but_o than_o second_o to_o the_o keep_v a_o man_n baptism_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a that_o which_o be_v think_v further_o necessary_a be_v that_o from_o fall_v into_o a_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o of_o those_o small_a and_o less_o scandalous_a sin_n which_o carelessness_n and_o culpable_a ignorance_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o betray_v a_o man_n into_o the_o act_n of_o he_o ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v himself_o by_o great_a cautiousness_n and_o sincere_a enquiry_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n that_o from_o sin_n of_o omission_n from_o grow_v cool_a in_o religion_n and_o remit_v of_o his_o first_o love_n he_o ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v himself_o by_o constant_a meditation_n and_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o in_o order_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v always_o humble_a and_o teachable_a penitent_a and_o devout_a meek_a in_o spirit_n and_o pure_a in_o mind_n 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even_o in_o sardis_n which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n and_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a they_o be_v tell_v that_o they_o be_v now_o baptize_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o all_o their_o past_a sin_n and_o if_o they_o keep_v not_o this_o baptism_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a 45._o they_o can_v not_o be_v sure_a they_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o obtain_v the_o like_a full_a and_o perfect_a remission_n again_o they_o be_v tell_v that_o they_o now_o start_v in_o that_o great_a race_n which_o they_o be_v to_o 2._o run_v for_o the_o crown_n of_o immortality_n and_o 2._o if_o those_o who_o be_v find_v tardy_a in_o a_o earthly_a race_n be_v beat_v and_o disgrace_v of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n shall_v they_o be_v think_v worthy_a who_o negligent_o falter_v in_o the_o race_n of_o immortality_n they_o be_v tell_v that_o they_o now_o enter_v into_o that_o covenant_n of_o god_n 19_o the_o seal_n whereof_o be_v let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n and_o if_o they_o 2._o keep_v not_o this_o seal_n their_o punishment_n will_v be_v among_o apostate_n who_o worm_n shall_v not_o die_v and_o who_o fire_n shall_v not_o be_v quench_v they_o be_v tell_v that_o they_o have_v now_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o 20._o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o if_o after_o this_o they_o shall_v be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o be_v overcome_v and_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o their_o punishment_n shall_v be_v 9_o double_a to_o that_o of_o those_o who_o have_v never_o know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n final_o they_o be_v tell_v that_o they_o be_v now_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 be_v seal_v thereby_o unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n and_o if_o after_o this_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o it_o will_v be_v 6._o exceed_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o to_o repentance_n that_o they_o have_v now_o receive_v the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o if_o after_o this_o they_o sin_v wilful_o there_o will_v remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a 23._o fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n in_o a_o word_n that_o they_o now_o receive_v a_o certain_a promise_n and_o assurance_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o if_o they_o will_v sell_v this_o blessing_n for_o the_o momentary_a gratification_n of_o sense_n they_o may_v perhaps_o afterward_o be_v reject_v when_o they_o 17._o shall_v desire_v to_o inherit_v it_o and_o find_v no_o place_n for_o repentance_n though_o they_o may_v seek_v it_o careful_o with_o tear_n 5._o these_o be_v the_o severe_a caution_n with_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n oblige_v baptize_v person_n upon_o their_o utmost_a peril_n to_o keep_v themselves_o steadfast_a from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o baptism_n in_o all_o holy_a and_o blameless_a conversation_n those_o who_o do_v continue_v to_o walk_v suitable_o to_o this_o profession_n be_v say_v to_o be_v wash_v to_o be_v sanctify_v 11._o to_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n and_o because_o in_o those_o pure_a time_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o among_o christian_n who_o do_v not_o walk_v suitable_o to_o their_o profession_n it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d same_o thing_n then_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n therefore_o those_o term_n elect_a regenerate_v sanctify_a bear_v of_o god_n and_o the_o like_a which_o we_o now_o appropriate_v only_o to_o the_o best_a and_o most_o holy_a man_n be_v not_o in_o scripture_n
stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n do_v by_o baptism_n enter_v into_o that_o covenant_n wherein_o god_n assure_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v believe_v and_o repent_v and_o this_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n intend_v by_o our_o have_v our_o 〈◊〉_d citizen-ship_n in_o heaven_n phil._n 3._o 20._o and_o by_o our_o be_v heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v glorify_v together_o with_o he_o rom._n 8._o 17._o 5._o another_o privilege_n which_o be_v represent_v and_o confer_v by_o baptism_n be_v the_o influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n all_o person_n that_o be_v baptize_v as_o their_o body_n be_v wash_v and_o purify_v with_o water_n so_o their_o mind_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 11._o at_o their_o baptism_n they_o receive_v baptism_n the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o gift_n constant_o annex_v to_o that_o ordinance_n and_o unless_o they_o quench_v and_o grieve_v it_o by_o their_o sin_n commit_v afterward_o it_o always_o continue_a with_o they_o from_o thenceforward_o assist_v and_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v their_o duty_n strengthen_v and_o comfort_v they_o under_o temptation_n and_o affliction_n and_o bear_v 16._o witness_n with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n this_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n frequent_o discover_v itself_o