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
determine_v for_o though_o a_o man_n endeavour_v never_o so_o much_o to_o settle_v himself_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o infidelity_n and_o to_o persuade_v his_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reward_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o nor_o punishment_n to_o be_v fear_v in_o another_o life_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o attain_v to_o a_o steady_a and_o unshaken_a persuasion_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o however_o he_o may_v please_v himself_o with_o witty_a reason_n against_o the_o common_a belief_n of_o mankind_n and_o smart_a repartee_n to_o their_o argument_n and_o bold_a and_o pleasant_a raillery_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o i_o dare_v say_v no_o man_n ever_o sit_v down_o in_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n concern_v they_o for_o when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v to_o reason_n himself_o out_o of_o religion_n his_o conscience_n ever_o and_o anon_o recoil_v upon_o he_o and_o his_o natural_a thought_n and_o apprehension_n rise_v up_o against_o his_o reason_n and_o all_o his_o wit_n and_o subtlety_n be_v confute_v and_o bear_v down_o by_o a_o secret_a and_o strong_a suspicion_n which_o he_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n get_v out_o of_o his_o mind_n that_o thing_n may_v be_v otherwise_o and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v plain_a because_o all_o this_o be_v a_o endeavour_n against_o nature_n and_o those_o vigorous_a instinct_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o the_o contrary_n for_o whenever_o our_o mind_n be_v free_a and_o not_o violent_o hurry_v away_o by_o passion_n nor_o blind_v by_o prejudice_n they_o do_v of_o themselves_o return_v to_o their_o first_o and_o most_o natural_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o when_o the_o atheist_n fall_v into_o any_o great_a calamity_n and_o be_v awaken_v to_o a_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o apprehension_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n and_o despair_n of_o enjoy_v any_o long_o those_o pleasure_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o he_o have_v all_o this_o while_n rebel_v against_o religion_n his_o courage_n present_o sink_v and_o all_o his_o argument_n fail_v he_o and_o his_o case_n be_v now_o too_o serious_a to_o admit_v of_o jest_v and_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o doubt_v of_o all_o that_o which_o he_o assert_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n and_o set_v so_o good_a a_o face_n upon_o before_o and_o can_v find_v no_o ease_n to_o his_o mind_n but_o in_o retreat_v from_o his_o former_a principle_n nor_o no_o hope_n of_o consolation_n for_o himself_o but_o in_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n who_o he_o have_v deny_v and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n who_o he_o have_v affront_v this_o be_v always_o the_o case_n of_o these_o person_n when_o they_o come_v to_o extremity_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o infinite_a check_n and_o rebuke_n which_o their_o own_o mind_n give_v they_o upon_o other_o occasion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o that_o these_o man_n have_v any_o tolerable_a enjoyment_n of_o themselves_o but_o be_v force_v to_o run_v away_o from_o themselves_o into_o company_n and_o to_o stupify_v themselves_o by_o intemperance_n that_o they_o may_v not_o feel_v the_o fearful_a twitch_n and_o gripe_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n whereas_o he_o who_o entertain_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o therein_o follow_v his_o own_o natural_a apprehension_n and_o the_o general_a voice_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o know_o and_o wilful_o live_v contrary_a to_o these_o principle_n have_v no_o anxiety_n in_o his_o mind_n about_o these_o thing_n be_v very_o persuade_v they_o be_v true_a and_o that_o he_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o think_v so_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v prove_v otherwise_o which_o he_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o suspect_v yet_o he_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o he_o have_v take_v the_o wise_a course_n and_o have_v consult_v his_o own_o present_a peace_n and_o future_a security_n infinite_o better_o than_o the_o atheist_n have_v do_v in_o case_n he_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v mistake_v for_o it_o be_v a_o fatal_a mistake_n to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o god_n if_o there_o be_v one_o but_o a_o mistake_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n have_v no_o future_a bad_a consequence_n depend_v upon_o it_o nor_o