate_v he_o from_o it_o here_o he_o find_v himself_o fortify_v and_o encourage_v by_o the_o great_a example_n of_o holy_a man_n his_o prayer_n strengthen_v by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o good_a people_n here_o he_o be_v under_o the_o public_a dispensation_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n the_o very_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o which_o he_o now_o with_o the_o great_a convert_n st._n austin_n value_v and_o admire_v more_o than_o all_o the_o greek_a or_o roman_a eloquence_n of_o speech_n or_o subtlety_n of_o philosophy_n to_o which_o every_o thing_n else_o seem_v flat_a and_o insipid_a before_o above_o all_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n put_v he_o into_o a_o ecstasy_n in_o this_o he_o think_v himself_o in_o god_n presence_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o admit_v a_o guest_n at_o his_o table_n the_o crumb_n of_o which_o he_o think_v himself_o unworthy_a of_o here_o he_o refresh_v his_o hungry_a soul_n with_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o his_o wound_a conscience_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o in_o both_o he_o think_v he_o see_v his_o provoke_v but_o compassionate_a father_n stand_v with_o open_a arm_n to_o receive_v he_o this_o he_o approach_v with_o great_a reverence_n with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o his_o sin_n past_a together_o with_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n mercy_n and_o will_v therefore_o never_o be_v negligent_a of_o it_o in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n both_o public_a and_o private_a the_o convert_n express_v such_o a_o excellent_a spirit_n and_o extraordinary_a
neglect_v it_o these_o reason_n and_o authority_n together_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o justify_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o this_o parable_n notwithstanding_o that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o full_a security_n against_o the_o mischief_n specify_v in_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o point_n i_o will_v take_v care_n that_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n no_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o bare_a warrant_n of_o similitude_n or_o figurative_a resemblance_n but_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v deliver_v shall_v be_v both_o ground_v upon_o some_o express_a and_o literal_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o attest_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o now_o these_o thing_n premise_v i_o proceed_v more_o close_o to_o pursue_v my_o purpose_n in_o the_o particular_a handle_n of_o the_o parable_n chap._n ii_o the_o occasion_n and_o exposition_n of_o this_o parable_n the_o content_n §_o i._o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n contradict_v each_o other_o some_o accuse_v it_o of_o too_o great_a difficulty_n other_o as_o a_o doctrine_n of_o licentiousness_n the_o occasion_n of_o this_o latter_a misprision_n of_o it_o among_o the_o gentile_n a_o fabulous_a story_n of_o constantine_n conversion_n the_o occasion_n of_o the_o jew_n misapprehension_n §_o ii_o three_o rank_n of_o jew_n a_o maxim_n of_o they_o build_v upon_o that_o distinction_n the_o crass_a sense_n they_o have_v of_o the_o mosaic_a covenant_n which_o thing_n in_o special_a give_v rise_v to_o their_o calumny_n against_o his_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n from_o which_o he_o vindicate_v himself_o by_o this_o parable_n §_o iii_o a_o literal_a paraphrase_n upon_o the_o parable_n §_o iv._o the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o the_o parable_n who_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o elder_a and_o who_o by_o the_o young_a brother_n the_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n it_o be_v a_o necessary_a rule_n among_o all_o expositor_n to_o look_v attentive_o on_o the_o occasion_n and_o from_o the_o rise_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o scope_n and_o tendency_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o this_o be_v most_o especial_o requisite_a to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o figurative_a passage_n in_o regard_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o like_a but_o it_o be_v also_o unlike_a nor_o so_o resemble_v any_o one_o thing_n but_o in_o some_o respect_n it_o may_v resemble_v another_o and_o therefore_o here_o like_o those_o that_o sail_n in_o a_o narrow_a channel_n where_o the_o star_n or_o the_o card_n be_v too_o general_a director_n they_o be_v force_v to_o sail_v by_o coast_v as_o they_o call_v it_o so_o must_v we_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o a_o parable_n where_o there_o be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v expect_v a_o determinate_a and_o necessary_a sense_n of_o every_o phrase_n as_o in_o more_o direct_a discourse_n govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o general_a