in_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o speak_v with_o tongue_n work_v miracle_n etc._n etc._n as_o appear_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o these_o by_o degree_n cease_v it_o afterward_o continue_a to_o evidence_n itself_o in_o the_o strange_a and_o almost_o miraculous_a change_n which_o it_o make_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o the_o most_o corrupt_a and_o vicious_a to_o the_o most_o virtuous_a and_o heavenly_a disposition_n almost_o in_o a_o instant_n upon_o their_o be_v baptize_v and_o when_o this_o effect_n also_o grow_v less_o frequent_a as_o the_o zeal_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_n decline_v it_o yet_o continue_a always_o by_o its_o secret_a power_n to_o renew_v and_o transform_v man_n mind_n to_o instruct_v man_n in_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v it_o hence_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n tit._n 3._o 5._o and_o a_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n john_n 3._o 5._o and_o by_o the_o ancient_n frequent_o 〈◊〉_d illumination_n and_o person_n baptize_v be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v enlighten_v to_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o to_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n heb._n 6._o 4._o 6._o the_o last_o privilege_n which_o person_n baptise_a be_v entitle_v to_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o ordinance_n be_v a_o assurance_n of_o a_o resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n they_o receive_v as_o have_v be_v say_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o spirit_n so_o long_o as_o it_o dwell_v with_o they_o be_v a_o 30._o seal_n and_o 14._o earnest_n of_o their_o future_a resurrection_n for_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o you_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v also_o quicken_v your_o mortal_a body_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o you_o rom._n 8._o 11._o and_o this_o be_v most_o significant_o represent_v by_o their_o descend_v into_o the_o water_n and_o rise_v out_o of_o it_o again_o for_o as_o christ_n descend_v into_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v raise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n so_o person_n baptize_v be_v bury_v with_o he_o by_o baptism_n 4._o into_o death_n and_o rise_v again_o after_o the_o similitude_n of_o his_o resurrection_n they_o be_v plant_v together_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n and_o they_o be_v by_o this_o sign_n assure_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v also_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n thus_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n colos._n 2._o 12._o you_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n wherein_o also_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o he_o through_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n who_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o which_o st._n peter_n seem_v likewise_o to_o allude_v 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o the_o like_a figure_n whereunto_o viz._n to_o the_o save_n of_o the_o ark_n by_o the_o water_n of_o the_o flood_n even_o baptism_n do_v also_o now_o save_v we_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ._n 7._o these_o be_v the_o spiritual_a grace_n or_o privilege_n which_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n in_o baptism_n and_o confer_v by_o their_o mean_n and_o these_o be_v what_o god_n on_o his_o part_n engage_v and_o assure_v to_o we_o in_o that_o great_a and_o holy_a covenant_n there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o the_o person_n baptise_a oblige_v themselves_o to_o on_o their_o part_n in_o that_o covenant_n and_o these_o be_v the_o duty_n which_o by_o their_o baptism_n they_o vow_v and_o take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o perform_v represent_v also_o by_o the_o same_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n the_o first_o of_o these_o duty_n which_o the_o person_n baptize_v promise_v and_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o perform_v be_v a_o constant_a confession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n they_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n into_o the_o church_n and_o family_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v bind_v at_o all_o time_n to_o own_v themselves_o his_o disciple_n they_o be_v solemn_o baptize_v into_o his_o death_n and_o they_o 3._o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o he_o crucify_a they_o own_v public_o at_o their_o baptism_n their_o belief_n in_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a son_n our_o lord_n and_o they_o be_v bind_v at_o all_o time_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o this_o faith_n they_o have_v with_o the_o heart_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n 10_o and_o they_o think_v that_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n they_o be_v assure_v that_o if_o they_o confess_v christ_n before_o man_n he_o will_v also_o confess_v they_o before_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 8._o and_o before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n but_o if_o they_o be_v ashamed_a of_o he_o and_o deny_v he_o before_o man_n he_o will_v also_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o so_o mighty_a a_o effect_n have_v this_o consideration_n upon_o the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n when_o they_o be_v tempt_v to_o deny_v their_o saviour_n and_o renounce_v the_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v once_o embrace_v they_o choose_v rather_o to_o endure_v the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v invent_v than_o either_o to_o renounce_v or_o dissemble_v their_o christianity_n and_o those_o who_o out_o of_o fear_n deny_v or_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v their_o faith_n they_o look_v upon_o to_o have_v forfeit_v and_o renounce_v their_o baptism_n as_o have_v crucify_v to_o themselves_o 6._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 8._o the_o second_o thing_n to_o which_o person_n baptize_v solemn_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o their_o baptism_n be_v a_o death_n unto_o sin_n and_o a_o new-birth_n unto_o righteousness_n i._n e._n they_o engage_v utter_o and_o for_o ever_o to_o forsake_v