indeed_o any_o great_a present_a inconvenience_n religion_n only_o restrain_v a_o man_n from_o do_v some_o thing_n from_o most_o of_o which_o it_o be_v good_a he_o shall_v be_v restrain_v however_o so_o that_o at_o the_o worst_a the_o religious_a man_n be_v only_o mistake_v but_o the_o atheist_n be_v miserable_a if_o he_o be_v mistake_v miserable_a beyond_o all_o imagination_n and_o past_o all_o remedy_n 2._o another_o and_o indeed_o a_o principal_a cause_n of_o trouble_n and_o discontent_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v gild_n now_o gild_n be_v a_o consciousness_n to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o the_o very_a thought_n that_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o be_v apt_a to_o lie_v very_o cross_a in_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o cause_v great_a anguish_n and_o confusion_n beside_o that_o gild_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o fear_n which_o natural_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o a_o secret_a apprehension_n of_o the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o his_o sin_n will_v bring_v upon_o he_o and_o of_o the_o vengeance_n that_o hang_v over_o he_o from_o god_n and_o will_v overtake_v he_o either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o other_o and_o though_o the_o sinner_n while_o he_o be_v in_o full_a health_n and_o prosperity_n may_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o divert_v and_o shake_v off_o these_o fear_n yet_o they_o frequent_o return_v upon_o he_o and_o upon_o every_o little_a noise_n of_o danger_n upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o any_o calamity_n that_o come_v near_o he_o his_o guilty_a mind_n be_v present_o jealous_a that_o it_o be_v make_v towards_o he_o and_o be_v particular_o level_v against_o he_o for_o he_o be_v sensible_a that_o there_o be_v a_o just_a power_n above_o he_o to_o who_o indignation_n he_o be_v continual_o liable_a and_o therefore_o he_o be_v always_o in_o fear_n of_o he_o and_o how_o long_o soever_o he_o may_v have_v escape_v punishment_n in_o this_o world_n he_o can_v but_o dread_v the_o vengeance_n of_o the_o other_o and_o these_o thought_n be_v a_o continual_a disturbance_n to_o his_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o laughter_n make_v his_o heart_n heavy_a and_o the_o long_o he_o continue_v in_o a_o wicked_a course_n the_o more_o he_o multiply_v the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o his_o fear_n but_o now_o religion_n free_v a_o man_n from_o all_o this_o torment_n either_o by_o prevent_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o or_o direct_v to_o the_o cure_n either_o by_o preserve_v we_o from_o guilt_n or_o clear_v we_o of_o it_o in_o case_n we_o have_v contract_v it_o it_o preserve_v we_o from_o guilt_n by_o keep_v we_o innocent_a and_o in_o case_n we_o have_v offend_v it_o clear_v we_o of_o it_o by_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o the_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o recover_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o secure_v we_o against_o all_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n from_o the_o divine_a justice_n though_o not_o absolute_o from_o all_o fear_n of_o punishment_n in_o this_o world_n yet_o from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o all_o the_o condemnation_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v a_o man_n mind_n be_v settle_v in_o perfect_a peace_n religion_n free_v he_o from_o those_o torment_a fear_n of_o the_o divine_a displeasure_n which_o he_o can_v upon_o no_o other_o term_n rid_v himself_o of_o whereas_o the_o sinner_n be_v always_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o trouble_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o continual_a discontent_n to_o himself_o second_o as_o religion_n remove_v the_o chief_a ground_n of_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v so_o it_o minister_n to_o we_o all_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n whoever_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n lay_v these_o three_o great_a foundation_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o himself_o 1._o he_o be_v satisfy_v that_o in_o be_v religious_a he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a 2._o that_o he_o secure_v himself_o against_o the_o great_a mischief_n and_o danger_n by_o make_v god_n his_o friend_n 3._o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n he_o do_v in_o all_o respect_v most_o effectual_o consult_v and_o promote_v his_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n 1._o he_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a pleasure_n to_o be_v justify_v to_o ourselves_o to_o be_v satisfy_v