aim_n and_o be_v sure_a to_o set_v out_o right_a at_o first_o from_o the_o design_n of_o it_o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o true_a occasion_n of_o this_o parable_n it_o be_v of_o use_n to_o note_n that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o lot_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o when_o he_o be_v arraign_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v accuse_v by_o such_o as_o agree_v no_o better_a among_o themselves_o then_o with_o the_o truth_n and_o who_o several_a testimony_n more_o impeach_v the_o credit_n of_o each_o other_o then_o press_v he_o against_o who_o they_o be_v suborn_v so_o it_o have_v often_o fare_v with_o his_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v accuse_v of_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o each_o other_o insomuch_o that_o common_o the_o several_a imputation_n mutual_o confute_v each_o other_o have_v joint_o vindicate_v instead_o of_o asperse_v christianity_n the_o special_a instance_n which_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v to_o assign_v of_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o the_o same_o institution_n have_v by_o different_a person_n be_v accuse_v of_o difficulty_n and_o facility_n as_o a_o intolerable_a burden_n by_o some_o as_o a_o doctrine_n of_o looseness_n and_o licentiousness_n by_o other_o the_o former_a of_o these_o accuser_n have_v common_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o loose_a pretender_n to_o christianity_n who_o because_o the_o gospel_n require_v that_o we_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o strength_n that_o we_o live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n that_o we_o restrain_v not_o only_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o sin_n but_o subdue_v the_o very_a passion_n and_o inclination_n thereto_o and_o upon_o such_o like_a account_n cry_v out_o durus_fw-la sermo_fw-la that_o it_o be_v a_o strict_a and_o severe_a law_n and_o if_o this_o be_v evangelical_n obedience_n it_o be_v impossible_a and_o who_o then_o can_v be_v save_v and_o to_o help_v themselves_o out_o of_o these_o difficulty_n they_o run_v into_o wild_a persuasion_n that_o either_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o who_o deliver_v this_o institution_n must_v in_o his_o own_o person_n so_o perform_v it_o instead_o of_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v save_v as_o to_o excuse_v they_o the_o do_v it_o or_o else_o god_n must_v be_v please_v by_o miracle_n to_o overbear_v they_o into_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o but_o since_o these_o man_n profess_v christianity_n i_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v silence_v by_o the_o express_a declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 11._o 10._o my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a the_o contrary_a sort_n be_v those_o i_o be_o more_o concern_v in_o at_o present_a namely_o such_o as_o reproach_n christianity_n as_o a_o doctrine_n of_o ease_n and_o looseness_n touch_v who_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o former_a objection_n that_o this_o second_o sort_n of_o man_n must_v be_v absolute_a stranger_n to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o thus_o accuse_v i._n e._n they_o must_v be_v either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n for_o the_o pagan_n they_o either_o hear_v that_o faith_n be_v insist_v upon_o as_o the_o prime_a qualification_n of_o a_o christian_a look_v therefore_o upon_o the_o whole_a religion_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o bare_a credulity_n a_o mere_a facility_n of_o mind_n or_o a_o supine_n abandon_v one_o self_n to_o the_o dictate_v and_o suggestion_n of_o other_o or_o else_o consider_v that_o this_o religion_n neither_o require_v nor_o practise_v the_o troublesome_a and_o costly_a sacrifice_n then_o in_o use_n among_o other_o people_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o make_v any_o account_n of_o those_o nice_a observance_n and_o very_o austere_a rite_n that_o be_v in_o great_a reputation_n with_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o judge_v it_o therefore_o to_o be_v a_o very_a cheap_a and_o easy_a thing_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n or_o last_o observe_v that_o many_o who_o be_v conscious_a of_o have_v live_v wicked_o heretofore_o betake_v themselves_o to_o and_o find_v both_o cure_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o institution_n they_o thereupon_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v a_o asylum_n and_o sanctuary_n to_o looseness_n and_o debauchery_n upon_o some_o or_o all_o of_o these_o account_n the_o pagan_n be_v general_o abuse_v into_o the_o aforesaid_a misprision_n of_o christianity_n touch_v the_o three_o and_o last_o of_o which_o stumble_v block_n i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v unacceptable_a to_o the_o reader_n that_o i_o rehearse_v a_o famous_a