all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n all_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a worship_n of_o false_a god_n all_o injustice_n wrong_v fraud_n and_o uncharitableness_n towards_o man_n all_o the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n the_o pomp_n and_o luxury_n of_o this_o present_a world_n all_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n lasciviousness_n gluttony_n drunkenness_n revel_v and_o such_o like_a and_o for_o the_o future_a they_o promise_v to_o make_v it_o the_o business_n of_o their_o life_n to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n according_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o discipline_n to_o worship_n the_o only_a true_a god_n with_o all_o devotion_n reverence_n and_o humility_n to_o be_v exact_o just_a in_o their_o deal_n with_o man_n and_o generous_o charitable_a upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o fine_a to_o be_v temperate_a and_o sober_a chaste_a and_o pure_a as_o the_o worshipper_n of_o
the_o time_n before_o they_o and_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o not_o to_o have_v be_v yet_o seduce_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n consider_v these_o thing_n let_v they_o consider_v what_o a_o prize_n they_o have_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o let_v they_o be_v zealous_a that_o no_o man_n take_v their_o crown_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o if_o god_n and_o angel_n rejoice_v at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o old_a and_o great_a sinner_n much_o more_o must_v they_o be_v please_v to_o see_v a_o young_a person_n amid_o the_o allure_a glory_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n brave_o resist_v all_o its_o temptation_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o that_o time_n which_o a_o die_a sinner_n will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a give_v million_o of_o world_n to_o redeem_v be_v now_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o they_o may_v make_v a_o glorious_a use_n of_o it_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v yet_o clothe_v with_o the_o white_a robe_n of_o innocence_n and_o if_o they_o be_v careful_a never_o to_o defile_v that_o garment_n they_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o portion_n among_o those_o few_o who_o shall_v walk_v 4._o with_o christ_n in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a let_v they_o consider_v that_o if_o they_o zealous_o continue_v to_o maintain_v their_o innocence_n and_o their_o good_a work_n for_o a_o few_o year_n they_o will_v soon_o be_v almost_o out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o temptation_n they_o will_v escape_v the_o bitter_a pang_n of_o remorse_n and_o repentance_n they_o will_v be_v whole_o above_o that_o great_a of_o human_a misery_n the_o dread_a and_o horror_n of_o death_n and_o may_v not_o only_o without_o fear_n but_o even_o with_o exceed_a joy_n expect_v the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n and_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v last_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o if_o they_o hold_v fast_o the_o confidence_n and_o rejoice_v of_o their_o hope_n firm_a unto_o the_o end_n they_o shall_v be_v entitle_v to_o all_o those_o great_a and_o inconceivable_a promise_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v to_o those_o who_o shall_v overcome_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n rev._n 2._o 7._o he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v of_o the_o second_o death_n ver_fw-la 11._o he_o that_o overcome_v the_o same_o shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o white_a raiment_n and_o i_o will_v not_o blot_v his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o i_o will_v confess_v his_o name_n before_o my_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n rev._n 3._o 5._o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o make_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v go_v no_o more_o out_o and_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n of_o my_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o my_o god_n which_o be_v new_a jerusalem_n ver_fw-la 12._o and_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o i_o also_o overcome_v and_o be_o sit_v down_o with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n v._o 21._o chap._n x._o of_o make_v religion_n the_o principal_a business_n of_o our_o life_n 1._o three_o resolve_v to_o make_v religion_n the_o main_a scope_n of_o all_o your_o action_n and_o the_o principal_a business_n of_o your_o life_n one_o great_a reason_n why_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o reign_a principle_n that_o whole_o govern_v the_o life_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v now_o so_o little_a influence_n upon_o the_o action_n of_o man_n be_v because_o those_o holy_a man_n seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o rely_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o have_v all_o other_o thing_n add_v unto_o they_o whereas_o now_o man_n make_v religion_n not_o their_o first_o but_o their_o last_o care_n and_o while_o their_o whole_a heart_n and_o affection_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a world_n they_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_o religious_a if_o they_o spend_v but_o some_o small_a portion_n of_o their_o time_n in_o the_o outward_a and_o ceremonious_a act_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o now_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n if_o the_o happiness_n propose_v to_o we_o be_v the_o same_o for_o which_o they_o so_o painful_o contend_v if_o our_o obligation_n except_v perhaps_o some_o few_o particular_a case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o they_o this_o slight_a careless_a and_o superficial_a religion_n will_v not_o serve_v our_o turn_n he_o that_o will_v obtain_v that_o crown_n of_o immortality_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o those_o who_o love_n and_o obey_v he_o must_v be_v effectual_o and_o substantial_o religious_a in_o the_o main_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o he_o that_o will_v be_v so_o true_o and_o sincere_o religious_a must_v make_v that_o religion_n his_o principal_a and_o his_o first_o care_n 2._o by_o make_v religion_n the_o principal_a care_n and_o study_n of_o our_o life_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o