in_o sin_n and_o impenitency_n who_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o â—he_n grace_n to_o recover_v himself_o as_o those_o hoâ—y_a man_n do_v those_o who_o presume_v to_o sin_n as_o they_o do_v in_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v in_o like_a manner_n wipe_v off_o their_o sin_n by_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n reason_n just_a like_o a_o man_n who_o shall_v swallow_v down_o poison_n and_o conclude_v it_o will_v not_o kill_v he_o because_o some_o who_o have_v be_v poison_v have_v escape_v death_n but_o that_o which_o deserve_v here_o our_o great_a consideration_n be_v the_o time_n which_o those_o saineâ—_n live_v in_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o 〈◊〉_d christian_n and_o the_o good_a man_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n man_n before_o christ_n haâ—_n not_o by_o a_o great_a deal_n that_o light_n which_o we_o have_v and_o do_v not_o know_v as_o we_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n our_o saviour_n teacheâ—_n we_o that_o distinction_n when_o he_o say_v 1._o say_v mat._n xii_o 1._o the_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v the_o great_a among_o they_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n but_o that_o the_o leâ—â—_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v great_a theâ—_n john_n the_o baptist_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o christian_n have_v a_o much_o great_a light_n than_o either_o john_n baptist_n or_o all_o the_o ancient_a prephet_n have_v now_o the_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o piety_n and_o therefore_o christian_n ought_v to_o excel_v the_o jew_n in_o holiness_n what_o god_n do_v bear_v with_o as_o that_o time_n will_v be_v in_o we_o altogether_o intoleable_a and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o imitate_v the_o ancient_n in_o their_o vice_n when_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o surpass_v their_o virtue_n this_o principle_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o without_o it_o we_o can_v hardly_o silence_v profane_a person_n a_o libertine_n insist_v upon_o precedent_n will_v say_v that_o polygamy_n he_o keep_v of_o concubine_n murder_n divorce_v upon_o the_o slight_a pretence_n and_o such_o like_a disorder_n be_v not_o so_o criminal_a as_o they_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v he_o will_v produce_v the_o instance_n of_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n of_o the_o judge_n of_o israel_n of_o david_n and_o the_o jew_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o detract_v from_o the_o honour_n and_o praise_v due_a to_o those_o ancient_a worthy_n they_o have_v do_v much_o for_o the_o time_n they_o live_v in_o but_o god_n forbid_v too_o that_o we_o shall_v lessen_v the_o glory_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o we_o speak_v like_o christian_n we_o will_v say_v that_o god_n in_o his_o goodness_n do_v pass_v over_o many_o thing_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o time_n and_o of_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v a_o gross_a and_o carnal_a people_n our_o saviour_n answer_n to_o the_o pharisee_n coneern_v divorce_n be_v very_o much_o to_o our_o purpose_n xix_o purpose_n mat._n xix_o moses_n suffer_v you_o to_o put_v away_o your_o wife_n but_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o then_o he_o add_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v imitate_v the_o jew_n and_o do_v that_o which_o have_v be_v do_v and_o tolerate_v till_o then_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o adultery_n we_o may_v easy_o apply_v this_o answer_n to_o the_o instance_n of_o st._n peter_n since_o before_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n the_o apostle_n be_v weak_a as_o yet_o and_o possess_v with_o various_a prejudices_fw-la but_o i_o think_v myself_o bind_v to_o add_v a_o word_n or_o two_o concern_v the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n because_o it_o be_v common_o mistake_v that_o apostle_n say_v 15._o say_v 1_o tim._n i._n 13_o 15._o that_o he_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n a_o persecutor_n who_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v a_o apostle_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n at_o the_o first_o hear_v of_o these_o word_n many_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v a_o profligate_n man_n a_o swearer_n and_o a_o godless_a wretch_n and_o yet_o he_o mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o he_o have_v once_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o otherwise_o st._n paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o his_o life_n be_v blameless_a and_o exemplary_a for_o this_o he_o appeal_v to_o god_n and_o the_o jew_n act_n xxiii_o 1._o and_o xxvi_o 4._o if_o he_o do_v persecute_v the_o church_n then_o it_o be_v through_o a_o blind_a zeal_n and_o ignorance_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o himself_o ver_fw-la 13._o he_o obtain_v mercy_n from_o god_n be_v not_o this_o quite_o another_o case_n than_o that_o of_o those_o christian_n who_o know_o and_o wilful_o allow_v themselves_o in_o sin_n it_o be_v another_o mistake_n to_o make_v st._n paul_n say_v as_o some_o do_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o say_v only_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a or_o the_o first_o of_o those_o sinner_n who_o jesus_n christ_n do_v save_v his_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o hold_v the_o first_o rank_n among_o convert_a sinner_n that_o he_o be_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o that_o jesus_n have_v begin_v by_o he_o to_o show_v his_o clemency_n and_o goodness_n thus_o he_o explain_v himself_o verse_n 16._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o i_o obtain_v mercy_n that_o in_o i_o first_o jesus_n christ_n may_v show_v forth_o all_o long-suffering_a for_o a_o pattern_n to_o they_o which_o shall_v hereafter_o believe_v on_o he_o this_o be_v exact_o what_o he_o mean_v for_o as_o to_o what_o some_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n out_o of_o humility_n acknowledge_v himself_o the_o great_a of_o all_o sinner_n i_o think_v that_o explication_n be_v wrong_a and_o that_o it_o neither_o agree_v with_o truth_n nor_o piety_n nor_o good_a sense_n a_o good_a man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o think_v himself_o worse_o than_o the_o great_a sinner_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o ought_v to_o bless_v god_n for_o that_o good_a which_o the_o divine_a grace_n have_v wrought_v if_o he_o but_o as_o the_o last_o refuge_n of_o sinner_n be_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n so_o they_o common_o abuse_v those_o place_n which_o set_v forth_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o mercy_n they_o find_v this_o principal_o upon_o these_o word_n where_o sin_n do_v abound_v grace_n do_v much_o more_o abound_v under_o the_o covert_a of_o this_o short_a sentence_n the_o most_o flagitious_a sinner_n think_v themselves_o safe_a but_o the_o bare_a read_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n will_v soon_o convince_v we_o that_o this_o be_v to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n into_o a_o false_a and_o pernicious_a sense_n the_o apostle_n design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o all_o man_n be_v render_v sinner_n in_o adam_n and_o by_o the_o law_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v so_o great_a that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o save_o they_o through_o jesus_n christ_n in_o order_n to_o establish_v this_o truth_n he_o have_v prove_v thâ—_n before_o christ_n sin_n and_o death_n reign_v erery_a where_n not_o only_o among_o the_o heathen_a but_o also_o among_o the_o jew_n upon_o this_o â—â—adds_n that_o where_o sin_n do_v abound_v grace_n â—â—mercy_o more_o abound_v to_o signify_v god_n hauâ—â—â—_n mercy_n on_o they_o when_o they_o be_v involve_v in_o sin_n and_o death_n in_o a_o word_n st._n pâ—â—_n set_v the_o happy_a condition_n to_o which_o mâ—â—_n be_v advance_v by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o which_o they_o be_v in_o before_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o place_n and_o the_o drift_n of_o the_o whole_a epistle_n can_v any_o one_o infer_v from_o thence_o that_o now_o we_o may_v free_o sin_n and_o that_o grace_n will_v exert_v in_o self_n reward_v we_o whatever_o sin_n we_o may_v commit_v it_o be_v fit_a to_o observe_v beside_o that_o whiâ—â—_n st._n paul_n speak_v of_o grace_n he_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v the_o pardon_v but_o likewise_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n which_o destroy_v the_o pretention_n of_o the_o libertine_n the_o apoâ—â—_n himself_o confute_v it_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o vehemence_n he_o foresee_v that_o some_o will_v ague_n like_o those_o we_o now_o contend_v with_o aâ—â—_n he_o make_v this_o objection_n to_o himself_o 12._o himself_o rom._n 6.1_o 2_o 3_o 11_o 12._o whâ—â—_n then_o shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n that_o grace_n may_v bound_v and_o this_o be_v his_o answer_n god_n forbid_v how_o shall_v we_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n live_v 〈◊〉_d long_o therein_o we_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n death_n that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n reckon_v you_o also_o yourselves_o dead_a unto_o sin_n but_o alive_a unto_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n let_v not_o sin_n therefore_o reign_v in_o your_o mortal_a body_n
pass_n that_o not_o be_v content_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o vice_n they_o do_v beside_o plead_v authority_n for_o a_o ill_a life_n they_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o defend_v the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n they_o dispute_v with_o those_o that_o condemn_v they_o and_o they_o vent_v such_o maxim_n and_o sentiment_n as_o if_o we_o believe_v they_o will_v justify_v or_o at_o least_o excuse_v all_o their_o disorder_n i_o can_v not_o omit_v here_o the_o examine_n of_o those_o maxim_n since_o their_o effect_n be_v so_o pernicious_a i_o shall_v therefore_o observe_v they_o as_o the_o three_o cause_n of_o corruption_n the_o maxim_n and._n sentiment_n which_o favour_n corruption_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o be_v visible_o profane_a and_o impious_a such_o be_v a_o great_a many_o maxim_n of_o the_o libertine_n which_o go_v for_o currant_n in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v other_o which_o man_n pretend_v to_o draw_v from_o religion_n i_o shall_v insist_v particular_o upon_o the_o latter_a because_o as_o they_o be_v take_v from_o religion_n itself_o they_o be_v by_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a when_o profane_a people_n undertake_v to_o defend_v vice_n with_o maxim_n which_o be_v manifest_o impious_a we_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n against_o they_o and_o we_o may_v confute_v they_o by_o the_o maxim_n of_o religion_n but_o when_o they_o employ_v religion_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o vice_n the_o danger_n of_o be_v feduce_v be_v infinite_o great_a i_o shall_v reduce_v the_o maxim_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o authorize_v corruption_n to_o these_o four_o order_n i_o rank_v those_o in_o the_o first_o order_n by_o which_o man_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o holiness_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a the_o second_o order_n contain_v those_o which_o tend_v to_o show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n be_v impossible_a the_o three_o comprehend_v those_o which_o insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o a_o man_n to_o apply_v himself_o