of_o any_o duty_n faithful_o discharge_v the_o memory_n of_o any_o good_a we_o have_v do_v do_v refresh_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o pleasure_n and_o joy_n our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o say_v st._n paul_n the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o all_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o course_n of_o a_o vicious_a life_n all_o act_n of_o impiety_n to_o god_n of_o malice_n and_o injustice_n to_o man_n of_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n in_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o do_v certain_o leave_v a_o sting_n behind_o they_o and_o whatever_o pleasure_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o present_a act_n of_o they_o the_o memory_n of_o they_o be_v so_o torment_v that_o man_n be_v glad_a to_o use_v all_o the_o art_n of_o diversion_n to_o fence_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o one_o of_o the_o great_a trouble_n in_o the_o world_n to_o a_o bad_a man_n be_v to_o look_v into_o himself_o and_o to_o remember_v how_o he_o have_v live_v i_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o true_a and_o be_v not_o here_o now_o a_o mighty_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o course_n of_o life_n that_o when_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a if_o there_o be_v any_o trouble_n in_o it_o it_o be_v soon_o over_o but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o be_v perpetual_a when_o we_o do_v a_o wicked_a action_n the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o be_v short_a and_o transient_a but_o the_o trouble_n and_o sting_v of_o it_o remain_v for_o ever_o the_o reflection_n upon_o the_o good_a we_o have_v do_v give_v a_o last_a satisfaction_n to_o our_o mind_n but_o the_o remembrance_n of_o any_o evil_n commit_v by_o we_o leave_v a_o perpetual_a discontent_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o considerable_a a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n do_v then_o yield_v most_o peace_n and_o comfort_n when_o we_o most_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o in_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n when_o a_o man_n fall_v into_o any_o great_a calamity_n there_o be_v no_o comfort_n in_o the_o world_n like_v to_o that_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n this_o make_v all_o calm_a and_o serene_a within_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n about_o he_o so_o david_n observe_v of_o the_o good_a man_n psal_n 112.4_o unto_o the_o upright_a there_o arise_v light_n in_o darkness_n all_o the_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a action_n that_o we_o do_v be_v so_o many_o seed_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n sow_v in_o our_o conscience_n which_o will_v spring_v up_o and_o flourish_v most_o in_o time_n of_o outward_a trouble_n and_o distress_n light_n be_v sow_v for_o the_o righteous_a and_o gladness_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n and_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n say_v solomon_n and_o what_o a_o seasonable_a refreshment_n be_v it_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n be_v ready_a to_o take_v hold_n of_o he_o and_o he_o be_v just_o step_v into_o the_o other_o world_n to_o be_v able_a to_o look_v back_o with_o satisfaction_n upon_o a_o religious_a and_o well-spent_a life_n then_o if_o ever_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a man_n do_v overflow_v and_o a_o kind_n of_o heaven_n spring_v up_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v a_o true_a and_o solid_a comfort_n indeed_o which_o will_v stand_v by_o we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n and_o stick_v close_o to_o we_o when_o we_o have_v most_o need_n of_o it_o but_o with_o the_o ungodly_a it_o be_v not_o so_o his_o guilt_n lie_v in_o wait_n for_o he_o especial_o against_o such_o time_n and_o be_v never_o more_o fierce_a and_o rage_a than_o in_o the_o day_n of_o distress_n so_o that_o according_a as_o his_o trouble_n without_o be_v multiply_v so_o be_v his_o sting_n within_o and_o sure_o affliction_n be_v then_o grievous_a indeed_o when_o it_o fall_v upon_o a_o gall_a and_o uneasy_a mind_n be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o outward_a affliction_n may_v be_v tolerable_a the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n may_v bear_v his_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v but_o especial_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n how_o do_v the_o guilt_n of_o his_o wicked_a life_n then_o stare_v he_o in_o the_o face_n what_o storm_n and_o tempest_n be_v raise_v in_o his_o soul_n which_o make_v it_o like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v when_o eternity_n that_o fearful_a and_o amaze_a sight_n present_v itself_o to_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o feel_v himself_o sink_v into_o the_o region_n of_o darkness_n and_o be_v every_o moment_n in_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o meeting_n with_o the_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o deed_n with_o