presence_n of_o a_o grave_n and_o virtuous_a man_n carry_v that_o awe_n as_o that_o the_o sinner_n be_v render_v impotent_a to_o his_o purpose_n as_o if_o he_o be_v under_o a_o charm_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o we_o see_v confirm_v by_o frequent_a experience_n how_o much_o more_o must_v needs_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o omni-present_a majesty_n a_o all-seeing_a eye_n a_o holy_a and_o righteous_a judge_n cool_v the_o heat_n abate_v the_o courage_n and_o stop_v the_o career_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o several_a learned_a man_n upon_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 14._o 1._o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n they_o conceive_v that_o it_o may_v as_o well_o and_o as_o consistent_o with_o the_o original_a be_v render_v the_o fool_n have_v say_v to_o his_o heart_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n wicked_a man_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o the_o more_o comfortable_o and_o uncontrol_o in_o their_o sin_n will_v fain_o persuade_v themselves_o there_o be_v no_o god_n but_o to_o speak_v a_o little_a more_o close_o and_o particular_o to_o this_o matter_n forasmuch_o as_o i_o note_v even_o now_o from_o s._n jerome_n that_o god_n be_v a_o infinite_a majesty_n we_o can_v neither_o approach_v he_o nor_o depart_v from_o he_o strict_o and_o local_o there_o be_v therefore_o these_o three_o way_n by_o which_o according_a to_o the_o language_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o can_v come_v near_o to_o god_n viz._n either_o 1._o by_o act_n of_o immediate_a worship_n as_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o the_o like_a or_o 2._o by_o live_v under_o a_o quick_a sense_n of_o his_o providence_n or_o 3._o by_o yield_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n which_o three_o thing_n in_o conjunction_n make_v up_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o religion_n and_o in_o respect_n to_o these_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a such_o as_o enoch_n noah_n abraham_n etc._n etc._n be_v say_v to_o have_v walk_v with_o god_n that_o be_v they_o frame_v themselves_o to_o obedience_n to_o all_o his_o command_n they_o compose_v themselves_o to_o a_o submission_n unto_o and_o compliance_n with_o his_o providential_a dispensation_n and_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o they_o may_v be_v assist_v and_o animate_v in_o both_o those_o they_o constant_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o by_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o his_o influence_n and_o blessing_n and_o again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o evil_a man_n who_o be_v say_v to_o depart_v from_o god_n be_v such_o as_o either_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o his_o obedience_n or_o live_v without_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o superintendence_n or_o lay_v aside_o the_o care_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o which_o be_v further_a observable_a these_o three_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v find_v separate_a from_o one_o another_o because_o of_o the_o reciprocal_a influence_n they_o have_v upon_o each_o other_o for_o as_o in_o the_o former_a triad_n or_o instance_n of_o piety_n whosoever_o live_v under_o a_o sense_n of_o a_o providence_n will_v endeavour_v to_o propitiate_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o himself_o by_o all_o worshipful_a dutiful_a observance_n and_o he_o that_o make_v conscience_n of_o that_o can_v ordinary_o be_v so_o absurd_a as_o to_o hope_v for_o the_o favour_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o holy_a majesty_n by_o the_o mere_a importunity_n of_o his_o devotion_n without_o conscience_n of_o obey_v his_o command_n with_o respect_n to_o which_o it_o be_v well_o say_v by_o a_o pious_a man_n in_o way_n of_o advice_n leave_v not_o off_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o either_o pray_v will_v make_v thou_o leave_v sin_v or_o continue_v to_o sin_n will_v make_v thou_o desist_v pray_v again_o he_o that_o worship_v and_o obey_v a_o god_n most_o certain_o live_v under_o a_o sense_n of_o he_o for_o otherwise_o he_o can_v give_v no_o account_n to_o himself_o why_o he_o shall_v put_v himself_o to_o the_o trouble_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o care_n of_o obedience_n and_o then_o for_o the_o other_o triad_n or_o the_o three_o instance_n of_o impiety_n he_o that_o live_v wicked_o will_v in_o time_n lose_v all_o sense_n of_o a_o providence_n and_o consequent_o all_o conscience_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o that_o extinguish_v either_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n or_o in_o a_o fair_a way_n to_o it_o cast_v off_o all_o care_n of_o religious_a worship_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o run_v riot_n in_o his_o life_n when_o he_o have_v rid_v himself_o of_o those_o awful_a principle_n that_o do_v curb_v and_o restrain_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o which_o we_o have_v a_o memorable_a example_n gen._n 4._o cain_n have_v betray_v a_o great_a remisseness_n in_o religion_n by_o the_o carelessness_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n whereas_o abel_n who_o believe_v firm_o in_o god_n think_v nothing_o too_o good_a for_o his_o service_n bring_v of_o the_o fat_a and_o best_a of_o his_o flock_n to_o god_n cain_n think_v any_o thing_n will_v serve_v turn_n and_o according_o carry_v away_o the_o token_n of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o disdain_n but_z vers_n 8._o he_o invite_v his_o brother_n abel_n into_o the_o field_n where_o as_o the_o samaritan_n version_n intimate_v some_o discourse_n pass_v between_o they_o and_o the_o jerusalem_n targum_fw-la tell_v we_o particular_o that_o cain_n stiff_o deny_v a_o providence_n which_o abel_n as_o strenuous_o assert_v and_o this_o doctrine_n of_o cain_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o his_o negligent_a worship_n before_o and_o his_o exsecrable_a practice_n after_o for_o from_o this_o denial_n of_o a_o providence_n he_o present_o proceed_v to_o the_o murder_n of_o his_o brother_n and_o not_o long_o after_o that_o vers_n 16._o we_o read_v cain_n go_v out_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o now_o agreeable_o to_o those_o principle_n and_o consequent_o of_o such_o villainous_a practice_n cast_v off_o renounce_v and_o defy_v religion_n and_o the_o text_n further_o add_v he_o go_v and_o sojourn_v in_o the_o land_n of_o nod_n which_o who_o so_o list_v to_o interpret_v allegorical_o will_v very_o agreeable_o to_o the_o series_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n say_v mean_v that_o he_o vagrant-like_a wander_v on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o dissoluteness_n have_v now_o lose_v all_o card_n and_o compass_v to_o direct_v he_o but_o what_o need_v we_o far_o evidence_n in_o so_o plain_a a_o case_n to_o which_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o world_n give_v testimony_n for_o what_o be_v it_o that_o encourage_v any_o man_n in_o a_o generous_a undertake_n where_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n be_v attend_v with_o hazard_n and_o difficulty_n with_o labour_n and_o trouble_v with_o patience_n and_o self-denial_n but_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n what_o bear_v he_o up_o that_o the_o privacy_n of_o the_o fact_n abate_v not_o his_o edge_n nor_o the_o tediousness_n of_o accomplishment_n weary_v out_o his_o endeavour_n nor_o the_o opposition_n quail_v his_o spirit_n but_o only_o this_o that_o he_o see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a and_o have_v god_n before_o he_o think_v himself_o upon_o the_o most_o ample_a theatre_n and_o be_v sure_a of_o success_n and_o reward_n and_o what_o be_v there_o that_o keep_v alive_a this_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o providence_n that_o neither_o atheistical_a suggestion_n debauch_v his_o principle_n nor_o multitude_n of_o ill_a example_n cool_v his_o heat_n and_o corrupt_v his_o resolution_n but_o his_o approach_n to_o god_n by_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n whereby_o he_o refresh_v