to_o good_a work_n the_o four_o and_o the_o last_o include_v those_o which_o be_v allege_v to_o excuse_v corruption_n but_o as_o it_o be_v not_o less_o necessary_a to_o know_v the_o remedy_n against_o corruption_n than_o to_o discover_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o only_o mention_v but_o as_o i_o go_v on_o confute_v those_o maxim_n although_o nothing_o be_v more_o clear_o assert_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n yet_o christian_n entertain_v many_o opinion_n which_o destroy_v this_o necessity_n and_o which_o consequent_o open_v a_o door_n to_o licentiousness_n the_o necessity_n of_o goodwork_n can_v be_v overthrow_v but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n either_o by_o say_v that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v they_o or_o else_o by_o maintain_v that_o though_o god_n require_v they_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o 1._o in_o order_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v sanctity_n and_o goodwork_n as_o a_o condition_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n these_o two_o maxim_n be_v abuse_v 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o save_v by_o our_o work_n and_o 2._o that_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n the_o first_o of_o these_o maxim_n be_v intend_v to_o exclude_v goodwork_n and_o by_o the_o second_o man_n will_v substitute_v another_o mean_a for_o obtain_v salvation_n i_o refer_v the_o discuss_n of_o these_o two_o maxim_n to_o the_o next_o chapter_n because_o they_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n ii_o man_n endeavour_v to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o though_o they_o neglect_v holiness_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v exclude_v from_o salvation_n and_o that_o which_o contribute_v most_o to_o flatter_v they_o in_o this_o imagination_n be_v first_o the_o notion_n they_o have_v form_v to_o themselves_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n god_n say_v they_o be_v good_a and_o will_v not_o judge_v we_o with_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n this_o be_v say_v every_o day_n and_o it_o make_v every_o body_n hope_v for_o salvation_n the_o divine_a mercy_n indeed_o be_v without_o question_n the_o only_a ground_n we_o have_v to_o hope_v for_o salvation_n but_o the_o vile_a affront_n we_o can_v offer_v to_o that_o mercy_n be_v to_o make_v it_o a_o occasion_n of_o security_n because_o god_n be_v good_a and_o merciful_a must_v not_o we_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o please_v he_o may_v we_o free_o offend_v he_o because_o he_o be_v good_a and_o we_o hope_v he_o will_v forgive_v we_o those_o who_o reason_n at_o this_o rate_n understand_v very_o little_a what_o the_o divine_a mercy_n be_v they_o must_v suppose_v that_o it_o extend_v indifferent_o to_o all_o man_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o their_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n but_o this_o supposition_n be_v evident_o false_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o effect_n of_o god_n mercy_n be_v promise_v only_o to_o those_o who_o fear_v he_o and_o depart_v from_o evil_n and_o by_o consequence_n it_o be_v a_o false_a and_o pernicious_a maxim_n to_o say_v so_o much_o holiness_n be_v not_o necessary_a god_n be_v good_a and_o he_o will_v not_o mark_v severe_o what_o be_v do_v amiss_o this_o be_v to_o ascribe_v to_o god_n a_o easiness_n and_o a_o connivance_n utter_o unbecoming_a the_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v beside_o that_o god_n will_v not_o judge_v we_o rigorous_o that_o indeed_o be_v true_a god_n be_v indulgent_a towards_o we_o and_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o which_o god_n have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o our_o present_a condition_n and_o weakness_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o certain_a that_o god_n will_v judge_v we_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o no_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v for_o those_o who_o do_v not_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o this_o condition_n be_v a_o true_a faith_n incite_v we_o to_o holiness_n this_o must_v be_v grant_v and_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n of_o perform_v this_o condition_n and_o of_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n or_o else_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o a_o jest_n and_o we_o must_v say_v that_o god_n do_v not_o speak_v serious_o in_o it_o that_o indeed_o he_o prescribe_v certain_a condition_n that_o he_o command_v and_o threaten_v but_o that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v strict_o understand_v so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n do_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o condition_n which_o god_n require_v yet_o he_o shall_v feel_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o clemency_n if_o this_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o christian_a religion_n 2._o it_o will_v no_o doubt_n be_v reply_v that_o provide_v vide_v a_o man_n repent_v and_o ask_v god_n forgiveness_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a truth_n so_o by_o repentance_n we_o mean_v that_o which_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o sincere_a detestation_n of_o sin_n in_o true_a conversion_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n but_o this_o be_v false_a if_o by_o repentance_n we_o mean_v only_o a_o general_a confession_n of_o sin_n accompany_v with_o some_o sense_n of_o grief_n and_o fear_n whereby_o sinner_n hope_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n to_o atone_v for_o all_o the_o disorder_n of_o a_o vicious_a life_n i_o will_v show_v here_o that_o this_o be_v no_o save_v repentance_n but_o that_o i_o be_o to_o handle_v this_o matter_n purposely_o in_o another_o chapter_n if_o man_n common_o neglect_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o very_o necessary_a they_o apply_v themselves_o much_o less_o to_o those_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v impossible_a now_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n which_o man_n common_o have_v of_o piety_n it_o be_v say_v first_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o to_o do_v that_o whiâ—_n god_n command_v a_o great_a many_o like_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n very_o well_o and_o acknowledge_v their_o justice_n and_o excellency_n will_v to_o god_n say_v they_o we_o may_v live_v thus_o but_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o and_o be_v possess_v with_o this_o opinion_n they_o use_v no_o endeavour_n to_o practice_v those_o duty_n which_o they_o own_v to_o be_v just_o or_o to_o attain_v to_o that_o holiness_n to_o which_o god_n call_v they_o and_o indeed_o what_o man_n will_v attempt_v that_o which_o he_o look_v upon_o as_o impossible_a now_o what_o be_v say_v of_o man_n incapacity_n to_o do_v good_a be_v very_o true_a when_o we_o speak_v of_o man_n consider_v bare_o as_o man_n in_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o nature_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o those_o who_o god_n have_v rescue_v out_o of_o that_o state_n and_o call_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v incapable_a to_o arrive_v at_o that_o degree_n
give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o dispute_n with_o st._n peter_n and_o of_o his_o reprove_v he_o for_o his_o too_o great_a compliance_n with_o the_o jew_n he_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n why_o have_v not_o than_o difference_n be_v observe_v which_o st_n paul_n make_v about_o work_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n he_o call_v they_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n or_o bare_o work_v but_o when_o he_o treat_v of_o the_o work_n which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v he_o call_v they_o good_a work_n because_o they_o be_v real_o good_a holy_a and_o profitable_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o this_o title_n of_o good_a work_n be_v never_o bestow_v upon_o the_o work_v of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o consider_v in_o themselves_o have_v nothing_o of_o goodness_n or_o holiness_n in_o they_o in_o a_o word_n good_a work_n in_o st._n paul_n stile_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o bare_o work_v or_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n if_o this_o have_v be_v consider_v such_o great_a â—ains_n need_v not_o to_o have_v be_v take_v to_o make_v 3.27_o make_v rom._n 3.27_o st._n paul_n agree_v with_o st._n james_n 11.16_o james_n galat._n 11.16_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n 11.24_o law_n jam._n 11.24_o and_o st._n james_n â—hat_n man_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n â—nly_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o these_o two_o apostle_n both_o follow_v one_o hypothesis_n and_o argue_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n st._n paul_n dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v tie_v christian_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n â—â—ffrms_n that_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a provide_v it_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n be_v â—nd_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o observe_v the_o moysaicall_a rite_n st._n james_n dispute_v against_o heretic_n who_o pretend_v that_o faith_n do_v â—ave_n without_o good_a work_n and_o so_o do_v â—ntirely_o ruin_v our_o saviour_n moral_n deâ—lares_v that_o faith_n which_o do_v not_o produce_v good_a work_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n be_v not_o this_o the_o same_o doctrine_n with_o st._n paul_n but_o instead_o of_o reconcile_a these_o two_o apostle_n some_o people_n find_v here_o great_a difficulty_n they_o do_v not_o reconcile_v st._n james_n with_o st._n paul_n but_o they_o rather_o refute_v st._n james_n by_o st._n paul_n st._n james_n be_v expound_v with_o great_a caution_n as_o if_o he_o have_v go_v too_o far_o by_o say_v that_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o this_o proposition_n be_v soften_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a it_o be_v excuse_v rather_o than_o explain_v but_o as_o for_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o faith_n alone_o justfiy_v without_o work_n it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o utmost_a strictness_n so_o that_o all_o be_v ascribe_v to_o faith_n and_o nothing_o to_o good_a work_n nay_o faith_n be_v set_v in_o opposition_n to_o good_a work_n and_o god_n to_o god_n himself_o the_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o faith_n be_v bring_v out_o against_o those_o which_o relate_v to_o work_n it_o be_v true_a say_v some_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o manshall_n see_v god_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o write_v that_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o our_o work_n but_o only_o by_o faith_n and_o by_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v man_n raise_v themselves_o above_o the_o reproach_n and_o accusation_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n i_o say_v it_o once_o more_o this_o be_v to_o attack_v and_o confute_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o itself_o and_o to_o charge_v the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o self-contradiction_n for_o in_o short_a if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v without_o good_a work_n he_o can_v be_v save_v without_o they_o too_o since_o the_o be_v justify_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o the_o be_v save_v now_o if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v save_v without_o good_a work_n he_o may_v see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n