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death_n alive_a dead_a life_n 5,787 5 5.0987 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A56746 A practical discourse of repentance rectifying the mistakes about it, especially such as lead either to despair or presumption ... and demonstrating the invalidity of a death-bed repentance / by William Payne ... Payne, William, 1650-1696. 1693 (1693) Wing P907; ESTC R35391 226,756 585

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offer_v 4._o then_o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o the_o gospel_n make_v the_o condition_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n be_v nothing_o less_o than_o a_o constant_a obedience_n and_o a_o entire_a and_o universal_a goodness_n of_o life_n at_o least_o after_o a_o wicked_a one_o or_o after_o great_a failure_n and_o miscarriage_n for_o repentance_n as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v be_v to_o the_o soul_n like_o a_o recovery_n of_o health_n to_o the_o body_n after_o some_o great_a sickness_n or_o illness_n the_o whole_a body_n or_o the_o part_n ill_o affect_v must_v be_v make_v perfect_o well_o and_o restore_v to_o its_o former_a strength_n and_o soundness_n or_o else_o it_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v recover_v the_o disease_n must_v be_v thorough_o get_v off_o the_o sickly_a matter_n must_v be_v discharge_v the_o illness_n must_v be_v cure_v and_o remove_v and_o the_o patient_n must_v get_v his_o former_a strength_n and_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v the_o proper_a and_o vital_a operation_n or_o 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one_o repent_v and_o say_v i_o have_v sin_v mat._n 27.3_o 4._o the_o second_o be_v exceed_v sorry_a for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v matth._n 6.26_o and_o the_o other_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o cry_v out_o my_o punishment_n be_v great_a than_o i_o can_v bear_v gen._n 4.13_o but_o true_a repentance_n be_v only_o know_v and_o make_v to_o be_v so_o by_o a_o habitual_a and_o last_a change_n both_o of_o mind_n and_o life_n by_o a_o actual_a amendment_n and_o reformation_n by_o a_o turn_n away_o from_o all_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o all_o our_o wickedness_n whatsoever_o that_o we_o have_v commit_v and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a which_o be_v the_o clear_a and_o full_a scripture_n expression_n that_o give_v we_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o repentance_n which_o include_v constant_a and_o actual_a obedience_n and_o destroy_v these_o foolish_a and_o wicked_a reserve_v of_o secure_v ourselves_o by_o play_v a_o aftergame_n of_o repentance_n they_o who_o 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and_o a_o new_a spirit_n and_o this_o produce_v a_o entire_a and_o permanent_a and_o universal_a change_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n and_o make_v a_o man_n become_v better_a in_o every_o particular_a and_o in_o the_o whole_a a_o very_a good_a man._n 5._o it_o be_v observable_a that_o repentance_n be_v all_o along_o in_o the_o gospel_n make_v a_o duty_n previous_a and_o antecedent_n to_o christianity_n and_o what_o be_v suppose_v to_o go_v before_o baptism_n and_o what_o be_v necessary_a beforehand_o to_o fit_v and_o prepare_v man_n to_o become_v christian_n thus_o they_o be_v to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v act_v 2.38_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o be_v to_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o christianity_n do_v it_o by_o preach_a repentance_n for_o this_o reason_n because_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n matth._n 3.2_o i_o e._n christianity_n or_o the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o to_o be_v there_o mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v now_o approach_v and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n upon_o that_o principle_n and_o argument_n preach_v the_o same_o duty_n ver_fw-la 17._o from_o that_o time_n he_o begin_v to_o preach_v and_o to_o say_v repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n preach_v this_o duty_n mark_n 6.12_o when_o they_o be_v to_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v man_n to_o receive_v christ_n and_o to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o when_o any_o that_o be_v adult_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o christianity_n by_o baptism_n they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v penitent_n before_o they_o be_v christian_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o a_o condition_n always_o employ_v and_o require_v that_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o past_a sin_n and_o sincere_o promise_v and_o resolve_v upon_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n that_o they_o who_o have_v their_o conversation_n in_o time_n pass_v in_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v eph._n 2.3_o i_o e._n in_o the_o state_n they_o be_v in_o before_o they_o be_v christian_n for_o the_o gospel_n consider_v all_o mankind_n as_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o gild_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o christianity_n which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n that_o these_o when_o they_o be_v make_v christian_n be_v to_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n col._n 3.9_o i_o e._n all_o the_o old_a habit_n and_o act_n of_o sin_n which_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o their_o unchristian_a state_n and_o be_v to_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n eph._n 4.24_o and_o they_o be_v to_o become_v new_a creature_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o be_v therefore_o then_o say_v to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o die_v unto_o all_o sin_n in_o baptism_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o henceforth_o live_v any_o long_a therein_o rom._n 6.2_o they_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n by_o baptism_n into_o his_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a even_o so_o we_o also_o who_o be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n ver_fw-la 3._o so_o that_o after_o baptism_n we_o shall_v reckon_v ourselves_o to_o be_v dead_a unto_o sin_n but_o alive_a unto_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n ver_fw-la 11._o so_o that_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n be_v then_o to_o be_v put_v off_o and_o destroy_v that_o henceforth_o we_o shall_v not_o serve_v sin_n ver_fw-la 6._o thus_o though_o man_n be_v consider_v as_o sinner_n before_o their_o baptism_n
deter_v man_n from_o disobedience_n and_o to_o restrain_v they_o from_o wickedness_n now_o we_o easy_o see_v to_o how_o little_a purpose_n a_o less_o punishment_n will_v ferve_fw-la then_o that_o of_o hell_n to_o those_o end_n since_o there_o be_v so_o few_o awe_v even_o by_o that_o though_o god_n have_v so_o severe_o threaten_v it_o if_o then_o for_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o for_o public_a good_a such_o a_o punishment_n as_o this_o be_v necessary_a it_o be_v consistent_a both_o with_o justice_n and_o goodness_n however_o fevere_v it_o be_v for_o this_o be_v the_o only_a just_a measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o punishment_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v their_o end_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n be_v to_o be_v take_v not_o from_o any_o private_a but_o public_a reason_n 2._o god_n have_v give_v we_o free_a choice_n and_o propose_v both_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o eternal_a misery_n to_o we_o he_o have_v set_v before_o we_o life_n and_o death_n deut._n 30.15_o so_o that_o if_o we_o obey_v he_o and_o live_v wise_o and_o virtuous_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o one_o but_o if_o we_o choose_v sin_n we_o choose_v death_n with_o it_o and_o our_o destruction_n be_v of_o ourselves_o and_o we_o judge_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o everlasting_a life_n act_v 13.46_o as_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n tell_v the_o jew_n god_n propose_v such_o vast_a reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o it_o be_v perhaps_o a_o necessary_a sanction_n of_o his_o law_n so_o it_o be_v perfect_o our_o own_o fault_n and_o madness_n if_o we_o refuse_v the_o one_o and_o incur_v the_o other_o second_o i_o shall_v show_v how_o this_o eternity_n be_v clear_o and_o undeniable_o prove_v from_o scripture_n which_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v because_o the_o word_n eternal_a and_o everlasting_a and_o what_o amount_v to_o that_o be_v always_o use_v upon_o this_o account_n as_o everlasting_a fire_n matth._n 25.41_o and_o everlasting_a burn_n isa_n 33.14_o and_o the_o fire_n that_o be_v unquenchable_a and_o that_o never_o go_v out_o mark_v 9.46_o luke_n 3.17_o but_o to_o this_o they_o say_v that_o the_o word_n eternal_n be_v often_o use_v in_o scripture_n in_o a_o limit_a sense_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v as_o the_o jewish_a priesthood_n be_v call_v a_o everlasting_a priesthood_n exod._n 40.15_o and_o their_o law_n of_o atonement_n be_v call_v a_o everlasting_a statute_n leu._n 16.34_o though_o neither_o be_v to_o be_v so_o strict_o nor_o to_o last_o long_o than_o the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n so_o sodom_n and_o gomorrha_n and_o the_o city_n about_o they_o be_v say_v to_o suffer_v the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n in_o ver_fw-la 7._o of_o st._n judes_n epistle_n because_o it_o bring_v eternal_a destruction_n to_o they_o though_o there_o be_v now_o none_o of_o that_o fire_n remain_v so_o shall_v the_o fire_n of_o hell_n say_v they_o destroy_v and_o annihilate_v the_o wicked_a and_o so_o as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v bring_v 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understand_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o literal_a sense_n so_o that_o they_o lose_v all_o be_v but_o yet_o be_v not_o eternal_o torment_v be_v plain_a from_o those_o place_n where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v no_o rest_n day_n nor_o night_n rev._n 14.11_o which_o suppose_v they_o not_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o nonexistence_n but_o of_o actual_a pain_n it_o be_v say_v there_o also_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v torment_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n and_o that_o the_o smoke_n of_o their_o torment_n ascend_v up_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o ver_fw-la 10.11_o which_o can_v never_o without_o violence_n be_v understand_v of_o the_o fire_n which_o still_o last_v and_o which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v eternal_a whilst_o they_o be_v not_o torment_v in_o it_o but_o destroy_v by_o it_o though_o it_o remain_v still_o as_o a_o monument_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o vengeance_n upon_o sinner_n for_o the_o smoke_n of_o their_o torment_n ascend_v for_o ever_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v for_o 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night_n rev._n 14.11_o but_o not_o to_o dispute_v further_o of_o these_o matter_n let_v the_o sinner_n serious_o conssder_v and_o meditate_v of_o these_o infinite_o great_a and_o infinite_o last_v and_o never_o end_a torment_n if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o hell_n it_o concern_v he_o high_o to_o repent_v and_o so_o take_v care_n to_o avoid_v it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v this_o to_o be_v true_a but_o secret_o disbelieve_v it_o he_o must_v disbelieve_v all_o religion_n and_o all_o revelation_n and_o run_v into_o the_o utmost_a madness_n of_o scepticism_n and_o atheism_n and_o then_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o his_o belief_n make_v thing_n to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o whatever_o he_o think_v of_o they_o they_o be_v and_o will_v be_v what_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o can_v never_o know_v they_o to_o be_v false_a however_o he_o be_v incline_v to_o believe_v they_o so_o and_o therefore_o be_v they_o never_o so_o uncertain_a and_o be_v it_o but_o mere_o probable_a or_o indeed_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n yet_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n shall_v run_v the_o venture_n and_o lie_v open_a to_o so_o prodigious_a and_o dreadful_a a_o hazard_n as_o a_o eternity_n of_o misery_n but_o to_o such_o christian_n that_o firm_o believe_v they_o and_o have_v all_o reason_n so_o to_o do_v both_o from_o revelation_n and_o reason_n too_o for_o all_o mankind_n have_v ever_o some_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o sad_a punishment_n in_o another_o world_n for_o wickedness_n to_o they_o it_o be_v unaccountable_a folly_n and_o madness_n to_o live_v in_o such_o sin_n and_o in_o such_o course_n as_o will_v throw_v they_o into_o this_o unquenchable_a fire_n and_o consign_v they_o to_o this_o dreadful_a and_o everlasting_a state_n of_o misery_n be_v there_o any_o sin_n who_o charm_n be_v so_o great_a who_o gain_n be_v so_o tempt_v that_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o these_o for_o a_o little_a season_n it_o be_v worth_a endure_v the_o torment_n of_o hell_n for_o ever_o if_o these_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o persuade_v man_n to_o repent_v and_o leave_v their_o sin_n nothing_o will_n yet_o there_o be_v one_o or_o two_o other_o motive_n or_o argument_n to_o repentance_n from_o christianity_n which_o i_o must_v propose_v after_o this_o of_o hell_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n namely_o sect_n v._o other_o gospel_n motive_n to_o repentance_n 6._o another_o motive_n which_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o shall_v encourage_v to_o repentance_n above_o all_o other_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o peform_v it_o to_o assist_v we_o to_o overcome_v all_o our_o evil_a habit_n and_o to_o master_v
or_o happiness_n nor_o be_v free_v from_o sin_n and_o misery_n nor_o can_v a_o holy_a and_o wise_a god_n be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o or_o forgive_v he_o upon_o all_o these_o account_n we_o see_v his_o repentance_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o entitle_v he_o to_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n and_o without_o this_o he_o must_v certain_o and_o unavoidable_o perish_v now_o 8._o this_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o it_o be_v a_o strong_a and_o powerful_a argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o it_o whilst_o man_n have_v any_o hope_n of_o escape_v with_o their_o sin_n this_o with_o the_o pleasure_n and_o temptation_n of_o they_o will_v encourage_v they_o to_o persist_v in_o they_o and_o to_o enjoy_v their_o lust_n and_o their_o liberty_n which_o they_o have_v make_v very_o hard_a and_o uneasy_a to_o deny_v themselves_o but_o when_o they_o find_v they_o must_v either_o do_v this_o or_o else_o necessary_o perish_v for_o ever_o this_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v prevail_v upon_o man_n who_o believe_v and_o consider_v the_o dreadful_a horror_n of_o everlasting_a damnation_n now_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o repentance_n be_v as_o plain_a by_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o power_n and_o validity_n of_o it_o we_o be_v as_o much_o assure_v that_o without_o it_o we_o shall_v be_v damn_v as_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v with_o it_o now_o this_o above_o all_o commend_v a_o medicine_n to_o we_o that_o it_o will_v cure_v we_o if_o we_o use_v it_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v die_v if_o we_o do_v not_o however_o bitter_a and_o unpalatable_a it_o may_v be_v however_o it_o may_v disorder_v we_o while_o it_o be_v work_v upon_o we_o and_o however_o painful_a the_o operation_n may_v be_v yet_o if_o we_o must_v lose_v our_o life_n without_o it_o this_o will_v make_v we_o choose_v and_o endure_v it_o and_o go_v through_o with_o it_o though_o we_o must_v cut_v off_o a_o right-hand_a yet_o if_o the_o gangrene_n will_v kill_v we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o shall_v submit_v to_o it_o though_o it_o be_v very_o painful_a to_o part_v with_o our_o lust_n and_o our_o belove_a sin_n yet_o since_o we_o must_v be_v damn_v if_o we_o do_v not_o this_o will_v bring_v we_o to_o it_o if_o a_o man_n must_v sink_v unless_o he_o throw_v away_o his_o rich_a lade_n and_o discharge_v himself_o of_o his_o weighty_a treasure_n he_o will_v lose_v that_o rather_o than_o his_o life_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o mad_a he_o will_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n cast_v away_o his_o sin_n rather_o than_o his_o soul_n no_o man_n dispute_v this_o when_o he_o be_v bring_v into_o such_o a_o necessity_n such_o a_o strait_a and_o exigency_n as_o to_o be_v thus_o try_v now_o christ_n have_v by_o the_o gospel_n put_v this_o necessity_n upon_o we_o either_o repent_v and_o leave_v your_o sin_n or_o perish_v with_o they_o there_o be_v no_o avoid_v this_o no_o possibility_n to_o prevent_v it_o any_o way_n and_o therefore_o when_o there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v and_o such_o a_o necessity_n for_o do_v it_o one_o will_v think_v it_o shall_v do_v itself_o but_o this_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o reason_n of_o choice_n of_o thought_n of_o deliberation_n that_o require_v our_o mind_n to_o think_v of_o it_o and_o consider_v it_o or_o else_o it_o will_v not_o work_v upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v throw_v off_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o it_o by_o not_o think_v or_o not_o consider_v of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o do_v as_o we_o ought_v due_o consider_v of_o it_o it_o will_v have_v a_o irresistible_a force_n and_o power_n upon_o we_o and_o no_o man_n can_v hinder_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o but_o he_o that_o will_v shut_v his_o eye_n and_o not_o see_v a_o precipice_n may_v fall_v down_o it_o and_o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o avoid_v any_o danger_n be_v take_v off_o by_o not_o hee_v or_o not_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v never_o the_o less_o great_a in_o itself_o for_o all_o that_o and_o the_o necessity_n will_v work_v upon_o any_o but_o those_o who_o be_v heedless_a and_o inconsiderate_a sad_n be_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o those_o under_o the_o gospel_n who_o live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o impenitence_n or_o in_o the_o habit_n of_o any_o unrepented_a sin_n they_o be_v under_o as_o absolute_a a_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n as_o if_o the_o great_a judge_n have_v pronounce_v it_o upon_o they_o and_o bid_v they_o go_v you_o curse_v whilst_o they_o continue_v such_o there_o be_v no_o more_o hope_n of_o mercy_n for_o they_o than_o for_o the_o damn_a themselves_o their_o state_n indeed_o be_v not_o as_o unalterable_a as_o the_o other_o be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a difference_n for_o they_o be_v otherwise_o as_o much_o child_n of_o wrath_n as_o they_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v in_o chain_n of_o darkness_n nor_o confine_v to_o this_o state_n by_o a_o irreversible_a judgement_n but_o they_o be_v fetter_v to_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o their_o state_n by_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o till_o they_o break_v those_o bond_n and_o get_v free_a from_o they_o they_o can_v never_o come_v out_o of_o that_o sad_a condition_n which_o shall_v make_v every_o impenitent_a sinner_n tremble_v and_o serious_o bethink_v himself_o what_o a_o sad_a state_n and_o condition_n he_o be_v in_o what_o a_o doom_n hang_v over_o his_o head_n and_o how_o near_o his_o step_n take_v hold_v of_o death_n how_o he_o walk_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n and_o the_o least_o fatal_a accident_n or_o sudden_a death_n do_v irrecoverable_o throw_v he_o in_o without_o redemption_n which_o shall_v make_v his_o heart_n tremble_v and_o his_o blood_n chill_a and_o his_o hair_n stand_v a_o end_n if_o he_o consider_v it_o as_o he_o ought_v let_v he_o therefore_o resolve_v to_o snatch_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n and_o speedy_o recover_v himself_o from_o the_o jaw_n of_o death_n repentance_n alone_o can_v do_v this_o and_o this_o he_o shall_v set_v about_o immediate_o and_o be_v persuade_v to_o it_o by_o those_o powerful_a motive_n and_o argument_n which_o the_o gospel_n and_o christianity_n propose_v and_o which_o i_o have_v from_o thence_o offer_v to_o he_o i_o shall_v subjoin_v to_o these_o another_o motive_n or_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n which_o i_o can_v call_v so_o proper_o evangelical_n and_o peculiar_a to_o the_o gospel_n but_o what_o arise_v from_o both_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o some_o gospel_n consideration_n mix_v together_o and_o complicate_v with_o those_o and_o that_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o death_n and_o our_o be_v make_v ready_a and_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o that_o nothing_o else_o can_v free_v we_o from_o the_o fear_n and_o terror_n of_o it_o sect_n vi_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n as_o a_o preparation_n for_o death_n or_o in_o order_n to_o make_v we_o ready_a to_o die_v the_o last_o motive_n than_o i_o shall_v propose_v to_o repentance_n be_v this_o that_o nothing_o else_o can_v prepare_v and_o make_v we_o ready_a and_o fit_a to_o die_v and_o therefore_o nothing_o else_o can_v take_v off_o the_o fear_n and_o terror_n of_o death_n to_o which_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o must_v otherwise_o be_v expose_v and_o so_o all_o our_o life_n time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v dye_v we_o know_v we_o must_v in_o a_o little_a while_n and_o there_o be_v none_o so_o foolish_o sceptical_a as_o to_o deny_v or_o disbelieve_v this_o and_o to_o hope_v to_o escape_v the_o grave_a where_o he_o have_v see_v all_o his_o forefather_n lay_v before_o he_o and_o which_o be_v the_o common_a lot_n or_o fate_n of_o every_o mortal_a there_o be_v nothing_o therefore_o more_o concern_v we_o while_o we_o live_v than_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a and_o prepare_v to_o die_v this_o shall_v be_v our_o great_a work_n and_o business_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o true_a end_n of_o live_v or_o understand_v the_o mighty_a consequence_n of_o die_v as_o religion_n represent_v they_o both_o to_o we_o and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o think_v he_o shall_v never_o die_v shall_v above_o all_o thing_n take_v care_n so_o to_o live_v that_o he_o may_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o die_v and_o of_o the_o two_o it_o be_v a_o great_a folly_n to_o think_v we_o shall_v die_v and_o not_o prepare_v for_o it_o than_o to_o think_v we_o shall_v not_o die_v at_o all_o this_o it_o be_v then_o which_o a_o wise_a man_n be_v concern_v to_o do_v all_o his_o life_n to_o be_v ready_a and_o prepare_v for_o death_n which_o he_o know_v will_v certain_o come_v and_o because_o it_o be_v uncertain_a when_o it_o will_v come_v therefore_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a and_o always_o provide_v for_o it_o there_o be_v so_o much_o danger_n and_o hazard_n not_o to_o do_v this_o