story_n from_o the_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n to_o this_o effect_n when_o the_o great_a constantine_n to_o his_o own_o immortal_a glory_n and_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o christianity_n espouse_v that_o religion_n the_o pagan_n to_o slur_n he_o and_o religion_n together_o devise_v this_o tale_n of_o he_o that_o he_o have_v base_o murder_v his_o brother_n crispus_n and_o other_o of_o his_o near_a kindred_n and_o feel_v some_o remorse_n in_o his_o conscience_n for_o so_o great_a barbarity_n apply_v himself_o to_o sopater_n the_o philosopher_n and_o successor_n of_o plotinus_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o he_o to_o some_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o expiation_n but_o sopater_n tell_v he_o that_o philosophy_n afford_v no_o remedy_n in_o so_o desperate_a a_o case_n he_o then_o say_v the_o story_n go_v to_o the_o christian_a bishop_n to_o get_v ease_n to_o his_o guilty_a and_o affright_a conscience_n and_o they_o ready_o receive_v and_o encourage_v he_o that_o a_o little_a baptismal_a water_n will_v wash_v out_o all_o that_o stain_n and_o ease_v the_o smart_n he_o hereupon_o find_v this_o a_o religion_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v reconcile_v the_o gratification_n of_o the_o most_o exorbitant_a passion_n with_o a_o quiet_a mind_n become_v a_o christian_n theodoret_n who_o relate_v this_o fable_n think_v as_o well_o he_o may_v that_o it_o concern_v his_o profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o show_v the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o after_o he_o have_v first_o retort_v it_o upon_o the_o pagan_n themselves_o show_v that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v true_a
for_o deliberation_n there_o can_v be_v no_o perfect_a judgement_n and_o consequent_o but_o a_o imperfect_a consent_n again_o while_o a_o man_n be_v bend_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o might_n against_o some_o one_o extreme_a which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o therefore_o careful_o decline_v he_o may_v perhaps_o in_o detestation_n of_o that_o incline_v too_o much_o to_o the_o other_o or_o while_o a_o man_n endeavour_n diligent_o to_o carry_v on_o both_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n too_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o the_o solicitude_n and_o care_n of_o the_o former_a may_v sometime_o unreasonable_o crowd_v in_o and_o disturb_v he_o in_o the_o latter_a nay_o once_o more_o through_o the_o infirmity_n of_o memory_n compare_v with_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o affair_n which_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n care_n extend_v to_o it_o may_v not_o infrequent_o fall_v out_o that_o such_o a_o person_n for_o the_o present_a forget_v or_o omit_v some_o duty_n of_o religion_n now_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o any_o of_o these_o case_n be_v perfect_o involuntary_a because_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o that_o extraordinary_a diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n may_v have_v provide_v against_o they_o nevertheless_o they_o be_v not_o deliberate_a sin_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o will_n to_o they_o as_o be_v evident_a both_o by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v already_o and_o also_o by_o this_o that_o such_o person_n we_o speak_v of_o very_o quick_o feel_v remorse_n for_o they_o their_o heart_n smite_v they_o upon_o the_o first_o reflection_n upon_o what_o have_v past_a and_o they_o present_o recover_v themselves_o and_o double_a their_o watch_n and_o guard_n where_o they_o have_v thus_o find_v themselves_o overtake_v these_o therefore_o and_o all_o other_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o be_v proper_o call_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v notorious_a and_o palpable_a that_o it_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o dispute_n whether_o it_o be_v evil_a or_o no_o when_o a_o man_n be_v not_o surprise_v but_o make_v his_o election_n do_v not_o insensible_o slip_v awry_o while_o he_o be_v in_o his_o right_a way_n but_o take_v a_o wrong_a course_n be_v not_o overbear_v by_o a_o huge_a fear_n but_o be_v allure_v by_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n when_o he_o have_v time_n to_o consider_v and_o yet_o resolve_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v forbid_v he_o here_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o extenuate_v the_o fact_n or_o mitigate_v his_o guilt_n it_o be_v a_o voluntary_a and_o therefore_o a_o presumptuous_a sin_n such_o a_o distinction_n as_o this_o david_n seem_v to_o make_v psal_n 19_o 12_o 13._o when_o he_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v understand_v his_o error_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o with_o holy_a joh_n where_o he_o have_v do_v iniquity_n he_o may_v do_v so_o no_o more_o but_o earnest_o beg_v