without_o holiness_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o what_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 21.14_o we_o heb._n 21.14_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 2._o a_o great_a many_o people_n imagine_v that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o christian_n not_o to_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n law_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v some_o mistake_a place_n give_v occasion_n to_o that_o error_n and_o particular_o this_o 6._o this_o rom._n 6._o we_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n these_o word_n be_v thus_o interpret_v the_o law_n do_v prescribe_v work_n but_o the_o gospel_n require_v only_a faith_n the_o law_n do_v threaten_v but_o the_o gospel_n speak_v only_o of_o grace_n and_o pardon_n so_o that_o to_o require_v work_n at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n be_v to_o bring_v back_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v something_o of_o truth_n in_o this_o reason_n but_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n commandment_n do_v very_o little_o understand_v either_o what_o the_o law_n or_o the_o gospel_n be_v and_o wherein_o these_o two_o dispensation_n differ_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o law_n be_v a_o dispensation_n of_o severity_n it_o do_v not_o propose_v to_o man_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n as_o the_o gospel_n do_v the_o law_n have_v not_o that_o power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o sanctify_v man_n which_o grace_n have_v the_o law_n lay_v upon_o the_o jew_n great_a many_o obligation_n which_o be_v not_o only_o burdensome_a and_o painful_a but_o which_o beside_o have_v no_o intrinsical_a holiness_n in_o they_o and_o those_o duty_n be_v enjoin_v under_o a_o curse_n the_o law_n itself_o be_v a_o time_n of_o severity_n and_o malediction_n in_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n since_o all_o the_o while_n that_o oeconomy_n do_v subsist_v they_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o these_o several_a regard_n we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n but_o if_o from_o this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n we_o shall_v infer_v that_o we_o be_v no_o long_o bind_v to_o do_v what_o be_v just_a this_o inference_n will_v overturn_v the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o transform_v religion_n into_o libertinism_n iâ—_n because_o we_o be_v under_o grace_n we_o ought_v to_o speak_v no_o more_o of_o work_n why_o shall_v the_o gospel_n prescribe_v work_n and_o the_o same_o work_n which_o the_o law_n enjoin_v except_v only_o the_o ceremony_n why_o shall_v this_o gospel_n call_v we_o to_o a_o holiness_n which_o exceed_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o enforce_v this_o obligation_n with_o more_o terrible_a threaten_n than_o those_o of_o the_o law_n why_o do_v our_o saviour_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n preach_v up_o repentance_n and_o enter_v upon_o their_o ministry_n with_o these_o word_n 4.4_o word_n mat._n 3.2_o and_o 4.4_o repent_v you_o according_a to_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o these_o man_n they_o shall_v have_v speak_v to_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n 11.17_o manner_n act_n 11.17_o this_o be_v the_o time_n of_o grace_n the_o law_n be_v past_a and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v abolish_v therefore_o fear_v nothing_o let_v not_o your_o sin_n trouble_v you_o for_o salvation_n be_v promise_v to_o all_o mankind_n whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o our_o 5.6.7_o our_o mat._n 5.6.7_o saviour_n speak_v only_o of_o work_n in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n or_o that_o st._n paul_n declare_v that_o the_o natural_a intention_n and_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o temperance_n justice_n and_o godliness_n must_v we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v alter_v that_o he_o do_v not_o love_v holiness_n so_o much_o now_o as_o he_o do_v heretofore_o of_o that_o sin_n be_v become_v less_o odious_a to_o he_o since_o it_o be_v expiate_v by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n but_o it_o be_v say_v we_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n what_o be_v christian_n then_o a_o lawless_a people_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o be_v under_o the_o law_n i_o mean_v under_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n under_o 8.2_o under_o rom._n 8.2_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n which_o make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v st._n paul_n himself_o in_o what_o sense_n and_o respect_n do_v he_o say_v that_o we_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n he_o say_v this_o precise_o to_o show_v that_o
man_n to_o be_v too_o just_a or_o too_o wise_a and_o whether_o there_o can_v be_v a_o vicious_a excess_n in_o righteousness_n or_o wisdom_n if_o a_o man_n may_v be_v over-righteous_a he_o may_v likewise_o love_v god_n too_o much_o for_o to_o be_v righteous_a and_o to_o love_n god_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n now_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o righteous_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v but_o far_o from_o be_v over-righteous_a we_o can_v never_o be_v righteous_a enough_o and_o if_o we_o can_v never_o be_v righteous_a enough_o be_v there_o any_o occasion_n to_o exhort_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v over-righteous_a i_o wish_v man_n have_v at_o least_o that_o reverence_n for_o the_o scripture_n as_o not_o to_o make_v it_o speak_v absurdity_n i_o know_v the_o ordinary_a evasion_n vicious_a man_n will_v say_v that_o when_o piety_n run_v to_o excess_n it_o lead_v to_o superstition_n or_o pride_n and_o become_v troublesome_a and_o ridiculous_a every_o body_n say_v that_o but_o without_o reason_n i_o have_v refute_v that_o opinion_n and_o show_v that_o true_a piety_n never_o degenerate_v into_o superstition_n or_o pride_n and_o that_o devout_a man_n who_o be_v superstitious_a or_o troublesome_a have_v but_o a_o false_a devotion_n or_o a_o misguide_a zeal_n this_o may_v direct_v we_o to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o sentence_n in_o question_n solomon_n do_v not_o speak_v here_o of_o true_a justice_n and_o wisdom_n for_o whether_o he_o may_v have_v a_o eye_n here_o upon_o superstitious_a or_o hypocritical_a person_n who_o righteousness_n be_v but_o imaginary_a which_o sense_n be_v adopt_v by_o many_o interpreter_n or_o whether_o he_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o exercise_n justice_n with_o too_o much_o severity_n as_o some_o think_v or_o whether_o as_o it_o be_v conceive_v by_o other_o he_o give_v this_o advice_n to_o busy_a and_o presumptuous_a people_n who_o meddle_v in_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v they_o and_o fancy_v themselves_o able_a to_o determine_v all_o matter_n however_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o solomon_n do_v not_o speak_v here_o of_o good_a man_n who_o exact_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o true_a justice_n and_o wisdom_n if_o we_o stick_v to_o the_o last_o of_o these_o three_o exposition_n which_o seem_v to_o agree_v best_a with_o solomon_n design_n then_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o place_n be_v clear_a and_o rational_a and_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o contrary_a to_o piety_n whereas_o the_o sense_n which_o be_v put_v upon_o these_o word_n by_o the_o libertine_n be_v both_o absurd_a and_o impious_a those_o who_o will_v either_o justify_v or_o excuse_v corruption_n use_v to_o object_n in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o since_o the_o scripture_n teach_v that_o all_o man_n and_o even_o good_a man_n be_v deep_o engage_v in_o corruption_n it_o must_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o holiness_n and_o goodwork_n be_v not_o so_o very_o necessary_a and_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o be_v impossible_a now_o to_o prove_v this_o universal_a corruption_n of_o all_o man_n they_o bring_v several_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o etc._n etc._n psal_n 14._o rom._n 3._o if_o their_o meaning_n in_o cite_v these_o word_n be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n altogether_o free_a from_o sin_n and_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o the_o otherhand_n that_o good_a man_n do_v not_o sin_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o the_o wicked_a do_v i_o will_v not_o quarrel_n much_o about_o this_o interpretation_n though_o not_o altogether_o exact_a or_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o david_n in_o the_o 19_o psalm_n but_o there_o be_v another_o design_n in_o it_o which_o be_v to_o infer_v from_o these_o word_n that_o man_n differ_v very_o little_a from_o one_o another_o that_o they_o be_v all_o guilty_a of_o many_o great_a sin_n and_o that_o none_o do_v or_o can_v practice_v the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n in_o a_o word_n this_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o apology_n of_o corruption_n and_o to_o silence_v those_o who_o oppose_v it_o if_o what_o david_n say_v in_o this_o place_n be_v to_o be_v strict_o understand_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o good_a man_n upon_o earth_n that_o all_o man_n be_v pervert_v that_o they_o be_v all_o become_v abominable_a by_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o single_a person_n that_o be_v just_a or_o that_o fear_n god_n but_o this_o consequence_n raise_v horror_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o experience_n and_o to_o what_o the_o scripture_n declare_v in_o a_o thousand_o place_n where_o it_o speak_v of_o good_a man_n and_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o wicked_a nay_o this_o consequence_n may_v be_v destroy_v from_o what_o we_o read_v in_o that_o very_a psalm_n which_o mention_n the_o just_a who_o be_v protect_v by_o god_n and_o the_o wicked_a who_o persecute_v they_o this_o complaint_n of_o david_n must_v therefore_o be_v understand_v with_o some_o restriction_n by_o read_v the_o fourteen_o psalm_n we_o may_v perceive_v that_o david_n intend_v to_o describe_v in_o it_o the_o extreme_a corruption_n of_o man_n in_o his_o time_n there_o he_o draw_v the_o picture_n of_o impiety_n and_o atheism_n and_o speak_v of_o those_o fool_n who_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o who_o life_n be_v a_o continue_a chain_n of_o sin_n it_o must_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o when_o st._n paul_n cite_v these_o word_n out_o of_o the_o fourteen_o psalm_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n iii_o he_o do_v it_o with_o a_o design_n to_o show_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o much_o better_a than_o the_o heathen_n and_o that_o they_o have_v as_o much_o need_n of_o a_o saviour_n 9_o saviour_n v._o 9_o what_o then_o be_v we_o better_o than_o they_o no_o in_o no_o wise_a for_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o they_o be_v all_o under_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o assertion_n which_o st._n paul_n maintain_v and_o which_o he_o prove_v from_o that_o complaint_n which_o david_n make_v of_o old_a 19_o old_a v._o 19_o there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o do_v good_a etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v that_o all_o mouth_n must_v be_v stop_v and_o that_o all_o the_o world_n be_v become_v guilty_a before_o god_n so_o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n can_v neither_o justify_v nor_o sanctify_v the_o jew_n but_o he_o teach_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o christ_n be_v come_v to_o rescue_v man_n out_o of_o