and_o the_o folly_n of_o it_o be_v so_o visible_a and_o so_o amaze_a that_o no_o man_n of_o common_a prudence_n no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n one_o will_v think_v shall_v neglect_v to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v so_o important_a so_o weighty_a so_o absolute_o necessary_a a_o duty_n that_o our_o saviour_n most_o earnest_o press_v it_o in_o several_a discourse_n and_o propose_v it_o in_o two_o or_o three_o parable_n that_o it_o may_v make_v a_o more_o strong_a and_o lively_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n mat._n 25._o at_o the_o beginning_n where_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o unexpected_a come_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n at_o midnight_n ver_fw-la 6._o in_o other_o to_o a_o master_n surprise_v his_o servant_n unaware_o at_o the_o second_o or_o three_o watch_n luke_n 12.38_o matth._n 24._o at_o the_o latter_a end_n and_o in_o both_o the_o evangelist_n to_o a_o thief_n steal_v upon_o a_o man_n at_o a_o unknown_a and_o uncertain_a hour_n of_o the_o night_n the_o design_n of_o all_o which_o be_v to_o press_v this_o great_a duty_n upon_o we_o of_o be_v always_o watchful_a and_o always_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o always_o prepare_v for_o our_o lord_n come_v this_o be_v the_o inference_n which_o christ_n draw_v from_o all_o those_o parable_n and_o discourse_n be_v you_o therefore_o ready_a for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v at_o a_o hour_n when_o you_o think_v not_o luke_n 12.40_o christ_n often_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o as_o such_o he_o be_v to_o be_v our_o judge_n and_o as_o a_o judge_n he_o be_v say_v to_o come_v when_o ever_o he_o pass_v judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o st._n james_n represent_v the_o nearness_n of_o his_o judgement_n by_o that_o phrase_n behold_v the_o judge_n stand_v before_o the_o door_n jam._n 5.9_o and_o his_o execute_n judgement_n and_o destruction_n upon_o jerusalem_n be_v call_v his_o come_n matth._n 24.3_o and_o as_o his_o final_a public_a judgement_n of_o all_o the_o world_n at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v call_v his_o come_n 1_o cor._n 15.23_o and_o several_a time_n in_o that_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n so_o his_o private_a judge_v of_o we_o at_o our_o death_n be_v his_o come_n also_o mean_v by_o these_o several_a parable_n and_o for_o that_o come_n of_o his_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v always_o ready_a i._n e._n always_o prepare_v for_o die_v here_o i_o shall_v show_v i._o that_o this_o readiness_n or_o preparation_n consist_v only_o in_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n as_o the_o fruit_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o ii_o the_o great_a obligation_n we_o have_v to_o be_v always_o thus_o ready_a and_o prepare_v for_o death_n i._o this_o readiness_n or_o preparation_n for_o death_n consist_v only_o in_o repentance_n and_o a_o good_a life_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o for_o nothing_o else_o can_v fit_v we_o to_o die_v but_o to_o repent_v and_o live_v well_o neither_o can_v there_o be_v any_o other_o readiness_n and_o preparation_n for_o death_n but_o only_o that_o for_o we_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o we_o can_v be_v ready_a on_o a_o sudden_a and_o that_o though_o we_o be_v utter_o unprepared_a before_o that_o at_o a_o few_o day_n or_o hour_n warning_n we_o can_v make_v ourselves_o ready_a and_o fit_a to_o die_v no_o our_o whole_a life_n at_o least_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v spend_v in_o make_v ourselves_o ready_a for_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o our_o soul_n can_v like_o our_o body_n be_v dress_v in_o a_o few_o moment_n or_o that_o we_o can_v be_v fit_a to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n when_o he_o call_v we_o in_o haste_n and_o on_o a_o sudden_a virtuous_a habit_n be_v not_o put_v on_o in_o a_o moment_n nor_o can_v vicious_a one_o be_v so_o easy_o and_o quick_o cast_v off_o as_o our_o clothes_n be_v no_o rather_o like_o disease_n that_o be_v chronical_a and_o have_v by_o long_a time_n be_v grow_v upon_o we_o they_o require_v long_a time_n and_o great_a care_n and_o much_o pain_n and_o many_o remedy_n and_o a_o timely_a course_n before_o they_o can_v be_v cure_v and_o get_v off_o and_o before_o we_o can_v be_v well_o and_o so_o ready_a to_o meet_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o a_o few_o penitential_a tear_n upon_o a_o deathbed_n will_v wash_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n or_o cleanse_v a_o guilty_a and_o pollute_a soul_n that_o have_v be_v many_o year_n contract_v a_o habitual_a uncleanness_n who_o sin_n stick_v to_o it_o like_o a_o old_a leprosy_n and_o have_v eat_v like_o rust_n or_o a_o canker_n into_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o they_o must_v be_v all_o get_v out_o by_o repentance_n and_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v make_v sound_n and_o clear_a and_o recover_v itself_o into_o a_o virtuous_a and_o good_a habit_n before_o it_o can_v be_v ready_a for_o another_o world_n and_o due_o prepare_v for_o a_o future_a state_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n to_o be_v make_v according_a to_o the_o past_a course_n of_o man_n life_n there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a many_o such_o happy_a soul_n who_o by_o a_o very_a careful_a education_n and_o the_o good_a example_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o other_o and_o by_o a_o virtuous_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n in_o themselves_o and_o above_o all_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v be_v always_o keep_v from_o great_a and_o mortal_a sin_n and_o so_o never_o fall_v into_o a_o bad_a and_o damnable_a state_n all_o their_o life_n but_o be_v always_o virtuous_a and_o innocent_a as_o to_o any_o such_o offence_n as_o shall_v forfeit_v and_o endanger_v their_o salvation_n by_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n without_o that_o we_o be_v all_o in_o a_o damnable_a state_n and_o the_o scripture_n have_v conclude_v all_o under_o sin_n without_o that_o gal._n 3.22_o for_o we_o have_v all_o sin_v and_o come_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o of_o that_o strict_a and_o exact_a obedience_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o we_o and_o be_v severe_a and_o rigorous_a in_o demand_v his_o utmost_a right_n over_o we_o we_o can_v not_o contend_v with_o he_o nor_o answer_v he_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o as_o job_n say_v job_n 9.3_o and_o no_o man_n can_v upon_o these_o term_n be_v just_a with_o god_n as_o he_o there_o say_v for_o so_o in_o his_o sight_n shall_v no_o man_n live_v be_v justify_v psal_n 143.2_o but_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o which_o god_n will_v now_o deal_v with_o mankind_n many_o i_o doubt_v not_o have_v be_v so_o justify_v that_o through_o their_o whole_a life_n they_o never_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n for_o nothing_o put_v we_o into_o that_o under_o christianity_n but_o a_o great_a and_o know_v and_o wilful_a sin_n or_o rather_o a_o course_n and_o habit_n of_o such_o sin_n and_o though_o no_o man_n live_v without_o sin_n that_o be_v without_o some_o frailty_n and_o imperfection_n and_o lesser_a sin_n which_o come_v not_o up_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n for_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o beg_v pardon_n and_o say_v god_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n yet_o god_n forbid_v that_o those_o shall_v put_v we_o into_o a_o ill_a state_n for_o then_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n will_v be_v ever_o out_o of_o it_o but_o oh_o thrice_o happy_a be_v those_o soul_n who_o have_v not_o defile_v themselves_o with_o any_o great_a and_o damnable_a sin_n who_o have_v always_o keep_v to_o their_o first_o love_n and_o preserve_v their_o first_o virtue_n unstained_a and_o unspotted_a and_o have_v be_v so_o train_v up_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o goodness_n that_o they_o never_o wander_v or_o go_v astray_o from_o they_o nor_o never_o step_v into_o the_o path_n of_o wilful_a sin_n so_o that_o their_o step_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n take_v hold_v of_o death_n who_o never_o pass_v out_o of_o that_o line_n which_o divide_v the_o two_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o damnation_n nor_o ever_o approach_v so_o near_o to_o the_o brink_n of_o hell_n as_o to_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o it_o these_o have_v reason_n to_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n all_o their_o life_n who_o have_v thus_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o jaw_n of_o death_n and_o destruction_n and_o whilst_o they_o persevere_v and_o go_v on_o in_o this_o good_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o pass_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n and_o from_o one_o degree_n of_o grace_n to_o another_o and_o grow_v up_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o
here_o it_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v off_o from_o it_o that_o will_v ruin_v it_o and_o make_v it_o miserable_a for_o ever_o for_o if_o we_o love_v any_o one_o sin_n more_o than_o heaven_n we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o lose_v and_o part_n with_o heaven_n for_o it_o and_o if_o any_o lust_n or_o vicious_a inclination_n be_v so_o dear_a to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o give_v it_o up_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o happiness_n we_o give_v up_o our_o happiness_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o for_o they_o two_o be_v so_o inconsistent_a that_o we_o can_v keep_v both_o let_v not_o therefore_o any_o sin_n remain_v unmortified_a in_o thy_o soul_n if_o thou_o will_v put_v thyself_o into_o such_o a_o readiness_n and_o disposition_n as_o shall_v fit_v thou_o to_o enter_v upon_o a_o happy_a future_a state_n and_o 2._o let_v all_o virtuous_a habit_n and_o religious_a disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v then_o excite_v and_o exercise_v and_o increase_v to_o the_o high_a perfection_n it_o be_v these_o will_v fit_v our_o soul_n for_o heaven_n and_o be_v the_o true_a wedding_n garment_n for_o the_o marriage-feast_n and_o it_o be_v these_o be_v mean_v by_o that_o expression_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o have_v our_o lamp_n burn_v in_o order_n to_o our_o wait_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n let_v our_o devotion_n therefore_o be_v then_o kindle_v into_o the_o high_a flame_n and_o ardour_n and_o our_o soul_n expire_v and_o ascend_v up_o in_o it_o to_o the_o region_n above_o let_v we_o raise_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o high_a love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o let_v our_o soul_n be_v ravish_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o wonderful_a love_n and_o kindness_n to_o we_o let_v we_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o to_o those_o joy_n which_o god_n have_v there_o prepare_v for_o we_o and_o let_v we_o desire_v as_o soon_o as_o god_n please_v to_o be_v translate_v to_o they_o let_v we_o look_v down_o upon_o this_o world_n with_o mean_a and_o despicable_a thought_n and_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o a_o poor_a and_o a_o miserable_a place_n it_o be_v and_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o it_o and_o let_v we_o exercise_v all_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v and_o confidence_n in_o our_o faithful_a creator_n and_o merciful_a redeemer_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o throw_v ourselves_o whole_o and_o cheerful_o upon_o they_o and_o to_o trust_v they_o with_o out_o soul_n when_o they_o be_v go_v into_o a_o unknown_a place_n and_o to_o the_o invisible_a hades_n when_o we_o believe_v our_o lord_n be_v near_o and_o come_v in_o a_o few_o minute_n thus_o shall_v we_o wait_v for_o he_o with_o our_o loin_n gird_v up_o and_o our_o lamp_n burn_v as_o our_o saviour_n expression_n be_v and_o our_o mind_n put_v into_o such_o a_o religious_a frame_n and_o disposition_n that_o we_o may_v be_v as_o like_o heaven_n as_o we_o can_v and_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v ready_a to_o go_v in_o with_o the_o bridegroom_n and_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o marriage-feast_n of_o the_o lamb_n for_o evermore_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o these_o habit_n and_o religious_a disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v get_v on_o a_o sudden_a but_o we_o must_v bring_v our_o mind_n to_o they_o by_o previous_a act_n and_o long_a preparation_n and_o frequent_a exercise_n beforehand_o and_o habituate_v ourselves_o to_o these_o divine_a and_o religious_a duty_n and_o exercise_n or_o else_o we_o shall_v find_v like_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n that_o we_o want_v oil_n and_o have_v nothing_o in_o our_o soul_n that_o shall_v feed_v and_o nourish_v and_o kindle_v and_o maintain_v these_o heavenly_a habit_n and_o disposition_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a readiness_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o to_o give_v the_o plain_a advice_n i_o can_v in_o so_o important_a a_o matter_n i_o shall_v propose_v two_o easy_a direction_n which_o i_o will_v have_v every_o one_o observe_v that_o will_v make_v himself_o the_o most_o ready_a for_o death_n and_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man._n the_o one_a be_v to_o be_v do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o can_v to_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o man_n to_o be_v as_o the_o parable_n represent_v it_o mat._n 24._o at_o the_o latter_a end_n do_v earnest_o the_o business_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o take_v all_o the_o care_n we_o can_v of_o his_o family_n and_o give_v they_o their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n and_o discharge_v all_o that_o trust_v faithful_o and_o diligent_o which_o our_o lord_n have_v commit_v to_o we_o and_o not_o smite_v our_o fellow_n servant_n or_o do_v any_o the_o least_o injury_n to_o other_o or_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o the_o drunken_a and_o live_v careless_o and_o idle_o as_o the_o evil_a servant_n be_v say_v to_o do_v who_o put_v away_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o lord_n come_v ver_fw-la 48._o those_o who_o do_v that_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v negligent_a and_o wicked_a but_o he_o that_o be_v always_o watchful_a and_o always_o wait_v for_o the_o lord_n come_v as_o the_o parable_n describe_v the_o good_a servant_n will_v be_v faithful_a and_o diligent_a in_o perform_v every_o duty_n and_o every_o office_n that_o his_o lord_n require_v of_o he_o and_o will_v be_v contrive_v and_o design_v to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a he_o can_v to_o please_v his_o lord_n and_o purchase_v his_o favour_n for_o he_o know_v that_o a_o idle_a servant_n shall_v be_v punish_v as_o well_o as_o a_o wicked_a one_o and_o that_o the_o omission_n of_o a_o necessary_a duty_n command_v we_o by_o our_o lord_n will_v be_v as_o much_o charge_v upon_o we_o as_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v forbid_v we_o he_o will_v therefore_o be_v careful_a and_o diligent_a to_o do_v all_o his_o master_n command_n to_o fulfil_v all_o his_o will_n to_o help_v and_o relieve_v his_o fellow-servant_n and_o do_v all_o the_o good_a he_o can_v in_o his_o master_n family_n encourage_v other_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n exhort_v advise_v reprove_v and_o admonish_v they_o and_o prepare_v they_o as_o well_o as_o himself_o for_o his_o lord_n come_v and_o bless_a be_v that_o servant_n who_o when_o his_o lord_n come_v he_o shall_v find_v thus_o do_v and_o thus_o employ_v but_o 2._o he_o that_o will_v be_v thus_o ready_a must_v never_o allow_v himself_o in_o any_o sin_n or_o in_o the_o do_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o know_v be_v unlawful_a and_o forbid_v by_o his_o lord_n for_o if_o his_o lord_n come_v and_o find_v he_o in_o that_o he_o shall_v cut_v he_o asunder_o and_o appoint_v he_o his_o portion_n with_o the_o hypocrite_n there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n mat._n 24.51_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n for_o he_o if_o he_o be_v thus_o surprise_v in_o his_o wickedness_n and_o death_n overtake_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o sin_n like_o the_o revenger_n of_o blood_n before_o he_o can_v get_v into_o any_o city_n of_o refuge_n he_o that_o venture_v upon_o a_o wilful_a sin_n venture_v upon_o the_o very_a brink_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n and_o if_o a_o sudden_a death_n turn_v he_o over_o he_o fall_v in_o irrecoverable_o and_o at_o best_o he_o that_o suffer_v himself_o to_o live_v in_o a_o bad_a state_n i._n e._n in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n hang_v over_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n by_o no_o other_o hold_v but_o the_o weak_a and_o brittle_a thread_n of_o life_n and_o if_o that_o break_v or_o be_v cut_v asunder_o he_o drop_v into_o that_o dreadful_a place_n of_o horror_n no_o man_n therefore_o who_o be_v master_n of_o his_o wit_n and_o know_v he_o be_v not_o master_n of_o his_o life_n shall_v dare_v to_o live_v one_o moment_n in_o so_o much_o peril_n expose_v to_o such_o danger_n and_o hazard_n and_o venture_v his_o soul_n and_o his_o last_o stake_n upon_o so_o ticklish_a a_o cast_n as_o this_o uncertain_a life_n be_v but_o he_o shall_v instant_o whilst_o he_o have_v this_o thought_n offer_v to_o his_o mind_n catch_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n out_o of_o the_o eternal_a flame_n of_o hell_n into_o which_o so_o far_o as_o he_o know_v he_o may_v be_v just_o a_o fall_n for_o they_o surround_v he_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o he_o as_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v in_o his_o sin_n and_o the_o gulf_n be_v open_a and_o ready_a to_o suck_v he_o in_o and_o swallow_v he_o up_o till_o he_o plunge_v out_o and_z rescues_z himself_o by_o a_o speedy_a repentance_n let_v no_o man_n then_o make_v one_o hour_n one_o minute_n delay_n who_o know_v not_o how_o few_o hour_n or_o minute_n he_o may_v have_v ii_o for_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o give_v some_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v be_v thus_o ready_a who_o know_v at_o what_o hour_n the_o son_n of_o man_n
nor_o no_o excuse_n to_o make_v for_o himself_o who_o have_v neglect_v and_o despise_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o he_o and_o who_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o any_o true_a repentance_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_o and_o therefore_o he_o must_v now_o repent_v in_o vain_a for_o ever_o who_o can_v express_v the_o bitter_a thought_n the_o fear_n the_o horror_n the_o agony_n of_o such_o a_o soul_n at_o that_o time_n and_o who_o will_v ever_o feel_v they_o who_o have_v now_o power_n and_o opportunity_n to_o avoid_v they_o death_n carry_v something_o of_o terror_n in_o it_o to_o all_o man_n as_o it_o be_v a_o punishment_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o dark_a passage_n to_o the_o unknown_a region_n that_o be_v below_o and_o it_o may_v be_v either_o great_a presumption_n or_o great_a stupidity_n to_o have_v no_o fear_n of_o it_o a_o good_a man_n may_v not_o overcome_v all_o the_o natural_a fear_n of_o death_n but_o the_o wicked_a have_v all_o reason_n to_o be_v scare_v and_o terrify_v with_o it_o when_o it_o come_v near_o he_o or_o he_o think_v of_o it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n consider_v the_o terror_n of_o death_n and_o how_o we_o be_v only_o free_v from_o this_o by_o repentance_n and_o religion_n by_o the_o hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o christianity_n and_o our_o have_v sincere_o repent_v of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o so_o as_o i_o have_v show_v fit_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o thereby_o for_o death_n sect_n vii_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o how_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o by_o repentance_n and_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o natural_a evil_n so_o great_a as_o death_n the_o king_n of_o terror_n and_o the_o chief_a of_o those_o dreadful_a thing_n that_o humane_a nature_n be_v afraid_a of_o skin_n for_o skin_n and_o all_o that_o a_o man_n have_v will_v he_o give_v for_o his_o life_n job_n 2.4_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o part_v with_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o may_v compound_v with_o it_o nay_o what_o will_v not_o he_o not_o give_v to_o purchase_v a_o short_a reprieve_n from_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a that_o he_o may_v but_o set_v they_o back_o a_o while_n and_o gain_v a_o little_a more_o time_n to_o live_v how_o be_v the_o poor_a man_n willing_a to_o endure_v any_o thing_n to_o linger_v out_o a_o miserable_a life_n a_o little_a long_o though_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o pain_n and_o ache_n and_o great_a torment_n of_o body_n perhaps_o then_o he_o will_v feel_v in_o death_n itself_o how_o patient_o will_v he_o submit_v to_o the_o most_o tedious_a penance_n and_o severe_a discipline_n that_o his_o physician_n shall_v lay_v upon_o he_o and_o swallow_v down_o the_o most_o loathsome_a and_o bitter_a draught_n that_o the_o more_o bitter_a cup_n of_o death_n may_v pass_v from_o he_o how_o will_v he_o endure_v the_o utmost_a cruelty_n of_o surgery_n and_o bear_v a_o live_a martyrdom_n rather_o than_o die_v have_v his_o body_n burn_v and_o scarify_v his_o flesh_n cut_v and_o mangle_v to_o the_o bone_n his_o limb_n cut_v off_o or_o saw_v asunder_o that_o so_o he_o may_v die_v by_o piece-meal_n and_o outlive_v some_o part_n of_o himself_o and_o escape_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o death_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o narrow_o and_o run_v away_o from_o it_o though_o he_o leave_v a_o leg_n or_o a_o arm_n behind_o he_o this_o show_v how_o natural_a the_o love_n of_o life_n be_v and_o how_o will_v most_o man_n be_v to_o preserve_v and_o purchase_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n and_o with_o what_o abhorrence_n they_o look_v at_o death_n and_o how_o it_o fright_v and_o startle_v they_o when_o it_o come_v near_o they_o when_o they_o behold_v its_o pale_a look_n and_o its_o terrible_a visage_n and_o see_v the_o ghastly_a monster_n lay_v hand_n on_o they_o and_o ready_a to_o lay_v they_o prostrate_v at_o its_o foot_n how_o do_v it_o then_o appal_v and_o terrify_v they_o and_o make_v their_o blood_n chill_a and_o their_o spirit_n cold_a and_o clammy_a and_o their_o heart_n die_v within_o they_o when_o they_o think_v how_o their_o once_a brisk_a and_o sprightly_a body_n that_o have_v be_v long_o enjoy_v all_o the_o sweet_a pleasure_n of_o life_n and_o sense_n shall_v in_o a_o moment_n time_n be_v deprive_v of_o all_o those_o and_o become_v only_o a_o heavy_a clod_n and_o a_o cold_a and_o senseless_a lump_n of_o flesh_n lay_v out_o upon_o its_o once_o warm_a bed_n and_o then_o lock_v up_o in_o its_o little_a cabin_n and_o so_o lay_v in_o the_o proper_a place_n of_o rottenness_n and_o putrefaction_n where_o it_o be_v to_o molder_v into_o dust_n and_o to_o be_v as_o clean_o forget_v in_o a_o little_a time_n as_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v this_o be_v a_o very_a mortify_n and_o a_o very_a melancholy_a consideration_n to_o most_o man_n and_o when_o they_o consider_v that_o in_o a_o little_a time_n this_o must_v certain_o be_v their_o own_o case_n and_o their_o own_o fatal_a condition_n this_o must_v keep_v they_o in_o perpetual_a fear_n and_o bondage_n if_o there_o be_v no_o