that_o he_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o presumptuous_a sin_n i_o e._n from_o such_o voluntary_a and_o wilful_a miscarriage_n as_o we_o have_v but_o now_o speak_v of_o so_o say_v he_o shall_v i_o be_v innocent_a and_o free_a from_o the_o great_a transgression_n for_o though_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n be_v not_o without_o guilt_n at_o least_o if_o god_n shall_v proceed_v in_o rigour_n with_o man_n yet_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n together_o with_o the_o evident_a pitiableness_n of_o their_o own_o circumstance_n they_o leave_v no_o horror_n upon_o the_o mind_n no_o stain_n or_o ill_a mark_n upon_o the_o person_n much_o less_o a_o scar_n or_o a_o maim_n but_o the_o other_o beside_o their_o great_a guilt_n either_o terrible_o afflict_v or_o lay_v waste_n and_o stupify_v the_o conscience_n they_o harden_v the_o heart_n break_v the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o at_o large_a hereafter_o at_o present_a i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v very_o pertinent_a to_o observe_v that_o whereas_o s._n john_n ep._n 1._o chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 4._o seem_v to_o give_v a_o brief_a and_o compendious_a description_n of_o sin_n in_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v not_o altogether_o improbable_a but_o that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v to_o express_v something_o more_o than_o be_v common_o understand_v by_o those_o word_n in_o english_a for_o beside_o that_o it_o seem_v a_o flat_a say_n he_o that_o sin_v transgress_v the_o law_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v note_v moreover_o by_o learned_a man_n that_o the_o apostle_n call_v not_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o have_v be_v the_o most_o proper_a word_n to_o denote_v a_o mere_a breach_n or_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n but_o use_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o namely_o lawlessness_n and_o dissoluteness_n the_o live_n without_o or_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o law_n for_o so_o we_o find_v it_o elsewhere_o use_v in_o scripture_n particular_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 9_o where_o we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lawless_a and_o disobedient_a or_o ungovernable_a join_v together_o and_o thus_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o we_o will_v import_v not_o so_o much_o the_o mere_a matter_n of_o sin_n viz._n the_o violation_n of_o a_o law_n but_o the_o aggravation_n of_o it_o as_o a_o presumptuous_a sin_n namely_o the_o wilfullness_n and_o stubbornness_n of_o the_o sinner_n and_o if_o this_o gloss_n may_v be_v allow_v we_o shall_v with_o much_o ease_n be_v able_a to_o understand_v a_o follow_a passage_n in_o this_o apostle_n which_o have_v not_o a_o little_a exercise_v the_o head_n of_o divine_n nor_o less_o perplex_v the_o conscience_n of_o many_o serious_a person_n viz._n vers_fw-la 9_o of_o this_o chapter_n he_o write_v thus_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n now_o if_o we_o take_v sin_n strict_o and_o rigorous_o here_o for_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n than_o it_o will_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o by_o the_o phrase_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n we_o can_v understand_v none_o but_o our_o saviour_n himself_o which_o be_v altogether_o beside_o the_o business_n forasmuch_o as_o he_o only_o be_v without_o sin_n in_o that_o sense_n but_o if_o we_o take_v the_o phrase_n in_o the_o latitude_n before_o intimate_v that_o be_v for_o voluntary_a wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n then_o the_o sense_n be_v both_o easy_a and_o comfortable_a namely_o that_o the_o man_n who_o be_v true_o a_o christian_n have_v not_o only_o the_o profession_n but_o the_o new_a nature_n temper_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o be_v a_o man_n and_o so_o encompass_v with_o temptation_n and_o difficulty_n as_o every_o one_o be_v in_o this_o world_n he_o can_v avoid_v all_o surreption_n yet_o the_o powerful_a principle_n of_o christianity_n settle_v in_o his_o heart_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o preserve_v he_o at_o least_o ordinary_o from_o rebellion_n and_o wilful_a disobedience_n and_o this_o way_n of_o interpret_n these_o and_o the_o like_a passage_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v strong_o countenance_v by_o what_o we_o find_v luk._n 1._o 6._o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n that_o they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o righteous_a before_o god_n walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a that_o be_v they_o be_v sincere_o good_a and_o virtuous_a person_n their_o heart_n be_v principled_a with_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o though_o they_o be_v not_o without_o the_o error_n and_o fail_n incident_a to_o humanity_n