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 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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 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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 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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
a_o thousand_o pity_n that_o thy_o life_n be_v not_o all_o of_o a_o piece_n and_o that_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o be_v not_o answerable_a to_o these_o that_o thou_o shall_v lose_v the_o reward_n of_o so_o much_o real_a goodness_n out_o of_o thy_o fondness_n to_o any_o one_o vice_n or_o lust_n that_o when_o thou_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o lack_v of_o one_o or_o two_o thing_n more_o thou_o shall_v fall_v short_a of_o it_o have_v thou_o never_o hear_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o he_o who_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v a_o transgressor_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o good_a man_n all_o part_n of_o goodness_n must_v concur_v but_o any_o one_o way_n of_o wickedness_n be_v sufficient_a to_o denominate_v a_o man_n bad_a last_o some_o who_o be_v very_o careful_a of_o their_o outward_a carriage_n and_o conversation_n but_o yet_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o great_a secret_a fault_n and_o vice_n when_o they_o can_v find_v no_o comfort_n from_o themselves_o and_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n be_v apt_a to_o comfort_v themselves_o in_o the_o good_a opinion_n which_o perhaps_o other_o have_v of_o they_o but_o if_o we_o know_v ourselves_o to_o be_v bad_a and_o our_o own_o heart_n do_v condemn_v we_o it_o be_v not_o the_o good_a opinion_n of_o other_o concern_v we_o which_o can_v either_o alter_v or_o better_v our_o condition_n they_o may_v have_v reason_n for_o their_o charity_n and_o yet_o thou_o none_o for_o thy_o confidence_n trust_v no_o body_n concern_v thyself_o rather_o than_o thyself_o because_o no_o body_n can_v know_v thou_o so_o well_o as_o thou_o may_v know_v thyself_o these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n which_o job_n elegant_o compare_v to_o the_o spider_n web_n fine_o and_o artificial_o wrought_v but_o miserable_o thin_a and_o weak_a so_o that_o we_o ourselves_o may_v see_v through_o they_o and_o if_o we_o lie_v the_o least_o stress_n upon_o they_o they_o will_v break_v they_o be_v but_o pleasant_a dream_n and_o delusion_n which_o whenever_o we_o be_v awaken_v to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o our_o condition_n by_o apprehension_n of_o approach_a death_n and_o judgement_n will_v present_o vanish_v and_o disappear_v so_o the_o same_o holy_a man_n tell_v we_o job_n 27.8_o what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n when_o god_n take_v away_o his_o soul_n second_o we_o will_v consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o causeless_a doubt_n and_o jealousy_n of_o man_n real_o good_a concern_v their_o bad_a condition_n for_o as_o some_o be_v prone_a beyond_o all_o reason_n to_o delude_v themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n of_o their_o good_a condition_n so_o other_o be_v apt_a as_o unreasonable_o to_o torment_v themselves_o with_o groundless_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n that_o their_o estate_n be_v bad_a and_o of_o these_o doubt_n there_o be_v several_a occasion_n the_o chief_a whereof_o i_o shall_v mention_v by_o which_o we_o may_v judge_n of_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v of_o the_o like_a nature_n 1._o some_o be_v afraid_a that_o they_o be_v reprobate_v from_o all_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n this_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o real_a cause_n of_o trouble_n to_o some_o person_n it_o do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v for_o no_o man_n that_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n have_v from_o scripture_n the_o least_o ground_n to_o suspect_v any_o latent_fw-la or_o secret_a decree_n of_o god_n against_o he_o that_o shall_v work_v his_o ruin_n but_o whatever_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v the_o eternal_a state_n of_o man_n since_o they_o be_v secret_a to_o we_o they_o can_v certain_o be_v no_o rule_n either_o of_o our_o duty_n or_o comfort_n and_o no_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o think_v himself_o reject_v of_o god_n either_o from_o eternity_n or_o in_o time_n that_o do_v not_o find_v the_o mark_n of_o reprobation_n in_o himself_o i_o mean_v a_o evil_a heart_n and_o life_n by_o this_o indeed_o a_o man_n may_v know_v that_o he_o be_v out_o of_o god_n favour_n for_o the_o present_a but_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o from_o hence_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v from_o all_o eternity_n and_o for_o ever_o cast_v he_o off_o that_o god_n