provision_n against_o this_o natural_a fear_n of_o death_n if_o religion_n do_v not_o afford_v we_o some_o help_n and_o assistance_n against_o it_o and_o there_o be_v not_o something_o to_o take_v off_o and_o abate_v its_o natural_a terror_n and_o to_o support_v and_o strengthen_v and_o encourage_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o good_a man_n against_o it_o death_n as_o it_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v for_o that_o end_n ordain_v by_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n for_o by_o sin_n enter_v death_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 1.12_o carry_v some_o mark_n of_o his_o anger_n and_o so_o must_v necessary_o have_v some_o degree_n of_o fear_n accompany_v it_o but_o christ_n who_o be_v to_o deliver_v mankind_n from_o the_o great_a punishment_n which_o our_o first_o parent_n draw_v upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n by_o their_o transgression_n and_o be_v to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o they_o and_o our_o own_o sin_n he_o have_v though_o not_o quite_o take_v away_o this_o punishment_n no_o more_o than_o he_o have_v the_o other_o temporal_a one_o occasion_v by_o the_o fall_n for_o we_o must_v still_o die_v and_o still_o have_v some_o fear_n of_o death_n yet_o the_o worst_a effect_n of_o death_n and_o for_o which_o it_o be_v most_o to_o be_v dread_v those_o christ_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o and_o it_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o he_o become_v a_o man_n and_o why_o he_o take_v part_n of_o the_o same_o flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o which_o we_o be_v partaker_n and_o which_o make_v we_o subject_a to_o death_n that_o through_o death_n he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o deliver_v they_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life_n time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n as_o the_o divine_a author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n assure_v we_o heb._n 2.15_o now_o the_o way_n by_o which_o christ_n and_o christianity_n do_v this_o be_v chief_o these_o two_o i._o by_o assure_v we_o of_o another_o life_n ii_o by_o take_v away_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n which_o be_v sin_n upon_o our_o true_a repentance_n i_o shall_v 1._o show_v this_o then_o 2._o inquire_v whether_o a_o true_a penitent_n and_o good_a man_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o fear_n of_o death_n 3._o give_v some_o direction_n about_o thus_o overcome_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o be_v too_o much_o terrify_v with_o it_o when_o it_o approach_v i._o christ_n and_o christianity_n free_v we_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n by_o assure_v we_o of_o another_o life_n and_o of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n after_o death_n death_n will_v be_v very_o terrible_a indeed_o if_o it_o take_v away_o our_o be_v and_o make_v a_o end_n of_o we_o when_o it_o come_v and_o put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o annihilation_n if_o the_o grave_n be_v to_o swallow_v we_o up_o and_o we_o be_v to_o pass_v into_o the_o dark_a abyss_n of_o nonentity_n when_o we_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n if_o when_o we_o expire_v our_o last_o breath_n our_o soul_n be_v to_o pass_v with_o it_o into_o the_o soft_a air_n and_o we_o be_v to_o be_v no_o more_o after_o we_o go_v off_o the_o stage_n of_o this_o world_n nothing_o can_v be_v so_o close_o so_o desirable_a as_o our_o be_v which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o happiness_n and_o enjoyment_n to_o we_o which_o some_o have_v think_v so_o considerable_a that_o they_o have_v suppose_v it_o more_o eligible_a to_o be_v miserable_a than_o not_o to_o be_v at_o all_o though_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v of_o their_o mind_n and_o think_v be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o be_v miserable_a to_o
be_v no_o desirable_a thing_n if_o the_o misery_n be_v great_a than_o the_o comfort_n of_o be_v and_o bare_a existence_n be_v a_o very_a thin_a evanid_n abstract_a thing_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o solid_a and_o substantial_a misery_n but_o the_o close_a principle_n of_o self-love_n and_o self-preservation_n must_v make_v we_o very_o unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o our_o being_n and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v to_o resign_v up_o those_o by_o death_n it_o will_v be_v very_o terrible_a and_o how_o can_v we_o be_v sure_a we_o do_v not_o if_o we_o have_v not_o firm_a and_o certain_a ground_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o or_o if_o we_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o uncertain_a guess_n and_o conjecture_n of_o it_o from_o natural_a light_n most_o man_n indeed_o have_v some_o dark_a intimation_n of_o this_o from_o thence_o and_o do_v either_o hope_n or_o fear_v there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n rather_o than_o believe_v it_o but_o now_o christ_n have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v through_o the_o gospel_n 2_o tim._n 1.10_o he_o have_v utter_o dispel_v that_o cloud_n which_o keep_v those_o of_o this_o world_n from_o see_v into_o another_o and_o have_v clear_o and_o manifest_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o certainty_n of_o another_o and_o a_o immortal_a state_n and_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n give_v visible_a and_o ocular_a demonstration_n of_o it_o and_o how_o shall_v this_o take_v off_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n when_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o another_o life_n after_o it_o when_o it_o be_v only_o a_o passage_n to_o another_o and_o a_o better_a world_n too_o if_o it_o be_v not_o through_o our_o own_o fault_n if_o we_o be_v not_o unprepared_a and_o unfit_a for_o it_o if_o we_o be_v than_o indeed_o this_o be_v no_o great_a comfort_n to_o we_o but_o we_o may_v wish_v that_o death_n will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o be_v but_o if_o we_o have_v repent_v we_o of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v true_o prepare_v for_o death_n this_o shall_v much_o lessen_v and_o abate_v the_o fear_n of_o it_o when_o though_o we_o may_v be_v a_o little_a unwilling_a to_o leave_v our_o old_a state_n and_o circumstance_n our_o old_a dwelling_n and_o habitation_n our_o old_a friend_n and_o acquaintance_n and_o to_o go_v into_o a_o new_a and_o unknown_a place_n yet_o we_o be_v sure_a in_o the_o general_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v much_o better_o provide_v for_o and_o in_o a_o much_o better_a condition_n than_o we_o be_v here_o and_o though_o the_o passage_n seem_v to_o we_o rough_a and_o dangerous_a and_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o leave_v the_o shore_n and_o to_o launch_v into_o the_o mighty_a deep_a of_o eternity_n yet_o this_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o childish_a fondness_n in_o we_o to_o what_o we_o have_v be_v use_v to_o and_o like_o the_o humour_n of_o he_o that_o will_v not_o leave_v his_o poor_a and_o pitiful_a cottage_n that_o he_o have_v always_o live_v in_o though_o he_o be_v to_o go_v and_o take_v possession_n of_o a_o kingdom_n in_o another_o country_n do_v not_o mankind_n that_o have_v more_o wisdom_n and_o a_o large_a spirit_n willing_o leave_v their_o own_o native_a country_n and_o kinsfolk_n and_o relation_n and_o transport_v themselves_o to_o a_o unknown_a place_n where_o there_o be_v any_o fair_a hope_n and_o probability_n of_o mend_v their_o fortune_n and_o live_v in_o a_o more_o happy_a and_o comfortable_a condition_n and_o have_v we_o not_o as_o good_a evidence_n and_o as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o heaven_n be_v as_o rich_a and_o happy_a a_o country_n as_o the_o indies_n or_o any_o other_o place_n where_o we_o have_v never_o be_v and_o have_v only_a relation_n of_o they_o from_o other_o have_v not_o christ_n give_v we_o as_o much_o assurance_n of_o this_o as_o we_o can_v desire_v and_o have_v not_o the_o scripture_n describe_v and_o draw_v the_o chart_n and_o map_n of_o those_o heavenly_a region_n and_o give_v we_o as_o true_a and_o full_a a_o account_n of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o riches_n of_o they_o as_o we_o can_v wish_v for_o or_o expect_v in_o this_o mortal_a state_n if_o we_o know_v they_o so_o full_o and_o particular_o as_o we_o shall_v do_v hereafter_o we_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o love_v life_n as_o we_o now_o fear_v death_n but_o god_n have_v conceal_v the_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o they_o from_o we_o at_o present_a that_o we_o may_v be_v willing_a to_o live_v here_o but_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o a_o future_a and_o glorious_a immortality_n which_o we_o have_v by_o jesus_n christ_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o death_n do_v not_o conclude_v our_o be_v but_o only_o translate_v we_o to_o a_o much_o better_a state_n if_o we_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o by_o repentance_n this_o shall_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n ii_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n as_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v 1_o cor._n 15.56_o and_o so_o have_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o servile_a fear_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n as_o he_o there_o say_v be_v sin_n it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o dart_n of_o death_n so_o sharp_a and_o poisonous_a because_o they_o be_v envenom_v with_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o dip_v in_o our_o own_o gild_n be_v that_o but_o once_o draw_v out_o we_o may_v play_v with_o the_o harmless_a serpent_n and_o it_o will_v not_o bite_v or_o wound_v we_o can_v we_o disarm_v death_n of_o those_o terror_n with_o which_o our_o own_o sin_n dress_v it_o up_o it_o will_v not_o appear_v so_o ugly_a and_o so_o frightful_a to_o we_o it_o be_v they_o which_o put_v we_o in_o a_o state_n of_o bondage_n and_o servility_n and_o depress_v and_o sink_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o slavish_a fear_n that_o we_o be_v go_v to_o execution_n when_o we_o be_v go_v to_o die_v and_o that_o we_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o grave_a but_o as_o to_o a_o prison_n where_o death_n like_o a_o terrible_a lictor_n or_o executioner_n be_v to_o torment_v we_o or_o we_o be_v to_o be_v deliver_v over_o to_o he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n now_o this_o may_v just_o terrify_v we_o when_o we_o think_v that_o whenever_o death_n arrest_v we_o it_o hurry_v we_o only_o to_o a_o place_n of_o torment_n and_o seize_v we_o as_o condemn_a prisoner_n to_o be_v carry_v where_o we_o must_v suffer_v it_o be_v not_o leave_v the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n make_v man_n so_o unwilling_a to_o die_v as_o the_o fear_n of_o go_v to_o the_o misery_n of_o another_o it_o be_v not_o a_o present_a temporal_a death_n they_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o as_o that_o future_a and_o eternal_a one_o which_o come_v after_o it_o and_o this_o indeed_o be_v just_o to_o be_v fear_v be_v hell_n to_o swallow_v we_o up_o as_o well_o as_o the_o grave_a and_o be_v we_o to_o sink_v into_o the_o bottomless_a gulf_n when_o our_o foot_n take_v hold_v of_o death_n but_o christ_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o if_o we_o do_v not_o wiful_o throw_v ourselves_o into_o it_o he_o have_v take_v away_o all_o that_o gild_n and_o all_o that_o punishment_n due_a to_o our_o sin_n which_o we_o be_v afraid_a of_o if_o we_o have_v but_o sincere_o and_o timely_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o though_o death_n summon_v we_o to_o judgement_n and_o we_o know_v ourselves_o criminal_n yet_o by_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o we_o have_v our_o pardon_n sign_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o heaven_n will_v certain_o allow_v of_o it_o to_o a_o christian_n if_o he_o have_v not_o forfeit_v it_o by_o a_o desperate_a impenitence_n true_o and_o sincere_a and_o perfect_a repentance_n will_v free_v we_o in_o great_a measure_n from_o the_o fear_n and_o horror_n of_o death_n when_o it_o come_v near_o we_o our_o sin_n indeed_o will_v then_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o scare_v we_o when_o death_n set_v they_o in_o order_n before_o we_o but_o we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o assurance_n of_o heaven_n that_o if_o we_o have_v due_o repent_v of_o they_o they_o shall_v no_o way_n hurt_v or_o endanger_v we_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o they_o shall_v no_o way_n make_v we_o afraid_a for_o this_o perhaps_o will_v not_o become_v a_o very_a modest_a and_o humble_a and_o penitent_a sinner_n to_o be_v quite_o fearless_a but_o he_o will_v have_v great_a hope_n with_o his_o fear_n and_o very_o cheerful_a and_o comfortable_a ground_n that_o shall_v great_o lessen_v and_o abate_v they_o the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n prov._n 13.32_o hope_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v pardon_v in_o and_o through_o christ_n and_o that_o whenever_o he_o go_v hence_o
he_o go_v to_o a_o glorious_a and_o bless_a immortality_n and_o this_o will_v take_v away_o if_o not_o all_o fear_n of_o death_n yet_o such_o a_o troublesome_a and_o torment_a one_o as_o fill_v we_o with_o perplexity_n and_o confusion_n whenever_o we_o think_v of_o it_o and_o make_v we_o all_o our_o life_n time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n as_o scripture_n speak_v and_o this_o will_v help_v to_o resolve_v that_o question_n i_o propose_v in_o the_o second_o place_n namely_o 2._o whether_o a_o true_a penitent_n or_o good_a christian_n aught_o to_o have_v no_o fear_n of_o death_n i_o answer_v he_o ought_v to_o have_v no_o such_o fear_n as_o make_v he_o all_o his_o life_n time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n such_o a_o base_a slavish_a immoderate_a fear_n as_o make_v he_o not_o enjoy_v himself_o but_o sink_v down_o his_o spirit_n and_o depress_n his_o mind_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o he_o be_v always_o uneasy_a and_o perplex_v and_o disturb_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o such_o as_o have_v be_v story_v of_o some_o that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v the_o word_n death_n name_v in_o their_o hear_n for_o the_o very_a name_n and_o think_v of_o it_o make_v such_o a_o impression_n upon_o they_o and_o strike_v they_o with_o such_o a_o panic_n fear_v that_o like_o the_o handwriting_n upon_o the_o wall_n to_o belshazzar_n dan._n 5.6_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o jollity_n it_o will_v make_v their_o countenance_n change_n and_o their_o thought_n trouble_v they_o so_o that_o the_o joint_n of_o their_o loin_n be_v loose_v and_o their_o knee_n smite_v one_o against_o another_o but_o above_o all_o such_o a_o fear_n of_o death_n as_o make_v a_o man_n think_v it_o a_o great_a evil_n than_o sin_n and_o so_o to_o avoid_v that_o will_v deny_v his_o saviour_n and_o renounce_v his_o religion_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o escape_v a_o present_a fear_n of_o death_n this_o make_v he_o a_o slave_n to_o every_o one_o that_o have_v power_n to_o kill_v he_o and_o to_o save_v his_o life_n he_o will_v deliver_v up_o his_o conscience_n his_o soul_n his_o saviour_n his_o religion_n and_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o dear_a to_o we_o and_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v much_o more_o unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o than_o our_o life_n these_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o unlawful_a fear_n of_o death_n but_o there_o be_v still_o a_o natural_a fear_n of_o death_n which_o may_v belong_v to_o a_o penitent_a good_a christian_n and_o which_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a he_o shall_v whole_o overcome_v as_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a evil_n as_o it_o be_v a_o punishment_n of_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v a_o go_v to_o our_o last_o great_a and_o terrible_a trial_n before_o the_o bar_n of_o heaven_n a_o trial_n upon_o which_o our_o soul_n and_o their_o eternal_a fate_n of_o happiness_n or_o damnation_n do_v depend_v this_o may_v cause_v some_o fear_n in_o a_o true_a penitent_n or_o a_o very_a good_a christian_n and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o god_n have_v any_o where_n forbid_v it_o or_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v such_o a_o full_a assurance_n to_o every_o true_a penitent_n and_o good_a man_n as_o whole_o to_o take_v away_o all_o kind_n of_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o that_o this_o be_v any_o want_n of_o save_a faith_n in_o he_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n god_n may_v give_v it_o as_o in_o case_n of_o suffer_v and_o persecution_n when_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o a_o extraordinary_a assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n take_v away_o all_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o make_v they_o go_v to_o the_o flame_n and_o to_o the_o gibbet_n rejoice_v and_o triumph_v but_o that_o this_o be_v ordinary_a and_o constant_a i_o see_v no_o reason_n nor_o no_o scripture_n to_o believe_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v a_o natural_a and_o invincible_a infirmity_n to_o many_o a_o true_a penitent_n and_o good_a and_o humble_a and_o timorous_a christian_a who_o though_o his_o conscience_n accuse_v he_o not_o of_o any_o great_a and_o ill_a thing_n yet_o may_v magnify_v every_o little_a fault_n and_o imperfection_n and_o not_o forgive_v it_o himself_o though_o god_n do_v nor_o be_v at_o peace_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n though_o he_o be_v with_o god_n it_o be_v a_o great_a perfection_n to_o conquer_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n if_o it_o be_v do_v upon_o good_a ground_n for_o some_o have_v no_o fear_n of_o death_n out_o of_o a_o senseless_a stupidness_n because_o they_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o what_o follow_v after_o death_n and_o we_o find_v the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n who_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o it_o to_o be_v the_o least_o so_o out_o of_o mere_a natural_a courage_n and_o hardiness_n and_o for_o want_v of_o think_v or_o believe_v or_o consider_v the_o thing_n of_o religion_n and_o another_o world_n other_o from_o false_a principle_n and_o mistake_v by_o think_v a_o pardon_n or_o absolution_n set_v they_o right_o in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o may_v bold_o appear_v there_o with_o some_o such_o security_n or_o those_o that_o have_v low_a thought_n of_o religion_n and_o think_v a_o little_a sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o a_o few_o sigh_n and_o some_o prayer_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v will_v carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o if_o they_o have_v live_v never_o so_o holy_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a now_o if_o man_n confidence_n and_o fearlesness_n arise_v from_o such_o mistake_v as_o these_o it_o be_v like_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n that_o shall_v perish_v job_n 8.13_o and_o such_o presumptuous_a person_n only_o rush_v into_o hell_n with_o their_o eye_n shut_v and_o see_v not_o their_o danger_n before_o they_o be_v in_o it_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o modest_a and_o humble_a penitent_a christian_a may_v be_v afraid_a where_o no_o fear_n be_v may_v judge_v too_o hardly_o of_o himself_o and_o may_v be_v though_o quite_o out_o of_o danger_n yet_o not_o out_o of_o all_o fear_n for_o after_o all_o god_n will_v not_o judge_v we_o by_o our_o own_o fear_n or_o hope_n or_o opinion_n of_o ourselves_o which_o may_v be_v all_o groundless_a and_o mistake_v but_o he_o will_v judge_v righteous_a judgement_n and_o correct_v the_o error_n by_o which_o we_o may_v pass_v judgement_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o our_o own_o thought_n shall_v be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o last_o day_n but_o to_o take_v off_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v and_o to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o a_o slavish_a and_o immoderate_a degree_n of_o it_o the_o best_a direction_n that_o can_v be_v be_v these_o two_o 1._o what_o have_v be_v already_o give_v due_o to_o prepare_v and_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o it_o by_o a_o timely_a and_o thorough_a repentance_n 2._o to_o join_v the_o lively_a act_n of_o faith_n with_o this_o our_o habitual_a repentance_n and_o exert_v that_o at_o the_o time_n when_o death_n be_v near_o we_o 1._o to_o perfect_v our_o repentance_n and_o so_o to_o live_v in_o the_o habit_n of_o that_o and_o of_o all_o goodness_n that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o best_a prepare_v to_o die_v that_o we_o can_v be_v dye_v we_o know_v we_o must_v death_n if_o it_o be_v not_o now_o near_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o it_o may_v be_v dog_v we_o at_o the_o heel_n yet_o will_v certain_o in_o a_o little_a time_n come_v up_o to_o we_o and_o fright_v and_o startle_v we_o when_o it_o do_v if_o we_o do_v not_o take_v great_a care_n to_o be_v ready_a and_o prepare_v for_o it_o since_o we_o must_v therefore_o necessary_o encounter_v this_o great_a monster_n this_o terrible_a enemy_n which_o there_o be_v no_o escape_v but_o we_o must_v certain_o grapple_v with_o he_o let_v we_o all_o our_o life_n prepare_v for_o the_o battle_n let_v we_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n with_o a_o careful_a and_o pious_a and_o good_a life_n with_o a_o timely_a and_o thorough_a repentance_n of_o all_o our_o evil_a way_n with_o a_o sincere_a and_o upright_o and_o good_a conscience_n and_o with_o avoid_v every_o thing_n that_o we_o know_v be_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a and_o which_o will_v make_v death_n terrible_a to_o we_o whenever_o it_o come_v let_v we_o not_o be_v such_o desperate_a bravo_n in_o sin_n as_o to_o venture_v upon_o that_o with_o a_o false_a courage_n which_o will_v make_v we_o the_o worst_a of_o coward_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v but_o let_v we_o be_v so_o wise_o afraid_a of_o death_n now_o as_o to_o live_v with_o that_o care_n and_o exactness_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o it_o when_o we_o come_v to_o it_o it_o be_v well_o