yet_o they_o strict_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o do_v not_o deliberate_o depart_v from_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o that_o passage_n concern_v david_n 1_o king_n 15._o 5._o seem_v sufficient_a to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o doubt_n where_o it_o be_v say_v david_n do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o turn_v not_o aside_o from_o any_o thing_n he_o command_v he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n save_v only_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o vriah_n the_o hittite_n notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n reckon_v up_o several_a fail_n of_o david_n his_o passion_n for_o absalon_n his_o number_v the_o people_n his_o approaching_z too_o near_o the_o lord_n be_v anoint_v when_o he_o cut_v off_o the_o skirt_n of_o saul_n garment_n for_o which_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o his_o despondency_n
resolution_n and_o that_o practice_n so_o much_o more_o on_o the_o other_o from_o a_o man_n practice_n we_o may_v ordinary_o pronounce_v of_o his_o resolution_n and_o from_o that_o certain_o calculate_v his_o meditation_n but_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n i_o say_v the_o prodigal_n have_v delay_v too_o long_o already_o i_o may_v consider_v and_o make_v resolution_n and_o yet_o sit_v and_o starve_v it_o must_v be_v do_v must_v rescue_v i_o from_o my_o misery_n so_o he_o arise_v and_o so_o do_v the_o true_a penitent_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v over_o thus_o superficial_o therefore_o we_o will_v handle_v they_o particular_o and_o according_o §_o ii_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n consideration_n or_o deliberation_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v not_o a_o mopish_a and_o ineffective_a dozinesse_n when_o man_n seem_v to_o think_v profound_o but_o apprehend_v nothing_o at_o all_o distinct_o their_o understanding_n be_v amuse_v and_o baffle_v with_o a_o new_a and_o strange_a prospect_n as_o if_o look_v back_o upon_o their_o former_a miscarriage_n have_v with_o lot_n wife_n transform_v they_o into_o a_o pillar_n of_o salt_n much_o less_o do_v i_o mean_v a_o solemn_a austerity_n of_o temper_n and_o rigid_a fixation_n of_o spirit_n as_o if_o man_n have_v forgo_v all_o touch_n of_o humanity_n and_o be_v become_v a_o kind_n of_o walk_a ghost_n both_o these_o be_v passion_n of_o the_o body_n not_o motion_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o counterfeit_v tend_v more_o to_o desperation_n then_o conversion_n and_o there_o be_v danger_n lest_o such_o man_n be_v fall_v from_o a_o vicious_a frenzy_n as_o we_o not_o long_o since_o call_v it_o to_o a_o strict_o literal_a and_o more_o incurable_a madness_n but_o by_o consideration_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o business_n in_o hand_n i_o understand_v nothing_o more_o nor_o less_o but_o a_o manly_a and_o a_o serious_a application_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o take_v a_o just_a and_o impartial_a view_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o most_o concern_v we_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v govern_v our_o determination_n and_o carriage_n according_o for_o the_o full_a apprehension_n of_o this_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v what_o i_o have_v in_o part_n intimate_v before_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n have_v these_o four_o privilege_n 1._o it_o have_v not_o only_o a_o perceptive_a power_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v present_a which_o be_v common_a to_o the_o inferior_a and_o animal_n faculty_n but_o have_v a_o large_a sphere_n of_o cognizance_n recall_v thing_n past_a and_o have_v a_o solicitude_n and_o forethink_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v 2._o the_o rational_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o mere_o passive_a as_o the_o inferior_a be_v which_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o image_n of_o thing_n in_o transitu_fw-la and_o glance_n as_o be_v reflect_v upon_o they_o from_o the_o sense_n but_o these_o can_v fix_v themselves_o and_o their_o object_n can_v hold_v the_o image_n of_o thing_n steady_a and_o stay_v and_o arrest_v their_o own_o motion_n towards_o they_o 3._o the_o mind_n of_o man_n do_v not_o take_v so_o superficial_a a_o view_n of_o thing_n as_o to_o discern_v only_o the_o pleasantness_n or_o unpleasantness_n of_o they_o wherein_o natural_a good_a and_o evil_n consist_v but_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o pronounce_v of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o exquisite_a beauty_n or_o deformity_n excellency_n or_o turpitude_n from_o the_o relation_n to_o god_n to_o the_o community_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o time_n to_o come_v wherein_o consist_v that_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a good_a and_o evil_n and_o this_o be_v