what_o regret_n do_v he_o then_o remember_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o life_n and_o how_o full_a of_o rage_n and_o indignation_n be_v he_o against_o himself_o for_o have_v neglect_v to_o know_v when_o he_o have_v so_o many_o opportunity_n of_o know_v they_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o his_o peace_n and_o which_o because_o he_o have_v neglect_v they_o be_v now_o and_o likely_a to_o be_v for_o ever_o hide_v from_o his_o eye_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o true_a case_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o wicked_a man_n i_o need_v not_o multiply_v word_n but_o may_v leave_v it_o to_o any_o man_n thought_n in_o which_o of_o these_o condition_n he_o will_v be_v and_o sure_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o choice_n but_o now_o though_o this_o discourse_n be_v very_o true_a yet_o for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v but_o fair_a to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o there_o be_v several_a objection_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v countenance_v from_o experience_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o most_o plausible_a speculation_n as_o 1._o that_o wicked_a man_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pleasure_n and_o contentment_n in_o their_o vice_n 2._o that_o religion_n impose_v many_o harsh_a and_o grievous_a thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o have_v speak_v of_o 3._o that_o those_o who_o be_v religious_a be_v many_o time_n very_o disconsolate_a and_o full_a of_o trouble_n to_o the_o first_o i_o deny_v not_o that_o wicked_a man_n have_v some_o pleasure_n in_o their_o vice_n but_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v right_o compute_v and_o just_a abatement_n make_v it_o will_v amount_v to_o very_o little_a for_o it_o be_v the_o low_a and_o mean_a kind_n of_o pleasure_n it_o be_v chief_o the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o body_n and_o our_o sense_n of_o our_o worst_a part_n the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o not_o of_o the_o man_n that_o which_o least_o become_v we_o and_o which_o we_o be_v least_o of_o all_o make_v for_o those_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o be_v lawful_a be_v much_o inferior_a to_o the_o least_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o when_o they_o be_v unlawful_a they_o be_v always_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o to_o gain_v a_o little_a sensual_a pleasure_n he_o lose_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o soul_n can_v we_o find_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o call_v that_o pleasure_n which_o rob_v we_o of_o a_o far_o great_a and_o high_a satisfaction_n than_o it_o bring_v the_o delight_n of_o sense_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o chief_a pleasure_n for_o which_o god_n design_v we_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o intend_v we_o shall_v take_v our_o chief_a pleasure_n in_o the_o restrain_v and_o moderate_v of_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o desire_n and_o in_o keep_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o a_o last_a pleasure_n those_o fit_n of_o mirth_n which_o wicked_a man_n have_v how_o soon_o be_v they_o over_o like_o a_o sudden_a blaze_n which_o after_o a_o little_a flash_n and_o noise_n be_v present_o go_v it_o be_v the_o comparison_n of_o a_o very_a great_a and_o experience_a man_n in_o these_o matter_n like_o the_o crackle_n of_o thorn_n under_o a_o pot_n say_v solomon_n so_o be_v the_o laughter_n of_o the_o fool_n that_o be_v the_o mirth_n of_o the_o wicked_a man_n it_o may_v be_v loud_a but_o it_o last_v not_o but_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o that_o long_a and_o black_a train_n of_o misery_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o they_o draw_v after_o they_o many_o time_n poverty_n and_o reproach_n pain_n and_o disease_n upon_o our_o
favour_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o such_o person_n than_o to_o understand_v aright_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n be_v and_o wherein_o the_o heinousness_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o i_o have_v declare_v as_o it_o seem_v very_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v than_o i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o person_n now_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o those_o circumstance_n as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o commit_v it_o and_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n and_o declare_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o extend_v it_o beyond_o the_o case_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n apply_v it_o which_o be_v the_o resist_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o that_o be_v by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o utmost_a assurance_n of_o they_o that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o not_o only_o a_o bare_a resistance_n of_o that_o evidence_n but_o with_o a_o very_a