if_o some_o man_n be_v more_o afraid_a of_o death_n than_o they_o be_v and_o as_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o be_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v off_o from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o not_o run_v headlong_o upon_o those_o danger_n which_o be_v very_o near_o they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o they_o the_o sword_n hang_v over_o their_o head_n though_o they_o do_v not_o see_v it_o and_o nothing_o but_o the_o thin_a thread_n of_o life_n keep_v it_o from_o fall_v upon_o they_o they_o walk_v blindfold_a upon_o the_o brink_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n and_o it_o will_v be_v well_o of_o fear_n will_v open_v their_o eye_n and_o make_v they_o recover_v themselves_o before_o death_n make_v it_o too_o late_a nothing_o can_v true_o and_o thorough_o arm_v we_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n but_o repentance_n and_o a_o good_a life_n to_o those_o who_o have_v live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o death_n be_v a_o very_a harmless_a thing_n it_o be_v but_o lie_v down_o to_o sleep_v close_v the_o eye_n and_o go_v to_o rest_n the_o body_n be_v senseless_a a_o while_n till_o it_o awake_v at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o judgement_n and_o pass_v a_o long_a night_n in_o the_o grave_a till_o it_o arise_v more_o fresh_a and_o lively_a in_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o as_o for_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o short_a and_o quick_a passage_n from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o such_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o it_o when_o it_o approach_v they_o never_o so_o near_o but_o then_o 2._o let_v the_o true_a penitent_n quicken_v his_o faith_n at_o that_o time_n and_o raise_v that_o to_o the_o high_a and_o strong_a pitch_n that_o so_o he_o may_v then_o look_v beyond_o the_o grave_n and_o see_v and_o believe_v and_o desire_v those_o happy_a and_o glorious_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o he_o in_o another_o world_n if_o we_o believe_v those_o as_o we_o ought_v we_o shall_v never_o be_v so_o afraid_a to_o die_v if_o we_o be_v so_o affect_v with_o those_o pleasure_n that_o be_v above_o and_o that_o be_v at_o god_n right-hand_n for_o evermore_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o the_o pleasure_n shall_v i_o say_v rather_o with_o the_o trouble_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n do_v we_o think_v as_o we_o ought_v of_o that_o perfect_a peace_n and_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v here_o but_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o only_o in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o fond_a to_o abide_v in_o this_o valley_n of_o tear_n and_o not_o go_v up_o to_o those_o mansion_n above_o where_o be_v full_a joy_n and_o contentment_n let_v we_o fix_v our_o thought_n and_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o those_o happy_a region_n of_o bliss_n and_o glory_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o fear_v to_o pass_v through_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n to_o come_v to_o they_o though_o the_o way_n to_o that_o heavenly_a canaan_n be_v through_o a_o wilderness_n through_o the_o dark_a and_o unknown_a region_n of_o death_n through_o which_o a_o thousand_o wander_a soul_n be_v always_o pass_v yet_o we_o shall_v be_v conduct_v safe_o through_o it_o by_o angel_n who_o will_v bring_v we_o to_o the_o palace_n of_o the_o great_a king_n where_o we_o shall_v be_v receive_v by_o our_o bless_a master_n and_o saviour_n and_o by_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o holy_a soul_n that_o be_v go_v before_o we_o who_o as_o they_o rejoice_v at_o a_o sinner_n repentance_n will_v now_o welcome_v he_o to_o his_o father_n house_n and_o we_o shall_v then_o as_o much_o wonder_n at_o ourselves_o for_o fear_v to_o die_v as_o we_o be_v now_o willing_a to_o live_v if_o the_o account_n which_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o those_o invisible_a region_n be_v true_a and_o we_o do_v full_o believe_v that_o joy_n that_o glory_n that_o blessedness_n that_o unspeakable_a happiness_n which_o be_v there_o reveal_v to_o we_o this_o our_o faith_n join_v with_o our_o repentance_n shall_v overcome_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o make_v we_o not_o only_o not_o afraid_a but_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o lay_v down_o this_o load_n and_o luggage_n of_o flesh_n because_o we_o know_v that_o if_o our_o earthly_a house_n o●_n this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o build_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o sin_n nor_o sorrow_n nor_o repentance_n but_o the_o bless_a penitent_n now_o he_o be_v safe_o arrive_v at_o his_o happy_a port_n shall_v look_v back_o upon_o the_o past_a hazard_n and_o danger_n he_o be_v in_o and_o comfortable_o remember_v how_o his_o sin_n like_v so_o many_o rock_n have_v like_a to_o have_v split_v and_o shipwreck_v and_o swallow_v he_o up_o in_o the_o gulf_n of_o perdition_n and_o how_o by_o the_o wonderful_a grace_n of_o god_n he_o have_v happy_o escape_v they_o and_o be_v come_v safe_a to_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o will_v now_o offer_v eternal_a thanksgiving_n and_o pay_v his_o vow_n of_o praise_n to_o his_o great_a deliverer_n and_o rejoice_v evermore_o in_o his_o glorious_a and_o heavenly_a salvation_n chap._n iii_o whether_o all_o sin_n be_v pardonable_a and_o may_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o repentance_n i_o be_o next_o to_o consider_v whether_o all_o sin_n be_v pardonable_a and_o may_v have_v this_o benefit_n of_o repentance_n this_o have_v be_v deny_v by_o a_o great_a many_o and_o particular_o by_o the_o novatian_o who_o will_v not_o allow_v pardon_n and_o absolution_n to_o wilful_a and_o great_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n and_o this_o be_v charge_v upon_o smalcius_n and_o other_o socinian_o that_o they_o deny_v the_o same_o to_o heinous_a and_o habitual_a sin_n of_o relapse_n into_o which_o any_o shall_v fall_v after_o they_o have_v once_o repent_v and_o be_v free_v from_o they_o and_o there_o be_v some_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o seem_v very_o much_o to_o favour_v these_o hard_a opinion_n as_o heb._n 6.4_o 5_o 6._o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o unto_o repentance_n and_o heb._n 10.26_o for_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o 2_o pet._n 2.20_o 21_o 22._o for_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n then_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o but_o it_o be_v happen_v unto_o they_o according_a to_o the_o true_a proverb_n the_o dog_n be_v return_v to_o his_o own_o vomit_n and_o the_o sow_n that_o be_v wash_v to_o she_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n and_o in_o other_o place_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o a_o sin_n unto_o death_n 1_o john_n 5.16_o as_o of_o a_o more_o malignant_a and_o deadly_a nature_n and_o different_a from_o all_o other_o sin_n which_o be_v mortal_a and_o sin_n also_o unto_o death_n without_o repentance_n and_o our_o saviour_n say_v express_o of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o it_o be_v unpardonable_a and_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v neither_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o the_o world_n to_o come_v luke_n 12.20_o matth._n 12.32_o i_o e._n as_o st._n mark_n express_v it_o it_o have_v never_o forgiveness_n but_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n mark_v 3.29_o and_o what_o that_o be_v be_v not_o full_o agree_v on_o by_o divine_n and_o so_o there_o may_v be_v fear_n if_o not_o danger_n of_o a_o christian_n fall_v into_o it_o and_o so_o into_o a_o unpardonable_a state_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v so_o many_o way_n concern_v in_o his_o salvation_n and_o he_o have_v so_o many_o way_n to_o sin_n against_o he_o this_o give_v therefore_o great_a trouble_n to_o a_o great_a many_o mind_n and_o if_o one_o particular_a sin_n or_o any_o sort_n of_o sin_n be_v unpardonable_a by_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v be_v very_o fearful_a and_o can_v hardly_o be_v satisfy_v but_o that_o they_o have_v commit_v that_o sin_n and_o so_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o all_o hope_n by_o it_o and_o they_o will_v
but_o it_o be_v without_o all_o controversy_n to_o be_v suppose_v and_o the_o same_o allowance_n that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v to_o all_o these_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n of_o scripture_n without_o which_o if_o they_o be_v strain_v over-rigorous_o they_o will_v not_o be_v true_a these_o they_o think_v reasonable_a to_o apply_v to_o our_o saviour_n expression_n concern_v this_o sin_n and_o that_o where_o it_o be_v say_v not_o to_o be_v forgive_v that_o be_v not_o without_o a_o very_a particular_a and_o full_a repentance_n of_o it_o and_o to_o strengthen_v this_o a_o little_a further_o they_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v another_o phrase_n and_o expression_n concern_v this_o sin_n use_v by_o our_o saviour_n where_o the_o sense_n must_v not_o be_v force_v so_o far_o as_o the_o word_n will_v seem_v to_o carry_v it_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v neither_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v matth._n 12.32_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n do_v thereby_o intimate_v that_o any_o sin_n shall_v be_v pardon_v in_o another_o world_n which_o be_v not_o in_o this_o some_o interpreter_n think_v that_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n have_v this_o opinion_n as_o the_o papist_n now_o have_v and_o that_o our_o saviour_n therefore_o use_v the_o expression_n to_o take_v off_o all_o hope_n from_o they_o that_o have_v such_o a_o vain_a belief_n and_o level_v his_o word_n against_o that_o but_o i_o rather_o think_v this_o to_o be_v the_o plain_a sense_n that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o common_a phrase_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v or_o never_o be_v without_o regard_n to_o any_o such_o opinion_n which_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o prove_v the_o jew_n have_v but_o only_o that_o death_n they_o think_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o expiation_n for_o some_o sin_n in_o their_o life_n however_o this_o phrase_n must_v have_v some_o allowance_n make_v for_o the_o word_n of_o it_o and_o so_o they_o will_v have_v the_o other_o 3._o another_o reason_n for_o the_o abate_v the_o severity_n of_o the_o expression_n concern_v this_o be_v that_o there_o be_v other_o sin_n which_o seem_v equal_a to_o this_o in_o guilt_n and_o heinousness_n which_o be_v yet_o all_o declare_v to_o be_v pardonable_a and_o those_o not_o only_o the_o most_o wilful_a sin_n against_o natural_a light_n as_o well_o as_o reveal_v religion_n but_o against_o christianity_n and_o even_o the_o holy_a ghost_n such_o as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o heathen_a world_n describe_v rom._n 2._o and_o yet_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o christian_a covenant_n as_o it_o be_v plain_a many_o of_o the_o corinthian_n also_o be_v who_o name_n be_v put_v in_o the_o list_n of_o the_o vile_a sinner_n 1_o cor._n 6.11_o and_o the_o apostle_n express_o tell_v they_o that_o such_o be_v some_o of_o they_o to_o wit_n fornicator_n idolater_n adulterer_n effeminate_a abuser_n of_o themselves_o with_o mankind_n thief_n covetous_a drunkard_n reviler_n extortioner_n ver_fw-la 9.10_o and_o yet_o these_o very_a man_n be_v wash_v be_v sanctify_v be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n ver_fw-la 11._o and_o st._n peter_n denial_n of_o his_o master_n after_o he_o have_v see_v all_o his_o miracle_n and_o be_v so_o full_o convince_v by_o they_o that_o he_o be_v as_o he_o have_v confess_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n yet_o upon_o his_o repent_v and_o weep_v bitter_o for_o it_o it_o be_v forgive_v nay_o they_o who_o treat_v our_o saviour_n with_o the_o base_a and_o the_o cruel_a usage_n and_o at_o last_o barbarous_o murder_v he_o our_o saviour_n pray_v his_o father_n even_o to_o forgive_v these_o and_o therefore_o that_o great_a of_o sin_n the_o put_v a_o innocent_a man_n to_o death_n and_o crucify_a the_o very_a son_n of_o god_n this_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o pardon_n but_o the_o very_a blood_n that_o they_o thus_o villanous_o shed_v be_v a_o expiation_n for_o the_o very_a sin_n of_o shed_v of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o however_o great_a and_o horrid_a sin_n yet_o be_v not_o so_o immediate_o sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n against_o who_o peculiar_o this_o unpardonable_a sin_n be_v commit_v if_o we_o careful_o examine_v the_o bible_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o great_a many_o sin_n and_o provocation_n chief_o if_o not_o direct_o against_o he_o wherein_o he_o be_v particular_o affront_v if_o not_o blaspheme_v and_o reproach_v and_o yet_o not_o unpardonable_a st._n paul_n own_v himself_o a_o blasphemer_n as_o well_o as_o a_o persecutor_n 1_o tim._n 1.13_o and_o wherein_o can_v we_o think_v his_o blasphemy_n consist_v not_o in_o blaspheme_v god_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n for_o he_o be_v a_o very_a strict_a and_o religious_a worshipper_n of_o he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o strict_a sect_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o it_o must_v be_v in_o blaspheme_a christianity_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v do_v to_o the_o spread_a and_o confirmation_n of_o that_o and_o nothing_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o likely_a a_o subject_n of_o his_o blasphemy_n as_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n because_o nothing_o be_v so_o strong_a a_o argument_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o can_v not_o well_o be_v reproach_v unless_o those_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o and_o yet_o he_o obtain_v mercy_n and_o become_v the_o great_a instance_n of_o a_o hearty_a penitent_n and_o a_o zealous_a convert_n but_o we_o have_v more_o particular_a instance_n of_o some_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o that_o tend_v to_o reproach_n and_o dishonour_v he_o in_o a_o high_a measure_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o where_o declare_v to_o be_v unpardonable_a ananias_n be_v say_v to_o lie_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 5.3_o and_o to_o tempt_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 9_o and_o virtual_o to_o deny_v his_o knowledge_n and_o omniscience_n by_o deny_v part_n of_o the_o money_n for_o which_o he_o have_v sell_v his_o estate_n that_o be_v devote_v by_o he_o to_o the_o church_n and_o simon_n magus_n who_o offer_v money_n that_o he_o may_v purchase_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o think_v a_o few_o piece_n of_o silver_n a_o just_a price_n and_o valuable_a consideration_n for_o he_o and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n may_v be_v buy_v and_o sell_v for_o a_o little_a money_n he_o do_v reproach_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v their_o miracle_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n act_v 8.19_o and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n very_o severe_o reprove_v he_o ver_fw-la 20._o thy_o money_n perish_v with_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v think_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n may_v be_v purchase_v with_o money_n and_o that_o expression_n may_v have_v be_v think_v to_o have_v put_v he_o into_o a_o irreversible_a state_n of_o ruin_n and_o perdition_n have_v not_o st._n peter_n add_v what_o show_v it_o to_o be_v otherwise_o ver_fw-la 22._o repent_v therefore_o of_o this_o thy_o wickedness_n and_o pray_v god_n if_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o thy_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v thou_o and_o there_o be_v another_o instance_n that_o seem_v as_o great_a and_o immediate_a a_o reproach_n to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o what_o the_o pharisee_n be_v guilty_a of_o in_o charge_v the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n wrought_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o a_o evil_a spirit_n and_o that_o be_v the_o mock_n at_o the_o disciple_n upon_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v pour_v out_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v inspire_v with_o new_a wine_n act_v 2.13_o and_o yet_o this_o have_v no_o mark_n set_v upon_o it_o by_o the_o apostle_n whereby_o it_o can_v be_v certain_o know_v to_o be_v either_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n mean_v by_o our_o saviour_n or_o a_o sin_n that_o be_v unpardonable_a 4._o as_o there_o be_v other_o sin_n that_o seem_v equal_a to_o this_o yet_o certain_o pardonable_a so_o there_o be_v expression_n concern_v some_o other_o sin_n which_o seem_v as_o much_o to_o exclude_v they_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o remission_n and_o to_o pass_v as_o severe_a and_o desperate_a a_o sentence_n upon_o they_o as_o christ_n do_v here_o upon_o this_o and_o yet_o the_o best_a interpreter_n think_v they_o admit_v of_o a_o abatement_n and_o mitigation_n as_o in_o heb._n 6.4.5_o 6._o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o
be_v and_o hinder_v man_n from_o ever_o become_v better_a 2_o let_v we_o take_v care_n to_o avoid_v all_o manner_n of_o wilful_a sin_n and_o especial_o all_o those_o great_a one_o that_o come_v near_o and_o any_o way_n approach_n to_o this_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o very_a wilful_a sin_n in_o a_o christian_a especial_o be_v in_o some_o fence_n a_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v a_o grieve_n a_o quench_v and_o a_o resist_a the_o spirit_n in_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a scripture_n that_o bless_a spirit_n be_v concern_v as_o the_o great_a promoter_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o it_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o whenever_o we_o do_v any_o wicked_a thing_n we_o offer_v violence_n to_o that_o and_o by_o our_o rude_a and_o vicious_a carriage_n we_o affront_v and_o grieve_v and_o at_o last_o banish_v and_o drive_v away_o that_o bless_a guest_n out_o of_o our_o soul_n whatever_o be_v wicked_a and_o sinful_a be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o pure_a and_o excellent_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v high_o offensive_a to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o go_v on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o long_a and_o customary_a wickedness_n we_o sin_v the_o more_o against_o he_o and_o come_v the_o near_a to_o that_o sad_a and_o wretched_a state_n that_o be_v unpardonable_a i_o do_v not_o think_v indeed_o that_o any_o one_o sin_n or_o particular_a act_n of_o any_o sin_n whatever_o put_v we_o into_o that_o condition_n but_o as_o every_o sickness_n and_o indisposition_n of_o body_n be_v a_o tendency_n to_o death_n and_o mortality_n so_o every_o wilful_a sin_n be_v a_o corruption_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o a_o approach_n to_o a_o state_n of_o spiritual_a death_n and_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n that_o bring_v this_o soon_o upon_o we_o as_o the_o act_n against_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n a_o oppose_a the_o truth_n that_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o a_o scoff_a at_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n a_o abuse_v the_o scripture_n and_o ridicul_v the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n a_o obstinate_a resistance_n of_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n these_o and_o such_o like_a gross_a and_o obstinate_a impiety_n though_o i_o do_v not_o think_v they_o be_v any_o of_o they_o the_o very_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v further_a than_o we_o have_v a_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o many_o approach_n as_o it_o be_v to_o it_o and_o have_v more_o of_o the_o ill_a symptom_n of_o that_o upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v especial_o to_o avoid_v they_o lest_o they_o bring_v we_o by_o degree_n into_o that_o sad_a state_n which_o be_v unpardonable_a for_o though_o one_o sin_n i_o believe_v do_v not_o do_v this_o yet_o a_o great_a many_o may_v and_o especial_o such_o as_o those_o which_o do_v so_o waste_v the_o conscience_n and_o corrupt_v the_o mind_n as_o to_o make_v it_o uncurable_a and_o this_o be_v the_o sad_a state_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n next_o to_o the_o state_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o immediate_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v endeavour_v to_o give_v the_o plain_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n i_o can_v to_o the_o most_o doubtful_a and_o scrupulous_a mind_n about_o this_o sin_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o shall_v now_o discourse_v of_o some_o other_o thing_n of_o a_o lesser_a nature_n which_o many_o penitent_n and_o good_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v great_o dissatisfy_v with_o and_o have_v dark_a and_o wrong_a thought_n about_o as_o i._o concupiscence_n the_o lusting_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o struggle_v between_o that_o and_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o ii_o trouble_v of_o mind_n and_o a_o wound_a spirit_n which_o many_o lie_n under_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o sin_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o melancholy_a or_o both_o together_o sect_n iii_o of_o concupiscence_n the_o lusting_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o struggle_v between_o that_o and_o the_o spirit_n the_o right_a understanding_n of_o ourselves_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o religion_n religion_n be_v fit_v and_o adapt_v to_o humane_a nature_n in_o its_o present_a state_n and_o capacity_n in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v design_v not_o to_o destroy_v it_o but_o to_o perfect_a and_o improve_v it_o and_o raise_v it_o to_o its_o true_a happiness_n and_o perfection_n we_o can_v be_v like_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n nor_o like_o pure_a and_o glorious_a spirit_n whilst_o we_o live_v here_o upon_o earth_n and_o have_v body_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n unite_v to_o our_o soul_n god_n who_o make_v we_o and_o know_v our_o frame_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o destroy_v and_o undo_v his_o own_o creation_n by_o the_o precept_n of_o religion_n nor_o make_v we_o cease_v to_o be_v man_n by_o become_a christian_n we_o find_v indeed_o in_o ourselves_o a_o great_a many_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n strong_a passion_n and_o sensual_a inclination_n which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o wise_o govern_v will_v be_v great_a occasion_n of_o sin_n to_o we_o and_o if_o we_o let_v they_o loose_o will_v carry_v we_o into_o a_o thousand_o mischief_n as_o well_o as_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n they_o who_o give_v the_o reins_o to_o those_o and_o the_o full_a swinge_n to_o their_o natural_a lust_n and_o passion_n run_v into_o all_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n and_o commit_v all_o uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n can_v be_v whole_o free_a from_o that_o original_a concupiscence_n and_o those_o sensual_a motion_n and_o desire_n that_o be_v not_o always_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o religion_n but_o they_o complain_v of_o this_o bondage_n of_o corruption_n and_o this_o body_n of_o death_n which_o they_o can_v be_v deliver_v from_o rom._n 8.21_o and_o 7.24_o grace_n and_o religion_n though_o it_o give_v we_o another_o principle_n and_o convey_v new_a power_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a life_n into_o our_o soul_n yet_o whilst_o the_o animal_n and_o sensual_a life_n remain_v and_o whilst_o we_o be_v compound_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o well_o as_o spirit_n and_o reason_n and_o have_v a_o carnal_a as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a principle_n in_o we_o there_o will_v be_v a_o mighty_a struggle_n and_o a_o great_a contest_v between_o those_o two_o and_o a_o kind_n of_o civil_a war_n in_o our_o breast_n between_o those_o different_a party_n and_o which_o of_o those_o shall_v be_v uppermost_a and_o have_v the_o chief_a power_n and_o gain_v the_o victory_n be_v the_o great_a point_n and_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o all_o virtue_n and_o religion_n since_o in_o all_o of_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o flesh_n lu_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o we_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o will_v gal._n 5.17_o and_o this_o we_o know_v by_o experience_n as_o well_o as_o by_o revelation_n now_o this_o concupiscence_n that_o remain_v in_o good_a man_n be_v often_o matter_n of_o great_a trouble_n to_o they_o and_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o judge_v of_o it_o or_o how_o far_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o and_o what_o way_n they_o may_v best_o overcome_v it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o to_o clear_v and_o satisfy_v their_o thought_n about_o this_o matter_n of_o the_o struggle_n or_o lust_a between_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n show_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o mere_a lust_a on_o either_o side_n be_v not_o what_o make_v either_o sin_n or_o virtue_n or_o denominate_v a_o bad_a or_o a_o good_a man._n second_o that_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a matter_n of_o vice_n or_o virtue_n in_o which_o the_o trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o they_o lie_v three_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o lessen_v the_o power_n of_o the_o fleshly_a lust_a and_o increase_v that_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a mean_n to_o do_v this_o i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v first_o that_o mere_a lust_a on_o either_o side_n be_v not_o what_o make_v either_o sin_n or_o virtue_n nor_o what_o constitute_v or_o denominate_v a_o bad_a or_o a_o good_a man_n for_o this_o lust_a be_v in_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a though_o according_a to_o several_a degree_n and_o measure_n in_o the_o one_o the_o lust_a of_o the_o flesh_n prevail_v and_o in_o the_o other_o that_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v from_o this_o the_o prevalency_n of_o either_o of_o these_o and_o not_o the_o mere_a contention_n of_o they_o that_o we_o be_v count_v good_a or_o bad_a before_o god_n the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v have_v the_o same_o passion_n appetite_n and_o