man_n shall_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o their_o business_n and_o employment_n in_o the_o world_n to_o spend_v their_o time_n anxious_o in_o read_v pray_v meditate_v &_o the_o like_a i_o hese_n thing_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a nor_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_n and_o notorious_a error_n to_o think_v that_o man_n can_v become_v more_o true_o religious_a by_o the_o continue_a exercise_n of_o a_o private_a retirement_n than_o by_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o the_o world_n the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o have_v our_o mind_n habitual_o possess_v with_o the_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o with_o a_o desire_n of_o express_v at_o all_o proper_a opportunity_n our_o devotion_n to_o he_o and_o our_o zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n to_o endeavour_v constant_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n to_o promote_v the_o good_a and_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o man_n and_o to_o be_v temperate_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n as_o those_o who_o expect_v their_o happiness_n not_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o next_o this_o be_v the_o essence_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o these_o thing_n a_o man_n may_v make_v his_o principal_n nay_o even_o his_o whole_a care_n without_o any_o way_n neglect_v or_o in_o the_o least_o withdraw_a himself_o from_o his_o secular_a and_o worldly_a business_n there_o be_v no_o employment_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v always_o do_v something_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n or_o for_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n there_o be_v no_o business_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v not_o make_v it_o his_o main_a care_n to_o act_v always_o like_o a_o good_a man_n and_o a_o christian_a there_o be_v no_o state_n of_o life_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v not_o keep_v a_o constant_a eye_n upon_o a_o future_a state_n and_o so_o use_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a world_n as_o that_o the_o great_a and_o ultimate_a scope_n of_o all_o his_o action_n may_v always_o respect_v that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 3._o and_o to_o make_v religion_n thus_o far_o the_o principal_a business_n of_o our_o life_n be_v absolute_o and_o indispensable_o necessary_a no_o man_n can_v overcome_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o word_n no_o man_n can_v be_v true_o and_o effectual_o religious_a unless_o he_o steadfast_o propose_v to_o himself_o one_o great_a design_n of_o his_o life_n and_o endeavour_n to_o act_n always_o regular_o upon_o that_o design_n he_o must_v 72._o constant_o keep_v a_o eye_n upon_o his_o main_a end_n and_o in_o every_o thing_n he_o do_v must_v be_v careful_a always_o to_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o that_o every_o thing_n he_o undertake_v must_v be_v either_o direct_o conducive_a to_o that_o end_n or_o at_o least_o not_o contrary_a to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o in_o a_o word_n he_o must_v be_v true_a to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o be_v resolute_a never_o to_o be_v tempt_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v he_o shall_v afterward_o wish_v undo_v for_o otherwise_o if_o a_o man_n act_v only_o uncertain_o according_a to_o the_o present_a appearance_n of_o thing_n and_o without_o any_o fix_a design_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o every_o violent_a temptation_n will_v either_o surprise_v or_o overpower_v he_o and_o his_o religion_n will_v be_v as_o inconstant_a as_o his_o resolution_n his_o life_n will_v be_v at_o best_a no_n other_o than_o a_o continue_a circle_n of_o sin_v and_o repent_v and_o his_o end_n will_v be_v in_o
so_o appropriate_v but_o apply_v promiscuous_o to_o all_o christian_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o title_n of_o the_o apostle_n letter_n in_o which_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n be_v call_v elect_a sanctify_a and_o the_o like_a and_o most_o evident_o from_o st._n john_n who_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 1._o whosoever_o say_v he_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n whosoever_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n i._n e._n every_o christian_a there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o in_o those_o time_n who_o be_v not_o indeed_o what_o he_o profess_v and_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o regenerate_v sanctify_a and_o elect_a person_n and_o as_o christian_n who_o then_o live_v thus_o suitable_o to_o their_o profession_n be_v style_v regenerate_v sanctify_a and_o the_o like_a so_o they_o who_o continue_v to_o live_v thus_o suitable_o to_o the_o end_n be_v say_v to_o persevere_v and_o of_o such_o only_a be_v it_o say_v that_o they_o persevere_v in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o after_o their_o baptism_n lapse_v into_o any_o notorious_a transgression_n for_o one_o that_o have_v thus_o lapse_v they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o he_o shall_v repeat_v his_o crime_n no_o more_o which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o baptismal_a remission_n but_o he_o be_v oblige_v by_o 23._o a_o long_a course_n of_o mortification_n prayer_n tear_n and_o good_a work_n to_o endeavour_v to_o wash_v out_o the_o stain_n and_o gild_n nay_o and_o even_o this_o course_n also_o they_o allow_v of_o but_o 4._o once_o not_o that_o true_a repentance_n will_v at_o any_o time_n be_v in_o vain_a and_o unacceptable_a to_o god_n but_o as_o a_o ambrose_n ancient_a writer_n express_v it_o that_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a remain_a remedy_n may_v not_o by_o be_v make_v too_o easy_a grow_v contemptible_a and_o ineflectual_a 6._o and_o now_o let_v we_o think_v upon_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n who_o i_o do_v not_o say_v after_o baptism_n and_o the_o solemn_a take_n upon_o ourselves_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o after_o frequent_a purpose_n and_o promise_v of_o reformation_n after_o repeat_v vow_n and_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n nay_o perhaps_o after_o confirm_v all_o these_o by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n