the_o worthy_a notion_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o have_v they_o as_o it_o be_v new_o engrave_v and_o make_v more_o legible_a upon_o the_o table_n of_o his_o heart_n he_o go_v by_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n like_o moses_n into_o the_o mount_n of_o god_n and_o return_v with_o the_o table_n of_o god_n law_n write_v a_o fresh_a by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n such_o a_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o sin_n and_o disdain_v every_o ungenerous_a action_n come_v new_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n the_o approach_n of_o such_o a_o glory_n diffuse_v some_o ray_n upon_o he_o and_o his_o face_n shine_v as_o the_o same_o mose_n do_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n in_o short_a he_o can_v without_o great_a violence_n to_o himself_o condescend_v to_o entertain_v the_o devil_n into_o his_o bosom_n which_o be_v yet_o warm_a with_o that_o divine_a guest_n the_o holy_a ghost_n contrariwise_o take_v a_o man_n that_o live_v without_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o he_o have_v no_o care_n of_o nor_o value_n for_o himself_o he_o have_v not_o a_o mind_n large_a enough_o for_o any_o generous_a design_n he_o be_v poor_a spirit_v hurry_v by_o every_o fear_n baffle_v by_o every_o danger_n surprise_v and_o carry_v away_o by_o every_o temptation_n the_o vigorous_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
he_o do_v not_o certain_o intend_v to_o be_v outdo_v by_o we_o in_o mercy_n the_o most_o glorious_a of_o all_o his_o attribute_n 3._o god_n pardon_n of_o sin_n upon_o repentance_n be_v full_a and_o complete_a without_o any_o reservation_n he_o retain_v no_o old_a grudge_n have_v no_o conceal_a spite_n never_o rip_v up_o the_o old_a quarrel_n never_o upbraid_v man_n with_o former_a folly_n but_o cast_v all_o behind_o he_o and_o bury_v they_o in_o oblivion_n it_o be_v not_o usual_o thus_o with_o man_n they_o have_v a_o distinction_n they_o will_v forgive_v they_o say_v but_o not_o forget_v and_o it_o be_v common_a with_o prince_n to_o seem_v to_o pardon_v only_o till_o they_o have_v opportunity_n of_o a_o full_a revenge_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o a_o man_n of_o such_o sincerity_n as_o david_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o reserve_n and_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v that_o after_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o swear_v to_o shimei_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v 2_o sam._n 19_o 23._o notwithstanding_o 1_o king_n 2._o 9_o he_o give_v it_o in_o charge_n to_o his_o son_n and_o successor_n solomon_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o suffer_v his_o hoary_a head_n to_o come_v to_o the_o grave_n without_o blood_n but_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o with_o god_n his_o act_n of_o grace_n be_v without_o repentance_n on_o his_o part_n he_o never_o retract_v or_o revoke_v they_o never_o clog_v they_o with_o condition_n nor_o find_v out_o evasion_n afterward_o if_o he_o pardon_v all_o be_v well_o and_o secure_a he_o will_v never_o depart_v from_o it_o unless_o the_o sinner_n depart_v from_o his_o repentance_n and_o so_o exclude_v himself_o from_o pardon_n the_o italian_n have_v a_o proverbial_a say_n that_o they_o will_v forgive_v a_o enemy_n but_o never_o trust_v he_o for_o fashion_n sake_n they_o will_v seem_v to_o forgive_v that_o be_v they_o will_v cease_v to_o quarrel_n or_o they_o will_v not_o direct_o revenge_v themselves_o but_o they_o will_v only_o rake_v up_o the_o fire_n in_o its_o own_o ash_n they_o will_v retain_v a_o perpetual_a jealousy_n of_o such_o a_o person_n and_o malign_v he_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v say_v they_o hate_v he_o but_o it_o shall_v appear_v they_o do_v not_o love_v he_o thus_o like_o those_o long_a burn_a lamp_n which_o have_v be_v discover_v in_o old_a monument_n whilst_o they_o be_v keep_v close_o under_o ground_n they_o burn_v more_o slow_o but_o so_o much_o the_o more_o last_o so_o man_n suppress_v only_o their_o passion_n perpetuate_v it_o whereas_o perhaps_o it_o be_v more_o desirable_a they_o shall_v give_v it_o vent_v that_o so_o it_o may_v expire_v but_o god_n be_v not_o of_o a_o vindictive_a nature_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o he_o need_v not_o conceal_v his_o anger_n because_o he_o can_v execute_v it_o when_o he_o will_v and_o there_o can_v lie_v no_o necessity_n upon_o his_o affair_n to_o tempt_v he_o to_o pretend_v reconciliation_n when_o it_o be_v not_o cordial_a no_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o truth_n his_o mercy_n be_v as_o the_o great_a mountain_n stable_n and_o firm_a those_o repent_v he_o pardon_v and_o those_o who_o he_o pardon_v he_o love_v and_o those_o he_o love_v he_o will_v trust_v and_o admit_v they_o to_o honour_n and_o treat_v they_o as_o friend_n with_o the_o great_a security_n and_o confidence_n by_o this_o mean_n he_o demonstrate_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n the_o largeness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o his_o wisdom_n that_o he_o be_v above_o fear_n and_o above_o surprisal_n hereby_o he_o assure_v the_o great_a value_n he_o have_v for_o true_a goodness_n that_o it_o alone_o and_o nothing_o else_o comparable_o sway_v with_o he_o and_o hereby_o he_o lay_v the_o mighty_a obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o be_v good_a joseph_n and_o to_o persevere_v so_o thus_o augustus_n make_v herod_n of_o a_o formidable_a enemy_n become_v a_o faithful_a friend_n 10._o and_o several_a other_o have_v make_v the_o like_a experiment_n and_o now_o this_o will_v lead_v i_o immediate_o to_o the_o second_o stage_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n namely_o the_o accumulative_a kindness_n the_o father_n show_v to_o the_o son_n but_o i_o will_v crave_v the_o reader_n patience_n a_o little_a whilst_o i_o make_v a_o few_o practical_a reflection_n upon_o this_o we_o have_v say_v already_o §_o vii_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n beside_o all_o we_o have_v yet_o behind_o this_o that_o we_o have_v discourse_v hitherto_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o bless_a and_o comfortable_a condition_n of_o justification_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n o_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o transgression_n be_v forgive_v and_o who_o sin_n be_v cover_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v not_o iniquity_n psal_n 32._o 1_o 2._o to_o have_v all_o a_o man_n debt_n cancel_v his_o folly_n pass_v over_o and_o bury_v in_o forgetfulness_n his_o deformity_n cover_v his_o conscience_n quiet_v and_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n to_o shine_v upon_o he_o to_o have_v no_o frightful_a reflection_n upon_o what_o be_v past_a no_o dismal_a prospect_n of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v no_o old_a story_n rip_v up_o no_o former_a quarrel_n revive_v no_o latent_fw-la displeasure_n no_o rancour_n nor_o jealousy_n harbour_v against_o we_o this_o must_v needs_o fill_v a_o man_n with_o cheerfulness_n in_o all_o condition_n and_o bear_v he_o up_o above_o all_o adversity_n above_o poverty_n reproach_n sickness_n confinement_n and_o whatsoever_o can_v befall_v we_o in_o this_o world_n such_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o need_v to_o resort_v to_o drink_v and_o jollity_n to_o relax_v his_o thought_n to_o divert_v his_o anxiety_n to_o bear_v up_o his_o spirit_n he_o have_v comfort_n from_o within_o a_o continual_a feast_n in_o his_o own_o conscience_n who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o his_o charge_n it_o be_v god_n which_o justify_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v who_o shall_v separate_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 8._o 33_o 34_o 35._o the_o sting_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v take_v out_o since_o god_n have_v pardon_v his_o sin_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o a_o man_n know_v god_n be_v angry_a with_o he_o and_o his_o own_o conscience_n upbraid_v and_o dog_n he_o the_o sad_a remembrance_n of_o his_o many_o provocation_n terrify_v he_o and_o