that_o rational_a sense_n or_o relish_v the_o criterion_n or_o standard_n of_o the_o soul_n i_o former_o speak_v of_o last_o the_o soul_n be_v able_a also_o to_o reflect_v upon_o itself_o to_o measure_v its_o own_o motion_n and_o its_o own_o state_n by_o the_o standard_n aforesaid_a and_o so_o become_v aware_a of_o and_o correct_v its_o own_o error_n for_o the_o time_n past_a and_o take_v better_a aim_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v now_o the_o exercise_v of_o these_o several_a capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v that_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o consideration_n namely_o than_o a_o man_n consider_v when_o in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o suffer_v not_o himself_o to_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o prejudice_n of_o sense_n nor_o confine_v his_o thought_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v thereby_o present_v to_o he_o but_o enlarge_v his_o prospect_n look_v round_o about_o he_o takes_z one_o thing_n with_o another_o and_o embrace_n in_o his_o mind_n the_o whole_a nature_n tendency_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n this_o be_v well_o intimate_v by_o the_o latin_n in_o either_o of_o these_o word_n contemplari_fw-la and_o considerare_fw-la which_o seem_v to_o allude_v to_o astronomical_a calculation_n wherein_o man_n ought_v not_o ad_fw-la pauca_fw-la respicere_fw-la to_o confine_v their_o observation_n to_o some_o one_o appearance_n but_o to_o look_v round_o about_o they_o to_o survey_v the_o whole_a orb_n and_o salve_v all_o the_o phaenomena_n thus_o a_o man_n consider_v moral_o that_o observe_v his_o own_o action_n that_o recollect_n what_o have_v befall_v himself_o or_o other_o man_n upon_o so_o do_v and_o forecast_v what_o may_v befall_v he_o or_o they_o hereafter_o again_o when_o a_o man_n live_v not_o extempore_o but_o premeditate_v nor_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v overbear_v either_o by_o the_o presence_n and_o importunity_n of_o sensual_a object_n or_o by_o the_o solicitation_n and_o hurry_n of_o passion_n but_o check_v his_o own_o carrier_n and_o give_v himself_o leisure_n calm_o and_o mature_o to_o understand_v the_o just_a nature_n of_o thing_n defix_n his_o thought_n and_o suspend_v his_o determination_n till_o he_o see_v plain_a reason_n to_o incline_v he_o this_o way_n or_o that_o this_o be_v a_o considerative_a man_n especial_o when_o a_o man_n take_v not_o thing_n in_o the_o gross_a as_o if_o all_o be_v alike_o trivial_a or_o alike_o momentous_a nor_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v lead_v along_o by_o common_a custom_n opinion_n and_o example_n that_o take_v not_o the_o price_n of_o thing_n from_o public_a fame_n but_o appeal_v to_o and_o estimate_n all_o thing_n by_o the_o just_a standard_n of_o reason_n and_o according_o govern_v his_o desire_n and_o prosecution_n the_o man_n i_o say_v that_o distinguish_v and_o make_v a_o discrimination_n betwixt_o one_o thing_n and_o another_o that_o go_v not_o by_o tale_n and_o number_n but_o by_o weight_n and_o proof_n be_v just_o esteem_v a_o think_v and_o serious_a person_n for_o so_o the_o greek_a word_n use_v in_o this_o case_n import_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v to_o confer_v compare_n and_o distinguish_v as_o also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o state_n the_o matter_n to_o cast_v up_o account_n and_o so_o also_o the_o latin_a word_n deliberare_fw-la which_o festus_n derive_v from_o libra_n as_o decide_v the_o matter_n by_o the_o scale_n in_o like_a manner_n examinare_fw-la to_o observe_v quà _fw-la lanx_fw-la exeat_fw-la which_o way_n the_o scale_n turn_v last_o when_o a_o man_n turn_v his_o eye_n inward_a study_v himself_o make_v himself_o his_o theme_n and_o comment_n upon_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o action_n have_v his_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n mind_v his_o own_o way_n have_v propound_v a_o destine_a mark_n and_o aim_v of_o his_o action_n keep_v it_o constant_o in_o his_o eye_n and_o shape_n his_o course_n according_o not_o like_o the_o fool_n in_o the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n that_o have_v his_o eye_n rove_a and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n this_o be_v that_o the_o hebrew_n express_v by_o the_o phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o lay_v to_o heart_n or_o in_o the_o other_o phrase_n of_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 4._o 4._o to_o commune_v with_o one_o own_o heart_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o considerativeness_n or_o in_o other_o word_n the_o work_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o discharge_n of_o both_o its_o office_n and_o by_o such_o kind_n of_o consideration_n as_o this_o do_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n begin_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o herein_o do_v the_o first_o stricture_n and_o essay_n of_o piety_n discover_v themselves_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v by_o the_o platonist_n that_o knowledge_n be_v nothing_o but_o remembrance_n and_o that_o all_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o in_o this_o state_n be_v able_a with_o all_o our_o labour_n and_o diligence_n to_o make_v be_v but_o a_o revival_n and_o recovery_n of_o those_o idea_n of_o thing_n we_o have_v in_o a_o former_a state_n and_o which_o now_o become_v obscure_a and_o confuse_a by_o our_o be_v immerse_v in_o matter_n and_o body_n but_o let_v that_o