call_v he_o to_o repentance_n and_o afford_v to_o he_o the_o space_n and_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v a_o much_o plain_a sign_n that_o god_n be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o have_v mercy_n on_o he_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v or_o can_v be_v that_o god_n have_v utter_o cast_v he_o off_o and_o therefore_o for_o man_n to_o judge_n of_o their_o condition_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n which_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o and_o not_o by_o his_o word_n which_o be_v near_o we_o and_o in_o our_o heart_n be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n wander_v in_o the_o wide_a sea_n in_o a_o dark_a night_n when_o the_o heaven_n be_v all_o cloud_v about_o he_o shall_v yet_o resolve_v to_o steer_v his_o course_n by_o the_o star_n which_o he_o can_v see_v but_o only_o guess_v at_o and_o neglect_v the_o compass_n which_o be_v at_o hand_n and_o will_v afford_v he_o a_o much_o better_a and_o more_o certain_a direction_n this_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o fond_a and_o groundless_a imagination_n and_o which_o ought_v to_o trouble_v no_o body_n because_o no_o body_n do_v nor_o can_v know_v any_o thing_n concern_v it_o moses_n have_v long_o since_o very_o well_o determine_v this_o matter_n deut._n 29.29_o secret_a thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n but_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n for_o ever_o that_o we_o may_v do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n 2._o good_a man_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o many_o frailty_n and_o imperfection_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o their_o condition_n but_o god_n consider_v the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o present_a state_n and_o expect_v no_o other_o obedience_n from_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o acceptance_n with_o he_o but_o what_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o provide_v the_o sincere_a endeavour_n and_o general_a course_n of_o our_o life_n be_v to_o please_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o merciful_a that_o our_o frailty_n shall_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o so_o as_o to_o affect_v our_o main_a state_n and_o to_o make_v we_o cease_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o though_o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o many_o error_n and_o secret_a sin_n which_o escape_v our_o notice_n and_o observation_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o exercise_v such_o a_o repentance_n for_o these_o as_o will_v be_v available_a for_o their_o pardon_n for_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o merciful_a god_n who_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v of_o such_o a_o obedience_n and_o of_o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o perform_v now_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o those_o sin_n which_o require_v a_o particular_a repentance_n before_o we_o can_v hope_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o as_o all_o great_a and_o deliberate_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n do_v which_o be_v never_o commit_v without_o our_o knowledge_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o slip_v out_o of_o our_o memory_n that_o they_o be_v continual_o fly_v in_o our_o face_n and_o we_o can_v forget_v they_o if_o we_o will_v and_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n occasion_v by_o surprise_n and_o violence_n of_o temptation_n through_o ignorance_n or_o inadvertency_n for_o a_o general_a repentance_n such_o as_o we_o every_o day_n exercise_n in_o our_o devotion_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n may_v suffice_v for_o these_o i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o hinder_v any_o from_o a_o more_o particular_a repentance_n of_o all_o their_o know_a fail_n the_o more_o particular_a the_o better_o but_o to_o remove_v the_o groundless_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n of_o man_n about_o their_o main_a estate_n and_o condition_n and_o if_o any_o ask_v how_o i_o know_v that_o a_o general_a repentance_n will_v suffice_v for_o these_o kind_n of_o sin_n i_o answer_v because_o more_o than_o this_o in_o many_o case_n be_v impossible_a so_o that_o either_o we_o must_v rest_v satisfy_v that_o god_n will_v forgive_v they_o upon_o these_o term_n or_o conclude_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v at_o all_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o say_v in_o many_o case_n more_o than_o this_o be_v impossible_a because_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o those_o common_a error_n and_o frailty_n of_o human_a life_n which_o david_n call_v secret_a sin_n be_v not_o