do_v yet_o continue_v in_o sin_n and_o defer_v our_o repentance_n the_o primitive_a christian_n think_v themselves_o absolute_o oblige_v to_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o baptism_n to_o their_o death_n and_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o be_v accept_v if_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n we_o still_o continue_v under_o the_o weak_a excuse_n of_o infirmity_n and_o inadvertency_n to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n do_v our_o baptismal_a vow_n lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o we_o or_o have_v god_n establish_v a_o covenant_n with_o we_o upon_o slight_a term_n and_o entail_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o upon_o easy_a condition_n than_o he_o do_v to_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a christian_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o say_v st._n john_n he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a 1_o john_n 3._o 7._o it_o be_v true_a the_o case_n be_v not_o altogether_o the_o same_o with_o we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o they_o we_o live_v in_o christian_a nation_n and_o under_o christian_a government_n where_o there_o be_v no_o pagan_n to_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o to_o be_v baptize_v after_o their_o repentance_n and_o with_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o mind_n and_o of_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n there_o be_v very_o few_o so_o happy_a as_o not_o to_o be_v entangle_v in_o the_o habit_n of_o any_o sin_n before_o they_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a understanding_n and_o complete_a conviction_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o etc._n in_o this_o case_n it_o must_v indeed_o be_v confess_v that_o it_o can_v but_o require_v some_o time_n perfect_o to_o overcome_v a_o vicious_a disposition_n and_o to_o obtain_v the_o habit_n of_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n but_o may_v we_o therefore_o spend_v our_o whole_a life_n in_o little_a and_o weak_a struggle_n against_o sin_n without_o ever_o arrive_v at_o that_o pitch_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v ancient_o think_v necessary_a to_o prepare_v a_o man_n for_o baptism_n may_v we_o therefore_o be_v excuse_v from_o ever_o become_v perfect_a christian_n because_o we_o be_v all_o along_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v never_o convert_v by_o any_o sudden_a conviction_n when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o that_o state_n describe_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o seven_o chap._n to_o the_o roman_n that_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o great_a and_o know_v sin_n and_o set_v his_o mind_n to_o resist_v and_o strive_v against_o they_o yet_o not_o so_o but_o that_o through_o the_o viciousness_n of_o his_o inclination_n or_o the_o force_n of_o evil_a habit_n he_o frequent_o relapse_n and_o be_v entangle_v in_o they_o again_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n indeed_o that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v not_o yet_o harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n there_o be_v hope_n that_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o may_v at_o length_n prevail_v and_o overcome_v his_o temptation_n but_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o overcome_v he_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a nor_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v so_o till_o he_o have_v bring_v himself_o into_o such_o a_o state_n as_o that_o he_o be_v perfect_o get_v above_o all_o the_o temptation_n to_o know_v sin_n and_o assure_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o fall_v into_o it_o any_o more_o to_o such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o he_o must_v resolve_v to_o arrive_v and_o he_o must_v resolve_v to_o arrive_v at_o it_o timely_a that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o certain_a title_n to_o the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o man_n so_o wicked_a who_o do_v not_o design_n to_o repent_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o before_o he_o die_v and_o our_o saviour_n have_v indeed_o in_o his_o gospel_n make_v the_o same_o promise_n to_o repentance_n that_o he_o have_v to_o innocence_n and_o continue_a obedience_n but_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v himself_o by_o a_o fatal_a error_n the_o repentance_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v such_o large_a promise_n be_v not_o the_o late_a repentance_n of_o a_o christian_a but_o the_o timely_a repentance_n of_o a_o jew_n or_o a_o heathen_a at_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n and_o be_v therefore_o the_o very_a same_o and_o no_o other_o than_o baptism_n itself_o indeed_o if_o a_o christian_a by_o a_o unhappy_a education_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o sin_n and_o habituate_v to_o wickedness_n whenever_o he_o come_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o way_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v then_o in_o the_o same_o state_n that_o a_o heathen_a convert_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v at_o his_o baptism_n and_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o both_o but_o when_o a_o christian_n who_o have_v a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n do_v notwitstanding_n that_o continue_v wilful_o all_o his_o life_n in_o sin_n our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o assure_v he_o that_o god_n and_o angel_n will_v rejoice_v at_o his_o conversion_n if_o when_o he_o grow_v old_a he_o leave_v off_o sin_v because_o he_o can_v sin_v no_o more_o that_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o such_o a_o repentance_n shall_v be_v accept_v at_o all_o we_o must_v therefore_o so_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n as_o to_o attain_v the_o habit_n of_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n and_o to_o live_v in_o they_o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o this_o our_o saviour_n will_v accept_v and_o tryph._n he_o that_o after_o such_o a_o repentance_n live_v constant_o virtuous_a shall_v certain_o be_v esteem_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v always_o be_v innocent_a but_o without_o the_o evidence_n of_o such_o a_o life_n of_o virtue_n and_o renew_a obedience_n how_o far_o soever_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n may_v possible_o extend_v itself_o we_o can_v never_o have_v any_o assurance_n that_o our_o repentance_n will_v be_v accept_v chap._n v._o of_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n 1._o as_o those_o who_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n have_v be_v convert_v from_o judaisme_n or_o gentilism_n to_o christianity_n be_v baptize_v at_o ripe_a year_n upon_o their_o public_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o their_o repentance_n so_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n