that_o miserable_a condition_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n if_o we_o must_v dill_n say_v of_o christian_n that_o there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o 2._o this_o answer_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o that_o place_n in_o the_o ephesian_n where_o it_o be_v say_v i._n say_v ephes_n ii_o 1._o i._n that_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n for_o to_o the_o same_o end_n these_o word_n be_v quote_v i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o all_o man_n abstract_v from_o the_o divine_a grace_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o dead_a in_o their_o sin_n that_o be_v st._n paul_n meaning_n in_o that_o place_n he_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o man_n and_o particular_o of_o heathen_n which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o corruption_n and_o death_n in_o which_o they_o have_v perish_v have_v not_o god_n take_v pity_n upon_o they_o but_o the_o apostle_n intend_v to_o make_v the_o ephesian_n sensible_a of_o that_o unparalleled_a mercy_n of_o god_n by_o which_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v but_o poor_a heathen_n before_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o say_v to_o they_o you_o be_v dead_a in_o your_o sin_n it_o be_v falsify_v the_o text_n to_o cite_v it_o so_o and_o to_o say_v we_o be_v dead_a in_o our_o sin_n but_o you_o be_v dead_a he_o speak_v of_o the_o time_n past_o when_o they_o be_v heathen_n &c_n heathen_n and_o 5._o &c_n &c_n among_o who_o say_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o jew_n we_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o time_n past_a in_o the_o lust_n of_o our_o flesh_n fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n but_o now_o he_o add_v god_n have_v quicken_v we_o together_o with_o christ_n both_o you_o that_o be_v heathen_n and_o we_o that_o be_v jew_n be_v raise_v again_o from_o this_o spiritual_a death_n by_o virtue_n of_o god_n great_a mercy_n this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o place_n which_o give_v we_o a_o lively_a idea_n of_o man_n natural_a corruption_n and_o of_o that_o happy_a state_n to_o which_o christ_n
ready_a to_o restore_v the_o great_a sinner_n to_o his_o favour_n when_o they_o have_v recourse_n to_o his_o mercy_n and_o that_o there_o be_v express_a promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o assure_v we_o of_o this_o i_o grant_v it_o god_n never_o reject_v a_o repent_a sinner_n but_o before_o a_o man_n can_v build_v upon_o this_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v receive_v into_o god_n favour_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n he_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v then_o sincere_o repent_v now_o i_o think_v i_o have_v demonstrate_v that_o this_o be_v what_o no_o man_n can_v depend_v upon_o as_o to_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o repentance_n in_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v apply_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n to_o all_o sinner_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v make_v in_o favour_n of_o those_o who_o god_n be_v to_o call_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o chief_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o heathen_n christ_n and_o his_o 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first_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n require_v of_o they_o it_o be_v preparatory_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n st._n paul_n vi._n paul_n heb._n vi._n place_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n among_o the_o fundamental_a point_n and_o the_o first_o duty_n in_o which_o the_o catechuman_n be_v instruct_v before_o baptism_n but_o now_o christian_n look_v upon_o repentance_n as_o the_o duty_n with_o which_o they_o be_v to_o end_v their_o life_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o design_v to_o end_v where_o the_o heathen_n begin_v and_o to_o enter_v heaven_n at_o the_o same_o gate_n which_o admit_v pagan_n into_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o will_v be_v say_v further_o that_o sometime_o man_n who_o have_v live_v in_o sin_n die_v to_o all_o appearance_n in_o very_o good_a disposition_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v that_o we_o see_v a_o great_a many_o more_o of_o those_o person_n who_o die_v in_o a_o state_n of_o insensibility_n and_o that_o by_o consequence_n a_o sinner_n who_o put_v off_o his_o repentance_n have_v more_o reason_n to_o fear_v than_o to_o hope_v for_o who_o have_v tell_v he_o that_o the_o fate_n of_o these_o last_o will_v not_o be_v his_o and_o what_o sure_a presage_v can_v there_o be_v of_o so_o tragical_a a_o death_n than_o the_o present_a hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n beside_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o it_o happen_v frequent_o as_o the_o objection_n seem_v to_o suppose_v that_o person_n who_o have_v live_v ill_o be_v well_o dispose_v when_o they_o die_v if_o repentance_n can_v be_v save_v and_o effectual_a when_o it_o begin_v only_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n every_o body_n must_v own_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o lively_a and_o deep_a attend_v with_o demonstration_n of_o the_o most_o bitter_a sorrow_n and_o with_o all_o the_o proof_n that_o a_o die_a man_n can_v give_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o conversion_n but_o we_o do_v not_o see_v many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n there_o be_v but_o few_o great_a sinner_n who_o express_v a_o lively_a compunction_n at_o their_o death_n or_o a_o sincere_a detestation_n of_o their_o sin_n who_o have_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o make_v reparation_n for_o it_o who_o practice_n restitution_n and_o edify_v all_o about_o they_o by_o discharge_v the_o other_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v but_o seldom_o that_o we_o see_v such_o penitent_n beside_o the_o expression_n of_o devotion_n and_o repentance_n which_o be_v use_v by_o die_a man_n be_v not_o always_o sincere_a it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o their_o repentance_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o certain_a emotion_n which_o the_o necessity_n of_o die_v and_o the_o approach_n of_o god_n judgement_n must_v needs_o raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o every_o man_n who_o have_v his_o wit_n about_o he_o and_o have_v some_o idea_n of_o religion_n nothing_o be_v more_o deceitful_a than_o the_o judge_n of_o a_o man_n by_o what_o he_o either_o say_v or_o do_v when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o effect_n of_o fear_n or_o trouble_n it_o be_v common_o say_v of_o those_o who_o have_v give_v some_o sign_n of_o piety_n upon_o their_o deathbed_n that_o they_o have_v make_v a_o very_a christian_a end_n but_o there_o be_v often_o a_o great_a mistake_n in_o that_o judgement_n and_o to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o it_o we_o need_v but_o observe_v what_o happen_v to_o some_o who_o have_v escape_v death_n or_o some_o eminent_a danger_n while_o the_o peril_n last_v who_o can_v be_v more_o humble_a and_o holy_a than_o they_o they_o show_v so_o much_o devotion_n and_o utter_v such_o discourse_n that_o all_o the_o standard_n by_o be_v edisy_v by_o they_o their_o tear_n their_o prayer_n their_o protestation_n of_o amendment_n in_o a_o word_n their_o whole_a deportment_n have_v in_o all_o appearance_n so_o much_o of_o christian_a zeal_n in_o it_o that_o the_o beholder_n be_v strike_v with_o admiration_n but_o be_v there_o many_o of_o these_o who_o when_o the_o danger_n be_v over_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o disposition_n remember_v their_o promise_n or_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o former_a course_n of_o life_n almost_o all_o of_o they_o return_v to_o their_o old_a habit_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o calamity_n be_v past_a these_o be_v general_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o repentance_n which_o be_v excite_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n in_o those_o who_o recover_v and_o what_o effect_n then_o can_v it_o have_v in_o respect_n of_o those_o that_o dye_n i_o confess_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o condemn_v any_o body_n but_o i_o think_v we_o shall_v not_o pronounce_v a_o definitive_a sentence_n in_o favour_n of_o those_o who_o have_v lead_v a_o ill_a life_n for_o though_o man_n judgement_n make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a yet_o it_o may_v have_v a_o very_a pernicious_a effect_n upon_o the_o live_n who_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o a_o man_n may_v die_v well_o though_o he_o have_v live_v ill_o and_o while_o i_o be_o upon_o this_o subject_a i_o must_v say_v that_o nothing_o contribute_v more_o to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o these_o dangerous_a opinion_n than_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n commend_v without_o discretion_n the_o piety_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v frequent_o do_v especial_o in_o great_a town_n and_o in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o those_o place_n mean-spirited_n and_o unworthy_a preacher_n who_o prostitute_v their_o tongue_n and_o their_o pen_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o some_o person_n who_o have_v nothing_o of_o christianity_n in_o their_o life_n and_o who_o condition_n shall_v rather_o make_v a_o man_n tremble_v but_o if_o some_o remnant_n of_o shame_n restrain_v they_o from_o carry_v their_o flattery_n so_o far_o as_o to_o commend_v the_o life_n of_o those_o who_o panegyric_n they_o have_v undertake_v then_o they_o seek_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o praise_n in_o some_o sign_n of_o piety_n which_o those_o person_n give_v before_o they_o leave_v the_o world_n now_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o the_o most_o atheistical_a discourse_n and_o the_o corrupte_v maxim_n of_o libertine_n be_v not_o by_o much_o so_o subtle_a a_o poison_n as_o such_o kind_n of_o eulogy_n deliver_v before_o man_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o all_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o age_n and_o then_o disperse_v through_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o instance_n of_o the_o convert_v thief_n who_o pray_v to_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o paradise_n be_v seldom_o forget_v but_o this_o instance_n be_v general_o very_o ill_o understand_v first_o it_o be_v suppose_v without_o any_o ground_n for_o it_o that_o this_o thief_n repent_v only_o upon_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o his_o conversion_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o sudden_a inspiration_n but_o