malicious_a circumstance_n so_o as_o to_o impute_v those_o work_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o our_o saviour_n charge_v with_o this_o sin_n and_o no_o body_n have_v warrant_n to_o extend_v this_o sin_n any_o further_a than_o this_o case_n and_o without_o good_a warrant_v it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o uncharitable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o extend_v it_o any_o further_o that_o which_o come_v near_a to_o it_o both_o in_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o crime_n and_o the_o unpardonableness_n of_o it_o be_v total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n after_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o and_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o this_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o place_n if_o not_o in_o the_o same_o rank_n yet_o very_o near_o to_o it_o and_o of_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v very_o often_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n under_o the_o name_n of_o unbelief_n and_o sin_n by_o way_n of_o eminence_n as_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n that_o christian_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o call_v in_o that_o epistle_n heb._n 12.1_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sin_n which_o christian_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o circumstance_n they_o be_v then_o in_o be_v especial_o subject_a to_o and_o he_o parallel_v it_o with_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o wilderness_n concern_v who_o god_n swear_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n namely_o the_o earthly_a canaan_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o heaven_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 18._o and_o chap._n 6._o ver_fw-la 4_o 5_o 6_o more_o express_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_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 to_o repentance_n where_o by_o impossible_a the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v mean_v be_v that_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a for_o such_o person_n to_o recover_v themselves_o by_o repentance_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o person_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v that_o they_o be_v either_o endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o be_v under_o the_o conviction_n of_o they_o as_o have_v see_v they_o wrought_v by_o other_o so_o that_o this_o apostasy_n may_v be_v say_v in_o that_o respect_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o likewise_o chap._n 10._o ver_fw-la 26_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v if_o we_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n after_o we_o have_v embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v plain_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n which_o expression_n declare_v this_o sin_n either_o to_o be_v unpardonable_a or_o something_o very_o like_o it_o and_o at_o the_o 29._o vers_fw-la those_o person_n be_v say_v to_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o signify_v that_o the_o sin_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v more_o immediate_o commit_v against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n st._n peter_n likewise_o declare_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o this_o sin_n 2_o pet._n 2.20_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 st._n john_n likewise_o seem_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n and_o to_o call_v it_o a_o sin_n unto_o death_n discourage_v christian_n rather_o from_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o be_v fall_v into_o it_o which_o give_v great_a suspicion_n that_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o hardly_o pardonable_a 1_o joh._n 5.16_o if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n for_o those_o that_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o now_o that_o by_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n seem_v extreme_o probable_a from_o what_o follow_v ver_fw-la 18_o we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o but_o keep_v himself_o and_o that_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o preserve_v himself_o from_o idolatry_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v seduce_v the_o world_n into_o ver_fw-la 19_o and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o wicked_a one_o that_o be_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o understanding_n to_o know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a that_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o idol_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v this_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o last_o caution_n be_v a_o key_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o make_v it_o very_o probable_a that_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n be_v apostasy_n from_o christianity_n unto_o idolatry_n otherwise_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v how_o