return_v to_o your_o duty_n for_o if_o your_o resolution_n when_o firm_a be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v much_o less_o will_v they_o do_v it_o when_o they_o have_v once_o be_v break_v if_o you_o can_v withstand_v the_o temptation_n of_o vice_n while_o it_o be_v yet_o at_o a_o distance_n much_o less_o will_v you_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o when_o it_o have_v interest_v your_o passion_n and_o insinuate_v itself_o into_o your_o affection_n if_o you_o can_v maintain_v your_o ground_n while_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a constant_o to_o assist_v you_o much_o less_o will_v you_o do_v it_o when_o he_o have_v withdraw_v himself_o from_o you_o but_o resolve_v brave_o now_o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n while_o you_o have_v time_n and_o may_v do_v it_o with_o the_o great_a advantage_n to_o make_v your_o religion_n easy_a and_o your_o happiness_n secure_a set_v out_o with_o a_o mighty_a resolution_n in_o the_o christian_a race_n and_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_v despise_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n and_o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o he_o will_v flee_v from_o you_o 3._o again_o while_o one_o who_o have_v early_o enter_v into_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n maintain_v his_o integrity_n and_o stand_v firm_a against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n he_o carry_v with_o he_o not_o only_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n and_o a_o undisturbed_a mind_n but_o such_o a_o full_a assurance_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o enable_v he_o to_o perform_v his_o duty_n not_o only_o willing_o but_o cheerful_o and_o to_o despise_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n as_o vanity_n and_o nothing_o but_o when_o once_o he_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o sin_n in_o any_o gross_a and_o notorious_a instance_n then_o fear_n and_o doubt_n anxiety_n and_o scruple_n must_v be_v his_o portion_n and_o though_o by_o repentance_n he_o may_v recover_v a_o well_o ground_a hope_n and_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n a_o certain_a expectation_n of_o pardon_n yet_o not_o easy_o the_o assurance_n and_o joy_n of_o innocence_n think_v not_o therefore_o when_o you_o be_v tempt_v by_o sin_n that_o you_o may_v now_o yield_v to_o its_o solicitation_n and_o afterward_o by_o repentance_n recover_v your_o first_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o conscience_n for_o when_o once_o the_o support_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v lose_v obedience_n will_v be_v much_o more_o difficult_a and_o peace_n will_v not_o return_v but_o after_o much_o labour_n and_o many_o fear_n after_o great_a sorrow_n and_o long_a doubt_n but_o resolve_v now_o to_o resist_v the_o very_a first_o motion_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v convince_v there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n but_o in_o a_o good_a conscience_n nor_o any_o joy_n but_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n command_n 4._o last_o while_o one_o who_o have_v enter_v betimes_o into_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n continue_v resolute_o to_o preserve_v his_o innocence_n and_o conquer_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n he_o have_v a_o certain_a title_n to_o that_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v up_o for_o those_o who_o shall_v keep_v the_o faith_n and_o patient_o continue_v in_o well-doing_n but_o when_o once_o he_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o he_o and_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o enticement_n and_o allurement_n of_o sin_n he_o forfeit_v his_o title_n to_o that_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o to_o what_o degree_n his_o after-endeavour_n will_v restore_v he_o he_o can_v tell_v that_o repentance_n will_v procure_v he_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n be_v certain_a but_o to_o recover_v the_o reward_n and_o the_o crown_n of_o innocence_n it_o must_v be_v very_o early_a and_o very_a effectual_a all_o that_o a_o late_a penitent_n can_v hope_v for_o be_v to_o obtain_v forgiveness_n and_o be_v admit_v to_o heaven_n the_o bright_a crown_n will_v be_v reserve_v for_o those_o who_o have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n think_v not_o therefore_o when_o you_o be_v assault_v by_o temptation_n that_o you_o may_v now_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o afterward_o by_o repentance_n attain_v to_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n also_o for_o though_o god_n have_v indeed_o promise_v that_o those_o who_o be_v hire_v into_o the_o vineyard_n at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n that_o be_v those_o who_o be_v late_o instruct_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n or_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o reward_n with_o those_o who_o have_v bear_v the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n yet_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o those_o who_o stand_v idle_a in_o the_o vineyard_n till_o the_o 11_o hour_n that_o be_v who_o notwithstanding_o they_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o know_v their_o duty_n yet_o defer_v their_o repentance_n to_o the_o last_o shall_v receive_v likewise_o the_o same_o reward_n but_o resolve_v now_o as_o a_o faithful_a soldier_n of_o christ_n to_o resist_v resolute_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o despise_v the_o glory_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n to_o get_v above_o the_o pleasure_n and_o deceit_n of_o sense_n and_o then_o your_o labour_n will_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 