the_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o wrath_n to_o come_v alarm_n he_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o a_o case_n like_o that_o of_o belshazzar_n 5._o when_o the_o finger_n of_o a_o hand_n be_v see_v write_v upon_o the_o wall_n over_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o jollity_n his_o countenance_n be_v change_v his_o thought_n be_v trouble_v the_o joint_n of_o his_o loin_n be_v loose_v and_o his_o knee_n smite_v one_o against_o another_o all_o the_o entertainment_n of_o sense_n do_v little_a in_o this_o case_n nay_o they_o be_v flat_a and_o insipid_a and_o the_o smile_n of_o the_o world_n no_o whit_n cheer_v a_o man_n so_o long_o as_o god_n frown_v upon_o he_o it_o be_v a_o ingenious_a device_n whereby_o a_o gentleman_n of_o this_o nation_n represent_v his_o condition_n in_o a_o public_a entertainment_n at_o court_n he_o set_v out_o a_o ship_n bitter_o oppress_v by_o a_o tempest_n and_o ready_a to_o perish_v under_o its_o difficulty_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o a_o rainbow_n appear_v towards_o which_o this_o word_n be_v address_v quid_fw-la tu_fw-la si_fw-la pereo_fw-la q._n d._n what_o be_o i_o the_o better_a for_o hope_n and_o smile_n for_o court_n favour_n and_o countenance_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n my_o condition_n admit_v no_o delay_n and_o i_o be_o ruin_v in_o my_o private_a fortune_n but_o as_o the_o torment_n of_o guilt_n be_v incomparable_o more_o severe_a than_o the_o affliction_n of_o outward_a fortune_n so_o it_o be_v far_o more_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v to_o allay_v they_o by_o the_o blandishment_n of_o the_o world_n than_o the_o other_o by_o court_n holy_a water_n no_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o god_n mercy_n in_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n that_o can_v alleviate_v the_o trouble_n and_o abate_v the_o anguish_n of_o conscience_n and_o when_o he_o be_v please_v upon_o repentance_n to_o do_v that_o than_o he_o say_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o christ_n jesus_n say_v to_o the_o paralytic_n matth._n 9_o 2._o son_n be_v of_o good_a cheer_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o or_o as_o the_o same_o our_o saviour_n to_o zaccheus_n this_o day_n be_v salvation_n come_v to_o thy_o house_n 2._o second_o since_o god_n pardon_v sinner_n in_o that_o ample_a manner_n we_o have_v before_o express_v i._n e._n so_o frank_o as_o that_o neither_o the_o greatness_n multitude_n repetition_n or_o other_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n hinder_v he_o and_o so_o full_o
gratification_n the_o little_a time_n of_o pleasure_n and_o the_o long_a hour_n of_o shame_n and_o repentance_n the_o dull_a relish_n of_o the_o bodily_a sense_n to_o the_o quick_a and_o pungent_a sense_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n we_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o doubt_n and_o assure_v of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o such_o a_o course_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v withal_o the_o severe_a denunciation_n of_o the_o almighty_a the_o inconsistency_n of_o such_o a_o course_n with_o any_o interest_n in_o the_o joy_n of_o another_o life_n the_o no_o compare_n between_o a_o fool_n paradise_n of_o sesuality_n and_o the_o felicity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o can_v pronounce_v of_o such_o a_o man_n as_o notwitstand_v all_o these_o consideration_n shall_v give_v himself_o up_o to_o these_o brutish_a passion_n otherwise_o then_o that_o he_o have_v forfeit_v his_o reason_n forego_v his_o great_a interest_n for_o the_o very_a trifle_n and_o sell_v his_o birthright_n for_o a_o mess_n of_o pottage_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o drunkenness_n to_o see_v a_o man_n tunn_v up_o himself_o like_o a_o barrel_n and_o fill_v his_o head_n with_o froth_n which_o his_o tongue_n discharge_v again_o to_o see_v a_o man_n face_n deform_v his_o eye_n stare_v his_o foot_n falter_v his_o motion_n antic_a his_o thought_n open_a and_o undecent_a his_o speech_n much_o and_o reason_n little_a and_o herewith_o to_o observe_v his_o estate_n pour_v down_o a_o common_a sewer_n and_o his_o credit_n and_o reputation_n utter_o ruin_v but_o above_o all_o his_o soul_n endanger_v to_o come_v into_o everlasting_a burn_n and_o all_o this_o for_o the_o love_n of_o drink_n who_o can_v choose_v but_o in_o his_o thought_n score_v up_o such_o a_o man_n as_o fit_v for_o bethlehem_n let_v we_o take_v only_o one_o instance_n more_o and_o that_o shall_v be_v in_o that_o passion_n which_o have_v get_v the_o name_n from_o all_o the_o rest_n i_o mean_v anger_n every_o man_n know_v that_o health_n be_v best_a preserve_v by_o calmness_n and_o evenness_n of_o mind_n that_o man_n interest_n be_v best_a secure_v by_o gentleness_n and_o a_o oblige_a temper_n their_o safety_n by_o session_n and_o placableness_n that_o reason_n be_v high_a when_o rage_n be_v down_o that_o business_n be_v best_a carry_v on_o by_o the_o most_o sedate_v prosecution_n insomuch_o that_o no_o man_n count_v he_o wise_a who_o they_o observe_v to_o be_v violent_a nor_o do_v they_o think_v those_o to_o be_v valiant_a that_o they_o see_v huff_n and_o swagger_v beside_o passion_n disguise_v a_o man_n very_a countenance_n dry_v up_o his_o body_n bring_v wrinkle_n upon_o his_o face_n gray_a hair_n upon_o his_o head_n hollowness_n of_o eye_n withers_o and_o destroy_v he_o it_o put_v he_o upon_o the_o most_o foolish_a shameful_a and_o dangerous_a adventure_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o usual_o render_v he_o impotent_a to_o effect_v or_o if_o he_o effect_v they_o he_o only_o make_v matter_n for_o his_o own_o repentance_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v or_o it_o may_v be_v work_n for_o the_o executioner_n to_o shorten_v his_o unhappy_a day_n above_o all_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o god_n of_o peace_n to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o be_v a_o example_n of_o meekness_n and_o patience_n it_o utter_o unfit_v a_o man_n for_o the_o peaceful_a and_o amicable_a society_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o dispose_v he_o for_o the_o horrid_a fellowship_n of_o fell_a and_o desperate_a fiend_n in_o the_o region_n below_o all_o which_o thing_n consider_v when_o we_o see_v a_o man_n boil_v with_o choler_n foam_n with_o rage_n pale_a with_o envy_n and_o indulge_v himself_o in_o this_o humour_n what_o can_v we_o say_v or_o think_v of_o this_o man_n but_o that_o he_o have_v lose_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o very_a principle_n of_o manhood_n but_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o all_o this_o while_n we_o have_v but_o maintain_v a_o stoical_a paradox_n and_o for_o all_o this_o that_o have_v be_v say_v vicious_a man_n can_v be_v repute_v mad_a because_o upon_o other_o occasion_n we_o see_v many_o of_o they_o give_v proof_n of_o wit_n and_o part_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o neither_o do_v i_o in_o all_o this_o intend_v to_o intimate_v that_o they_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v mad_a though_o it_o be_v well_o for_o many_o of_o they_o that_o it_o be_v strict_o true_a but_o when_o man_n shall_v betray_v the_o most_o egregious_a folly_n and_o act_v the_o most_o extravagant_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n i_o may_v leave_v it_o to_o themselves_o in_o their_o sober_a mood_n to_o judge_v what_o name_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v call_v by_o whatever_o ingeny_n they_o may_v discover_v in_o lesser_a occasion_n beside_o neither_o be_v it_o the_o condition_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v acknowledge_v mad_a to_o do_v nothing_o sober_o or_o ingenious_o all_o or_o most_o have_v their_o lucid_a interval_n and_o there_o be_v some_o in_o who_o the_o humour_n betray_v itself_o in_o some_o peculiar_a instance_n only_o melancholici_fw-la quoad_fw-la hoc_fw-la as_o they_o say_v talk_v with_o they_o in_o the_o general_a and_o they_o be_v like_o other_o man_n but_o touch_v upon_o some_o peculiar_a point_n and_o they_o rave_v present_o so_o it_o be_v with_o these_o man_n we_o speak_v of_o as_o to_o