take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o liberty_n and_o have_v the_o full_a swinge_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n when_o they_o afterward_o grow_v calm_a and_o cool_v of_o themselves_o and_o he_o be_v tire_v or_o satiate_v with_o they_o then_o to_o leave_v they_o after_o he_o have_v have_v a_o full_a and_o a_o long_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o to_o repent_v time_n enough_o to_o avoid_v all_o the_o bitter_a effect_n and_o punishment_n of_o they_o after_o they_o have_v full_o taste_v and_o exhaust_v all_o their_o sweetness_n and_o pleasantness_n and_o then_o throw_v away_o the_o poisonous_a core_n when_o they_o have_v sufficient_o eat_v of_o the_o dainty_a and_o forbid_a fruit._n man_n to_o be_v sure_o will_v draw_v such_o consequence_n to_o themselves_o when_o religion_n they_o think_v put_v such_o a_o argument_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o lust_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v too_o strong_a of_o themselves_o against_o all_o religion_n and_o reason_n whatsoever_o and_o when_o they_o have_v such_o a_o fair_a colour_n and_o pretence_n as_o they_o suppose_v from_o religion_n itself_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o improve_v it_o to_o destroy_v all_o religion_n by_o this_o one_o part_n of_o it_o and_o by_o turn_v its_o own_o weapon_n upon_o itself_o so_o that_o like_o the_o eagle_n in_o the_o fable_n it_o shall_v receive_v its_o mortal_a wound_n from_o a_o dart_n that_o come_v feather_v from_o its_o own_o wing_n and_o by_o this_o subtle_a contrivance_n it_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o countermine_v itself_o be_v heaven_n then_o to_o be_v thus_o out-witted_n and_o overreach_v in_o its_o own_o policy_n and_o whereas_o it_o design_v this_o privilege_n of_o repentance_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o virtue_n shall_v the_o devil_n find_v out_o a_o stratagem_n whereby_o to_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o it_o even_o upon_o its_o own_o ground_n and_o make_v it_o a_o instrument_n to_o encourage_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n have_v god_n like_o a_o soft_a and_o easy_a and_o indiscreet_a prince_n grant_v such_o a_o charter_n and_o make_v such_o concession_n to_o his_o subject_n as_o shall_v destroy_v his_o own_o power_n and_o government_n and_o make_v their_o obedience_n loose_a and_o precarious_a no_o sure_a neither_o his_o wisdom_n nor_o his_o power_n be_v to_o be_v thus_o lessen_v and_o diminish_v nor_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o great_a favour_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v thus_o turn_v into_o wantonness_n and_o a_o principle_n of_o looseness_n and_o licentiousness_n as_o these_o man_n make_v it_o who_o thus_o presume_v upon_o sin_v at_o present_a upon_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o after_o repentance_n and_o resolve_v therefore_o to_o run_v on_o in_o the_o score_n and_o to_o take_v up_o great_a sum_n in_o hand_n and_o be_v much_o in_o debt_n to_o heaven_n because_o they_o think_v the_o whole_a may_v be_v compound_v pound_v at_o the_o last_o and_o make_v up_o for_o a_o very_a little_a we_o may_v be_v sure_a in_o the_o general_a there_o must_v be_v some_o great_a error_n and_o mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o it_o be_v either_o a_o false_a principle_n that_o these_o man_n go_v upon_o or_o that_o they_o draw_v a_o very_a false_a conclusion_n from_o it_o for_o god_n must_v be_v a_o very_a easy_a be_v and_o religion_n must_v have_v a_o very_a weak_a place_n in_o it_o if_o it_o lie_v open_a to_o such_o a_o consequence_n 2._o we_o common_o tell_v man_n in_o the_o second_o place_n therefore_o to_o prevent_v this_o that_o the_o after_o repentance_n be_v very_o hazardous_a and_o uncertain_a for_o no_o man_n know_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v time_n to_o do_v it_o hereafter_o or_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v surprise_v with_o a_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a death_n before_o he_o have_v perform_v this_o repentance_n he_o design_v and_o this_o indeed_o be_v very_o considerable_a and_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o yet_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o venture_v his_o soul_n and_o its_o eternal_a state_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o uncertainty_n as_o life_n and_o futurity_n be_v for_o that_o we_o know_v be_v no_o more_o in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o command_v than_o it_o be_v to_o recall_v the_o time_n that_o be_v past_a and_o who_o that_o think_v and_o consider_v what_o eternity_n mean_n will_v hazard_v it_o upon_o so_o ticklish_a a_o cast_n and_o so_o perfect_a a_o lottery_n as_o the_o continuance_n of_o life_n be_v do_v not_o we_o see_v most_o of_o the_o world_n snatch_v away_o on_o a_o sudden_a death_n hardly_o give_v they_o any_o warning_n but_o come_v upon_o they_o with_o secret_a and_o undiscerned_a step_n and_o steal_v up_o to_o they_o and_o strike_v the_o fatal_a blow_n before_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o and_o what_o shall_v this_o poor_a wretch_n do_v who_o life_n be_v do_v before_o his_o repentance_n be_v begin_v he_o who_o intend_v so_o many_o year_n hence_o to_o begin_v his_o repentance_n shall_v begin_v it_o soon_o in_o another_o world_n but_o shall_v never_o end_v it_o but_o repent_v in_o vain_a to_o all_o eternity_n in_o weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n for_o his_o folly_n and_o madness_n in_o not_o repent_v soon_o but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o monstrous_a hazard_n and_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v lie_v open_a to_o such_o a_o danger_n which_o can_v never_o be_v repair_v but_o may_v be_v easy_o prevent_v yet_o this_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n seem_v not_o a_o sufficient_a security_n to_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v a_o security_n only_o by_o accident_n and_o it_o be_v in_o great_a measure_n lose_v if_o a_o man_n do_v live_v out_o the_o usual_a period_n which_o many_o do_v and_o which_o most_o hope_v to_o do_v and_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o oblige_v they_o to_o a_o present_a repentance_n and_o a_o constant_a obedience_n than_o the_o mere_a fear_n that_o they_o may_v die_v soon_o and_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a if_o religion_n shall_v depend_v upon_o such_o a_o uncertainty_n and_o a_o man_n shall_v find_v a_o way_n to_o free_v himself_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n if_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o live_v long_o 3._o therefore_o we_o strengthen_v this_o common_o with_o another_o consideration_n and_o that_o be_v that_o though_o a_o man_n may_v have_v time_n to_o repent_v hereafter_o yet_o god_n may_v not_o give_v he_o grace_n to_o do_v it_o especial_o if_o he_o so_o provoke_v he_o by_o such_o a_o neglect_n and_o abuse_v of_o this_o grace_n as_o quite_o defeat_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o high_o provoke_v and_o a_o more_o just_a ground_n for_o god_n to_o deny_v we_o his_o spirit_n than_o thus_o to_o abuse_v and_o pervert_v this_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o encouragement_n not_o to_o repent_v but_o to_o sin_n because_o they_o may_v repent_v beside_o the_o long_o the_o custom_n and_o habit_n of_o sin_n continue_v upon_o we_o the_o more_o root_n they_o take_v and_o the_o more_o difficult_a be_v they_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o and_o the_o mind_n be_v in_o time_n so_o much_o harden_v by_o they_o that_o like_o a_o chronical_a disease_n or_o a_o old_a ulcer_n by_o be_v suffer_v to_o run_v long_o upon_o it_o they_o grow_v almost_o incurable_a and_o he_o must_v be_v in_o a_o fad_a condition_n who_o let_v the_o power_n of_o his_o sin_n thus_o grow_v upon_o he_o and_o yet_o who_o find_v they_o so_o difficult_a at_o present_a to_o be_v overcome_v and_o who_o have_v that_o power_n daily_o lessen_v if_o not_o lose_v whereby_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o but_o still_o though_o god_n spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man_n gen._n 5.3_o yet_o we_o can_v positive_o determine_v to_o what_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n a_o man_n must_v arrive_v before_o god_n will_v whole_o withdraw_v his_o spirit_n from_o he_o nor_o can_v we_o say_v that_o god_n deny_v necessary_a grace_n to_o any_o whereby_o they_o may_v repent_v so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o this_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o probation_n or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o though_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n who_o be_v debar_v or_o exclude_v from_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o repentance_n for_o this_o will_v tend_v to_o discourage_v a_o great_a many_o from_o repentance_n and_o do_v as_o much_o harm_n by_o shut_v those_o out_o of_o all_o hope_n as_o by_o open_v the_o gate_n too_o wide_o to_o other_o or_o let_v it_o always_o stand_v open_a to_o any_o that_o will_v come_v in_o at_o any_o time_n there_o must_v be_v therefore_o some_o other_o consideration_n to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o this_o mistake_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o a_o constant_a obedience_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o and_o
by_o all_o the_o evangelist_n yet_o by_o three_o of_o they_o very_o short_o and_o brief_o as_o a_o mere_a circumstance_n remarkable_a chief_o for_o this_o that_o the_o leg_n of_o the_o two_o thief_n be_v break_v as_o be_v usual_a in_o crucifixion_n whereas_o christ_n be_v soon_o dead_a prevent_v this_o and_o so_o literal_o complete_v that_o prophecy_n a_o bone_n of_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v break_v and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o another_o prophecy_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v number_v with_o transgressor_n and_o be_v a_o companion_n and_o fellow-sufferer_n with_o the_o most_o infamous_a criminal_n and_o malefactor_n and_o nothing_o far_a be_v intend_v or_o design_v by_o it_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v or_o appear_v to_o we_o from_o scripture_n as_o the_o proper_a use_n and_o the_o genuine_a purpose_n of_o it_o though_o by_o accident_n indeed_o it_o be_v a_o honourable_a confession_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o bear_a testimony_n to_o he_o before_o his_o crucifier_n and_o also_o a_o own_v a_o future_a state_n of_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n after_o this_o life_n when_o a_o man_n be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o his_o desire_v christ_n to_o remember_v he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o christ_n promise_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v that_o day_n with_o he_o in_o paradise_n but_o these_o be_v truth_n not_o to_o be_v learn_v from_o hence_o only_o but_o elsewhere_o though_o they_o be_v hereby_o very_o solemn_o attest_v to_o but_o there_o have_v be_v a_o doctrine_n raise_v from_o hence_o and_o not_o to_o be_v learn_v from_o any_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n never_o teach_v by_o christ_n or_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n but_o whole_o take_v up_o and_o found_v upon_o this_o instance_n of_o one_o of_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n which_o have_v from_o a_o matter_n of_o history_n and_o circumstance_n be_v improve_v to_o teach_v and_o advance_v a_o new_a doctrine_n no_o where_o else_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o bible_n namely_o that_o a_o wicked_a man_n when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v may_v hope_v to_o be_v happy_a and_o go_v to_o heaven_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o sudden_a conversion_n and_o a_o short_a deathbed_n repentance_n though_o he_o have_v spend_v his_o whole_a life_n never_o so_o careless_o and_o wicked_o or_o that_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n may_v be_v by_o the_o gospel_n sufficient_a and_o effectual_a for_o a_o man_n salvation_n who_o have_v live_v a_o very_a ill_a life_n and_o who_o do_v not_o soon_o repent_v of_o it_o than_o when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v now_o this_o i_o think_v be_v not_o only_o the_o false_a but_o the_o most_o pernicious_a and_o mischievous_a doctrine_n that_o can_v be_v for_o it_o plain_o take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n since_o that_o be_v not_o necessary_a which_o a_o man_n can_v any_o way_n hope_v to_o be_v save_v without_o and_o so_o tend_v to_o encourage_v man_n to_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n with_o the_o hope_n that_o they_o may_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o repent_v of_o they_o when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o possible_a if_o not_o a_o likely_a way_n to_o save_v themselves_o at_o the_o last_o though_o they_o live_v never_o so_o wicked_o provide_v they_o have_v but_o a_o little_a time_n and_o warning_n which_o hardly_o one_o in_o five_o hundred_o but_o have_v to_o perform_v this_o sudden_a repentance_n and_o be_v not_o prevent_v to_o do_v it_o by_o a_o sudden_a death_n which_o be_v a_o accident_n that_o happen_v but_o to_o few_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o this_o accidental_a uncertainty_n to_o secure_a religion_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n so_o that_o otherwise_o a_o sinner_n may_v at_o the_o last_o claim_v the_o full_a benefit_n of_o pardon_n by_o the_o gospel-covenant_n if_o he_o come_v in_o then_o by_o a_o short_a repentance_n though_o he_o have_v stand_v out_o all_o his_o life_n in_o rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o may_v as_o we_o common_o say_v die_v well_o and_o make_v a_o good_a end_n though_o he_o live_v never_o so_o ill_a if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o this_o gospel-priviledge_n of_o repentance_n destroy_v the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o and_o take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o gospel-holyness_n and_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o our_o future_a happiness_n it_o remove_v and_o alter_v those_o condition_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v indispensible_o require_v by_o the_o gospel_n it_o abate_v and_o remit_v the_o plain_a term_n of_o it_o and_o by_o such_o a_o clause_n of_o privilege_n take_v away_o all_o the_o authority_n and_o force_n of_o its_o command_n and_o all_o the_o terror_n of_o its_o threat_n and_o punishment_n and_o in_o effect_n unloose_v all_o our_o obligation_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o to_o a_o good_a life_n whatever_o do_v this_o and_o have_v such_o mischievous_a consequence_n and_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o first_o and_o plain_a truth_n in_o religion_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v this_o be_v can_v sure_o be_v a_o gospel-doctrine_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o be_v not_o which_o allow_v salvation_n to_o a_o mere_a deathbed_n repentance_n by_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o great_a thing_n to_o support_v this_o be_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n luke_n 23.42_o 43._o though_o i_o shall_v show_v there_o be_v no_o certain_a ground_n or_o true_a foundation_n to_o be_v have_v from_o that_o of_o any_o such_o thing_n if_o we_o full_o consider_v and_o examine_v it_o as_o to_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o labourer_n in_o the_o vineyard_n matth_n 20._o who_o come_v in_o at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n and_o be_v reward_v as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o be_v hire_v at_o the_o first_o this_o belong_v to_o another_o matter_n and_o be_v speak_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o though_o not_o so_o soon_o call_v and_o take_v into_o the_o covenant_n as_o the_o jew_n yet_o shall_v afterward_o be_v call_v and_o receive_v into_o it_o and_o have_v as_o great_a privilege_n and_o as_o great_a a_o reward_n as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o who_o be_v god_n first_o and_o peculiar_a people_n hire_v and_o call_v in_o long_a before_o they_o so_o that_o this_o be_v foreign_a to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o late_a and_o short_a repentance_n of_o a_o die_a christian_a who_o be_v call_v or_o hire_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v baptize_v and_o know_v christianity_n and_o if_o he_o loiter_v all_o the_o day_n and_o will_v not_o work_v at_o all_o no_o not_o one_o hour_n or_o any_o considerable_a part_n of_o his_o life_n till_o night_n come_v and_o then_o when_o it_o be_v too_o late_a and_o he_o can_v work_v at_o all_o only_o fall_v a_o cry_n and_o sorrow_v and_o repent_v for_o this_o his_o loitering_n and_o be_v idle_a there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o parable_n to_o excuse_v such_o a_o one_o but_o only_o those_o at_o the_o most_o who_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n soon_o offer_v they_o but_o come_v in_o and_o work_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v call_v and_o hire_v the_o parable_n take_v altogether_o must_v not_o be_v apply_v further_a than_o this_o as_o if_o it_o extend_v to_o all_o those_o christian_n who_o come_v in_o and_o repent_v only_o at_o the_o last_o or_o even_o to_o those_o who_o have_v one_o hour_n time_n in_o proportion_n to_o their_o whole_a life_n to_o do_v a_o few_o act_n of_o obedience_n for_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n true_a that_o he_o who_o work_v and_o be_v religious_a a_o short_a and_o very_o little_a part_n of_o his_o life_n shall_v be_v as_o well_o reward_v and_o have_v as_o full_a a_o hire_n and_o recompense_v of_o god_n in_o another_o world_n as_o he_o who_o do_v so_o the_o whole_a for_o then_o god_n will_v not_o render_v to_o man_n according_a to_o their_o work_n as_o he_o have_v declare_v he_o will_v do_v at_o the_o last_o judgement_n for_o though_o he_o may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o yet_o his_o reward_n and_o promise_n be_v now_o fix_v and_o determine_v by_o a_o covenant_n and_o though_o god_n may_v bring_v in_o the_o gentile_n at_o the_o latter_a hour_n and_o reward_v they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a in_o they_o or_o any_o other_o covenant_n yet_o now_o as_o he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o more_o stripe_n so_o he_o that_o have_v well_o use_v ten_o talent_n shall_v have_v a_o great_a improvement_n and_o great_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o high_a reward_n who_o do_v more_o and_o great_a act_n of_o virtue_n in_o his_o life_n than_o he_o who_o do_v less_o for_o