5._o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o thus_o overcome_v that_o those_o great_a and_o glorious_a promise_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v make_v rev._n 21._o 7._o he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n and_o rev._n 3_o 21._o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o i_o also_o overcome_v and_o be_o set_v down_o with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n and_o the_o like_a he_o that_o overcome_v that_o be_v he_o that_o have_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n continue_v steadfast_a in_o this_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n to_o the_o contrary_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n the_o great_a temptation_n with_o which_o christian_n be_v assault_v be_v persecution_n by_o which_o they_o be_v tempt_v to_o deny_v their_o saviour_n and_o to_o renounce_v that_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v once_o embrace_v by_o return_v again_o to_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n this_o be_v their_o peculiar_a conflict_n and_o trial_n and_o he_o that_o in_o that_o great_a trial_n resist_v unto_o blood_n choose_v rather_o to_o endure_v the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n and_o to_o die_v the_o most_o cruel_a death_n than_o to_o deny_v christ_n be_v say_v in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o more_o emphatical_a sense_n to_o have_v overcome_v and_o to_o those_o person_n we_o must_v understand_v these_o great_a promise_n to_o be_v primary_o and_o more_o immediate_o make_v but_o that_o they_o proportionable_o belong_v to_o all_o other_o christian_n also_o who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o any_o other_o temptation_n shall_v keep_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n and_o victorious_o persevere_v in_o their_o integrity_n to_o the_o end_n be_v evident_a for_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v for_o that_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a temptation_n that_o he_o overcome_v but_o because_o he_o maintain_v his_o integritry_n inviolable_a to_o the_o last_o notwithstanding_o the_o force_n of_o any_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o perhaps_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n close_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o determine_v which_o be_v more_o difficult_a and_o show_v a_o great_a constancy_n of_o mind_n to_o die_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a contempt_n of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n to_o part_v actual_o with_o all_o our_o temporal_a good_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o keep_v they_o with_o such_o indifferency_n as_o if_o we_o enjoy_v they_o not_o those_o person_n therefore_o who_o enter_v early_o into_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n when_o their_o temptation_n to_o sin_n be_v most_o numerous_a and_o most_o powerful_a continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o virtue_n unmoved_a amid_o the_o perpetual_a allurement_n of_o pleasure_n the_o dazzle_a vanity_n of_o worldly_a glory_n and_o the_o manifold_a deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n be_v by_o the_o ancient_n look_v upon_o with_o 9_o no_o less_o esteem_n than_o those_o who_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o title_n to_o as_o great_a a_o reward_n 6._o let_v those_o who_o have_v still_o
particular_o and_o endeavour_n to_o amend_v they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o avoid_v and_o overcome_v many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v by_o other_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o unavoidable_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o nature_n 7._o and_o in_o proportion_n as_o a_o man_n arrive_v near_a to_o this_o perfect_a state_n of_o virtue_n so_o will_v that_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a reward_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n grow_v up_o by_o degree_n to_o a_o settle_a joy_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n one_o who_o life_n be_v void_a of_o great_a and_o scandalous_a crime_n but_o otherwise_o not_o strict_a and_o diligent_a will_v be_v free_a indeed_o from_o the_o terror_n and_o amazement_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o because_o he_o have_v take_v no_o great_a pain_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n considerable_a for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n his_o mind_n will_v yet_o be_v disturb_v with_o many_o scrupulous_a doubt_n and_o uncertain_a fear_n but_o when_o a_o man_n have_v be_v true_o diligent_a to_o improve_v himself_o to_o the_o utmost_a and_o have_v with_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n press_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n then_o be_v it_o that_o he_o attain_v to_o that_o tranquillity_n and_o assurance_n which_o wise_a man_n have_v compare_v to_o a_o continual_a feast_n the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n which_o 36._o some_o have_v find_v upon_o the_o careful_a and_o strict_a examination_n of_o one_o past_a day_n action_n have_v be_v very_o great_a but_o that_o complete_a assurance_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o a_o man_n life_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o strictness_n and_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o pleasure_n infinite_o surpass_v all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sense_n be_v indeed_o a_o fore-taste_a of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o rejoice_v beforehand_o in_o christ_n with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n such_o a_o 8._o one_o as_o have_v arrive_v to_o this_o pitch_n live_v in_o peace_n and_o die_v with_o assurance_n and_o at_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n shall_v be_v present_v fault_n less_o before_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o glory_n with_o 24._o exceed_v joy_n the_o end_n essay_n the_o three_o of_o repentance_n chap._n i._o of_o repentance_n in_o general_n 1._o the_o plain_a and_o express_a condition_n upon_o which_o the_o gospel_n promise_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n be_v obedience_n or_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o time_n from_o which_o this_o holy_a life_n be_v to_o begin_v be_v either_o baptism_n