the_o last_o clause_n come_v in_o little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n and_o this_o be_v that_o sin_n which_o of_o all_o other_o approach_v near_a to_o this_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o and_o concern_v the_o pardonableness_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o speak_v very_o doubtful_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o unpardonable_a nature_n yet_o this_o can_v be_v no_o trouble_n to_o those_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o who_o can_v but_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o sin_n as_o for_o those_o other_o sin_n which_o by_o some_o be_v take_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o no_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o commit_v as_o a_o malicious_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n when_o i_o be_o convince_v and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v a_o contradiction_n because_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n be_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v disbelieve_v it_o while_o he_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n or_o else_o they_o be_v such_o as_o no_o man_n can_v know_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o this_o life_n as_o final_a impenitency_n which_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o live_v and_o die_v without_o repentance_n or_o else_o such_o as_o i_o think_v not_o good_a man_n be_v incident_a to_o as_o a_o malicious_a and_o perverse_a oppose_v of_o the_o truth_n after_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o conviction_n however_o none_o of_o these_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n descrihe_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v but_o still_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o usual_o trouble_v honest_a and_o well-meaning_a
virtue_n or_o vice_n people_n take_v their_o fashion_n from_o you_o as_o to_o the_o habit_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o their_o body_n so_o that_o upon_o you_o chief_o depend_v the_o ruin_n or_o reformation_n of_o manner_n our_o hope_n or_o despair_n of_o a_o better_a world_n what_o way_n soever_o you_o go_v you_o be_v follow_v by_o troop_n if_o you_o run_v any_o sinful_a or_o dangerous_a course_n you_o can_v perish_v alone_o in_o your_o iniquity_n but_o thousand_o will_v fall_v by_o your_o side_n and_o ten_o thousand_o at_o your_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v very_o much_o in_o your_o power_n and_o i_o hope_v in_o your_o will_n and_o design_n to_o be_v the_o sovereign_a restorer_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o a_o degenerate_a age._n it_o be_v our_o part_n indeed_o to_o exhort_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n but_o it_o be_v you_o that_o will_v be_v the_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a preacher_n of_o righteousness_n we_o may_v endeavour_v to_o make_v man_n proselyte_n to_o virtue_n but_o you_o will_v infallible_o draw_v disciple_n after_o you_o we_o may_v try_v to_o persuade_v but_o you_o can_v certain_o prevail_v either_o to_o make_v man_n good_a or_o to_o restrain_v they_o from_o be_v so_o bad_a therefore_o consider_v your_o way_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o as_o well_o as_o yourselves_o consider_v what_o you_o have_v do_v and_o then_o consider_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o you_o to_o do_v and_o if_o you_o do_v it_o not_o what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o help_v you_o forward_o in_o this_o work_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o i_o shall_v rip_v up_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o age_n and_o set_v man_n sin_n in_o order_n before_o they_o it_o be_v much_o better_o that_o you_o yourselves_o shall_v call_v your_o own_o way_n to_o remembrance_n we_o have_v every_o one_o a_o faithful_a monitor_n and_o witness_v in_o our_o own_o breast_n who_o if_o we_o will_v but_o hearken_v to_o he_o will_v deal_v impartial_o with_o we_o and_o private_o tell_v we_o the_o error_n of_o our_o life_n to_o this_o monitor_n i_o refer_v you_o and_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o make_v these_o admonition_n effectual_a let_v we_o then_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n search_n and_o try_v our_o way_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n let_v we_o take_v to_o ourselves_o word_n and_o say_v to_o god_n with_o those_o true_a penitent_n in_o scripture_n i_o have_v sin_v what_o shall_v be_v do_v unto_o thou_o o_o thou_o preserver_n of_o man_n behold_v i_o be_o vile_a what_o shall_v i_o answer_v thou_o i_o will_v lay_v my_o hand_n upon_o my_o mouth_n i_o will_v abhor_v myself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n for_o sure_o it_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v say_v unto_o god_n i_o will_v not_o offend_v any_o more_o that_o which_o i_o know_v not_o teach_v thou_o i_o and_o if_o i_o have_v do_v iniquity_n i_o will_v do_v no_o more_o o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o we_o o_o that_o