common_a conversation_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n they_o may_v be_v ingenious_a and_o perhaps_o in_o some_o repartee_n or_o other_o trifle_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o spirit_n aforesaid_a beyond_o other_o man_n but_o as_o to_o the_o business_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o eternity_n they_o have_v no_o manly_a sense_n at_o all_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o pat_o to_o verify_v what_o i_o have_v be_v say_v then_o this_o very_a circumstance_n for_o when_o man_n that_o otherwise_o have_v sense_n and_o understanding_n in_o lesser_a matter_n shall_v be_v so_o extreme_o absurd_a in_o that_o which_o especial_o require_v the_o most_o manly_a proceed_n it_o be_v the_o very_a symptom_n that_o we_o have_v be_v all_o this_o while_n describe_v which_o be_v so_o the_o consequence_n be_v that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v a_o absurdity_n next_o to_o they_o to_o follow_v the_o counsel_n or_o example_n of_o such_o man_n the_o psalmist_n make_v it_o the_o first_o step_n to_o felicity_n not_o to_o stand_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a will_v any_o man_n think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o imitate_v the_o mad_a freak_n of_o a_o bedlam_n because_o he_o see_v he_o jolly_a and_o brisk_a when_o he_o play_v they_o no_o more_o let_v any_o man_n encourage_v himself_o in_o wickedness_n because_o he_o see_v the_o high_a rant_v of_o sinner_n rather_o let_v he_o say_v in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n father_n forgive_v they_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v fool_n they_o be_v with_o a_o witness_n that_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n little_o do_v they_o think_v how_o ill_o this_o jollity_n become_v they_o and_o less_o do_v they_o forethink_v what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o such_o course_n nor_o let_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o number_n or_o quality_n of_o such_o person_n bear_v we_o down_o for_o folly_n be_v folly_n let_v who_o will_v be_v the_o patron_n of_o it_o can_v precedent_n change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v there_o any_o prescription_n against_o reason_n will_v public_a vogue_n justify_v conscience_n or_o multitude_n of_o voice_n carry_v it_o against_o god_n unless_o wicked_a man_n can_v not_o only_o efface_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o conscience_n but_o also_o remove_v the_o pillar_n of_o the_o world_n change_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o a_o gigantic_a enterprise_n wage_v war_n against_o and_o conquer_v heaven_n i._n e._n force_v the_o almighty_a to_o alter_v his_o opinion_n repeal_v his_o law_n and_o revoke_v his_o threaten_n sin_v will_v everlasting_o be_v folly_n and_o perseverance_n therein_o madness_n in_o spite_n of_o multitude_n fashion_n custom_n and_o example_n shall_v i_o therefore_o follow_v their_o example_n that_o thwart_v god_n that_o contradict_v their_o own_o conscience_n who_o all_o man_n at_o least_o tacit_o condemn_v even_o those_o that_o bruitish_o and_o silly_o be_v lead_v by_o they_o shall_v i_o make_v those_o my_o guide_n who_o have_v so_o little_a foresight_n as_o not_o to_o see_v beyond_o the_o short_a stage_n of_o life_n shall_v i_o make_v they_o my_o counsellor_n that_o make_v so_o foolish_a a_o bargain_n as_o to_o give_v eternal_a life_n in_o exchange_n for_o momentany_a pleasure_n that_o have_v so_o bad_a memory_n as_o to_o forget_v they_o have_v immortal_a soul_n or_o so_o little_a reason_n as_o to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o
forty_o night_n and_o nineveh_n shall_v be_v destroy_v notwithstanding_o the_o absoluteness_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o the_o nearness_n of_o the_o execution_n the_o ninevite_n be_v not_o out_o of_o hope_n but_o that_o if_o repentance_n be_v interpose_v their_o ruin_n may_v yet_o be_v prevent_v and_o it_o succeed_v according_o with_o they_o for_o as_o they_o believe_v god_n word_n by_o the_o prophet_n expect_v nothing_o but_o sudden_a destruction_n if_o they_o have_v not_o repent_v so_o they_o trust_v in_o the_o goodness_n and_o exorableness_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n upon_o repentance_n apply_v themselves_o serious_o thereto_o and_o be_v preserve_v wherefore_o say_v the_o relent_a sinner_n forasmuch_o as_o although_o i_o know_v not_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n yet_o this_o i_o know_v that_o nothing_o can_v set_v limit_n thereto_o but_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o he_o be_v never_o so_o straighten_a but_o that_o if_o the_o case_n be_v pitiable_a and_o he_o see_v reason_n of_o mercy_n he_o can_v show_v it_o consistent_o with_o his_o justice_n here_o i_o will_v cast_v anchor_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o render_v myself_o a_o object_n of_o mercy_n and_o trust_v upon_o his_o goodness_n i_o never_o yet_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n miscarry_v in_o this_o bottom_n or_o that_o a_o penitent_a be_v cast_v away_o i_o have_v often_o hear_v that_o god_n will_v have_v save_v man_n but_o they_o will_v not_o but_o i_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o that_o resort_v penitent_o to_o his_o mercy_n and_o be_v reject_v nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o hell_n itself_o can_v furnish_v one_o instance_n of_o the_o man_n that_o can_v upbraid_v god_n goodness_n and_o say_v i_o will_v but_o god_n will_v not_o thus_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v everlasting_o pregnant_a of_o encouragement_n to_o repentance_n and_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o motion_n to_o godward_o be_v it_o not_o for_o which_o never_o any_o have_v be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n or_o begin_v a_o reformation_n but_o so_o much_o of_o that_o 2._o in_o the_o second_o place_n another_o encouragement_n to_o this_o penitent_a resolution_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o be_v a_o apprehension_n that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o become_v perfect_o new_a man_n notwithstanding_o our_o pre-ingagement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n opinion_n of_o absolute_a impossibility_n as_o we_o have_v note_v before_o be_v equal_a to_o real_a impotency_n check_v all_o motion_n nip_v all_o endeavour_n in_o the_o very_a bud_n stifle_n and_o lay_v asleep_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o hope_v and_o apprehension_n of_o feasibleness_n spirit_n all_o industry_n actuate_v all_o faculty_n raise_v the_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o the_o great_a action_n in_o the_o world_n some_o dare_a man_n have_v effect_v thing_n beyond_o their_o own_o expectation_n but_o no_o brave_a exploit_n be_v ever_o perform_v by_o such_o as_o despair_v of_o accomplish_v it_o nor_o be_v ever_o any_o force_n defeat_v that_o do_v praelibare_fw-la victoriam_fw-la and_o resolve_v to_o conquer_v when_o once_o a_o conceit_n have_v possess_v the_o midianite_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v conquer_v by_o gideon_n army_n 7._o though_o ground_v only_o upon_o a_o odd_a dream_n of_o a_o brown_a loaf_n tumble_v down_o upon_o their_o tent_n their_o heart_n present_o melt_v in_o they_o their_o spirit_n be_v emasculate_v and_o a_o mighty_a host_n become_v a_o easy_a prey_n to_o the_o inconsiderable_a number_n which_o gideon_n lead_v against_o they_o and_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n will_v never_o suffer_v israel_n to_o be_v lead_v on_o to_o the_o conquest_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n so_o long_o as_o the_o rumour_n of_o giant_n and_o anakim_v and_o wall_v city_n run_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n nor_o until_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o confidence_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o conquer_v that_o good_a land_n in_o like_a manner_n if_o the_o sinner_n think_v either_o his_o sin_n too_o great_a to_o be_v forgive_v or_o that_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o mend_v i._n e._n either_o despair_n of_o god_n grace_n or_o of_o his_o mercy_n he_o be_v utter_o