heaven_n though_o it_o be_v a_o gift_n be_v a_o reward_n too_o and_o shall_v be_v exact_o proportion_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o to_o the_o deserve_n and_o action_n and_o behaviour_n of_o men._n the_o main_a foundation_n then_o of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o efficacy_n or_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n must_v be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n i._n e._n the_o history_n or_o relation_n of_o a_o man_n who_o die_v as_o a_o malefactor_n and_o yet_o certain_o go_v to_o heaven_n for_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o it_o now_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o hundred_o such_o malefactor_n have_v go_v to_o heaven_n and_o many_o thousand_o sinner_n that_o be_v once_o bad_a man_n but_o yet_o have_v they_o never_o repent_v till_o they_o come_v to_o die_v i_o do_v as_o very_o believe_v that_o not_o one_o of_o they_o have_v go_v thither_o but_o to_o another_o place_n where_o man_n shall_v for_o ever_o repent_v at_o the_o same_o rate_n that_o most_o man_n do_v who_o have_v not_o do_v so_o before_o that_o time_n to_o ground_n and_o establish_v this_o doctrine_n upon_o this_o historical_a case_n and_o it_o be_v i_o believe_v the_o only_a doctrine_n that_o have_v such_o a_o foundation_n we_o must_v examine_v whether_o it_o certain_o and_o exact_o come_v up_o in_o all_o the_o particular_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n live_v a_o very_a ill_a life_n till_o he_o come_v to_o die_v and_o then_o only_o repent_v of_o it_o we_o must_v then_o inquire_v whether_o it_o plain_o and_o certain_o appear_v from_o the_o account_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o it_o 1._o whether_o he_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a man_n in_o the_o whole_a or_o general_a course_n of_o his_o life_n 2._o whether_o we_o be_v sure_o he_o do_v not_o repent_v long_o before_o he_o come_v to_o die_v for_o if_o these_o two_o be_v not_o certain_o know_v nor_o do_v appear_v from_o scripture_n the_o case_n may_v be_v very_o different_a and_o no_o way_n suit_n or_o answer_v the_o late_a and_o die_a repentance_n of_o a_o very_a wicked_a man_n and_o 3._o suppose_v those_o two_o yet_o how_o can_v we_o tell_v whether_o this_o may_v not_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o no_o other_o sinner_n whatsoever_o 1._o whether_o it_o do_v appear_v from_o the_o account_n scripture_n give_v we_o of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a man_n in_o the_o whole_a or_o general_a course_n of_o his_o life_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o inquiry_n be_v this_o that_o a_o general_a habit_n of_o irreligion_n and_o wickedness_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n put_v he_o into_o a_o more_o wretched_a and_o dangerous_a and_o deplorable_a state_n than_o any_o particular_a act_n of_o sin_n or_o then_o any_o one_o sin_n whatsoever_o for_o that_o like_o a_o leprosy_n spread_v over_o and_o corrupt_v the_o whole_a mind_n lay_v the_o whole_a conscience_n waste_v and_o root_n up_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o put_v man_n in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n and_o who_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v so_o far_o go_v not_o be_v a_o sinner_n of_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n but_o may_v be_v a_o imperfect_o good_a man_n and_o yet_o fall_v into_o a_o wilful_a sin_n by_o the_o suddenness_n or_o greatness_n of_o the_o temptation_n by_o surprise_n and_o inconsideration_n and_o laxness_n of_o thought_n by_o a_o remissness_n in_o religion_n and_o not_o be_v due_o upon_o his_o guard_n and_o by_o the_o struggle_n that_o be_v in_o his_o mind_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n between_o this_o world_n and_o another_o which_o make_v the_o one_o now_o and_o then_o get_v the_o better_a of_o the_o other_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o borderer_n upon_o virtue_n and_o life_n between_o the_o confine_n of_o that_o and_o wickedness_n and_o sometime_o he_o be_v govern_v and_o bring_v under_o the_o power_n of_o one_o and_o sometime_o be_v overcome_v and_o make_v a_o prey_n by_o the_o other_o now_o though_o such_o a_o one_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n till_o he_o come_v whole_o off_o from_o every_o wilful_a sin_n and_o be_v more_o under_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n yet_o he_o be_v near_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o may_v soon_o by_o repentance_n and_o become_v a_o good_a man_n fit_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o so_o enter_v into_o it_o it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v in_o scripture_n from_o the_o history_n of_o this_o penitent_a thief_n whether_o he_o have_v be_v a_o very_a ill_a man_n or_o no_o in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o his_o life_n only_o that_o he_o be_v a_o thief_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o denominate_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o suffer_v as_o he_o himself_o own_v just_o and_o receive_v the_o due_a reward_n of_o his_o deed_n luke_n 23.41_o but_o who_o know_v what_o abatement_n his_o sin_n may_v have_v either_o by_o extreme_a necessity_n or_o some_o other_o circumstance_n which_o god_n may_v fair_o consider_v and_o allow_v for_o though_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o infamous_a death_n here_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o humane_a law_n even_o a_o good_a man_n who_o be_v so_o in_o the_o general_a course_n and_o habit_n of_o his_o life_n may_v fall_v into_o a_o particular_a act_n of_o wilful_a sin_n as_o we_o see_v in_o david_n moses_n and_o st._n peter_n and_o let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v as_o the_o apostle_n advise_v 1_o cor._n 10.12_o for_o no_o man_n be_v perfect_o out_o of_o danger_n whilst_o he_o be_v in_o this_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o infirmity_n and_o though_o every_o such_o sin_n break_v a_o man_n good_a state_n and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o ill_a one_o till_o he_o recover_v himself_o by_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n for_o man_n state_n of_o grace_n and_o damnation_n be_v no_o way_n fix_v here_o but_o be_v alterable_a in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o behaviour_n of_o their_o life_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o recover_v from_o a_o single_a act_n than_o a_o long_a habit_n as_o it_o be_v to_o cure_v a_o green_a wound_n than_o a_o old_a ulcer_n or_o a_o chronical_a disease_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o habitual_a soundness_n within_o where_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o vitiate_v with_o habitual_a corruption_n and_o evil_a principle_n and_o irreligious_a habit_n and_o custom_n but_o have_v a_o pretty_a good_a sense_n of_o religion_n though_o it_o happen_v to_o be_v overpowred_n with_o a_o temptation_n there_o it_o will_v soon_o recover_v itself_o and_o throw_v off_o the_o disease_n and_o the_o corrupt_a matter_n by_o its_o own_o inward_a strength_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n there_o the_o inward_a sense_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n will_v unfold_v and_o expand_v themselves_o by_o the_o power_n of_o restitution_n since_o though_o they_o have_v be_v press_v down_o and_o overpowr_v yet_o they_o have_v not_o be_v quite_o break_v and_o destroy_v the_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a sense_n will_v revive_v again_o in_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v not_o whole_o extinguish_v though_o very_o much_o damp_a and_o choke_v and_o weaken_v and_o thus_o they_o plain_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o thus_o penitent_a thief_n by_o his_o carriage_n to_o our_o saviour_n which_o i_o shall_v consider_v by_o and_o by_o by_o his_o rebuke_v the_o other_o thief_n who_o be_v rail_v at_o christ_n with_o that_o most_o sober_a reprimand_n do_v thou_o not_o fear_v god_n see_v thou_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condemnation_n ver_fw-la 40._o and_o by_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o full_a persuasion_n he_o have_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o state_n and_o his_o devout_a and_o religious_a prayer_n to_o christ_n to_o remember_v he_o when_o he_o come_v into_o his_o kingdom_n these_o make_v it_o very_o probable_a that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o very_o profligate_v or_o ill_a man_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o his_o life_n but_o rather_o such_o a_o good_a one_o who_o live_v not_o in_o the_o habit_n of_o many_o great_a sin_n but_o fall_v into_o a_o particular_a act_n by_o a_o temptation_n that_o may_v great_o lessen_v it_o before_o god_n though_o it_o make_v he_o a_o example_n before_o man_n but_o 2._o whatever_o his_o sin_n be_v however_o great_a and_o however_o sinful_a a_o man_n he_o have_v be_v yet_o who_o know_v how_o long_o he_o have_v repent_v and_o how_o sincere_o and_o what_o fruit_n he_o have_v show_v of_o his_o repentance_n we_o know_v not_o when_o the_o theft_n be_v commit_v and_o whether_o he_o do_v not_o immediate_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o make_v
restitution_n for_o it_o even_o before_o he_o be_v apprehend_v and_o before_o the_o thought_n and_o terror_n of_o death_n fright_v he_o into_o it_o and_o herein_o may_v lie_v a_o mighty_a difference_n for_o if_o a_o man_n upon_o the_o reflection_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n he_o be_v in_o thereby_o shall_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n set_v these_o thing_n home_o upon_o his_o mind_n strong_o fix_v and_o exciting_a these_o thought_n in_o he_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o good_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o become_v better_a and_o do_v strengthen_v and_o make_v good_a these_o by_o his_o action_n and_o thus_o begin_v to_o be_v good_a and_o cease_v to_o be_v wicked_a not_o from_o a_o sudden_a fright_n and_o fear_n of_o death_n but_o from_o the_o conviction_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o free_a and_o full_a persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v like_a to_o remain_v and_o continue_v with_o he_o this_o put_v he_o into_o a_o much_o better_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o be_v more_o true_o repentance_n than_o that_o which_o arise_v in_o man_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v when_o they_o have_v a_o force_n put_v upon_o they_o which_o almost_o take_v away_o the_o true_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o their_o will_n and_o therefore_o what_o they_o do_v then_o be_v owe_v whole_o to_o that_o and_o cease_v general_o when_o that_o be_v remove_v as_o to_o the_o thief_n we_o know_v not_o what_o his_o case_n be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v mere_a conjecture_n to_o suppose_v he_o do_v not_o repent_v till_o he_o come_v to_o die_v and_o it_o be_v the_o most_o groundless_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o apply_v his_o case_n to_o that_o of_o a_o wicked_a man_n who_o repent_v not_o till_o he_o find_v he_o must_v quick_o die_v when_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v his_o be_v perfect_o different_a that_o he_o be_v neither_o a_o very_a wicked_a man_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o as_o for_o that_o single_a act_n of_o wickedness_n which_o be_v record_v of_o he_o that_o he_o may_v repent_v of_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o commit_v it_o and_o that_o may_v be_v many_o year_n before_o he_o suffer_v for_o it_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v make_v no_o certain_a judgement_n by_o it_o much_o less_o raise_v a_o doctrine_n from_o it_o which_o suppose_v those_o two_o thing_n which_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v may_v be_v both_o false_a and_o than_o who_o will_v venture_v his_o soul_n upon_o such_o a_o mere_a uncertainty_n as_o that_o another_o man_n who_o he_o know_v very_o little_a of_o do_v not_o repent_v till_o he_o come_v to_o die_v and_o live_v very_o ill_a all_o the_o while_n before_o neither_o of_o which_o may_v be_v true_a but_o if_o they_o be_v yet_o 3._o how_o can_v he_o tell_v but_o this_o may_v be_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o such_o as_o no_o way_n belong_v to_o he_o nor_o to_o any_o other_o sinner_n whatsoever_o what_o if_o christ_n to_o show_v the_o wonderful_a and_o miraculous_a power_n of_o his_o cross_n towards_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n be_v please_v to_o give_v a_o uncommon_a and_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o it_o at_o that_o time_n such_o as_o no_o other_o sinner_n shall_v ever_o expect_v the_o like_a unless_o christ_n shall_v again_o come_v down_o and_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n with_o he_o what_o if_o god_n who_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n be_v please_v to_o let_v this_o penitent_a thief_n be_v a_o singular_a example_n of_o his_o unlimited_a power_n and_o prerogative_n to_o save_v beyond_o all_o ordinary_a rule_n because_o of_o his_o die_v at_o that_o time_n with_o christ_n this_o do_v no_o more_o make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o stand_n and_o certain_a measure_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o other_o than_o a_o prince_n show_v some_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o mercy_n to_o a_o few_o person_n when_o he_o come_v first_o to_o his_o crown_n and_o release_n all_o prisoner_n at_o his_o inauguration_n declare_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o constant_a rule_n of_o his_o government_n or_o that_o his_o subject_n shall_v have_v reason_n to_o expect_v this_o at_o other_o time_n from_o he_o thus_o the_o case_n may_v be_v extraordinary_a as_o to_o god_n but_o i_o rather_o lay_v it_o as_o such_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o person_n himself_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n not_o only_o to_o die_v with_o christ_n and_o to_o bear_v he_o company_n upon_o the_o cross_n but_o to_o confess_v and_o own_v he_o there_o in_o the_o face_n of_o all_o his_o enemy_n who_o be_v then_o flout_v and_o revile_v he_o when_o this_o good_a man_n be_v own_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n call_v he_o lord_n and_o pray_v he_o to_o remember_v he_o when_o he_o come_v into_o his_o kingdom_n so_o that_o he_o declare_v the_o most_o illustrious_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o he_o that_o can_v be_v great_a than_o his_o own_o disciple_n than_o have_v for_o they_o do_v not_o so_o clear_o believe_v and_o understand_v his_o kingdom_n not_o to_o be_v of_o this_o world_n and_o they_o all_o forsake_v he_o and_o flee_v when_o this_o man_n alone_o bear_v witness_v to_o he_o before_o the_o scoff_a jew_n and_o all_o his_o barbarous_a crucifier_n which_o be_v be_v a_o martyr_n to_o he_o though_o not_o for_o he_o a_o confess_v he_o in_o his_o death_n though_o not_o by_o it_o and_o he_o that_o do_v thus_o confess_v christ_n before_o man_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o do_v it_o when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o low_a and_o most_o contemptible_a state_n and_o who_o probable_o be_v for_o this_o treat_v with_o more_o insult_a mockery_n if_o not_o worse_a usage_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o own_o crucifier_n be_v it_o any_o wonder_n that_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n matth._n 10.32_o shall_v confess_v such_o a_o one_o before_o his_o father_n in_o heaven_n and_o that_o he_o who_o suffer_v with_o he_o and_o so_o eminent_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o and_o be_v save_v and_o receive_v into_o his_o kingdom_n can_v a_o wicked_a and_o careless_a sinner_n who_o have_v deny_v christ_n by_o his_o life_n who_o have_v affront_v disobey_v and_o contemn_v he_o who_o in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n have_v crucify_v to_o himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n heb._n 6.6_o by_o apostatise_v from_o his_o baptism_n and_o by_o a_o unchristian_a life_n can_v such_o a_o one_o expect_v to_o have_v the_o same_o treatment_n and_o usage_n from_o our_o saviour_n for_o a_o few_o die_a sorrow_n and_o empty_a vow_n and_o little_a remorse_n as_o this_o famous_a convert_n this_o great_a confessor_n this_o eminent_a martyr_n this_o apostle_n of_o christ_n as_o i_o may_v call_v he_o who_o preach_v he_o upon_o the_o cross_n before_o his_o great_a enemy_n and_o seal_v his_o illustrious_a faith_n in_o he_o with_o his_o die_a word_n and_o his_o last_o breath_n no_o sure_o the_o case_n must_v be_v very_o different_a between_o he_o and_o a_o ordinary_a and_o profligate_v sinner_n a_o wicked_a and_o vile_a christian_a i_o do_v not_o think_v any_o far_o fetch_v notion_n necessary_a to_o salve_v this_o matter_n of_o the_o thief_n salvation_n by_o suppose_v he_o with_o a_o late_a author_n to_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o baptism_n the_o baptismus_fw-la sanguinis_fw-la and_o then_o that_o baptism_n will_v save_v a_o man_n without_o obedience_n and_o a_o good_a life_n for_o i_o deny_v that_o baptism_n have_v any_o such_o grace_n or_o benefit_n as_o without_o those_o to_o save_v a_o wicked_a man_n though_o he_o shall_v be_v baptise_a in_o articulo_fw-la mortis_fw-la when_o he_o be_v just_o a_o die_a for_o if_o a_o new_o baptise_a person_n be_v not_o actual_o a_o good_a man_n in_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o god_n will_v accept_v by_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n his_o baptism_n shall_v not_o save_v he_o though_o it_o put_v he_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n if_o he_o be_v so_o but_o not_o otherwise_o as_o be_v plain_a by_o simon_n magus_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o specifical_o different_a before_o baptism_n and_o after_o but_o only_o gradual_o if_o they_o be_v a_o man_n will_v defer_v his_o baptism_n till_o near_o his_o death_n as_o some_o do_v of_o old_a upon_o this_o mistake_a notion_n of_o such_o a_o baptismal_a grace_n as_o save_v a_o man_n by_o a_o outward_a without_o a_o inward_a regeneration_n and_o real_a holiness_n the_o actual_a proof_n and_o sign_n of_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n require_v in_o the_o adult_n before_o they_o admit_v they_o to_o
we_o by_o our_o baptism_n he_o who_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v this_o inward_a principle_n infuse_v into_o he_o and_o stir_v with_o his_o fear_n at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v but_o a_o abortive_a christian_a and_o have_v neither_o the_o new_a birth_n or_o regeneration_n nor_o the_o divine_a life_n in_o he_o 4_o the_o great_a prejudice_n against_o this_o doctrine_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v too_o severe_a and_o will_v tend_v to_o make_v we_o judge_v over-hard_o of_o other_o and_o to_o throw_v die_v sinner_n into_o despair_n as_o be_v in_o a_o hopeless_a state_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o hinder_v their_o repentance_n at_o that_o time_n as_o be_v insufficient_a and_o ineffectual_a to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o severe_a than_o the_o gospel_n be_v which_o shut_v every_o wilful_a sinner_n out_o of_o heaven_n and_o pronounce_v damnation_n upon_o every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o live_v a_o good_a life_n at_o least_o after_o a_o bad_a one_o which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o repentance_n but_o we_o must_v make_v a_o new_a gospel_n if_o we_o abate_v of_o this_o and_o come_v low_a than_o be_v any_o way_n consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o government_n and_o with_o secure_v virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o not_o open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o looseness_n and_o licentiousness_n and_o encourage_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n rather_o than_o bring_v they_o off_o from_o they_o i_o believe_v indeed_o it_o be_v more_o out_n of_o pity_n and_o tenderness_n than_o any_o good_a ground_n in_o reason_n or_o scripture_n that_o the_o other_o doctrine_n have_v take_v place_n but_o we_o must_v not_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o a_o unreasonable_a tenderness_n and_o by_o pretend_v to_o be_v more_o merciful_a than_o god_n be_v or_o have_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v and_o it_o be_v i_o doubt_v the_o great_a cruelty_n to_o our_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n thus_o to_o deceive_v they_o into_o ruin_n by_o give_v they_o hope_n contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o account_v it_o the_o great_a charity_n to_o forewarn_v man_n of_o their_o danger_n and_o to_o free_v they_o from_o such_o a_o fatal_a mistake_n it_o do_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v we_o to_o judge_v other_o man_n and_o apply_v this_o doctrine_n to_o they_o as_o to_o ourselves_o god_n be_v their_o proper_a judge_n to_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o leave_v they_o and_o to_o their_o own_o master_n they_o shall_v stand_v or_o fall_v at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o it_o be_v more_o dangerous_a to_o assume_v a_o sort_n of_o power_n to_o dispense_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o our_o pretend_a charity_n and_o to_o give_v a_o relaxation_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n out_o of_o undue_a piety_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o blame_v and_o condemn_v god_n and_o think_v he_o deal_v more_o hardly_o with_o sinner_n than_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o then_o we_o ourselves_o will_v do_v when_o he_o pronounce_v damnation_n upon_o they_o for_o their_o bad_a life_n and_o will_v not_o save_v they_o for_o their_o die_a repentance_n out_o of_o this_o principle_n of_o pity_n other_o have_v go_v far_o and_o deny_v the_o eternity_n of_o hellish_a torment_n and_o have_v think_v it_o too_o hard_a that_o god_n shall_v punish_v the_o sin_n of_o a_o short_a life_n with_o never-ending_a pain_n and_o have_v therefore_o think_v good_a in_o their_o great_a pity_n to_o release_v all_o the_o damn_a and_o even_o the_o devil_n themselves_o out_o of_o hell_n within_o so_o many_o year_n but_o this_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o measure_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n better_o than_o god_n himself_o to_o prescribe_v new_a one_o to_o he_o contrary_a to_o what_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o to_o set_v up_o a_o court_n of_o equity_n upon_o he_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o to_o correct_v the_o fix_a rule_n and_o declare_v measure_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n with_o some_o other_o of_o our_o own_o which_o sure_o be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v as_o to_o the_o drive_a sinner_n into_o despair_n by_o this_o doctrine_n this_o can_v be_v say_v of_o those_o who_o have_v time_n before_o they_o to_o repent_v and_o live_v better_o if_o they_o make_v use_v of_o it_o and_o nothing_o will_v more_o strong_o excite_v they_o and_o more_o immediate_o put_v they_o upon_o this_o than_o the_o faithful_a and_o open_a tell_v they_o the_o truth_n as_o i_o have_v do_v and_o take_v they_o off_o from_o all_o hope_n and_o trust_n of_o a_o die_a repentance_n which_o have_v destroy_v so_o many_o soul_n as_o for_o the_o die_a sinner_n himself_o however_o i_o pity_v he_o i_o dare_v not_o give_v he_o hope_n far_o than_o i_o have_v warrant_n from_o god_n and_o authority_n from_o the_o gospel_n which_o no_o minister_n can_v have_v to_o assure_v he_o of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n from_o a_o mere_a late_a and_o deathbed_n repentance_n he_o can_v only_o advise_v such_o a_o one_o to_o do_v all_o he_o can_v at_o that_o time_n which_o may_v help_v if_o not_o whole_o to_o remit_v his_o punishment_n yet_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o abate_v and_o mitigate_v it_o which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a thing_n and_o commend_v he_o to_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o uncovenant_v mercy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o limit_v by_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o recitude_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n to_o which_o we_o must_v leave_v some_o great_a case_n not_o know_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o ourselves_o but_o as_o to_o the_o ordinary_a and_o covenant_v mercy_n of_o god_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v limit_v and_o which_o ought_v not_o be_v stretch_v or_o extend_v any_o more_o than_o narrow_v or_o confine_v to_o any_o other_o bound_n than_o those_o of_o the_o gospel_n such_o a_o repentance_n have_v no_o title_n to_o it_o by_o any_o promise_n there_o that_o i_o know_v of_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n venture_v my_o soul_n upon_o it_o nor_o will_v have_v any_o man_n else_o to_o do_v so_o for_o beside_o all_o other_o hazard_n of_o a_o sudden_a death_n and_o the_o like_a that_o attend_v such_o a_o repentance_n it_o be_v venture_v whither_o god_n will_v not_o break_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o at_o least_o abate_v they_o and_o be_v more_o merciful_a than_o he_o have_v there_o promise_v to_o be_v which_o no_o man_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o expect_v he_o shall_v be_v but_o rather_o a_o great_a deal_n to_o question_v whether_o he_o can_v be_v let_v none_o of_o we_o therefore_o trust_v to_o such_o a_o late_a and_o deathbed_n repentance_n which_o will_v expose_v we_o not_o only_o to_o infinite_a danger_n but_o to_o inevitable_a and_o certain_a ruin_n nor_o let_v we_o believe_v any_o such_o doctrine_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n either_o from_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross_n or_o from_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o scripture_n to_o be_v rely_v on_o but_o however_o severe_a the_o other_o doctrine_n be_v let_v we_o consider_v it_o be_v true_a as_o i_o shall_v full_o prove_v it_o be_v and_o i_o know_v no_o mischief_n of_o its_o severiry_n but_o this_o which_o be_v the_o plain_a consequence_n of_o it_o that_o we_o must_v not_o delay_v our_o repentance_n but_o take_v care_n to_o live_v a_o good_a life_n if_o we_o hope_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n sect_n iii_o the_o invalidity_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n show_v from_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n have_v examine_v and_o answer_v the_o plea_n and_o pretence_n on_o behalf_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n i_o shall_v show_v its_o invalidity_n and_o insufficiency_n by_o such_o plain_a and_o positive_a proof_n as_o shall_v take_v away_o that_o common_a error_n and_o fatal_a mistake_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o full_o confirm_v and_o establish_v my_o opinion_n against_o it_o the_o first_o whereof_o shall_v be_v that_o excellent_a parable_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n matth._n 25._o especial_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o it_o at_o the_o 10_o 11_o 12._o verse_n for_o i_o shall_v not_o represent_v it_o entire_a in_o all_o the_o part_n but_o only_o what_o be_v more_o full_a and_o home_o to_o my_o purpose_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o while_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v and_o they_o that_o be_v ready_a go_v in_o with_o he_o to_o the_o marriage_n and_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v afterward_o come_v also_o the_o other_o virgin_n say_v lord_n lord_n open_a to_o we_o but_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v very_o i_o know_v you_o not_o parable_n be_v a_o eastern_a and_o jewish_a way_n of_o instruction_n very_o frequent_o use_v by_o their_o wiseman_n and_o so_o make_v customary_a