be_v as_o it_o may_v it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o present_a case_n that_o the_o first_o point_n of_o true_a practical_a wisdom_n be_v gain_v by_o study_v a_o man_n self_n and_o by_o make_v himself_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o meditation_n for_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o we_o betray_v more_o folly_n nothing_o by_o which_o we_o shipwreck_n our_o conscience_n and_o lose_v ourselves_o so_o fatal_o as_o by_o permit_v ourselves_o to_o run_v adrift_n without_o card_n or_o compass_n port_n or_o pilot_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v nothing_o give_v great_a hope_n of_o recovery_n then_o be_v able_a and_o dispose_v to_o collect_v ourselves_o to_o call_v in_o our_o thought_n by_o serious_a consideration_n and_o reflection_n 〈◊〉_d to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v worthy_o say_v by_o philo_n that_o the_o source_n of_o all_o our_o danger_n and_o the_o first_o reason_n of_o our_o miscarriage_n lay_v in_o our_o run_v on_o with_o the_o boisterous_a tide_n of_o passion_n and_o the_o first_o hope_n of_o safety_n be_v in_o be_v able_a to_o stay_v ourselves_o and_o sober_o to_o reason_v the_o matter_n but_o we_o have_v great_a authority_n for_o it_o then_o philo_n for_o upon_o defect_n of_o this_o god_n himself_o lay_v the_o blame_n of_o man_n ruin_n and_o in_o this_o he_o place_v the_o first_o sign_n of_o recovery_n so_o we_o find_v he_o complain_v of_o his_o people_n israel_n as_o in_o a_o very_a desperate_a condition_n isa_n 1._o 3._o my_o people_n will_v not_o consider_v and_o therefore_o often_o call_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o prophet_n in_o these_o word_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n consider_v your_o way_n but_o most_o emphatical_o do_v he_o express_v himself_o isa_n 46._o 8._o remember_v and_o show_v yourselves_o man_n bring_v it_o again_o to_o mind_n o_o you_o transgressor_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o in_o that_o famous_a chapter_n ezek._n 18._o where_o above_o any_o other_o passage_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n most_o solemn_o proclaim_v and_o ratify_v the_o efficacy_n of_o repentance_n he_o describe_v the_o first_o line_n at_o least_o of_o it_o to_o consist_v in_o consideration_n vers_fw-la 14._o a_o son_n that_o consider_v etc._n etc._n again_o vers_fw-la 28._o because_o he_o consider_v and_o turn_v etc._n etc._n to_o all_o these_o add_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 4._o 4._o stand_v in_o awe_n and_o sin_n not_o common_a with_o your_o own_o heart_n upon_o your_o bed_n and_o be_v still_o as_o if_o the_o serious_a treat_v with_o ourselves_o be_v the_o only_a way_n both_o to_o stifle_v the_o temptation_n to_o and_o to_o extinguish_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n the_o septuagint_n render_v the_o last_o phrase_n of_o the_o psalmist_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d q._n d._n consider_v so_o serious_o with_o yourselves_o at_o your_o best_a retirement_n the_o evil_a of_o your_o way_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o your_o course_n that_o you_o may_v feel_v remorse_n and_o compunction_n the_o chaldee_n targum_fw-la paraphrase_v thus_o let_v your_o heart_n concur_v with_o your_o mouth_n in_o say_v your_o prayer_n and_o think_v of_o the_o god_n of_o death_n q._n d._n affect_v your_o heart_n serious_o in_o secret_a with_o a_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o n._n testament_n nothing_o can_v more_o illustrious_o set_v forth_o this_o which_o we_o be_v assert_v than_o those_o two_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n luk._n 14._o 28._o etc._n etc._n of_o the_o man_n that_o intend_v to_o build_v a_o tower_n and_o a_o king_n go_v to_o war_n in_o both_o which_o the_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v to_o show_v that_o serious_a debate_n and_o prudent_a forecast_v all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o christianity_n be_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o he_o that_o intend_v successful_o to_o undertake_v it_o than_o those_o grave_a deliberation_n of_o prince_n or_o projection_n of_o private_a person_n when_o the_o one_o intend_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o dangerous_a war_n and_o the_o other_o a_o costly_a building_n if_o indeed_o conversion_n to_o