lose_v indeed_o that_o therefore_o which_o put_v he_o forward_o upon_o resolution_n be_v a_o apprehension_n that_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o the_o return_v prodigal_n say_v it_o be_v true_a i_o find_v i_o have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n from_o my_o father_n house_n and_o weary_a myself_o with_o my_o own_o wander_n yet_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o i_o may_v reach_v home_o again_o and_o i_o say_v the_o sinner_n have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n towards_o my_o own_o undo_n have_v indulge_v my_o passion_n and_o dethrone_v my_o reason_n enslave_v my_o will_n weaken_v all_o my_o power_n and_o harden_v my_o own_o conscience_n by_o a_o long_a course_n and_o custom_n of_o sin_n yet_o in_o the_o word_n of_o holy_a job_n there_o be_v hope_n of_o a_o tree_n if_o it_o be_v cut_v down_o that_o it_o will_v sprout_v again_o and_o that_o the_o tender_a branch_n thereof_o will_v not_o cease_v though_o the_o root_n thereof_o wax_v old_a in_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o stock_n thereof_o die_v in_o the_o ground_n yet_o through_o the_o scent_n of_o water_n it_o will_v bud_v and_o bring_v forth_o bough_n like_o a_o plant_n job_n 14._o 7_o 8_o 9_o though_o i_o have_v weaken_v my_o power_n yet_o i_o be_o a_o man_n still_o though_o i_o have_v destroy_v myself_o yet_o there_o be_v hope_n in_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o shorten_v that_o he_o can_v save_v tul_o be_v report_v to_o have_v affirm_v repentance_n to_o be_v impossible_a lose_v namely_o for_o a_o man_n to_o retrieve_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o a_o new_a course_n contrary_a to_o that_o to_o which_o he_o have_v be_v long_o habituate_v and_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v very_o difficult_a so_o to_o do_v as_o may_v sufficient_o appear_v both_o by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v already_o and_o also_o by_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 13._o 23._o can_v the_o aethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intimate_v inveterate_a custom_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o nature_n itself_o and_o according_o we_o find_v by_o too_o sad_a experience_n that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o do_v exuere_fw-la hominem_fw-la shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o custom_n facilis_fw-la descensus_fw-la averni_fw-la sed_fw-la revocare_fw-la gradus_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o the_o conversion_n of_o old_a sinner_n be_v call_v a_o new_a birth_n and_o a_o new_a creation_n in_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a scripture_n notwithstanding_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o rich_a man_n that_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o camel_n to_o go_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n then_o for_o such_o a_o man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yet_o to_o prevent_v mistake_n add_v with_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n he_o can_v cause_v dry_a bone_n to_o live_v and_o of_o stone_n raise_v up_o child_n to_o abraham_n the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v awaken_v those_o power_n that_o be_v in_o a_o dead_a sleep_n conscience_n be_v not_o so_o callous_a but_o it_o may_v be_v render_v soft_a and_o sensible_a again_o the_o will_n and_o other_o faculty_n of_o man_n though_o they_o be_v pervert_v yet_o be_v not_o extinct_a and_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v exert_v themselves_o in_o a_o new_a strain_n oppose_v their_o old_a custom_n and_o introduce_v new_a habit_n as_o custom_n bear_v down_o and_o overgrew_n nature_n former_o so_o new_a custom_n may_v supplant_v the_o old_a one_o and_o make_v a_o new_a nature_n it_o be_v a_o well-known_a story_n that_o when_o zopyrus_n a_o great_a pretender_n to_o the_o skill_n of_o read_v man_n temper_n and_o inclination_n in_o their_o countenance_n have_v pronounce_v of_o socrates_n that_o he_o be_v a_o lewd_a and_o intemperate_a man_n the_o company_n who_o know_v well_o the_o remarkable_a virtue_n of_o socrates_n laugh_v the_o cunning_a man_n out_o of_o countenance_n till_o socrates_n relieve_v he_o say_v that_o indeed_o his_o inclination_n be_v natural_o such_o as_o zopyrus_n have_v pronounce_v but_o that_o philosophy_n and_o the_o culture_n and_o care_n of_o himself_o have_v alter_v he_o to_o what_o he_o be_v but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o contain_v both_o more_o excellent_a institution_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n than_o all_o philosophy_n and_o more_o effectual_a method_n of_o reclaim_v and_o recover_v man_n from_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n so_o in_o the_o history_n thereof_o they_o afford_v we_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
tell_v we_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v and_o that_o sin_n itself_o whatsoever_o it_o consist_v in_o be_v only_o upon_o this_o account_n unpardonable_a because_o it_o have_v a_o final_o impenitent_a temper_n join_v with_o it_o otherwise_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o a_o sinner_n shall_v repent_v there_o will_v be_v no_o doubt_n of_o his_o pardon_n but_o bate_v that_o peculiar_a case_n there_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o god_n have_v pardon_v and_o will_v pardon_v i_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v by_o mankind_n but_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o two_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v very_o great_a which_o yet_o have_v obtain_v pardon_n and_o they_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o crucify_a our_o saviour_n in_o the_o former_a of_o these_o there_o be_v the_o breach_n of_o a_o know_a law_n and_o that_o so_o new_o give_v as_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v forget_v and_o it_o be_v also_o a_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a law_n god_n have_v allow_v they_o all_o the_o tree_n in_o the_o garden_n and_o lay_v a_o interdict_v only_o upon_o that_o one_o and_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o have_v deny_v themselves_o that_o for_o god_n sake_n especial_o consider_v they_o come_v new_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o see_v so_o fresh_o the_o display_v of_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v so_o many_o and_o great_a instance_n of_o his_o goodness_n towards_o themselves_o beside_o they_o have_v as_o yet_o no_o vitiate_a faculty_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o one_o example_n of_o sin_n before_o they_o but_o that_o of_o the_o devil_n which_o they_o have_v see_v to_o be_v most_o severe_o vindicate_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o be_v first_o in_o the_o transgression_n and_o a_o bold_a thing_n to_o venture_v to_o provoke_v god_n and_o to_o be_v the_o first_o instance_n of_o sin_n to_o all_o posterity_n they_o have_v the_o concern_v of_o all_o mankind_n upon_o they_o as_o who_o they_o know_v must_v stand_v or_o fall_v with_o they_o and_o have_v frequent_a token_n of_o god_n presence_n with_o they_o to_o sin_n under_o his_o eye_n and_o to_o hearken_v to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o a_o vile_a beast_n the_o serpent_n against_o god_n be_v prodigious_o strange_a and_o yet_o they_o do_v it_o and_o god_n be_v please_v to_o pardon_v they_o in_o the_o latter_a of_o the_o instance_n namely_o the_o jew_n crucify_a our_o saviour_n beside_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o person_n against_o who_o they_o sin_v put_v to_o death_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n there_o be_v design_v malice_n perjury_n and_o subornation_n contumely_n towards_o a_o holy_a person_n ingratitude_n towards_o one_o that_o have_v do_v they_o all_o the_o good_a they_o be_v capable_a of_o there_o be_v contradiction_n to_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o miracle_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n notwithstanding_o all_o which_o the_o same_o st._n peter_n who_o act_v 2._o 23._o have_v charge_v they_o home_o in_o these_o word_n you_o man_n of_o israel_n have_v with_o