which_o we_o can_v never_o enjoy_v the_o true_a happiness_n we_o be_v make_v for_o and_o to_o which_o our_o mind_n be_v fit_v virtue_n alone_o can_v give_v that_o and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n peace_n and_o joy_n that_o result_n from_o it_o whereas_o wickedness_n will_v necessary_o not_o only_a corrupt_a and_o impair_v the_o mind_n and_o spoil_v its_o faculty_n but_o disorder_n and_o wound_n and_o corrode_v it_o and_o make_v it_o very_o painful_a and_o uneasy_a and_o a_o hell_n and_o torment_n to_o itself_o 2._o as_o none_o but_o good_a man_n shall_v enter_v into_o heaven_n so_o none_o can_v be_v make_v good_a on_o a_o sudden_a those_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a habit_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v or_o attain_v immediate_o in_o a_o little_a time_n and_o on_o a_o sudden_a hurry_n as_o be_v intimate_v here_o by_o the_o virgin_n want_v oil_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o procure_v or_o buy_v it_o in_o their_o present_a distress_n when_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v a_o come_n we_o must_v be_v prepare_v and_o provide_v with_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o future_a happiness_n before_o death_n come_v and_o put_v we_o on_o a_o sudden_a hurry_n and_o alarm_n we_o with_o its_o unexpected_a approach_n or_o else_o we_o shall_v be_v sad_o disappoint_v and_o unprovided_a if_o we_o expect_v to_o procure_v or_o attain_v they_o then_o if_o we_o think_v to_o borrow_v of_o another_o virtue_n and_o merit_n to_o help_v out_o our_o own_o defect_n and_o want_n at_o that_o time_n as_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n imagine_v something_o like_o these_o foolish_a virgin_n or_o as_o other_o that_o the_o bridegroom_n himself_o shall_v supply_v they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n out_o of_o his_o stock_n though_o they_o have_v no_o oil_n at_o all_o in_o their_o own_o vessel_n no_o righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o all_o these_o vain_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o idle_a and_o careless_a and_o foolish_a sinner_n will_v then_o deceive_v and_o disappoint_v they_o and_o make_v they_o miserable_a if_o man_n have_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o religion_n nor_o any_o degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n all_o their_o life_n and_o think_v to_o acquire_v they_o now_o on_o a_o sudden_a when_o they_o be_v near_o die_v they_o may_v as_o well_o hope_v that_o a_o tree_n that_o have_v bear_v no_o fruit_n all_o the_o year_n shall_v on_o a_o sudden_a when_o it_o be_v just_a to_o be_v cut_v down_o and_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o it_o sprout_n and_o bud_n and_o blossom_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit._n this_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a miracle_n and_o it_o must_v be_v as_o great_a and_o unaccountable_a to_o have_v a_o wicked_a man_n on_o a_o sudden_a become_v a_o good_a one_o and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o virtue_n and_o repentance_n all_o our_o virtue_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o the_o growth_n of_o all_o plant_n and_o tree_n be_v to_o the_o rain_n and_o warmth_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o heaven_n but_o to_o think_v that_o god_n grace_n which_o can_v not_o work_v upon_o a_o man_n all_o his_o life_n before_o will_v now_o in_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n change_v and_o convert_v he_o on_o a_o sudden_a as_o to_o make_v he_o immediate_o become_v a_o good_a man_n be_v to_o suppose_v a_o saint_n make_v as_o adam_n be_v in_o full_a growth_n and_o perfect_a flature_n the_o first_o day_n he_o live_v without_o pass_v through_o the_o degree_n of_o youth_n and_o childhood_n as_o god_n think_v not_o fit_a to_o make_v mankind_n so_o now_o but_o produce_v they_o by_o the_o ordinary_a and_o appoint_a way_n of_o his_o providence_n so_o he_o make_v good_a man_n by_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o influence_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v form_v by_o degree_n and_o grow_v into_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o increase_v in_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n till_o it_o come_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o spirit_n work_v upon_o our_o mind_n agreable_o to_o their_o nature_n in_o a_o manner_n indiscernible_a from_o its_o own_o proper_a operation_n enlighten_v the_o understanding_n and_o incline_v the_o will_n gentle_o and_o kind_o by_o the_o thought_n and_o consideration_n of_o religion_n offer_v they_o clear_o and_o imprint_v they_o strong_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o in_o a_o rational_a way_n beget_v right_a apprehension_n and_o affection_n in_o it_o and_o so_o alter_v the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o by_o frequent_a act_n and_o repeat_v practice_n bring_v a_o man_n to_o new_a habit_n and_o thus_o convert_v he_o from_o bad_a to_o good_a not_o in_o a_o instant_n but_o by_o long_a strive_n and_o gradual_a operation_n upon_o he_o no_o very_o bad_a man_n be_v ever_o make_v a_o good_a one_o on_o a_o sudden_a nor_o can_v any_o more_o be_v so_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o a_o child_n over_o night_n become_v a_o man_n the_o next_o morning_n by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n or_o seed_n sow_o in_o the_o ground_n spring_v up_o and_o ripen_v and_o bear_v fruit_n in_o a_o few_o hour_n such_o mushroon_n convert_v and_o penitent_n have_v no_o good_a root_n but_o die_v away_o and_o wither_v as_o sudden_o and_o instantaneous_o as_o they_o come_v up_o with_o the_o first_o heat_n and_o trial_n of_o a_o temptation_n till_o religion_n shoot_v deep_a into_o their_o heart_n and_o get_v better_a root_n in_o their_o soul_n like_o the_o seed_n that_o fall_v on_o stony_a ground_n it_o be_v quick_o go_v and_o do_v not_o grow_v at_o all_o nor_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n as_o the_o scripture_n emphatical_o speak_v i._n e._n with_o due_a continuance_n good_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n and_o such_o like_a good_a principle_n of_o action_n must_v continue_v some_o time_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o exert_v their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o it_o by_o proper_a act_n and_o trial_n and_o experiment_n or_o else_o they_o be_v but_o like_o false_a conception_n that_o produce_v nothing_o like_o cloud_n without_o rain_n blossom_n without_o fruit_n and_o abortive_a cause_n without_o any_o effect_n a_o sudden_a sorrow_n upon_o a_o wicked_a mind_n will_v no_o more_o make_v it_o good_a nor_o bring_v forth_o the_o worthy_a fruit_n of_o repentance_n than_o a_o sudden_a shower_n upon_o the_o sand_n of_o arabia_n or_o rock_n of_o caucasus_n will_v make_v they_o become_v fertile_a and_o good_a ground_n there_o must_v be_v long_a cultivation_n and_o great_a labour_n and_o pain_n take_v with_o such_o barren_a ground_n before_o it_o will_v be_v a_o fruitful_a soil_n and_o bring_v forth_o any_o thing_n by_o all_o the_o shower_n and_o influence_n of_o heaven_n upon_o it_o a_o harden_a sinner_n who_o have_v live_v many_o year_n in_o the_o wretched_a course_n and_o habit_n of_o wickedness_n must_v by_o long_a time_n and_o great_a care_n and_o many_o method_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o goodness_n have_v his_o heart_n change_v and_o his_o life_n mend_v and_o his_o old_a vicious_a habit_n pluck_v up_o and_o new_a virtuous_a one_o plant_v in_o their_o place_n and_o these_o take_v root_n and_o grow_v up_o and_o bear_v fruit_n in_o his_o life_n before_o he_o can_v become_v such_o a_o good_a man_n as_o be_v fit_v for_o heaven_n such_o a_o one_o can_v never_o be_v make_v so_o in_o a_o little_a time_n just_a before_o death_n but_o it_o must_v require_v at_o least_o a_o good_a part_n of_o his_o life_n to_o become_v such_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v indeed_o the_o business_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n to_o make_v ourselves_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v thus_o fit_a for_o heaven_n to_o think_v that_o great_a work_n can_v be_v do_v at_o the_o latter_a end_n when_o we_o be_v just_o a_o die_a and_o may_v be_v dispatch_v in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n all_o on_o a_o sudden_a be_v as_o idle_a and_o unreasonable_a as_o for_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o good_a day_n journey_n to_o take_v to_o lie_v loiter_v and_o never_o mind_n it_o till_o the_o sun_n be_v near_o down_o and_o night_n be_v come_v upon_o he_o and_o then_o to_o set_v out_o and_o think_v to_o reach_v it_o by_o a_o sudden_a start_n or_o by_o some_o unaccountable_a way_n to_o fly_v thither_o or_o be_v magical_o transport_v and_o set_v down_o he_o know_v not_o how_o at_o his_o journey_n end_n or_o rather_o to_o make_v the_o case_n more_o exact_o parallel_v to_o a_o old_a sinner_n like_o one_o who_o have_v travel_v almost_o all_o the_o day_n in_o a_o wrong_a way_n and_o spur_v and_o drive_v on_o very_o furious_o in_o his_o vicious_a course_n and_o be_v now_o to_o turn_v back_o and_o begin_v to_o take_v the_o right_a way_n when_o
of_o religion_n and_o now_o he_o deny_v those_o and_o his_o life_n both_o alike_o because_o he_o can_v keep_v they_o be_v he_o now_o to_o begin_v to_o practise_v the_o virtue_n of_o chastity_n and_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n which_o he_o never_o do_v before_o then_o he_o have_v put_v they_o off_o to_o a_o very_a convenient_a season_n when_o his_o vice_n have_v quite_o leave_v he_o and_o so_o if_o virtue_n will_v come_v of_o themselves_o like_o guest_n uninvited_a there_o be_v no_o other_o company_n to_o hinder_v they_o but_o he_o be_v as_o virtuous_a and_o sober_a almost_o half_o his_o life_n i_o mean_v when_o he_o be_v asleep_a as_o he_o can_v be_v now_o when_o he_o be_v as_o incapable_a of_o the_o contrary_a act_n as_o he_o be_v then_o and_o be_v only_o like_o the_o enthusiast_n cure_v of_o see_v vanity_n when_o he_o lose_v his_o eye_n but_o perhaps_o not_o of_o be_v vain_a for_o the_o ghost_n and_o spirit_n of_o his_o depart_a sin_n may_v still_o haunt_v and_o possess_v he_o if_o these_o christian_a virtue_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n a_o die_a repentance_n can_v be_v sufficient_a without_o they_o if_o it_o be_v than_o those_o particular_a precept_n and_o command_n must_v be_v set_v aside_o by_o it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o general_a one_o i_o mention_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o can_v no_o more_o practise_v these_o virtue_n now_o than_o he_o can_v in_o his_o mother_n womb_n and_o they_o may_v be_v as_o well_o infuse_v into_o he_o then_o as_o they_o can_v be_v now_o without_o any_o practice_n and_o something_o better_o because_o there_o be_v then_o no_o contrary_a habit_n to_o hinder_v they_o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o infuse_a habit_n be_v like_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o transfusion_n of_o blood_n contrary_n to_o nature_n and_o experience_n and_o the_o die_a man_n may_v as_o well_o depend_v upon_o one_o for_o his_o body_n as_o the_o other_o for_o his_o soul_n 3._o the_o salvability_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o mere_a die_a repentance_n as_o it_o set_v by_o and_o discharge_v we_o from_o all_o those_o general_a and_o particular_a command_n of_o christianity_n so_o also_o from_o the_o whole_a christian_a engagement_n and_o baptismal_a covenant_n for_o can_v that_o then_o be_v any_o way_n make_v good_a or_o perform_v in_o any_o measure_n when_o a_o man_n have_v violate_v it_o all_o his_o life_n and_o notorious_o break_v it_o in_o all_o the_o part_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o can_v he_o then_o sufficient_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n when_o he_o have_v hitherto_o comply_v with_o they_o the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n when_o he_o have_v mind_v nothing_o else_o and_o the_o sinful_a luft_n of_o the_o flesh_n when_o he_o have_v follow_v they_o and_o be_v lead_v by_o they_o all_o his_o day_n can_v he_o then_o keep_v god_n commandment_n who_o have_v break_v most_o of_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n who_o have_v walk_v all_o his_o day_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o path_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o never_o leave_v they_o till_o just_a now_o he_o be_v at_o his_o journey_n end_n and_o can_v live_v no_o long_o sure_o this_o baptismal_a covenant_n be_v make_v only_o pro_fw-la formâ_fw-la and_o be_v but_o a_o modish_a and_o mannerly_a ceremony_n at_o our_o enter_v into_o christianity_n if_o we_o be_v not_o more_o oblige_v to_o stand_v to_o it_o and_o make_v it_o good_a and_o expect_v the_o benefit_n of_o christianity_n upon_o our_o so_o do_v in_o some_o further_a and_o better_a manner_n of_o performance_n than_o a_o wicked_a christian_a can_v do_v when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v if_o his_o mere_a sorrow_n and_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n will_v serve_v instead_o of_o all_o that_o be_v express_o or_o implicit_o mean_v by_o it_o it_o be_v void_a and_o null_a in_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o church_n have_v unfaithful_o and_o unsincere_o draw_v it_o up_o in_o other_o word_n of_o a_o different_a sense_n and_o meaning_n that_o signify_v nothing_o and_o the_o scripture_n have_v express_v it_o as_o odd_o and_o unfit_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o our_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o rise_n unto_o righteousness_n by_o our_o baptism_n that_o we_o be_v symbolical_o bury_v with_o christ_n by_o baptism_n unto_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v up_o by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n rom._n 6.4_o for_o if_o we_o have_v be_v plant_v together_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n we_o shall_v be_v also_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n know_v this_o that_o our_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v with_o he_o that_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v destroy_v that_o henceforth_o we_o shall_v not_o serve_v sin_n for_o he_o that_o be_v dead_a be_v free_a from_o sin_n ver_fw-la 5_o 6_o 7._o likewise_o reckon_v you_o also_o yourselves_o to_o be_v dead_a indeed_o unto_o sin_n but_o alive_a unto_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n ver_fw-la 11._o let_v not_o sin_n therefore_o reign_v in_o your_o mortal_a body_n that_o you_o shall_v obey_v it_o in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o neither_o yield_v you_o your_o member_n as_o instrument_n of_o unrighteousness_n unto_o sin_n but_o yield_v yourselves_o unto_o god_n as_o those_o that_o be_v alive_a from_o the_o dead_a and_o your_o member_n as_o instrument_n of_o righteousness_n unto_o god_n ver_fw-la 12.13_o here_o be_v enough_o to_o give_v we_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o great_a obligation_n of_o it_o to_o renounce_v sin_n and_o live_v a_o good_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o we_o be_v then_o say_v to_o put_v on_o christ_n and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n eph._n 4.24_o and_o to_o put_v off_o concern_v the_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o the_o deceitful_a lust_n ver_fw-la 22._o and_o to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o and_o have_v a_o spiritual_a principle_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n communicate_v to_o our_o soul_n and_o we_o then_o voluntary_o consent_v to_o the_o term_n of_o christianity_n and_o solemn_o engage_v and_o undertake_v to_o live_v according_a to_o they_o now_o all_o this_o which_o be_v very_o great_a and_o very_a oblige_v one_o will_v think_v be_v make_v very_o little_a and_o very_o easy_o take_v off_o and_o abate_v and_o dispense_v with_o if_o when_o it_o have_v be_v utter_o neglect_v and_o disregard_v violate_v and_o break_v all_o our_o life_n a_o mere_a short_a and_o die_a repentance_n will_v make_v it_o up_o and_o supply_v all_o the_o failure_n and_o the_o whole_a non-performance_n of_o it_o i_o own_o that_o true_a and_o timely_a repentance_n will_v relieve_v we_o against_o the_o many_o failure_n and_o breach_n of_o it_o by_o bring_v we_o to_o perform_v it_o better_o afterward_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o good_a when_o we_o have_v break_v it_o by_o any_o wilful_a sin_n and_o upon_o our_o performance_n of_o it_o though_o not_o with_o perfect_a exactness_n yet_o with_o sincere_a integrity_n depend_v our_o title_n to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o christianity_n but_o now_o to_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o it_o or_o take_v any_o care_n to_o observe_v it_o nor_o make_v it_o any_o way_n good_a in_o our_o life_n but_o to_o live_v loose_o and_o wicked_o as_o if_o we_o have_v no_o such_o strict_a engagement_n and_o obligation_n upon_o we_o and_o to_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o notorious_a sin_n and_o unlawful_a liberty_n express_o contrary_a to_o our_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o yet_o think_v to_o salve_v all_o and_o have_v the_o whole_a benefit_n of_o it_o by_o a_o short_a sorrow_n and_o repentance_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v this_o be_v either_o to_o make_v it_o have_v no_o meaning_n at_o all_o or_o that_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o but_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o whosoever_o do_v not_o make_v good_a his_o baptismal_a covenant_n in_o his_o life_n which_o a_o wicked_a man_n can_v at_o his_o death_n as_o he_o be_v false_a to_o christ_n and_o break_v his_o own_o most_o solemn_a and_o voluntary_a engagement_n so_o he_o forfeit_v all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o christianity_n all_o that_o pardon_v and_o salvation_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v and_o propose_v to_o he_o thus_o all_o the_o obligation_n to_o christian_a holiness_n and_o obedience_n lay_v upon_o we_o either_o by_o our_o own_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o promise_v or_o by_o the_o particular_a or_o general_a command_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n be_v all_o take_v away_o and_o dissolve_v by_o this_o loose_a doctrine_n of_o
shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o death_n he_o comfortable_o reply_v to_o himself_o i_o thank_v god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n ver_fw-la 25._o i._n e._n there_o be_v a_o remedy_n for_o it_o by_o christ_n and_o christianity_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v i_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n ver_fw-la 2._o chap._n 8._o the_o answer_n to_o the_o other_o objection_n will_v be_v full_o give_v in_o the_o next_o section_n sect_n ii_o the_o difference_n of_o sin_n what_o be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o a_o good_a state_n that_o all_o man_n be_v sinner_n not_o only_a experience_n but_o the_o scripture_n do_v in_o many_o place_n assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o righteous_a man_n upon_o earth_n who_o sin_v not_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o and_o that_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o by_o which_o be_v not_o only_o mean_v that_o no_o man_n be_v whole_o free_a from_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n or_o can_v pass_v all_o his_o day_n without_o fall_v into_o some_o sin_n or_o other_o but_o that_o no_o part_n of_o his_o life_n even_o when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o his_o best_a state_n a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v so_o perfect_a as_o to_o be_v quite_o sinless_a and_o without_o any_o sin_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o beg_v pardon_n of_o god_n and_o say_v daily_o forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n now_o this_o as_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o humiliation_n to_o the_o best_a man_n so_o it_o be_v turn_v to_o another_o use_n and_o quite_o different_a purpose_n by_o the_o worst_a they_o comfort_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o great_a sin_n that_o all_o man_n be_v sinner_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o that_o none_o be_v free_a from_o all_o sin_n and_o let_v they_o that_o be_v so_o cast_v the_o first_o stone_n at_o they_o they_o plain_o confound_v hereby_o the_o different_a state_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o distinguish_v or_o make_v such_o a_o true_a judgement_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v plain_o between_o they_o for_o the_o same_o scripture_n that_o tell_v we_o all_o be_v sinner_n and_o have_v conclude_v all_o under_o sin_n yet_o declare_v that_o every_o wilful_a sin_n be_v damnable_a and_o that_o they_o who_o commit_v it_o and_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o he_o who_o shall_v keep_v all_o the_o law_n beside_o and_o yet_o offend_v in_o any_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o and_o shall_v be_v punish_v as_o true_o though_o not_o so_o full_o for_o one_o wilful_a unrepented_a sin_n as_o for_o more_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o reconcile_v this_o and_o take_v off_o any_o seem_a difficulty_n about_o it_o but_o by_o that_o plain_a difference_n which_o both_o scripture_n and_o reason_n allow_v between_o sin_n that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v sin_n of_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n which_o be_v unavoidable_a to_o we_o in_o our_o present_a state_n and_o which_o be_v consistent_a with_o a_o good_a one_o and_o which_o the_o best_a of_o man_n can_v live_v whole_o without_o whilst_o they_o be_v in_o this_o body_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o that_o other_o be_v wilful_a and_o presumptuous_a know_v and_o deliberate_a sin_n which_o be_v commit_v with_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o against_o a_o plain_a law_n of_o god_n and_o with_o that_o presumption_n and_o disobedience_n that_o make_v they_o unpardonable_a without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n and_o a_o perfect_a amendment_n it_o concern_v we_o very_o careful_o to_o distinguish_v and_o know_v the_o