or_o confirmation_n that_o be_v the_o time_n when_o those_o who_o be_v either_o at_o ripe_a year_n convert_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o have_v from_o their_o infancy_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o come_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o from_o this_o period_n every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o persevere_v in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a and_o sincere_a though_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n the_o gospel_n plain_o declare_v to_o we_o and_o that_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v at_o all_o promise_v to_o so_o small_a a_o service_n as_o the_o imperfect_a obedience_n which_o weak_a sinful_a degenerate_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o perform_v be_v the_o purchase_n of_o the_o price_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o infinite_a riches_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o christ._n have_v god_n therefore_o to_o those_o who_o have_v once_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v once_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o 6._o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v allow_v no_o more_o remission_n for_o wilful_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n but_o accept_v those_o only_a who_o have_v once_o wash_v their_o garment_n 14._o in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n shall_v from_o thenceforward_o keep_v themselves_o in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a yet_o have_v his_o mercy_n be_v infinite_o great_a than_o sinful_a man_n can_v have_v deserve_v or_o expect_v but_o such_o be_v the_o earnestness_n of_o god_n desire_n to_o make_v his_o creature_n happy_a and_o such_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o grace_n make_v know_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o even_o to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v already_o admit_v to_o the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o great_a and_o glorious_a reward_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o easy_a and_o most_o reasonable_a obedience_n and_o have_v be_v endue_v with_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v notwithstanding_o relapse_n after_o all_o this_o into_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n even_o to_o these_o i_o say_v he_o have_v yet_o further_o grant_v that_o if_o by_o a_o solemn_a repentance_n they_o shall_v again_o unfeigned_o renew_v their_o obedience_n and_o from_o that_o period_n persevere_v in_o well-doing_n to_o the_o end_n they_o shall_v yet_o attain_v to_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o firebrand_n pluck_v out_o of_o the_o fire_n or_o as_o man_n escape_v upon_o a_o plank_n after_o shipwreck_n 2._o by_o repentance_n therefore_o i_o will_v all_o along_o in_o this_o essay_n be_v understand_v to_o mean_v not_o that_o repentance_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a duty_n of_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v indeed_o continual_o bind_v to_o repent_v in_o general_n of_o all_o those_o slip_v and_o infirmity_n those_o defect_n and_o surprise_v which_o by_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n be_v most_o ready_o pardon_v for_o this_o repentance_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o new_a period_n or_o beginning_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o a_o necessary_a and_o continue_a part_n of_o that_o imperfect_a obedience_n which_o man_n in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n be_v capable_a of_o perform_v and_o which_o god_n have_v in_o his_o gospel_n declare_v that_o he_o will_v always_o accept_v instead_o of_o perfect_a innocence_n but_o by_o repentance_n i_o here_o understand_v that_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o entire_a change_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n a_o turn_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n whereby_o those_o who_o by_o wilful_a and_o deadly_a sin_n have_v leave_v their_o first_o estate_n and_o forfeit_v their_o title_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n be_v to_o begin_v anew_o their_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o recover_v the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o that_o no_o one_o may_v be_v perplex_v with_o vain_a scruple_n and_o unreasonable_a fear_n this_o repentance_n be_v such_o as_o plain_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o but_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n of_o blasphemy_n perjury_n open_a profaneness_n or_o contempt_n of_o religion_n of_o murder_n sedition_n theft_n manifest_a and_o design_a injustice_n hatred_n fraud_n wrong_v or_o oppression_n of_o adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n or_o habitual_a drunkenness_n and_o intemperance_n or_o of_o some_o other_o sin_n either_o malicious_o wilful_a or_o notorious_o habitual_a chap._n ii_o that_o god_n allow_v repentance_n even_o to_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n 1._o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v novatian_n a_o sect_n of_o man_n who_o upon_o a_o mistake_a interpretation_n of_o some_o passage_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o hebrew_n contend_v that_o there_o be_v 59_o no_o more_o place_n of_o repentance_n allow_v to_o those_o who_o after_o baptism_n shall_v fall_v into_o any_o of_o these_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n they_o teach_v that_o in_o baptism_n indeed_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n whatsoever_o be_v forgive_v man_n absolute_o and_o wash_v away_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o if_o after_o that_o great_a remission_n they_o sin_v again_o wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o they_o can_v no_o more_o obtain_v any_o further_a pardon_n than_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n that_o great_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n can_v be_v repeat_v and_o that_o therefore_o however_o they_o shall_v sincere_o repent_v yet_o there_o now_o remain_v nothing_o 27._o more_o for_o they_o but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n and_o that_o god_n do_v admit_v even_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n to_o forgiveness_n and_o pardon_n be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o practice_n