charitable_o and_o lay_v the_o supposition_n quite_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sinner_n in_o the_o world_n or_o but_o one_o of_o a_o hundred_o yet_o we_o shall_v very_o zealous_o intend_v and_o with_o all_o our_o might_n the_o reduction_n of_o this_o one_o lose_v sheep_n and_o shall_v never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o this_o single_a wander_a soul_n be_v find_v and_o save_v but_o god_n know_v this_o be_v not_o our_o case_n but_o quite_o otherwise_o which_o shall_v quicken_v our_o endeavour_n so_o much_o the_o more_o and_o make_v we_o bestir_v ourselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a have_v always_o in_o our_o mind_n that_o admirable_a say_n of_o st._n james_n he_o that_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n shall_v save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n he_o that_o know_v the_o value_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n and_o how_o fearful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o perish_v everlasting_o can_v think_v no_o pain_n too_o much_o to_o take_v to_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n 4._o last_o what_o a_o argument_n and_o encouragement_n be_v here_o to_o repentance_n even_o to_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n they_o i_o be_o sure_a stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o it_o and_o though_o they_o of_o all_o other_o have_v the_o least_o reason_n to_o look_v for_o mercy_n yet_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v refuse_v though_o they_o be_v like_o the_o publican_n and_o heathen_n among_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v not_o only_o repute_v but_o many_o time_n real_o be_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n though_o like_o the_o prodigal_a son_n here_o in_o the_o parable_n they_o have_v run_v away_o from_o their_o father_n and_o waste_v their_o estate_n in_o lewd_a and_o riotous_a course_n yet_o whenever_o they_o come_v to_o themselves_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o return_v to_o their_o father_n to_o acknowledge_v their_o folly_n and_o repent_v of_o it_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v they_o nay_o much_o more_o ready_a to_o receive_v they_o than_o they_o can_v be_v to_o come_v to_o he_o for_o when_o the_o prodigal_n be_v but_o come_v towards_o his_o father_n and_o be_v yet_o afar_o off_o the_o father_n run_v to_o meet_v he_o and_o embrace_v he_o with_o as_o much_o kindness_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o offend_v he_o and_o entertain_v he_o with_o more_o joy_n than_o if_o he_o have_v always_o continue_v with_o he_o how_o do_v the_o great_a god_n condescend_v to_o encourage_v our_o repentance_n represent_v himself_o and_o all_o the_o bless_a company_n of_o heaven_n as_o transport_v with_o joy_n at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o almost_o set_v a_o great_a value_n upon_o repentance_n than_o even_o upon_o innocence_n itself_o and_o if_o our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o have_v be_v so_o infinite_o offend_v and_o so_o high_o provoke_v by_o we_o beyond_o all_o patience_n be_v so_o ready_a so_o forward_o so_o glad_a to_o receive_v we_o and_o there_o be_v no_o hindrance_n no_o difficulty_n no_o discouragement_n on_o his_o part_n be_v it_o possible_a after_o all_o this_o that_o we_o can_v be_v such_o fool_n and_o such_o enemy_n to_o ourselves_o as_o to_o be_v backward_o to_o our_o own_o happiness_n all_o of_o we_o the_o best_a of_o we_o have_v too_o much_o cause_n for_o repentance_n and_o i_o fear_v too_o many_o of_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o that_o repentance_n intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o text_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o change_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n but_o i_o will_v not_o upbraid_v you_o with_o your_o fault_n have_v no_o design_n to_o provoke_v but_o only_o to_o persuade_v man_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o one_o conscience_n to_o tell_v he_o how_o great_a a_o sinner_n how_o grievous_a a_o offender_n he_o have_v be_v god_n know_v we_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o mention_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n but_o only_o in_o their_o amendment_n and_o we_o will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a even_o without_o mind_v they_o how_o bad_a they_o have_v be_v persuade_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o be_v better_o it_o be_v but_o a_o small_a consideration_n to_o tell_v you_o how_o much_o it_o will_v cheer_v and_o comfort_v our_o heart_n and_o quicken_v our_o zeal_n and_o industry_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n to_o see_v some_o fruit_n of_o our_o labour_n that_o all_o our_o pain_n be_v not_o lose_v