we_o be_v wise_a that_o we_o understand_v this_o that_o we_o will_v consider_v our_o latter_a end_n and_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n inspire_v into_o every_o one_o of_o our_o heart_n this_o holy_a and_o happy_a resolution_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n apr._n 18_o the_o 1675._o psal_n cxix_o 60_o i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n in_o the_o word_n immediate_o go_v before_o you_o have_v the_o course_n which_o david_n take_v for_o the_o reform_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o success_n of_o that_o course_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n a_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o the_o past_a error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o life_n produce_v the_o reformation_n of_o it_o and_o you_o have_v a_o considerable_a circumstance_n add_v in_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v now_o read_v to_o you_o viz._n that_o this_o reformation_n be_v speedy_a and_o without_o delay_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n upon_o due_a consideration_n of_o his_o former_a life_n and_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o change_n he_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o a_o better_a life_n and_o immediate_o put_v this_o resolution_n in_o execution_n and_o to_o declare_v how_o present_o and_o quick_o he_o do_v it_o he_o express_v it_o both_o affirmative_o and_o negative_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o hebrew_n who_o when_o they_o will_v say_v a_o thing_n with_o great_a certainty_n and_o emphasis_n be_v wont_a to_o express_v it_o both_o way_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o that_o be_v i_o do_v with_o all_o imaginable_a speed_n betake_v myself_o to_o a_o better_a course_n and_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o consideration_n and_o the_o true_a cause_n why_o man_n delay_v so_o necessary_a a_o work_n be_v because_o they_o stifle_v their_o reason_n and_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v hurry_v into_o the_o embrace_n of_o present_a object_n and_o do_v not_o consider_v their_o latter_a end_n and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o sad_a issue_n and_o event_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n for_o if_o man_n will_v take_v a_o impartial_a view_n of_o their_o life_n and_o but_o now_o and_o then_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o and_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o miserable_a and_o fatal_a consequence_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n and_o think_v whither_o it_o will_v bring_v they_o at_o last_o and_o that_o the_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v death_n and_o misery_n if_o the_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a person_n will_v but_o look_v about_o he_o and_o consider_v how_o many_o have_v be_v ruin_v in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o be_v in_o how_o many_o lie_v slay_v and_o wound_v in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o hell_n and_o lead_v down_o to_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n this_o will_v certain_o give_v a_o check_n to_o he_o and_o stop_v he_o in_o his_o course_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v but_o that_o that_o man_n who_o have_v due_o consider_v what_o sin_n be_v the_o shortness_n of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o the_o eternity_n of_o its_o punishment_n shall_v resolve_v immediate_o to_o break_v off_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v another_o kind_n of_o life_n will_v any_o man_n be_v intemperate_a and_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n will_v any_o man_n be_v unjust_a and_o defraud_v or_o oppress_v his_o neighbour_n be_v profane_a and_o live_v in_o the_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n or_o allow_v himself_o in_o any_o wicked_a course_n whatsoever_o that_o consider_v and_o believe_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o that_o because_o of_o these_o thing_n the_o terrible_a vengeance_n of_o god_n will_v one_o day_n fall_v upon_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o man_n who_o apply_v themselves_o serious_o to_o the_o meditation_n of_o these_o matter_n shall_v venture_v to_o continue_v in_o so_o imprudent_a and_o dangerous_a a_o course_n or_o can_v by_o any_o temptation_n whatsoever_o be_v train_v on_o one_o step_n far_o in_o a_o way_n that_o do_v so_o certain_o and_o visible_o lead_v to_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n so_o that_o my_o work_n at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o monstrous_a folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o delay_v the_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n and_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o resolve_v upon_o it_o and_o have_v resolve_v to_o set_v about_o it_o immediate_o and_o without_o delay_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o good_a man_n here_o in_o the_o text_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o