difference_n between_o those_o and_o not_o to_o err_v to_o be_v sure_a on_o the_o wrong_a side_n by_o judge_v too_o kind_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o call_v those_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n which_o be_v sin_n of_o wilfulness_n and_o presumption_n nor_o can_v we_o without_o judge_v right_a and_o avoid_v mistake_v on_o either_o hand_n judge_v true_o and_o comfortable_o of_o ourselves_o and_o know_v what_o our_o spiritual_a state_n be_v or_o what_o condition_n we_o be_v in_o as_o to_o god_n and_o another_o world_n the_o only_a way_n to_o be_v safe_a be_v to_o avoid_v every_o sin_n at_o least_o every_o wilful_a sin_n and_o to_o grow_v up_o to_o as_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n as_o we_o can_v and_o to_o get_v as_o much_o mastery_n over_o all_o our_o imperfection_n and_o infirmity_n as_o be_v possible_a but_o since_o some_o sin_n and_o frailty_n will_v cleave_v to_o we_o whilst_o we_o carry_v this_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o death_n about_o we_o we_o may_v use_v the_o psalmist_n excellent_a prayer_n both_o for_o our_o instruction_n and_o our_o devotion_n psal_n 19.12_o 13._o who_o can_v understand_v his_o error_n cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o secret_a fault_n keep_v back_o thy_o servant_n also_o from_o presumptuous_a sin_n let_v they_o not_o have_v dominion_n over_o i_o then_o shall_v i_o be_v upright_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v innocent_a from_o the_o great_a transgression_n where_o he_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o several_a sort_n of_o sin_n 1._o such_o as_o he_o call_v error_n and_o secret_a fault_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o infirmity_n which_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v god_n to_o forgive_v and_o free_v we_o from_o as_o well_o as_o from_o other_o 2._o presumptuous_a sin_n which_o imply_v such_o as_o be_v both_o know_v and_o wilful_a and_o those_o 3._o such_o as_o have_v dominion_n over_o one_o a_o reign_v habitual_a prevail_a power_n now_o if_o we_o be_v keep_v free_a from_o these_o latter_a though_o not_o the_o former_a we_o be_v safe_a and_o out_o of_o danger_n in_o a_o state_n of_o sincerity_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v treat_v as_o righteous_a and_o good_a man_n notwithstanding_o those_o lesser_a fault_n then_o shall_v i_o be_v upright_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v innocent_a from_o the_o great_a transgression_n i._n e._n from_o any_o such_o sin_n as_o shall_v endanger_v my_o soul_n and_o expose_v it_o to_o misery_n and_o damnation_n i_o shall_v consider_v and_o explain_v these_o several_a sort_n of_o sin_n 1._o error_n and_o secret_a fault_n sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o infirmity_n such_o as_o we_o know_v not_o to_o be_v sin_n when_o we_o commit_v they_o either_o by_o a_o downright_a ignorance_n and_o not_o know_v any_o law_n of_o god_n that_o forbid_v they_o or_o by_o thoughtlesness_n surprise_v and_o inconsideration_n be_v unaware_o engage_v in_o they_o before_o we_o can_v think_v or_o consider_v as_o to_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o pharisee_n john_n 9.41_o if_o you_o be_v blind_a you_o shall_v have_v no_o sin_n i._n e._n if_o you_o have_v be_v perfect_o ignorant_a of_o the_o messiah_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o have_v have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o this_o by_o the_o prophecy_n of_o old_a and_o by_o the_o miracle_n which_o you_o see_v i_o do_v than_o your_o infidelity_n and_o unbelief_n have_v be_v excusable_a and_o without_o sin_n where_o christianity_n be_v not_o reveal_v as_o to_o the_o heathen_a world_n where_o faith_n be_v not_o propose_v to_o man_n with_o those_o argument_n and_o reason_n which_o shall_v persuade_v to_o it_o there_o god_n will_v not_o condemn_v they_o for_o their_o ignorance_n which_o they_o can_v no_o way_n help_v and_o which_o be_v only_o their_o misfortune_n and_o not_o their_o fault_n our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v of_o the_o jew_n if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n joh._n 15.22_o i_o e._n the_o sin_n of_o disbelieve_v and_o reject_v he_o as_o to_o other_o sin_n know_v by_o their_o own_o law_n those_o they_o have_v be_v answerable_a for_o to_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v as_o many_o as_o have_v sin_v in_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o law_n rom._n 2.12_o and_o as_o many_o as_o have_v sin_v without_o law_n shall_v perish_v without_o law_n i._n e._n the_o gentile_n who_o have_v not_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o their_o sin_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n it_o have_v be_v a_o uncharitable_a question_n whether_o any_o of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v save_v now_o though_o they_o can_v be_v save_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a covenant_n to_o which_o they_o have_v no_o title_n or_o claim_n yet_o god_n may_v in_o extraordinary_a mercy_n let_v all_o mankind_n have_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o save_v they_o by_o christ_n though_o they_o know_v he_o not_o
much_o there_o be_v of_o guilt_n and_o whatever_o abatement_n there_o be_v in_o our_o will_v it_o by_o the_o mind_n not_o know_v or_o not_o think_v of_o it_o or_o be_v unaware_o engage_v in_o it_o and_o not_o have_v the_o full_a use_n of_o its_o power_n of_o choice_n or_o understanding_n so_o much_o there_o be_v of_o excuse_n for_o it_o and_o so_o far_o its_o circumstance_n make_v it_o pardonable_a by_o a_o good_a god_n who_o will_v not_o condemn_v we_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v help_v and_o which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o avoid_v and_o all_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n be_v such_o some_o way_n or_o other_o for_o who_o can_v help_v be_v ignorant_a and_o mistake_v after_o he_o have_v use_v the_o best_a way_n he_o can_v to_o inform_v himself_o of_o his_o duty_n and_o if_o he_o then_o commit_v a_o sin_n ignorant_o and_o through_o the_o mere_a error_n and_o weakness_n of_o his_o understanding_n god_n will_v forgive_v it_o he_o so_o who_o can_v be_v always_o so_o much_o upon_o his_o guard_n and_o have_v his_o thought_n so_o much_o about_o he_o as_o not_o to_o say_v a_o rash_a and_o unfit_a word_n or_o do_v a_o some_o way_n unblamable_a action_n or_o not_o have_v some_o inward_a motion_n and_o sensual_a desire_n rise_v up_o in_o his_o mind_n contrary_a to_o strict_a reason_n and_o religion_n if_o god_n shall_v for_o every_o one_o of_o these_o enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o we_o or_o condemn_v we_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v and_o no_o flesh_n live_v can_v be_v justify_v but_o he_o who_o consider_v our_o frame_n and_o know_v that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n weak_a imperfect_a blind_a ignorant_a inconsiderate_a heedless_a creature_n make_v up_o of_o sensual_a passion_n appetite_n and_o inclination_n that_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o nature_n he_o will_v deal_v very_o gracious_o and_o favourable_o with_o we_o and_o not_o punish_v we_o for_o any_o unavoidable_a weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o only_o for_o the_o wilful_a fault_n and_o presumptuous_a miscarriage_n that_o we_o witting_o and_o willing_o commit_v against_o he_o and_o his_o law_n god_n alone_o can_v perfect_o judge_v and_o exact_o distinguish_v between_o all_o the_o fault_n of_o weakness_n and_o wilfulness_n and_o tell_v what_o degree_n of_o voluntary_a and_o involuntary_a and_o so_o of_o blame_n and_o guilt_n be_v in_o they_o he_o know_v our_o heart_n and_o search_v our_o reins_o and_o can_v better_o judge_v of_o our_o action_n and_o the_o secret_a spring_n of_o they_o than_o ourselves_o in_o great_a and_o notorious_a case_n every_o man_n conscience_n can_v judge_v for_o he_o but_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o conscience_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o if_o we_o sincere_o avoid_v every_o wilful_a and_o great_a and_o notorious_a sin_n and_o will_v not_o for_o any_o temptation_n in_o the_o world_n commit_v it_o if_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v we_o be_v upright_o and_o innocent_a from_o the_o great_a transgression_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v all_o our_o other_o sin_n and_o miscarriage_n be_v sin_n of_o pardonable_a weakness_n and_o excusable_a infirmity_n that_o do_v no_o way_n endanger_v our_o good_a state_n and_o whatever_o wilful_a sin_n we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n our_o have_v leave_v they_o and_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o as_o i_o have_v direct_v free_v we_o from_o all_o the_o danger_n of_o they_o and_o put_v we_o into_o the_o bless_a state_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n notwithstanding_o the_o lesser_a sin_n of_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n which_o we_o can_v live_v whole_o without_o sect_n iii_o the_o benefit_n of_o repentance_n or_o the_o happiness_n of_o be_v in_o such_o a_o good_a state_n the_o effect_n and_o benefit_n of_o true_a repentance_n such_o as_o i_o have_v describe_v and_o such_o as_o i_o have_v give_v the_o sure_a mark_n and_o criteria_n of_o be_v pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n which_o be_v very_o great_a thing_n and_o very_o comfortable_a word_n to_o a_o poor_a sinner_n to_o who_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v more_o revive_a than_o those_o few_o word_n which_o christ_n pronounce_v to_o the_o paralytic_n matth._n 9.2_o and_o which_o he_o pronounce_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o every_o true_a penitent_n son_n be_v of_o good_a cheer_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o these_o be_v word_n as_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a as_o tose_fw-fr of_o lazarus_n come_v forth_o and_o let_v there_o be_v light_n they_o will_v raise_v a_o droop_a dead_a soul_n out_o of_o the_o grave_a and_o restore_v life_n and_o comfort_n to_o he_o they_o will_v make_v light_a spring_n out_o of_o darkness_n and_o dispel_v the_o doleful_a black_a state_n he_o be_v in_o and_o make_v lightsome_a joy_n and_o gladness_n arise_v in_o his_o soul_n nothing_o can_v be_v say_v so_o cheer_v and_o refresh_v so_o ravish_v and_o transport_v to_o he_o unless_o those_o other_o word_n which_o will_v follow_v upon_o it_o go_v you_o bless_v receive_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o it_o be_v a_o very_a bless_a and_o a_o very_a happy_a state_n at_o present_a next_o to_o heaven_n itself_o to_o have_v our_o sin_n pardon_v and_o forgive_v and_o to_o be_v free_v from_o that_o miserable_a and_o wretched_a state_n into_o which_o they_o put_v we_o if_o we_o be_v but_o due_o sensible_a of_o it_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v how_o will_v a_o criminal_a that_o be_v before_o condemn_v and_o lie_v under_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n be_v affect_v do_v we_o think_v and_o his_o spirit_n cheer_v and_o his_o heart_n leap_v within_o he_o and_o a_o new_a life_n be_v put_v into_o he_o when_o a_o pardon_n be_v bring_v he_o from_o his_o prince_n and_o he_o be_v discharge_v from_o his_o condemn_a state_n and_o take_v off_o from_o the_o cart_n or_o the_o ladder_n a_o thousand_o time_n more_o reason_n have_v a_o poor_a sinner_n to_o be_v raise_v and_o comfort_v when_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n his_o past_a sin_n and_o guilt_n be_v take_v away_o upon_o his_o true_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n the_o scripture_n have_v pronounce_v such_o a_o one_o bless_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o david_n psal_n 32.1_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 and_o st._n paul_n can_v not_o find_v out_o any_o thing_n better_o to_o describe_v the_o blessedness_n of_o a_o christian_a by_o the_o gospel_n then_o by_o borrow_v the_o same_o word_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o david_n rom._n 4.6_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v both_o of_o they_o with_o the_o same_o word_n and_o idea_n of_o blessedness_n to_o sinner_n bless_a be_v they_o who_o iniquity_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 will_v not_o impute_v sin_n i_o shall_v show_v the_o blessedness_n of_o this_o state_n and_o condition_n which_o repentance_n put_v a_o sinner_n into_o upon_o these_o account_n 1._o as_o it_o free_v he_o from_o the_o present_a miserable_a state_n he_o be_v in_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o sin_n 2._o as_o he_o be_v deliver_v thereby_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o another_o world_n and_o the_o more_o dreadful_a danger_n hereafter_o 3._o as_o he_o be_v hereby_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o restore_v to_o his_o favour_n who_o be_v angry_a and_o displease_v with_o he_o before_o first_o as_o it_o free_v he_o from_o the_o present_a miserable_a state_n he_o be_v in_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o sin_n nothing_o be_v so_o painful_a and_o uneasy_a so_o perplex_v and_o torment_v as_o guilt_n when_o it_o lie_v heavy_a upon_o a_o man_n mind_n and_o he_o have_v a_o quick_a sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o it_o this_o be_v to_o be_v sting_v with_o scorpion_n to_o be_v whip_v with_o snake_n to_o have_v burn_a torch_n and_o all_o the_o conceive_a instrument_n of_o torture_n apply_v to_o we_o there_o be_v no_o torment_n so_o great_a as_o a_o man_n conscience_n strike_v with_o the_o horror_n of_o its_o own_o guilt_n haunt_v with_o its_o own_o fear_n as_o so_o many_o fury_n or_o evil_a spirit_n follow_v and_o disturb_v it_o wherever_o it_o go_v when_o it_o have_v the_o image_n of_o its_o own_o foul_a action_n always_o before_o it_o and_o imagine_v a_o divine_a judgement_n and_o nemesis_n always_o behind_o it_o when_o the_o very_a chatter_a of_o the_o bird_n speak_v its_o crime_n to_o it_o as_o in_o a_o know_a story_n and_o the_o hand-writing_n upon_o the_o wall_n make_v it_o tremble_v and_o be_v amaze_v and_o its_o own_o inward_a consciousness_n make_v it_o hear_v and_o see_v and_o read_v its_o sad_a doom_n and_o sentence_n in_o all_o place_n and_o on_o all_o occasion_n what_o a_o lamentable_a condition_n must_v a_o man_n be_v in_o when_o he_o lie_v thus_o under_o the_o load_n
out_o the_o fierceness_n of_o his_o anger_n upon_o they_o and_o they_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n of_o his_o fury_n and_o feel_v his_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n many_o a_o sinner_n have_v do_v this_o and_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n thy_o wrath_n lie_v hard_a upon_o i_o psal_n 88.7_o thy_o fierce_a wrath_n go_v over_o i_o thy_o terror_n have_v cut_v i_o off_o ver_fw-la 16._o fearfulness_n and_o tremble_a be_v come_v upon_o i_o and_o horror_n have_v overwhelm_v i_o psal_n 55.5_o thy_o arrow_n stick_v fast_o in_o i_o and_o thy_o hand_n press_v i_o sore_o psal_n 38.2_o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o thy_o anger_n even_o according_a to_o thy_o fear_n so_o be_v thy_o wrath_n psal_n 90.11_o for_o we_o be_v consume_v by_o thy_o anger_n and_o by_o thy_o wrath_n be_v we_o trouble_v ver_fw-la 7._o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n as_o he_o can_v convey_v secret_a and_o unspeakable_a comfort_n into_o our_o soul_n so_o he_o can_v impress_v intolerable_a and_o unspeakable_a horror_n upon_o they_o and_o who_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o his_o anger_n or_o endure_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n in_o his_o pleasure_n and_o favour_n be_v life_n and_o in_o his_o anger_n be_v a_o double_a death_n to_o the_o soul_n the_o inward_a sensation_n and_o perception_n of_o god_n love_n be_v the_o ohief_a joy_n and_o happiness_n to_o a_o soul_n either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o other_o and_o the_o sense_n and_o perception_n of_o his_o anger_n be_v the_o great_a misery_n god_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o happiness_n do_v diffuse_v and_o communicate_v such_o a_o peace_n joy_n comfort_n to_o good_a soul_n such_o a_o inward_a taste_n and_o relish_v of_o spiritual_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n as_o be_v unspeakable_a past_a understanding_n call_v joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v no_o doubt_n the_o sweet_a and_o most_o affect_a pleasure_n a_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o the_o angel_n and_o bless_a spirit_n above_o enjoy_v and_o be_v transport_v with_o the_o most_o ravish_a sense_n and_o rapturous_a impression_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v what_o make_v heaven_n to_o they_o and_o a_o little_a foretaste_n of_o it_o when_o god_n lift_v up_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n upon_o we_o when_o a_o pious_a soul_n taste_v and_o see_v how_o good_a and_o gracious_a god_n be_v this_o put_v more_o gladness_n in_o the_o heart_n than_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o all_o worldly_a enjoyment_n now_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o god_n hide_v his_o face_n and_o withdraw_v his_o lovingkindness_n and_o imprint_n a_o strong_a sense_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o anger_n upon_o the_o mind_n this_o be_v the_o utmost_a and_o the_o deep_a misery_n this_o give_v the_o bitter_a sense_n of_o evil_a fill_v it_o with_o the_o great_a horror_n sink_v it_o into_o the_o deep_a gulf_n the_o bottomless_a pit_n of_o misery_n and_o be_v the_o very_a punishment_n and_o hell_n of_o the_o damn_a how_o happy_a be_v it_o then_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o repentance_n who_o we_o have_v anger_v and_o provoke_v by_o our_o sin_n before_o we_o feel_v any_o of_o this_o and_o before_o his_o wrath_n and_o anger_n be_v pour_v out_o upon_o we_o it_o will_v certain_o fall_v upon_o every_o sinner_n some_o time_n or_o other_o unless_o he_o repent_v for_o god_n though_o he_o defer_v his_o anger_n for_o some_o time_n that_o his_o goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a may_v lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n yet_o his_o abuse_a love_n patience_n and_o mercy_n will_v turn_v to_o great_a wrath_n and_o fury_n if_o we_o persist_v in_o our_o sin_n and_o in_o a_o course_n of_o impenitency_n as_o it_o be_v a_o very_a terrible_a thing_n to_o have_v the_o great_a god_n our_o enemy_n and_o he_o certain_o be_v so_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v the_o comfortable_a thought_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o will_v alone_o make_v we_o happy_a to_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v our_o friend_n and_o that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n with_o he_o upon_o our_o repentance_n the_o conclusion_n to_o conclude_v as_o all_o general_a christian_a duty_n be_v mean_v by_o repentance_n so_o all_o general_a christian-priviledge_n and_o benefit_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o for_o as_o repentance_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o scripture_n with_o conversion_n regeneration_n the_o new_a birth_n the_o new_a creature_n the_o new_a man_n and_o the_o like_a those_o different_a word_n and_o figurative_a expression_n denote_v only_o the_o same_o duty_n import_v the_o great_a change_n and_o alteration_n make_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o a_o sinner_n by_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n and_o religion_n so_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n of_o christianity_n such_o as_o election_n adoption_n pardon_v justification_n at_o present_a and_o glorification_n afterward_o which_o be_v free_a and_o gratuitous_a act_n in_o god_n grant_v and_o bestow_v those_o favour_n upon_o we_o for_o christ_n sake_n upon_o our_o be_v due_o qualify_v and_o fit_v to_o receive_v they_o these_o all_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o have_v true_o repent_v and_o become_v good_a man_n and_o to_o none_o else_o for_o god_n have_v only_o choose_v adopt_a pardon_v justify_v and_o will_v glorify_v such_o and_o no_o other_o and_o till_o we_o have_v repent_v we_o have_v no_o good_a claim_n or_o title_n to_o any_o of_o those_o our_o be_v in_o a_o good_a state_n towards_o god_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n mean_v by_o all_o those_o phrase_n under_o some_o different_a consideration_n be_v on_o our_o side_n whole_o owe_v to_o our_o true_a repentance_n and_o obedience_n and_o it_o be_v all_o lose_v and_o forfeit_v by_o our_o impenitency_n and_o disobedience_n which_o on_o the_o contrary_n make_v we_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o heir_n of_o damnation_n put_v we_o into_o the_o worst_a spiritual_a state_n of_o reprobation_n obduration_n and_o excecation_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o impenitence_n and_o into_o that_o of_o condemnation_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o word_n that_o direct_o answer_v to_o that_o of_o justification_n all_o those_o scriptural_a phrase_n and_o expression_n of_o a_o good_a state_n belong_v to_o repentance_n and_o to_o the_o true_a christian_a penitent_n and_o all_o those_o which_o signify_v a_o bad_a one_o belong_v as_o true_o to_o wickedness_n and_o impenitence_n for_o though_o without_o the_o freegrace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n we_o can_v not_o be_v put_v into_o any_o such_o good_a state_n nor_o have_v a_o title_n to_o any_o such_o privilege_n mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o repentance_n or_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v do_v yet_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v put_v we_o into_o those_o state_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o our_o own_o action_n or_o not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o be_v to_o destroy_v all_o religion_n all_o divine_a government_n all_o future_a judgement_n and_o all_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n i_o may_v clear_v and_o illustrate_v and_o enlarge_v upon_o these_o have_v not_o this_o discourse_n already_o swell_v upon_o my_o hand_n into_o too_o great_a a_o bulk_n and_o do_v they_o not_o run_v into_o something_o of_o controversy_n which_o i_o will_v careful_o avoid_v i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o give_v this_o last_o advice_n to_o the_o penitent_n who_o have_v bring_v himself_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o this_o good_a and_o happy_a state_n that_o when_o he_o be_v thus_o get_v out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o death_n and_o of_o sin_n into_o those_o of_o life_n and_o virtue_n that_o he_o will_v go_v on_o and_o proceed_v in_o the_o new_a and_o right_a way_n he_o be_v in_o and_o make_v a_o speedy_a and_o further_a progress_n in_o all_o piety_n and_o goodness_n that_o like_o st._n paul_n forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v before_o he_o may_v follow_v and_o apprehend_v they_o and_o so_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n phil._n 3.13_o 14._o that_o now_o he_o be_v become_v a_o christian_a in_o good_a earnest_n he_o will_v more_o zealous_o promote_v that_o religion_n which_o he_o oppose_v and_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o before_o and_o show_v he_o be_v a_o true_a convert_n by_o his_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n against_o vice_n and_o irreligion_n that_o he_o will_v make_v all_o amends_o he_o can_v for_o his_o past_a miscarriage_n by_o do_v the_o great_a good_a he_o be_v able_a by_o serve_v god_n and_o his_o glory_n more_o hearty_o and_o thus_o love_v much_o because_o much_o be_v forgive_v he_o so_o that_o where_o sin_n abound_v grace_n