and_o that_o all_o the_o good_a counsel_n that_o be_v from_o hence_o tender_v to_o you_o be_v not_o like_a rain_n fall_v upon_o the_o rock_n and_o shower_n upon_o the_o sand_n but_o i_o have_v much_o great_a consideration_n to_o offer_v to_o you_o that_o your_o repentance_n will_v at_o once_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o man_n that_o it_o be_v a_o return_v to_o a_o right_a mind_n and_o the_o restore_n of_o you_o to_o yourselves_o to_o the_o ease_n and_o peace_n of_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v everlasting_o happy_a that_o it_o be_v to_o take_v pity_n upon_o yourselves_o and_o your_o poor_a immortal_a soul_n and_o to_o take_v due_a care_n to_o prevent_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v dread_v above_o all_o thing_n the_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o and_o last_o of_o all_o that_o if_o you_o will_v not_o repent_v now_o the_o time_n will_v certain_o come_v and_o that_o perhaps_o in_o this_o life_n when_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o great_a need_n of_o repentance_n and_o yet_o perhaps_o with_o miserable_a esau_n find_v no_o place_n for_o it_o though_o you_o seek_v it_o careful_o with_o tear_n when_o you_o shall_v cry_v lord_n lord_n and_o the_o door_n shall_v be_v shut_v against_o you_o and_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v but_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o be_v sure_a in_o the_o other_o world_n you_o shall_v eternal_o repent_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o be_v continual_o lament_v your_o wretched_a condition_n without_o hope_n of_o remedy_n for_o there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o wail_v without_o effect_n without_o intermission_n and_o without_o end_n and_o what_o cause_n have_v we_o to_o thank_v god_n that_o this_o be_v not_o yet_o our_o case_n that_o we_o be_v yet_o on_o this_o side_n the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n and_o the_o gulf_n of_o despair_n o_o the_o infinite_a patience_n and_o boundless_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n with_o what_o clemency_n have_v he_o spare_v we_o and_o suffer_v our_o manner_n thus_o long_o and_o with_o what_o kindness_n and_o concernment_n do_v he_o still_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o return_v to_o he_o as_o if_o in_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v make_v he_o happy_a and_o not_o ourselves_o with_o what_o earnest_a long_n and_o desire_n do_v he_o wait_v and_o wish_v for_o our_o repentance_n say_v o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o they_o o_o that_o they_o will_v hearken_v unto_o my_o voice_n when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v thus_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o patient_o attend_v and_o listen_v what_o effect_n his_o admonition_n and_o counsel_n his_o reproof_n and_o threaten_n will_v have_v upon_o sinner_n jer._n 8.6_o i_o hearken_v and_o i_o hear_v but_o they_o speak_v not_o aright_o no_o man_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o wickedness_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v every_o one_o turn_v to_o his_o course_n as_o the_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o battle_n and_o be_v not_o this_o our_o case_n god_n have_v long_o wait_v for_o our_o repentance_n and_o once_o a_o year_n we_o solemn_o pretend_v to_o set_v about_o it_o but_o many_o of_o we_o hitherto_o i_o fear_v instead_o of_o return_v to_o god_n have_v but_o more_o blind_o and_o furious_o run_v on_o in_o our_o course_n like_o the_o horse_n that_o have_v no_o understanding_n yea_o in_o this_o more_o brutish_a than_o the_o beast_n that_o he_o rush_v into_o the_o battle_n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o death_n or_o danger_n and_o destroy_v himself_o without_o a_o syllogism_n but_o we_o sinner_n have_v reason_n and_o yet_o be_v mad_a the_o great_a part_n of_o evil-doer_n be_v sufficient_o sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o course_n and_o convince_v that_o eternal_a misery_n and_o ruin_n will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o i_o know_v not_o how_o they_o make_v a_o shift_n upon_o one_o pretence_n or_o other_o to_o discourse_n and_o reason_n themselves_o into_o it_o but_o because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged-sword_n and_o come_v with_o a_o great_a weight_n and_o force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o any_o humane_a persuasion_n whatsoever_o i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o those_o short_a and_o serious_a counsel_n and_o exhortation_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n by_o his_o holy_a prophet_n consider_v and_o show_v yourselves_o man_n o_o you_o transgressor_n be_v instruct_v o_o jerusalem_n lest_o my_o soul_n depart_v from_o thou_o