who_o can_v tell_v whether_o his_o conversion_n be_v not_o begin_v either_o before_o he_o be_v take_v or_o in_o the_o prison_n where_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o he_o be_v keep_v for_o some_o time_n before_o the_o feast_n of_o passover_n over_o but_o if_o his_o conversion_n must_v needs_o be_v sudden_a and_o wrought_v only_o a_o few_o minute_n before_o his_o death_n if_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n ascribe_v it_o to_o a_o miraculous_a inspiration_n and_o to_o those_o singular_a circumstance_n which_o he_o then_o happen_v to_o be_v in_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o this_o instance_n since_o no_o man_n live_a can_v assure_v himself_o that_o any_o such_o thing_n will_v befall_v he_o but_o be_v that_o as_o it_o will_v we_o shall_v i_o think_v observe_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o state_n of_o this_o thief_n and_o that_o of_o a_o christian_a this_o poor_a wretch_n have_v not_o be_v call_v before_o as_o christian_n be_v he_o have_v never_o know_v our_o saviour_n or_o at_o least_o he_o have_v not_o profess_v his_o religion_n he_o have_v not_o have_v that_o ilumination_n and_o those_o opportunity_n which_o grace_n offer_v every_o day_n to_o those_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o so_o his_o repentance_n though_o it_o come_v late_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v as_o effectual_a to_o salvation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n who_o embrace_v christianity_n in_o their_o ripe_a year_n and_o who_o happen_v to_o die_v immediate_o after_o baptism_n i_o shall_v say_v a_o word_n or_o two_o upon_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o labourer_n where_o we_o read_v xx._n read_v mat._n xx._n that_o those_o who_o go_v to_o work_v in_o the_o vineyard_n only_o a_o hour_n before_o sunset_n receive_v the_o same_o wage_n with_o those_o who_o have_v be_v at_o work_n ever_o since_o the_o morning_n from_o this_o sinner_n imagine_v it_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o those_o who_o repent_v but_o a_o little_a before_o death_n will_v obtain_v the_o same_o reward_n with_o those_o whole_a life_n have_v be_v regular_a but_o this_o be_v not_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n in_o that_o parable_n it_o signify_v only_o that_o those_o who_o god_n shall_v call_v last_o and_o who_o shall_v answer_v his_o call_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o those_o who_o have_v be_v call_v to_o it_o before_o and_o that_o the_o heathen_n shall_v share_v in_o the_o same_o privilege_n with_o the_o jew_n though_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n a_o great_a while_n before_o the_o heathen_n this_o our_o saviour_n declare_v in_o these_o word_n which_o conclude_v the_o parable_n so_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v first_o and_o the_o first_o last_n here_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o those_o christian_n who_o delay_n their_o conversion_n they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o case_n with_o the_o labourer_n who_o be_v send_v but_o late_o into_o the_o vineyard_n those_o labourer_n go_v no_o soon_o because_o no_o man_n have_v hire_v they_o but_o they_o go_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v send_v i_o say_v christian_n be_v not_o in_o this_o case_n since_o they_o have_v be_v call_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o at_o all_o the_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n be_v bear_v and_o have_v always_o live_v in_o the_o church_n i_o have_v be_v somewhat_o large_a in_o show_v how_o unreasonable_a and_o dangerous_a the_o proceed_v of_o those_o man_n be_v who_o pretend_v to_o repent_v only_o at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n but_o all_o those_o who_o put_v off_o their_o conversion_n do_v not_o put_v it_o off_o so_o far_o there_o be_v many_o who_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o stay_v till_o the_o extremity_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o repent_v betimes_o they_o propose_v to_o go_v about_o it_o in_o a_o little_a time_n and_o they_o hope_v that_o they_o shall_v repent_v soon_o enough_o not_o to_o be_v surprise_v by_o death_n under_o a_o total_a harden_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o they_o do_v nothing_o towards_o their_o conversion_n this_o way_n of_o delay_v be_v a_o illusion_n which_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o gross_a and_o dangerous_a as_o the_o former_a because_o it_o suppose_v some_o inclination_n to_o good_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o artifice_n of_o the_o heart_n a_o trick_n of_o self-love_n by_o which_o a_o man_n deceive_v and_o blind_v himself_o nay_o in_o some_o respect_n the_o state_n of_o these_o last_o be_v more_o criminal_a and_o dangerous_a than_o that_o of_o the_o first_o it_o be_v more_o criminal_a because_o they_o do_v not_o what_o they_o approve_v of_o and_o because_o they_o sin_n against_o the_o constant_a admonition_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o do_v not_o perform_v their_o resolution_n and_o their_o promise_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o more_o dangerous_a for_o with_o this_o intention_n to_o repent_v in_o a_o little_a time_n they_o think_v themselves_o much_o better_a than_o those_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o repent_v only_o upon_o their_o deathbed_n they_o applaud_v themselves_o for_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o piety_n as_o they_o have_v and_o they_o judge_v that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o quite_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n at_o least_o they_o be_v not_o far_o from_o it_o now_o one_o may_v easy_o see_v that_o such_o a_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o can_v only_o lay_v their_o conscience_n asleep_a and_o inspire_v they_o with_o presumption_n and_o security_n but_o all_o thing_n consider_v they_o go_v no_o far_o with_o these_o good_a disposition_n than_o those_o who_o without_o shuffle_n refer_v the_o whole_a matter_n to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n all_o the_o difference_n be_v that_o the_o latter_a do_v all_o at_o once_o what_o the_o other_o do_v successive_o and_o therefore_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n may_v almost_o whole_o be_v apply_v to_o these_o last_o they_o run_v the_o same_o risk_n with_o those_o who_o design_n to_o repent_v only_o upon_o extremity_n since_o death_n may_v surprise_v they_o before_o they_o have_v execute_v their_o good_a resolution_n they_o have_v as_o little_a love_n for_o god_n and_o be_v as_o much_o addict_v to_o their_o lust_n that_o which_o deceive_v they_o be_v that_o they_o fancy_n that_o there_o be_v in_o they_o a_o sincere_a purpose_n of_o conversion_n but_o if_o this_o intention_n be_v sincere_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v when_o a_o man_n be_v resolve_v upon_o a_o thing_n when_o his_o heart_n be_v in_o it_o when_o he_o desire_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n he_o go_v about_o it_o without_o lose_a time_n but_o when_o a_o man_n use_v delay_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o he_o be_v not_o well_o resolve_v yet_o a_o resolution_n which_o no_o effect_n follow_v be_v not_o a_o fix_a and_o settle_a resolution_n this_o purpose_n of_o conversion_n be_v therefore_o but_o one_o of_o those_o waver_a design_n and_o project_n which_o be_v form_v every_o day_n but_o never_o accomplish_v it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o general_n and_o unactive_a intention_n which_o may_v perhaps_o be_v find_v in_o all_o men._n but_o other_o sort_n of_o purpose_n be_v necessary_a for_o a_o man_n who_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v salvation_n be_v not_o obtain_v by_o bare_a design_n and_o project_n but_o by_o the_o actual_a practice_n of_o holiness_n now_o man_n may_v easy_o be_v undeceive_v and_o convince_v themselves_o of_o the_o un-sincerity_n of_o all_o those_o resolution_n they_o make_v in_o relation_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o do_v but_o reflect_v upon_o the_o time_n past_a and_o ask_v themselves_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v very_o near_o in_o the_o same_o sentiment_n and_o resolution_n for_o some_o year_n together_o and_o yet_o these_o sentiment_n have_v produce_v nothing_o and_o those_o resolution_n have_v make_v no_o change_n in_o they_o they_o be_v still_o in_o the_o same_o state_n and_o perhaps_o far_o from_o conversion_n than_o ever_o must_v not_o man_n blindfold_v themselves_o when_o they_o do_v not_o see_v that_o it_o will_v still_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o the_o future_a and_o that_o life_n will_v slip_v away_o in_o perpetual_a delay_n for_o what_o can_v they_o promise_v to_o themselves_o from_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o what_o ground_n have_v they_o to_o hope_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v like_o the_o time_n past_a be_v they_o more_o firm_o resolve_v than_o they_o be_v before_o when_o will_v this_o resolution_n be_v put_v in_o practice_n will_v it_o be_v in_o a_o month_n or_o in_o a_o year_n they_o must_v confess_v they_o do_v not_o know_v when_o it_o will_v be_v so_o that_o when_o they_o promise_v to_o repent_v they_o do_v not_o know_v what_o they_o promise_v nay_o they_o can_v tell_v whether_o they_o promise_v any_o
thing_n they_o will_v say_v perhaps_o that_o they_o hope_v to_o confirm_v themselves_o in_o a_o good_a purpose_n but_o what_o do_v they_o find_v this_o hope_n upon_o what_o do_v they_o wait_v for_o and_o what_o new_a thing_n do_v the_o imagine_v will_v happen_v to_o they_o have_v they_o any_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v use_v for_o their_o conversion_n other_o mean_n and_o motive_n than_o those_o which_o he_o have_v use_v already_o nay_o how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o those_o mean_n and_o help_v which_o hitherto_o have_v be_v tender_v they_o how_o can_v they_o tell_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o time_n to_o come_v for_o they_o and_o whether_o their_o life_n be_v not_o just_o ready_a to_o end_v all_o this_o be_v very_o uncertain_a but_o what_o be_v certain_o true_a be_v this_o that_o through_o so_o many_o procrastination_n their_o heart_n grow_v hard_a and_o their_o return_n to_o virtue_n become_v more_o difficult_a the_o love_n of_o sin_n increase_v by_o the_o habit_n of_o sin_v and_o the_o mean_v appoint_v to_o work_v repentance_n lose_v something_o of_o their_o force_n every_o day_n these_o consideration_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o the_o defer_v of_o conversion_n be_v a_o error_n as_o gross_a as_o it_o be_v dangerous_a i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v useless_a to_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o observe_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o put_v off_o their_o conversion_n be_v because_o they_o look_v upon_o repentance_n as_o a_o austere_a and_o melancholy_a duty_n and_o this_o notion_n must_v needs_o put_v they_o upon_o defer_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o of_o the_o great_a moment_n to_o destroy_v that_o prejudice_n and_o to_o show_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a condition_n it_o be_v that_o of_o a_o man_n who_o live_v in_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v either_o a_o state_n of_o fear_n and_o uncertainty_n or_o of_o security_n and_o insensibility_n such_o a_o man_n can_v have_v no_o solid_a peace_n of_o conscience_n during_o his_o life_n and_o what_o agitation_n must_v he_o fall_v into_o when_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v happen_v to_o make_v some_o lively_a impression_n upon_o his_o mind_n for_o grant_v that_o then_o he_o may_v use_v some_o endeavour_n to_o dispose_v himself_o to_o repentance_n yet_o beside_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o late_a repentance_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n to_o end_v one_o life_n in_o those_o struggle_v and_o terror_n which_o must_v needs_o accompany_v such_o a_o repentance_n a_o man_n who_o delay_v his_o conversion_n prolong_v his_o misery_n and_o make_v it_o great_a and_o more_o incurable_a but_o joy_n and_o tranquillity_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o a_o pure_a conscience_n there_o be_v no_o felicity_n or_o contentment_n like_o that_o of_o a_o soul_n which_o be_v free_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n repentance_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o grow_v sweet_a and_o more_o perfect_a according_a to_o the_o progress_n we_o make_v in_o virtue_n then_o it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n be_v happy_a