reason_n and_o excuse_n which_o man_n pretend_v for_o delay_v this_o necessary_a work_n and_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o second_o i_o shall_v add_v some_o far_a consideration_n to_o engage_v we_o effectual_o to_o set_v about_o this_o work_n speedy_o and_o without_o delay_n i._o we_o will_v consider_v a_o little_a the_o reason_n and_o excuse_n which_o man_n pretend_v for_o delay_v this_o necessary_a work_n and_o not_o only_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v each_o of_o they_o a_o strong_a reason_n and_o powerful_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n 1._o many_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v abundant_o convince_v of_o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o better_a course_n and_o they_o full_o intend_v to_o do_v so_o only_o they_o can_v at_o present_v bring_v themselves_o
tarry_v 6._o last_o consider_v what_o a_o unspeakable_a happiness_n it_o be_v to_o have_v our_o mind_n settle_v in_o that_o condition_n that_o we_o may_v without_o fear_n and_o amazement_n nay_o with_o comfort_n and_o confidence_n expect_v death_n and_o judgement_n death_n be_v never_o far_o from_o any_o of_o we_o and_o the_o general_a judgement_n of_o the_o world_n may_v be_v near_o than_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o for_o of_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n know_v no_o man_n and_o these_o be_v two_o terrible_a thing_n and_o nothing_o can_v free_v we_o from_o the_o terror_n of_o they_o but_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v either_o by_o innocence_n or_o by_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n happy_a man_n who_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v at_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o with_o himself_o and_o can_v think_v of_o death_n and_o judgement_n without_o dread_n and_o astonishment_n for_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o great_a day_n only_o concern_v those_o who_o have_v live_v wicked_o and_o impenitent_o and_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v neither_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n nor_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o judgement_n to_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o he_o but_o if_o we_o have_v true_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o do_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o god_n the_o more_o we_o think_v of_o death_n and_o judgement_n the_o great_a matter_n of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n will_v these_o thing_n be_v to_o we_o for_o bless_a be_v that_o servant_n who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v let_v we_o therefore_o as_o soon_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v put_v ourselves_o into_o this_o posture_n and_o preparation_n according_a to_o that_o advice_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n luke_n 12.35_o 36_o let_v your_o loin_n be_v gird_v about_o and_o your_o lamp_n burn_v and_o you_o yourselves_o like_v unto_o man_n that_o wait_v for_o their_o lord_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v that_o enough_o have_v be_v say_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o great_a unreasonableness_n and_o folly_n of_o these_o delay_n nay_o i_o believe_v most_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o by_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o that_o their_o conscience_n call_v they_o fool_n a_o thousand_o time_n for_o it_o but_o o_o that_o i_o know_v what_o to_o say_v that_o may_v prevail_v with_o man_n and_o effectual_o persuade_v they_o to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o be_v so_o abundant_o convince_v be_v so_o necessary_a and_o here_o i_o may_v address_v myself_o to_o the_o several_a age_n of_o person_n you_o that_o be_v young_a and_o have_v hitherto_o be_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n innocent_a may_v prevent_v the_o devil_n and_o by_o a_o early_a piety_n give_v god_n the_o first_o possession_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n never_o be_v put_v to_o the_o trouble_n of_o so_o great_a and_o solemn_a a_o repentance_n have_v never_o be_v deep_o engage_v in_o a_o wicked_a life_n you_o may_v do_v a_o glorious_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v a_o meritorious_a thing_n in_o cleave_v steadfast_o to_o god_n and_o resolve_v to_o serve_v he_o when_o you_o be_v so_o importunate_o court_v and_o so_o hot_o assault_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n however_o you_o may_v not_o live_v to_o be_v old_a therefore_o upon_o that_o consideration_n begin_v the_o work_n present_o and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o opportunity_n that_o be_v now_o in_o your_o hand_n you_o that_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o ripeness_n of_o year_n and_o be_v in_o the_o full_a vigour_n of_o your_o age_n you_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n that_o the_o heat_n and_o inconsiderateness_n of_o youth_n be_v now_o past_a and_o go_v that_o reason_n and_o consideration_n be_v