wicked_a hand_n crucify_v and_o slay_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n among_o you_o by_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n and_o sign_n which_o god_n by_o he_o do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o as_o you_o yourselves_o know_v etc._n etc._n yet_o in_o the_o 38._o verse_n he_o exhort_v the_o same_o man_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o singular_a favour_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o these_o and_o several_a other_o instance_n of_o great_a sin_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v add_v we_o may_v cast_v in_o for_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o vastness_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n that_o he_o pardon_v not_o only_o single_a act_n of_o sin_n how_o heinous_a soever_o but_o long_a course_n and_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o those_o of_o several_a nature_n and_o kind_n as_o in_o manasses_n and_o in_o the_o publican_n and_o harlot_n but_o that_o we_o may_v rise_v high_o yet_o in_o admiration_n of_o the_o divine_a clemency_n we_o observe_v 2._o in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o he_o pardon_v also_o relapse_v sinner_n they_o have_v a_o say_n non_fw-la licèt_fw-la in_o bello_fw-la he_o peccare_fw-la that_o the_o first_o fault_n in_o war_n be_v severe_o vindicate_v because_o there_o all_o error_n be_v fatal_a and_o searce_o leave_v a_o capacity_n of_o be_v repeat_v and_o there_o be_v some_o relation_n so_o near_o and_o intimate_v and_o their_o ligament_n so_o nice_a and_o curious_a that_o a_o breach_n in_o they_o can_v never_o be_v repair_v to_o knit_v again_o but_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o father_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o god_n leave_v always_o room_n for_o pardon_n nay_o further_o they_o say_v say_v the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n if_o a_o man_n put_v away_o his_o wife_n and_o she_o go_v from_o he_o and_o become_v another_o man_n shall_v he_o return_v to_o she_o again_o but_o thou_o o_o israel_n have_v play_v the_o harlot_n with_o many_o lover_n yet_o return_v again_o unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 2._o 1_o 2._o §_o vi_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o navatians_n carry_v a_o great_a breadth_n with_o it_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n which_o deny_v repentance_n to_o those_o that_o sin_v after_o baptism_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n it_o be_v think_v many_o holy_a man_n in_o those_o day_n defer_v their_o baptism_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v that_o they_o may_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n but_o go_v from_o that_o wash_n unspotted_a out_o of_o the_o world_n the_o opinion_n seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o extraordinary_a purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o say_v prevail_v much_o and_o have_v a_o great_a reputation_n in_o those_o time_n and_o it_o seem_v it_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o a_o mistake_n of_o a_o passage_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 6._o 4._o however_o it_o be_v damn_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o holy_a father_n of_o the_o church_n and_o particular_o st._n basil_n and_o gr._n nazianzen_n call_v it_o a_o damnable_a doctrine_n and_o destructive_a of_o soul_n in_o that_o it_o discourage_v and_o keep_v man_n off_o from_o repentance_n which_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o admit_v of_o if_o it_o be_v sincere_a and_o such_o as_o we_o have_v before_o describe_v it_o be_v true_a which_o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n have_v say_v etc._n that_o to_o make_v a_o common_a practice_n of_o sin_v and_o then_o pretend_v repentance_n as_o if_o we_o will_v give_v god_n and_o the_o devil_n their_o turn_n be_v a_o argument_n both_o of_o a_o impenitent_a and_o unbelieving_a temper_n for_o as_o he_o say_v afterward_o 〈◊〉_d these_o frequent_a repentance_n as_o it_o be_v of_o course_n betray_v rather_o a_o intention_n of_o sin_v again_o than_o any_o design_n of_o leave_v it_o and_o therefore_o find_v no_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o it_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o a_o man_n that_o have_v frequent_o relapse_v have_v thereby_o exceed_o multiply_v his_o guilt_n must_v needs_o feel_v very_o bitter_a pang_n and_o sharp_a remorse_n when_o he_o do_v return_v and_o will_v be_v ever_o after_o very_o apt_a to_o question_v his_o own_o sincerity_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o like_a as_o it_o be_v with_o bone_n which_o have_v be_v often_o out_o and_o set_v again_o they_o will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o slip_v awry_o so_o this_o person_n will_v be_v just_o look_v upon_o as_o in_o great_a danger_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o necessity_n of_o extraordinary_a watchfulness_n over_o himself_o but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o if_o such_o a_o man_n after_o several_a fall_n and_o slip_n shall_v stand_v right_a and_o firm_a at_o last_o and_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o now_o penitent_a state_n by_o the_o follow_a course_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v of_o his_o acceptance_n with_o a_o merciful_a god_n for_o god_n do_v not_o proceed_v with_o man_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o we_o do_v our_o passion_n be_v stir_v many_o time_n and_o the_o provocation_n be_v too_o great_a for_o we_o to_o be_v able_a to_o concoct_v but_o he_o be_v pure_a mind_n and_o reason_n have_v no_o boil_a passion_n no_o revenge_n seek_v only_o the_o good_a of_o his_o creature_n and_o so_o they_o become_v at_o last_o capable_a of_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n he_o be_v content_v and_o have_v his_o end_n beside_o he_o that_o have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n 4._o that_o as_o often_o as_o our_o brother_n offend_v against_o we_o and_o repent_v so_o often_o we_o shall_v forgive_v
although_o in_o the_o dark_a time_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v some_o very_a great_a and_o admirable_a person_n who_o be_v the_o prodigy_n of_o the_o age_n they_o live_v in_o yet_o ordinary_o christianity_n ought_v to_o do_v and_o do_v afford_v far_o the_o most_o and_o brave_a hero_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o mighty_a great_a and_o clear_a promise_n therein_o exhibit_v the_o law_n say_v the_o apostle_n hebr._n 7._o 19_o make_v nothing_o perfect_a but_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o better_a hope_n do_v for_o shall_v not_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n outshine_v the_o felicity_n of_o a_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o one_o be_v as_o operative_a as_o that_o of_o the_o other_o and_o what_o though_o the_o one_o be_v present_a and_o the_o other_o to_o come_v yet_o to_o every_o good_a man_n this_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o that_o and_o to_o every_o wise_a man_n the_o unspeakable_a odds_o in_o the_o thing_n abundant_o recompense_v that_o disadvantage_n of_o circumstance_n what_o man_n that_o have_v a_o persuasion_n of_o eternal_a life_n can_v choose_v but_o disdain_v the_o present_a life_n further_o than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o time_n of_o probation_n for_o the_o other_o and_o scorn_n that_o the_o mean_a pleasure_n and_o allurement_n here_o shall_v interrupt_v his_o course_n thither_o what_o difficulty_n will_v he_o not_o glory_n in_o and_o what_o duty_n will_v he_o not_o perform_v to_o assure_v his_o interest_n therein_o 1_o jo._n 3._o 3_o he_o that_o have_v this_o hope_n purify_v himself_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a especial_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v find_v these_o thing_n not_o only_o make_v certain_a to_o he_o by_o faith_n but_o make_v near_o to_o he_o also_o when_o he_o shall_v consider_v himself_o now_o in_o a_o fair_a way_n to_o those_o celestial_a mansion_n and_o that_o every_o day_n he_o approach_v near_a and_o near_o to_o heaven_n now_o therefore_o he_o will_v cast_v off_o