in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o life_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o be_v support_v at_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n with_o that_o peace_n and_o joy_n which_o flow_v from_o a_o well_o ground_a confidence_n in_o the_o divine_a mercy_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o from_o a_o steady_a hope_n of_o immortality_n cause_n vii_o man_n sloth_n and_o negligence_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v natural_a and_o ordinary_a to_o man_n to_o be_v unconcern_v about_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v not_o know_v or_o of_o which_o they_o do_v not_o apprehend_v the_o use_n and_o necessity_n and_o so_o we_o may_v easy_o conceive_v that_o man_n live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o those_o notion_n i_o have_v now_o confute_v must_v needs_o be_v very_o negligent_a and_o slothful_a in_o what_o relate_v to_o religion_n but_o as_o this_o sloth_n consider_v in_o itself_o be_v a_o visible_a cause_n of_o corruption_n so_o it_o will_v be_v fit_v to_o take_v particular_a notice_n of_o it_o in_o this_o chapter_n i_o suppose_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o attain_v the_o end_n which_o religion_n propose_v to_o he_o without_o use_v the_o proper_a mean_n which_o lead_v to_o that_o end_n in_o religious_a as_o well_o as_o in_o worldly_a concern_v nothing_o be_v to_o be_v have_v without_o labour_n and_o care_n as_o there_o be_v mean_v appoint_v for_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n so_o there_o be_v some_o ordain_v for_o maintain_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o last_o mean_n be_v of_o the_o two_o the_o more_o necessary_a because_o there_o be_v more_o care_n and_o forecast_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o salvation_n about_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o die_v soul_n than_o for_o support_v that_o of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o more_o excellent_a any_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o it_o require_v our_o care_n but_o beside_o that_o we_o see_v the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n be_v easy_o preserve_v a_o natural_a inclination_n prompt_v we_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o subsistence_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o supply_v our_o bodily_a want_n offer_v themselves_o to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o spiritual_a life_n consider_v our_o proneness_n to_o evil_a and_o the_o present_a state_n we_o be_v in_o we_o can_v avoid_v be_v undo_v if_o we_o neglect_v the_o necessary_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o if_o we_o follow_v all_o the_o bents_z and_o propension_n of_o our_o nature_n religion_n oblige_v we_o upon_o many_o occasion_n to_o resist_v our_o inclination_n and_o to_o offer_v violence_n to_o ourselves_o it_o require_v self-denial_n watchfulness_n and_o labour_n it_o lay_v many_o duty_n upon_o we_o and_o it_o prescribe_v divers_a mean_n without_o the_o use_n of_o which_o we_o can_v but_o continue_v still_o in_o corruption_n and_o death_n i_o shall_v then_o but_o just_a name_n the_o chief_a of_o those_o duty_n and_o mean_n before_o all_o thing_n a_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v instruct_v he_o ought_v to_o know_v with_o some_o exactness_n both_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n now_o this_o knowledge_n can_v be_v acquire_v without_o hear_v read_v meditation_n or_o some_o other_o care_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o bare_a knowledge_n but_o chief_o in_o practice_n none_o of_o those_o mean_n shall_v be_v neglect_v which_o be_v proper_a to_o divert_v man_n from_o vice_n and_o to_o spur_v they_o on_o virtue_n these_o mean_n be_v very_o many_o but_o they_o be_v all_o comprehend_v under_o these_o two_o principal_a head_n the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n and_o the_o circumspection_n which_o every_o person_n ought_v to_o use_v the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n be_v mighty_a help_n to_o piety_n and_o salvation_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o meditation_n read_v and_o particular_o prayer_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o essential_a act_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o efficacious_a mean_n to_o advance_v holiness_n there_o be_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n several_a method_n of_o circumspection_n and_o care_n which_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o foreseeing_a &_o shun_v the_o occasion_n which_o may_v draw_v we_o into_o sin_n the_o seek_v those_o opportunity_n and_o aid_n which_o promote_v piety_n the_o not_o be_v overmuch_o concern_v about_o the_o body_n the_o cherish_v good_a thought_n and_o the_o resist_a evil_a one_o but_o above_o all_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v endeavour_v thorough_o to_o know_v himself_o which_o he_o can_v do_v but_o by_o examine_v his_o present_a state_n and_o by_o reflect_v serious_o and_o frequent_o upon_o his_o action_n and_o word_n and_o upon_o the_o thought_n and_o motion_n of_o his_o heart_n all_o these_o care_n be_v essential_a and_o necessary_a for_o without_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o be_v religious_a and_o pious_a as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o live_v and_o subsist_v with_o out_o nourishment_n a_o man_n who_o will_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v must_v needs_o die_v in_o a_o little_a time_n and_o so_o the_o spiritual_a life_n will_v soon_o be_v extinct_a if_o the_o only_a mean_n which_o can_v support_v it_o be_v not_o use_v let_v we_o see_v now_o whether_o these_o care_n and_o mean_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v necessary_a be_v make_v use_n of_o it_o be_v so_o visible_a that_o they_o be_v almost_o total_o neglect_v that_o i_o need_v
his_o passion_n as_o much_o as_o he_o may_v with_o decency_n and_o without_o danger_n if_o he_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o gratify_v his_o sensuality_n his_o covetousness_n his_o pride_n or_o any_o other_o wicked_a affection_n he_o will_v glad_o embrace_v it_o this_o be_v what_o a_o man_n will_v do_v to_o damn_v himself_o and_o be_v it_o not_o what_o a_o great_a many_o actual_o do_v i_o confess_v no_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o so_o wild_a a_o resolution_n as_o to_o design_n to_o damn_v himself_o but_o a_o man_n sufficient_o damn_v himself_o when_o he_o take_v no_o care_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o when_o he_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o will_v infallible_o bring_v his_o perdition_n after_o they_o the_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n in_o the_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n be_v one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o corruption_n it_o will_v be_v high_o necessary_a to_o remedy_v that_o negligence_n and_o to_o inspire_v they_o with_o zeal_n for_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o succeed_v in_o this_o laziness_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o certain_a sweetness_n to_o which_o man_n give_v up_o themselves_o with_o pleasure_n the_o slothful_a do_v love_n and_o delight_n in_o rest_n they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v egg_v on_o to_o labour_n this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o habit_n which_o be_v most_o difficult_a to_o be_v conquer_v and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n there_o be_v but_o little_a hope_n of_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v grow_v inveterate_a it_o be_v a_o great_a task_n to_o rouse_v they_o out_o of_o that_o slulggish_a and_o lethargic_a temper_n god_n must_v interpose_v by_o a_o particular_a grace_n by_o great_a affliction_n or_o by_o some_o other_o extraordinary_a method_n but_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o altogether_o impossible_a to_o overcome_v this_o sinful_a and_o dangerous_a sloth_n or_o to_o preserve_v those_o from_o it_o who_o it_o have_v not_o seize_v as_o yet_o serious_n reflection_n upon_o the_o importance_n of_o salvation_n and_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o work_v at_o it_o may_v produce_v that_o effect_n man_n will_v not_o live_v in_o this_o carelessness_n but_o that_o either_o they_o do_v not_o apprehend_v of_o what_o consequence_n it_o be_v to_o be_v save_v or_o that_o they_o imagine_v there_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o salvation_n these_o two_o prejudices_fw-la maintain_v their_o laziness_n nothing_o can_v therefore_o be_v more_o useful_a than_o to_o convince_v they_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n that_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n than_o religion_n and_o that_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v the_o high_a of_o all_o concernment_n and_o to_o let_v they_o see_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o this_o felicity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v but_o by_o assiduous_a care_n and_o a_o exact_a observation_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n i_o know_v it_o be_v difficult_a to_o make_v man_n serious_o enter_v upon_o these_o reflection_n but_o yet_o they_o ought_v still_o to_o be_v lay_v before_o they_o and_o we_o shall_v not_o give_v over_o if_o they_o have_v no_o effect_n at_o one_o time_n there_o be_v circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o will_v prove_v successful_a i_o think_v few_o will_v continue_v in_o this_o sluggish_a disposition_n if_o they_o do_v represent_v to_o themselves_o what_o notion_n and_o thought_n they_o shall_v have_v at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n every_o man_n be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o must_v die_v one_o day_n and_o that_o his_o condition_n will_v then_o be_v the_o happy_a that_o can_v be_v conceive_v if_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o time_n and_o opportunity_n he_o have_v to_o secure_v his_o salvation_n but_o that_o if_o he_o have_v neglect_v these_o mean_n he_o shall_v find_v himself_o in_o strange_a agony_n and_o be_v reduce_v to_o dismal_a extremity_n when_o death_n appear_v when_o the_o world_n vanish_v a_o man_n be_v then_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o religion_n he_o will_v give_v then_o all_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o possession_n to_o secure_v to_o himself_o a_o better_a life_n now_o since_o we_o all_o know_v that_o this_o must_v one_o day_n be_v our_o case_n wisdom_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v overcome_v betimes_o that_o negligence_n of_o which_o the_o consequence_n will_v be_v so_o fatal_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v apply_v ourselves_o with_o earnestness_n and_o pleasure_n to_o that_o work_n upon_o which_o our_o sovereign_a felicity_n depend_v cause_v viii_o worldly_n business_n negligence_n common_o proceed_v either_o from_o indifference_n or_o from_o distraction_n we_o neglect_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o look_v upon_o with_o indifference_n but_o we_o frequent_o also_o neglect_v thing_n of_o moment_n because_o we_o be_v distract_v by_o other_o care_n these_o be_v the_o two_o cause_n of_o man_n carelessness_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n piety_n be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o they_o neither_o know_v the_o nature_n nor_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o the_o duty_n which_o it_o proscribe_v do_v not_o appear_v very_o pleasant_a or_o necessary_a to_o they_o they_o love_v and_o esteem_v only_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n all_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o be_v distract_v by_o temporal_a care_n which_o rob_v they_o