now_o in_o their_o perfection_n and_o strength_n that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a age_n of_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n of_o wisdom_n and_o wariness_n so_o that_o now_o be_v the_o proper_a time_n for_o you_o to_o be_v serious_a and_o wise_o to_o secure_v your_o future_a happiness_n as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v old_a they_o methinks_v shall_v need_v no_o body_n to_o admonish_v they_o that_o it_o be_v now_o high_a time_n for_o they_o to_o begin_v a_o new_a life_n and_o that_o the_o time_n pass_v of_o their_o life_n be_v too_o much_o to_o have_v spend_v in_o sin_n and_o folly_n there_o be_v no_o trifle_v where_o man_n have_v a_o great_a work_n to_o do_v and_o but_o little_a time_n to_o do_v it_o in_o your_o sun_n be_v certain_o go_v down_o and_o near_o its_o set_n therefore_o you_o shall_v quicken_v your_o pace_n consider_v that_o your_o journey_n be_v never_o the_o short_a because_o you_o have_v but_o little_a time_n to_o perform_v it_o in_o alas_o man_n thou_o be_v just_o ready_a to_o die_v and_o have_v thou_o not_o yet_o begin_v to_o live_v be_v thy_o passion_n and_o lust_n yet_o unsubdued_a and_o have_v they_o have_v no_o other_o mortification_n than_o what_o age_n have_v give_v they_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v how_o in_o the_o very_a extremity_n of_o old_a age_n many_o man_n be_v as_o if_o they_o have_v still_o a_o thousand_o year_n to_o live_v and_o make_v no_o preparation_n for_o death_n though_o it_o dog_v they_o at_o the_o heel_n and_o be_v just_o come_v up_o to_o they_o and_o ready_a to_o give_v they_o the_o fatal_a stroke_n therefore_o let_v we_o not_o put_v off_o this_o necessary_a work_n of_o reform_v ourselves_o in_o what_o part_n and_o age_n of_o our_o life_n soever_o we_o be_v to_o day_n whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o decitfulness_n of_o sin_n nay_o to_o day_n be_v with_o the_o late_a to_o begin_v this_o work_n have_v we_o be_v wise_a we_o will_v have_v begin_v it_o soon_o it_o be_v god_n infinite_a mercy_n to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o quite_o too_o late_o that_o the_o day_n of_o god_n patience_n be_v not_o quite_o expire_v and_o the_o door_n shut_v against_o we_o therefore_o do_v not_o defer_v your_o repentance_n to_o the_o next_o solemn_a time_n to_o the_o next_o occasion_n of_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n do_v not_o say_v i_o will_v then_o reform_v and_o become_v a_o new_a man_n after_o that_o i_o will_v take_v leave_n of_o my_o lust_n and_o sin_n no_o more_o for_o let_v we_o make_v what_o haste_n we_o can_v we_o can_v possible_o make_v too_o much_o properat_fw-la vivere_fw-la nemo_fw-la satis_fw-la no_o man_n make_v haste_n enough_o to_o be_v good_a to_o cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o to_o learn_v to_o do_v well_o be_v as_o quick_a as_o we_o will_v life_n will_v be_v too_o nimble_a for_o we_o and_o go_v on_o fast_o than_o our_o work_n do_v and_o death_n will_v go_v nigh_o to_o prevent_v we_o and_o surprise_v we_o unaware_o do_v do_v sinner_n abuse_n and_o neglect_v thyself_o yet_o a_o little_a while_n long_o till_o the_o time_n of_o regard_v thy_o soul_n and_o work_v out_o thy_o own_o salvation_n be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o mind_v that_o great_a concernment_n be_v slip_v out_o of_o thy_o hand_n never_o to_o be_v recover_v never_o to_o be_v call_v back_o again_o no_o not_o by_o thy_o most_o earnest_a wish_n and_o desire_n by_o thy_o most_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o thou_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o condition_n of_o profane_a esau_n who_o for_o once_o despise_v the_o blessing_n lose_v it_o for_o ever_o and_o find_v no_o place_n of_o repentance_n though_o he_o seek_v it_o careful_o with_o tear_n to_o conclude_v be_v thou_o convince_v that_o thy_o eternal_a happiness_n depend_v upon_o follow_v the_o advice_n which_o have_v now_o be_v give_v thou_o why_o then_o do_v but_o behave_v thyself_o in_o this_o case_n as_o thou_o and_o all_o prudent_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v in_o matter_n which_o thou_o can_v not_o but_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v of_o far_o less_o concernment_n if_o a_o man_n be_v travel_v to_o such_o a_o place_n so_o soon_o as_o he_o find_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o way_n he_o present_o stop_v and_o make_v towards_o the_o right_a way_n and_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o go_v wrong_a any_o far_o if_o a_o man_n be_v sick_a he_o will_v be_v well_o present_o if_o he_o can_v and_o not_o put_v it_o off_o to_o the_o future_a most_o man_n will_v glad_o take_v the_o first_o opportunity_n that_o present_v itself_o of_o be_v rich_a or_o great_a every_o man_n almost_o catch_v at_o the_o very_a first_o offer_v of_o a_o great_a place_n or_o a_o good_a purchase_n and_o secure_v they_o present_o if_o he_o can_v lest_o the_o opportunity_n be_v go_v and_o another_o snatch_v these_o thing_n from_o he_o do_v thou_o thus_o so_o much_o more_o in_o matter_n so_o much_o great_a return_v