god_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o mere_a melancholy_a qualm_n or_o a_o fright_n if_o i_o say_v repentance_n be_v only_o a_o paroxysm_n of_o devotion_n and_o the_o divine_a majesty_n so_o soft_a and_o easy_a as_o to_o be_v take_v with_o a_o agony_n of_o mind_n or_o a_o kind_n of_o love-fit_a then_o a_o inconsiderate_a man_n may_v be_v esteem_v a_o penitent_a but_o repentance_n be_v nothing_o less_o than_o the_o change_n of_o a_o man_n whole_a temper_n and_o life_n the_o enter_v into_o a_o whole_a course_n of_o severe_a and_o constant_a virtue_n the_o subdue_a our_o most_o potent_a passion_n the_o deny_v ourselves_o some_o of_o the_o most_o pleasant_a gratification_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o break_n off_o old_a and_o radicate_v custom_n and_o habit_n it_o must_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o whosoever_o go_v through_o with_o it_o do_v mature_o consider_v the_o enterprise_n and_o call_v in_o all_o his_o force_n for_o the_o achievement_n of_o it_o or_o again_o if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v so_o vain_a and_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v save_v man_n by_o force_n 〈◊〉_d do_v violence_n to_o their_o nature_n over-bear_a or_o supersede_n their_o faculty_n and_o plant_v grace_n in_o their_o heart_n by_o a_o mere_a act_n of_o his_o omnipotency_n citat_fw-la and_o new_o make_v they_o after_o the_o manner_n he_o create_v they_o at_o first_o without_o their_o own_o concurrence_n than_o indeed_o there_o will_v be_v no_o use_n of_o consideration_n and_o it_o will_v be_v as_o fruitless_a and_o unnecessary_a to_o contribute_v any_o endeavour_n as_o impossible_a to_o make_v any_o opposition_n but_o those_o that_o dream_n at_o this_o rate_n neither_o understand_v god_n nor_o themselves_o neither_o what_o be_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o confer_v nor_o for_o they_o to_o expect_v they_o know_v not_o what_o virtue_n mean_v nor_o apprehend_v whence_o comfort_n arise_v they_o consider_v not_o what_o a_o righteous_a judgement_n to_o come_v suppose_n nor_o what_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n speak_v they_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o free_a and_o natural_a agent_n and_o condomn_v themselves_o to_o senseless_a and_o stupid_a machine_n in_o hope_n to_o be_v make_v saint_n per_fw-la saltum_fw-la and_o to_o come_v at_o heaven_n such_o a_o way_n as_o never_o any_o man_n do_v or_o can_v do_v that_o be_v without_o their_o own_o endeavour_n or_o last_o if_o a_o man_n can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o themean_v of_o grace_n viz._n the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n do_v use_v to_o work_v physical_o upon_o man_n and_o make_v they_o good_a ex_fw-la opere_fw-la operato_fw-la as_o some_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o food_n and_o medicine_n to_o the_o body_n which_o take_v place_n whether_o man_n consider_v it_o or_o no_o and_o oftentimes_o work_v the_o better_a the_o less_o the_o mind_n be_v employ_v in_o think_v of_o that_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o upon_o such_o a_o supposition_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o any_o man_n shall_v put_v himself_o to_o the_o trouble_n of_o that_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n have_v effect_n upon_o man_n soul_n no_o otherwise_o then_o by_o awaken_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o make_v man_n considerative_a and_o then_o man_n hard_a heart_n be_v make_v contrine_n by_o operate_n upon_o themselves_o as_o the_o diamond_n be_v know_v to_o be_v cut_v by_o its_o own_o dust_n for_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o sermon_n counsel_n or_o any_o other_o discourse_n shall_v edify_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n unless_o his_o understanding_n bring_v they_o close_o and_o make_v application_n of_o they_o to_o his_o conscience_n by_o the_o way_n of_o consideration_n as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n body_n to_o be_v nourish_v by_o meat_n who_o have_v no_o digestive_a faculty_n to_o be_v or_o cure_v by_o medicine_n where_o all_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v extinguish_v in_o short_a to_o think_v otherwise_o be_v to_o turn_v devotion_n into_o conjure_v and_o all_o the_o divine_a institution_n into_o charm_n and_o amulet_n and_o all_o this_o be_v so_o true_a that_o nothing_o can_v be_v object_v to_o it_o but_o what_o will_v convince_v the_o objector_n of_o utter_a strangeness_n and_o unacquaintedness_n with_o convert_v grace_n for_o we_o may_v safe_o appeal_v either_o to_o the_o experience_n of_o every_o such_o convert_n as_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o or_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o other_o in_o that_o condition_n whether_o any_o thing_n have_v be_v more_o remarkable_o visible_a in_o such_o a_o crist_n than_o a_o pensive_a serious_a and_o considerative_a temper_n and_o it_o