of_o the_o leisure_n and_o freedom_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o study_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n worldly_n business_n therefore_o be_v another_o source_n of_o corruption_n as_o i_o hope_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o follow_a consideration_n i_o reckon_v among_o worldly_a employment_n all_o those_o care_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o world_n or_o this_o present_a life_n whether_o they_o take_v up_o the_o body_n or_o the_o mind_n there_o be_v temporal_a care_n which_o proper_o take_v up_o the_o body_n such_o be_v the_o care_n of_o mechanic_n or_o husbandman_n and_o there_o be_v other_o sâ—â—ular_a care_n which_o chief_o employ_v the_o mind_n such_o be_v the_o study_n of_o humane_a learning_n of_o politic_n or_o philosophy_n these_o last_o as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o aught_o to_o be_v count_v worldly_a business_n nay_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o temporal_a employment_n that_o the_o care_n which_o take_v up_o the_o mind_n be_v sometime_o the_o more_o dangerous_a while_o the_o body_n be_v at_o work_n the_o mind_n may_v be_v at_o liberty_n but_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v employ_v when_o the_o heart_n be_v distract_v and_o possess_v with_o temporal_a care_n it_o be_v much_o hard_a for_o the_o thought_n of_o religion_n to_o enter_v or_o to_o make_v any_o impression_n upon_o a_o man._n but_o whether_o these_o employment_n relate_v to_o the_o mind_n or_o to_o the_o body_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o hindrance_n to_o piety_n for_o this_o imagination_n will_v be_v a_o very_a gross_a error_n worldly_n business_n be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o neglect_v it_o since_o that_o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n nay_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o our_o salvation_n it_o may_v divert_v ill_a thought_n it_o may_v take_v off_o man_n from_o trifle_v and_o vicious_a employment_n and_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o mortify_v the_o body_n and_o to_o banish_v idleness_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n i_o make_v this_o remark_n because_o some_o people_n fancy_n that_o in_o order_n to_o be_v save_v it_o must_v be_v necessary_a to_o live_v in_o a_o absolute_a retirement_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o temporal_a care_n and_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o whole_o to_o spiritual_a exercise_n to_o read_v contemplation_n meditation_n and_o prayer_n but_o those_o who_o do_v thus_o stretch_v the_o obligation_n of_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o insist_v so_o much_o upon_o a_o retire_a and_o contemplative_a life_n do_v not_o i_o doubt_v very_o well_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o piety_n nor_o do_v any_o great_a service_n to_o it_o sometime_o by_o endeavouring-to_a spiritualise_v man_n too_o much_o we_o spoil_v all_o and_o we_o make_v piety_n appear_v ridiculous_a or_o impracticable_a we_o shall_v always_o remember_v that_o piety_n be_v make_v for_o man._n now_o it_o be_v not_o one_o in_o fifty_o that_o can_v thus_o embrace_v retirement_n and_o absolute_o renounce_v the_o world_n i_o be_o far_o from_o condemn_v retirement_n it_o be_v sometime_o very_o seasonable_a and_o i_o think_v it_o in_o some_o sense_n necessary_a to_o all_o man_n there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o salvation_n or_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o choose_v a_o retire_a life_n disengage_v from_o temporal_a care_n other_o be_v call_v to_o that_o kind_n of_o life_n by_o the_o circumstance_n which_o providence_n
general_a as_o it_o be_v now_o these_o consideration_n be_v found_v upon_o two_o undeniable_a fact_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o persecute_v and_o 2._o that_o discipline_n be_v then_o exercise_v in_o it_o these_o be_v two_o powerful_a mean_n to_o remove_v vice_n and_o scandal_n from_o the_o church_n we_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o man_n who_o love_v the_o world_n and_o their_o sin_n will_v not_o have_v embrace_v christiany_n at_o a_o time_n when_o whosoever_o become_v a_o christian_a do_v by_o that_o very_a thing_n expose_v himself_o to_o persecution_n torment_n and_o death_n this_o do_v fright_v away_o the_o great_a number_n of_o wicked_a and_o impious_a person_n but_o if_o any_o of_o these_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n discipline_n for_o the_o most_o part_n drive_v they_o out_o when_o they_o make_v themselves_o notorious_a by_o a_o scandalous_a life_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v that_o in_o such_o circumstance_n there_o be_v more_o piety_n at_o that_o time_n than_o we_o observe_v now_o in_o the_o church_n the_o first_o christian_n be_v sincere_a in_o their_o profession_n be_v instruct_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolical_a man_n they_o place_v the_o christian_a religion_n chief_o in_o a_o good_a life_n to_o which_o they_o do_v solemn_o engage_v themselves_o by_o baptism_n they_o be_v unite_v among_o themselves_o they_o govern_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n by_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o much_o as_o the_o persecution_n give_v they_o leave_v and_o they_o do_v with_o courage_n lie_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n such_o be_v the_o christianity_n of_o the_o first_o age_n but_o the_o church_n do_v not_o continue_v long_o in_o that_o state_n before_o this_o zeal_n of_o those_o primitive_a christians_n begin_v to_o cool_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n persecution_n cease_v and_o on_o the_o other_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n be_v slacken_v these_o two_o fence_n be_v pluck_v up_o and_o the_o emperor_n turn_v christian_n the_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n break_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n divers_a abuse_n creep_v into_o doctrine_n discipline_n worship_n and_o manner_n till_o the_o church_n fall_v at_o last_o into_o such_o a_o dismal_a darkness_n of_o ignorance_n superstition_n and_o vice_n that_o christianity_n seem_v almost_o quite_o extinct_a and_o destroy_v all_o those_o who_o have_v any_o true_a sense_n of_o religiion_n do_v lament_v this_o they_o complain_v open_o of_o it_o and_o they_o long_v for_o a_o good_a reformation_n this_o be_v the_o state_n which_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v in_o for_o some_o century_n it_o do_v not_o please_v god_n that_o those_o time_n of_o ignorance_n shall_v last_v for_o ever_o that_o darkness_n begin_v to_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o last_o century_n then_o it_o be_v that_o learning_n and_o language_n revive_v and_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o have_v be_v for_o a_o great_a while_n a_o book_n unknown_a to_o the_o people_n be_v rescue_v out_o of_o that_o obscurity_n in_o which_o the_o barbarism_n of_o former_a age_n have_v bury_v it_o man_n do_v perceive_v that_o divers_a error_n have_v be_v introduce_v into_o religion_n they_o discover_v several_a abuse_n they_o go_v about_o to_o redress_v they_o and_o they_o succeed_v so_o far_o that_o in_o this_o respect_n christianity_n be_v restore_v to_o its_o purity_n but_o that_o great_a work_n can_v not_o be_v finish_v so_o that_o at_o this_o day_n they_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o yet_o bring_v to_o that_o state_n of_o perfection_n which_o they_o may_v be_v in_o iii_o for_o to_o come_v now_o to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v certain_a first_o that_o many_o christian_a church_n be_v still_o very_o near_o in_o the_o same_o darkness_n man_n be_v in_o some_o age_n ago_o i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o of_o the_o sink_n of_o christianity_n in_o asia_n and_o africa_n there_o be_v more_o knowledge_n in_o europe_n but_o yet_o in_o many_o place_n we_o may_v observe_v almost_o all_o those_o disorder_n which_o prevail_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n nay_o our_o age_n be_v more_o unhappy_a than_o the_o precedent_n in_o that_o those_o abuse_n have_v be_v confirm_v and_o authorize_v by_o law_n and_o be_v now_o support_v by_o force_n how_o many_o country_n and_o church_n be_v there_o where_o the_o people_n know_v almost_o nothing_o of_o the_o gospel_n where_o religion_n be_v reduce_v to_o childish_a and_o superstitious_a devotion_n and_o practice_n where_o the_o most_o ridiculous_a thing_n be_v believe_v and_o the_o most_o shameful_a error_n receive_v where_o the_o looseness_n of_o manner_n may_v almost_o be_v parallel_v with_o heathenism_n where_o the_o most_o execrable_a crime_n be_v commit_v in_o a_o word_n where_o the_o ignorance_n both_o of_o the_o people_n and_o clergy_n be_v general_a except_v only_o some_o few_o understand_a man_n who_o be_v sensible_a of_o these_o disorder_n but_o be_v restrain_v by_o fear_n from_o discover_v their_o sentiment_n from_o those_o place_n corruption_n spread_v to_o other_o and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o show_v by_o several_a instance_n that_o the_o cause_n of_o impiety_n ignorance_n and_o vice_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o those_o place_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o fountain_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o church_n for_o some_o there_o be_v where_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o corrupt_v and_o where_o a_o pure_a christianity_n be_v profess_v but_o yet_o let_v we_o inquire_v in_o the_o second_o place_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a society_n where_o nothing_o be_v want_v or_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n and_o where_o it_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v some_o alteration_n and_o constitution_n in_o order_n to_o come_v near_o to_o perfection_n this_o deserve_v to_o be_v examine_v with_o care_n and_o without_o prepossession_n we_o ought_v here_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o party_n and_o ingenuous_o to_o acknowledge_v defect_n where_o they_o be_v for_o else_o if_o every_o one_o be_v wed_v to_o the_o society_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n nothing_o can_v ever_o be_v remedy_v for_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v defect_n what_o remedy_n can_v be_v use_v if_o we_o be_v all_o possess_v with_o this_o prejudice_n that_o all_o be_v perfect_a in_o our_o society_n be_v not_o this_o the_o way_n to_o canonize_v abuse_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o restore_n of_o order_n and_o first_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o there_o shall_v still_o be_v imperfection_n in_o the_o pure_a society_n it_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o miracle_n if_o there_o be_v none_o remain_v god_n do_v not_o always_o think_v fit_a to_o finish_v his_o work_n all_o at_o once_o unless_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o inspire_a man_n such_o as_o the_o prophet_n or_o the_o apostle_n be_v it_o be_v impossible_a so_o to_o attain_v perfection_n and_o to_o provide_v for_o every_o thing_n at_o first_o dash_n that_o nothing_o more_o shall_v be_v desire_v beside_o circumstance_n be_v so_o much_o alter_v that_o it_o seemâ—_n necessary_a to_o change_v several_a thing_n that_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o last_o age._n it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o christian_n do_v long_o for_o a_o good_a reformation_n yet_o great_a difficulty_n be_v to_o be_v overcome_v to_o bring_v it_o about_o man_n mind_n be_v not_o much_o enlighten_v they_o be_v just_a creep_v out_o of_o darkness_n and_o a_o long_a custom_n have_v almost_o obliterated_a the_o true_a idea_n of_o religion_n almost_o all_o those_o who_o be_v in_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n do_v obstinate_o defend_v the_o abuse_n which_o all_o good_a man_n think_v it_o necessary_a to_o redress_v extreme_a severity_n be_v use_v towards_o those_o who_o desire_v this_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n all_o this_o do_v terrify_v a_o great_a many_o well-meaning_a person_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o in_o several_a place_n those_o who_o have_v courage_n enough_o to_o condemn_v the_o abuse_n open_o be_v not_o able_a for_o want_v of_o mean_n to_o do_v all_o that_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n require_v they_o be_v fain_o in_o those_o place_n to_o yield_v something_o to_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n and_o to_o settle_v thing_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v till_o a_o more_o favourable_a oppotunity_n some_o church_n come_v near_o to_o perfection_n than_o other_o but_o howsoever_o if_o we_o will_v pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o examine_v the_o thing_n in_o itself_o and_o without_o partiality_n upon_o this_o i_o shall_v offer_v here_o some_o general_a consideration_n and_o refer_v to_o the_o follow_a chapter_n some_o head_n which_o will_v