all_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o put_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o light_n when_o he_o remember_v rom._n 13._o 11._o that_o now_o his_o salvation_n be_v near_a than_o when_o he_o first_o believe_v and_o find_v that_o a_o little_a more_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n will_v bring_v he_o to_o his_o desire_a haven_n three_o and_o last_o our_o heavenly_a father_n put_v this_o best_a robe_n upon_o the_o son_n who_o he_o have_v receive_v and_o pardon_v not_o only_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o ordinary_a advantage_n of_o his_o church_n and_o family_n but_o extraordinary_o improve_v the_o sanctification_n of_o such_o a_o person_n by_o the_o especial_a superintendency_n guidance_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n the_o consideration_n of_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o next_o member_n of_o the_o parable_n he_o put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o hand_n which_o express_v the_o second_o blessing_n the_o reconcile_a father_n bestow_v upon_o his_o penitent_a son_n which_o we_o be_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o content_n §_o i._o the_o difference_n between_o the_o visit_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o gift_n or_o residence_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v reside_v with_o and_o inhabit_v very_o good_a man_n §_o ii_o the_o wonderful_a comfort_n and_o advantage_n thereof_o in_o four_o respect_n §_o iii_o that_o although_o some_o good_a man_n have_v no_o experience_n of_o this_o residence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v nevertheless_o certain_o attainable_a in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o case_n the_o peculiar_a qualification_n of_o person_n fit_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o this_o divine_a guest_n §_o iv._o how_o to_o distinguish_v the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n from_o the_o impression_n of_o satan_n or_o the_o result_v of_o our_o own_o temper_n §_o 1._o the_o second_o favour_n which_o the_o father_n bestow_v upon_o his_o son_n after_o he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o be_v he_o puts_z a_o ring_n upon_o his_o hand_n this_o have_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o world_n be_v symbolical_a either_o of_o freedom_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o riches_n and_o affluence_n of_o singular_a favour_n and_o respect_n or_o of_o quality_n and_o nobility_n most_o of_o these_o thing_n st._n james_n bear_v testimony_n to_o in_o that_o passage_n of_o he_o chap._n 2._o 2._o if_o there_o come_v into_o your_o assembly_n a_o man_n have_v a_o gold_n ring_n and_o goodly_a apparel_n and_o there_o come_v in_o also_o a_o poor_a man_n in_o vile_a raiment_n and_o you_o have_v respect_n to_o he_o in_o the_o gay_a clothing_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o the_o rest_n at_o the_o famous_a battle_n of_o cannae_n where_o the_o roman_n suffer_v a_o total_a defeat_n by_o the_o carthaginian_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o victory_n be_v estimate_v by_o this_o as_o livy_n observe_v that_o more_o than_o a_o bushel_n of_o ring_n be_v take_v by_o the_o conqueror_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o slay_v whereby_o it_o appear_v how_o many_o principal_a roman_n and_o person_n of_o quality_n fall_v in_o the_o battle_n and_o thus_o the_o father_n put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o son_n shall_v signify_v in_o the_o general_a his_o reinstating_a he_o in_o the_o quality_n and_o honour_n of_o a_o son_n but_o st._n jerom_n st._n austin_n st._n chrysostom_n theophylact_fw-mi and_o other_o consider_v here_o more_o particular_o that_o a_o principal_a use_n of_o the_o ring_n be_v for_o seal_v as_o common_o bear_v the_o image_n impress_n or_o cognizance_n of_o he_o that_o wear_v it_o and_o consequent_o they_o apply_v this_o passage_n in_o the_o mystical_a sense_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n st._n chrysostom_n express_v it_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d give_v my_o son_n a_o ring_n also_o that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o carrying_z that_o about_o he_o may_v be_v keep_v in_o safeguard_n by_o it_o that_o bear_v my_o signet_n he_o may_v both_o become_v formidable_a to_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o public_o appear_v the_o son_n of_o such_o a_o father_n and_o this_o interpretation_n be_v the_o more_o natural_a because_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a method_n of_o god_n favour_n that_o after_o he_o have_v justify_v than_o he_o further_o sanctify_v and_o for_o the_o completion_n of_o that_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n that_o man_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o wager_n which_o god_n and_o the_o devil_n contend_v about_o but_o when_o a_o man_n have_v give_v himself_o up_o to_o sensuality_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o sin_n than_o the_o title_n be_v decide_v and_o such_o a_o person_n become_v the_o devil_n peculiar_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o he_o sincere_o addict_v himself_o to_o virtue_n god_n recover_v his_o right_n and_o takes_z possession_n of_o he_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n agreeable_o hereunto_o we_o read_v ephes_n 1._o 13._o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n and_o also_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 22._o who_o have_v also_o seal_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o again_o eph._n 4._o 30._o grieve_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o you_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n for_o the_o more_o clear_a understanding_n of_o which_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o god_n do_v employ_v his_o holy_a spirit_n about_o man_n before_o conversion_n and_o in_o order_n to_o it_o so_o gen._n 6._o 3._o he_o be_v say_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o have_v strive_v with_o the_o old_a world_n and_o after_o that_o in_o like_a manner_n with_o his_o ancient_a people_n the_o jew_n for_o isa_n 63._o 10._o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v vex_v his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o in_o general_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christianity_n the_o holy_a spirit_n apply_v itself_o awaken_n conscience_n suggest_v good_a thought_n and_o give_v check_n to_o their_o course_n of_o sin_n insomuch_o that_o whatsoever_o degree_n or_o beginning_n of_o good_a there_o be_v in_o any_o man_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o first_o mover_n of_o it_o for_o as_o no_o good_a can_v come_v but_o from_o god_n so_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o man_n so_o despise_v by_o god_n but_o that_o some_o overture_n of_o good_a have_v be_v make_v to_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o worthy_a of_o god_n to_o imagine_v that_o this_o good_a spirit_n do_v quite_o abandon_v any_o man_n upon_o who_o it_o have_v begin_v to_o work_v till_o such_o person_n have_v resist_v quench_v grieve_a and_o at_o last_o drive_v it_o away_o from_o he_o but_o this_o be_v not_o that_o
spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o supply_v that_o defect_n and_o several_a special_a direction_n give_v upon_o emergency_n but_o then_o also_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o such_o extraordinary_a interposition_n be_v attend_v with_o miraculous_a circumstance_n and_o thereby_o bring_v their_o credential_n along_o with_o they_o and_o give_v assurance_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n but_o now_o those_o miraculous_a attestation_n be_v cease_v as_o well_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o whatsoever_o pretend_v to_o god_n and_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o illusion_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isa_n 8._o 20._o second_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n particular_o in_o comfort_v the_o heart_n of_o holy_a man_n be_v rational_a and_o accountable_a and_o consequent_o of_o that_o be_v also_o even_o and_o constant_a it_o be_v very_o ordinary_a for_o some_o man_n to_o be_v sometime_o marvellous_o cast_v down_o they_o know_v not_o for_o what_o and_o then_o raise_v up_o again_o they_o know_v not_o how_o and_o this_o they_o ignorant_o call_v the_o accession_n and_o recess_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o a_o plerophory_n and_o a_o state_n of_o desertion_n whilst_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o alter_v the_o case_n no_o change_n in_o themselves_o neither_o of_o apostasy_n from_o god_n nor_o of_o improvement_n in_o piety_n yet_o their_o state_n of_o mind_n be_v alter_v as_o if_o god_n change_v and_o not_o themselves_o but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o never_o causeless_o withdraw_v from_o man_n it_o never_o grieve_v those_o who_o have_v not_o first_o grieve_v it_o nor_o do_v it_o arbitrary_o give_v joy_n and_o consolation_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o upon_o just_a ground_n and_o foundation_n when_o there_o be_v a_o root_n and_o cause_n of_o it_o within_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n so_o erasmus_n well_o observe_v upon_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8._o 16._o the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ut_fw-la intelligas_fw-la say_v he_o geminum_fw-la esse_fw-la testimonium_fw-la duorum_fw-la spirituum_fw-la nostri_fw-la &_o dei_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o spirit_n do_v not_o comfort_n against_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o conscience_n but_o concur_v with_o and_o confirm_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n so_o that_o we_o may_v see_v and_o understand_v and_o can_v give_v account_n of_o our_o own_o joy_n and_o consequent_o of_o this_o these_o comfort_n be_v not_o flashy_a and_o uncertain_a but_o stable_n and_o certain_a like_o those_o effect_n that_o proceed_v from_o know_v and_o certain_a cause_n the_o joy_n of_o such_o man_n be_v not_o a_o blaze_n like_o a_o meteor_n but_o as_o the_o shine_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n prov._n 4._o 18._o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o that_o have_v their_o ebbing_n and_o flow_n their_o sudden_a and_o unaccountable_a dejection_n and_o their_o as_o sudden_a ecstasy_n and_o transport_n very_o unworthy_o impute_v these_o motion_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v only_o fit_v of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o several_a disguise_n of_o hypochondriack_a passion_n three_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o all_o its_o impression_n upon_o man_n be_v gentle_a sedate_n and_o governable_a put_v not_o man_n into_o a_o rage_n nor_o disorder_v their_o reason_n but_o be_v manageable_a by_o it_o submit_v to_o all_o decorum_n and_o comply_v with_o all_o decency_n of_o circumstance_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v think_v by_o the_o best_a interpreter_n to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o ep._n chap._n 14._o vers_fw-la 29_o 30_o 32_o 33._o let_v the_o prophet_n speak_v two_o or_o three_o and_o let_v the_o rest_n judge_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o another_o that_o sit_v by_o let_v the_o first_o hold_v his_o peace_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n say_v the_o learned_a dr._n h._n hammond_n even_o in_o those_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n you_o may_v observe_v method_n and_o order_n for_o the_o afflation_n or_o inspiration_n of_o the_o prophet_n here_o speak_v of_o may_v be_v rule_v by_o the_o prophet_n i._n e._n by_o they_o that_o have_v they_o these_o christian_a gift_n be_v not_o like_o the_o afflation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n which_o put_v man_n into_o ecstasy_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o violent_a ecstatical_a impetuous_a but_o a_o soft_a quiet_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o those_o extraordinary_a impulse_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n much_o more_o must_v it_o needs_o be_v so_o now_o when_o all_o those_o miraculous_a and_o prodigious_a circumstance_n be_v cease_v 22._o as_o i_o say_v before_o therefore_o wherever_o man_n pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n be_v rave_v and_o furious_a and_o pervert_v all_o order_n and_o government_n or_o wheresoever_o such_o person_n shall_v under_o such_o pretence_n thrust_v themselves_o into_o the_o ministry_n or_o put_v the_o magistrate_n out_o of_o office_n shall_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v reformer_n of_o the_o world_n revile_v authority_n run_v upon_o desperate_a attempt_n or_o in_o short_a wherever_o there_o be_v a_o rage_a whirlwind_n instead_o of_o a_o still_o soft_a voice_n god_n be_v not_o there_o but_o either_o the_o devil_n or_o at_o least_o a_o frenzy_n and_o so_o much_o for_o that_o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o great_a honour_n god_n do_v to_o a_o true_a penitent_n put_v he_o into_o his_o service_n and_o the_o peculiar_a usefullness_n of_o such_o a_o person_n the_o content_n §_o i._o the_o great_a trust_n god_n repose_v in_o those_o he_o pardon_v and_o their_o obligation_n to_o faithfulness_n and_o activity_n in_o his_o service_n §_o ii_o several_a way_n whereby_o all_o good_a man_n may_v be_v useful_a towards_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o without_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v public_a preacher_n and_o their_o encouragement_n thereunto_o §_o iii_o the_o peculiar_a aptness_n of_o convert_v from_o a_o evil_a life_n to_o be_v serviceable_a to_o god_n in_o the_o reclaim_n of_o other_o §_o iv._o the_o character_n of_o a_o accomplish_a christian_n according_a to_o all_o the_o ornament_n foremention_v §_o i._o we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o ornament_n which_o the_o father_n invest_v his_o return_v son_n with_o he_o puts_z shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n which_o be_v the_o habit_n not_o of_o slave_n but_o of_o freeman_n as_o we_o have_v note_v before_o but_o what_o be_v the_o mystical_a sense_n of_o this_o passage_n or_o what_o favour_n on_o god_n part_n towards_o penitent_a sinner_n be_v hereby_o denote_v be_v not_o altogether_o so_o easy_a to_o resolve_v upon_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o theophylact_fw-mi understand_v hereby_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o defend_v the_o convert_n from_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n put_v shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n say_v the_o former_a that_o the_o old_a serpent_n may_v not_o find_v he_o naked_a so_o as_o to_o wound_v his_o heel_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o tread_v upon_o the_o serpent_n head_n and_o have_v no_o disturbance_n in_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n but_o st._n jerom_n and_o st._n austin_n apprehend_v that_o hereby_o be_v signify_v the_o honour_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o eminent_a convert_v to_o be_v employ_v by_o god_n as_o useful_a instrument_n of_o propagate_a his_o gospel_n and_o of_o draw_v in_o other_o from_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n to_o submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o this_o purpose_n st._n jerom_n apply_v that_o circumstance_n of_o the_o passeover_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v eat_v with_o staff_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o shoe_n on_o their_o foot_n as_o well_o as_o with_o bitter_a herb_n as_o if_o the_o mystical_a reach_n of_o that_o injunction_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o that_o a_o man_n deliver_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n grace_n out_o of_o egypt_n the_o state_n of_o servility_n to_o sin_n and_o satan_n shall_v not_o only_o solemnize_v the_o memorial_n of_o god_n mercy_n with_o a_o sorrowful_a and_o bitter_a reflection_n upon_o his_o former_a folly_n and_o misery_n but_o stand_v as_o in_o procinctu_fw-la ready_a to_o run_v on_o god_n errand_n and_o to_o call_v in_o other_o to_o he_o and_o indeed_o this_o same_o metaphor_n be_v use_v in_o that_o very_a sense_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o best_a interpreter_n eph._n 6._o 16._o