he_o have_v need_n use_v all_o his_o skill_n and_o prudence_n all_o his_o zeal_n and_o endeavour_n to_o save_v soul_n which_o be_v in_o so_o great_a danger_n upon_o such_o occasion_n both_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o sick_a person_n have_v need_n of_o time_n leisure_n and_o freedom_n and_o a_o hasty_a discourse_n or_o prayer_n signify_v nothing_o and_o now_o we_o may_v judge_v whether_o a_o man_n discharge_v the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n who_o only_o in_o general_n exhort_v die_v person_n to_o acknowledge_v themselves_o miserable_a sinner_n and_o back_n those_o exhortation_n with_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n through_o jesus_n christ_n or_o who_o only_o read_v some_o form_n of_o exhortation_n and_o prayer_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v in_o some_o place_n this_o method_n be_v fit_a to_o lay_v asleep_a than_o to_o awaken_v a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o this_o way_n of_o ex-exercising_a the_o ministry_n overturn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o most_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n a_o minister_n speak_v to_o a_o sick_a person_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n he_o exhort_v he_o to_o leave_v the_o world_n with_o joy_n he_o discourse_v to_o he_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n and_o fill_v he_o with_o the_o most_o comfortable_a hope_n and_o perhaps_o this_o sick_a person_n be_v a_o man_n load_v with_o gild_n a_o wretch_n who_o have_v live_v like_o a_o atheist_n who_o have_v commit_v divers_a sin_n for_o which_o he_o have_v make_v no_o satisfaction_n who_o have_v not_o practise_v restitution_n who_o never_o know_v his_o religion_n and_o who_o be_v actual_o impenitent_a such_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o tremble_v and_o yet_o such_o consolation_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o pastor_n make_v he_o think_v that_o he_o die_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n but_o if_o this_o way_n of_o visit_v and_o comfort_v the_o sick_a betray_v they_o into_o security_n it_o have_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o the_o stander_n by_o who_o when_o they_o hear_v the_o consolation_n which_o be_v administer_v to_o person_n who_o every_o body_n know_v not_o to_o have_v lead_v very_a christian_a life_n make_v a_o tacit_n inference_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n will_v be_v say_v to_o they_o and_o that_o their_o death_n will_v be_v happy_a whatsoever_o their_o past_a life_n may_v have_v be_v beside_o the_o want_n of_o ability_n and_o zeal_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o hinder_v pastor_n from_o discharge_v towards_o die_a people_n the_o important_a duty_n to_o which_o their_o office_n oblige_v they_o the_o one_o be_v that_o common_o pastor_n visit_v the_o sick_a only_o in_o case_n of_o extremity_n and_o the_o other_o be_v that_o they_o have_v too_o little_a communication_n with_o their_o flock_n and_o no_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o the_o life_n and_o conduct_v of_o private_a person_n so_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o state_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o sick_a they_o can_v at_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n administer_v to_o they_o wholesome_a counsel_n and_o exhortation_n these_o i_o think_v be_v the_o most_o essential_a defect_n of_o pastor_n both_o in_o the_o instruction_n and_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n have_v thus_o far_o treat_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v those_o qualification_n with_o which_o pastor_n ought_v to_o be_v endue_v and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o the_o endowment_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v those_o ability_n and_o talent_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o instruction_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o church_n and_o second_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v probity_n and_o integrity_n of_o life_n 1._o no_o man_n question_n but_o that_o ability_n and_o talent_n be_v requisite_a in_o those_o who_o exercise_v the_o office_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n first_o some_o be_v necessary_a for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o for_o the_o right_n expound_v of_o scripture_n preach_v require_v a_o great_a extent_n of_o knowledge_n than_o be_v common_o imagine_v to_o preach_v well_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v well_o skill_v in_o language_n history_n divinity_n and_o morality_n he_o shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o man_n heart_n he_o shall_v be_v of_o a_o sagacious_a and_o discern_a spirit_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n he_o shall_v have_v a_o true_a and_o exact_a judgement_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o some_o other_o qualification_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o every_o man_n who_o speak_v in_o public_a neither_o be_v these_o endowment_n sufficient_a particular_a talent_n be_v requisite_a for_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o church_n to_o guide_v a_o flock_n and_o to_o be_v accountable_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o soul_n be_v no_o small_a charge_n nor_o a_o employment_n which_o every_o body_n be_v fit_a for_o a_o man_n to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o a_o church_n be_v commit_v in_o who_o hand_n the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n be_v lodge_v who_o duty_n it_o be_v both_o to_o exhort_v and_o reprove_v both_o in_o public_a and_o in_o private_a and_o who_o ought_v to_o supply_v all_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o flock_n and_o to_o be_v provide_v for_o all_o emergency_n such_o a_o man_n have_v need_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o knowledge_n zeal_n and_o firmness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o much_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n moderation_n and_o charity_n that_o all_o these_o qualification_n be_v requisite_a in_o a_o pastor_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o office_n and_o st._n paul_n teach_v it_o when_o he_o appoint_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o this_o employment_n but_o those_o in_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v what_o effect_v then_o can_v the_o ministry_n have_v when_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o man_n who_o want_v these_o qualification_n or_o perhaps_o have_v the_o quite_o contrary_a who_o be_v ignorant_a who_o know_v nothing_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o morality_n who_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o who_o whole_a learning_n be_v confine_v to_o a_o commentary_n who_o can_v neither_o reason_n true_a nor_o speak_v clear_o who_o be_v either_o indiscreet_a negligent_a or_o remiss_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n but_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o these_o qualification_n be_v want_v in_o most_o clergyman_n vast_a number_n who_o be_v not_o cut_v out_o for_o this_o employment_n aspire_v to_o it_o and_o beside_o these_o ability_n be_v not_o to_o be_v acquire_v without_o labour_n and_o application_n now_o many_o churchman_n be_v shameful_o idle_a they_o look_v upon_o their_o profession_n as_o a_o mean_a to_o live_v easy_a so_o that_o decline_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o place_n they_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o income_n of_o it_o those_o who_o be_v to_o preach_v be_v more_o employ_v but_o their_o sermon_n be_v almost_o their_o whole_a business_n their_o 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of_o good_a thing_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o that_o spirit_n of_o fanaticism_n i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o give_v here_o the_o character_n of_o those_o book_n nor_o to_o show_v the_o mischief_n they_o may_v do_v in_o relation_n to_o libertine_n or_o to_o those_o person_n who_o want_v either_o knowledge_n or_o a_o discern_a judgement_n because_o i_o will_v not_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o mystical_a piety_n part_n i._o cause_n ii_o art_n viii_o 3._o some_o author_n who_o have_v put_v out_o book_n of_o piety_n have_v make_v it_o their_o whole_a business_n to_o administer_v comfort_n those_o who_o read_v their_o work_n may_v easy_o see_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o comfortable_a side_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o their_o principal_a design_n be_v to_o fill_v their_o reader_n with_o confidence_n hope_n and_o joy_n without_o doubt_v it_o be_v a_o laudable_a and_o pious_a design_n to_o use_v one_o endeavour_n to_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o particular_o good_a man_n 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more_o necessary_a of_o the_o two_o because_o holiness_n be_v more_o essential_a to_o a_o good_a man_n than_o consolation_n and_o joy_n and_o also_o because_o man_n be_v much_o more_o incline_v to_o presume_v than_o to_o condemn_v themselves_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o want_v comfort_n in_o comparison_n with_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v testify_v the_o consolation_n of_o which_o the_o book_n of_o piety_n be_v full_a be_v intend_v either_o for_o afflict_a person_n or_o for_o sinner_n as_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v better_a to_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o make_v a_o good_a life_n of_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o examine_v and_o amend_v their_o life_n than_o to_o discourse_v to_o they_o upon_o some_o general_a topick_n of_o comfort_n which_o perhaps_o will_v only_o lay_v they_o fast_o asleep_o in_o security_n and_o which_o be_v beside_o general_o misapply_v for_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n say_v of_o affliction_n be_v common_o lay_v together_o and_o that_o too_o with_o no_o great_a judgement_n and_o what_o be_v say_v only_o of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o affliction_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n it_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a to_o teach_v man_n how_o to_o die_v well_o than_o to_o fortify_v they_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n nay_o we_o can_v give_v they_o a_o more_o substantial_a comfort_n than_o if_o we_o persuade_v they_o to_o live_v well_o since_o a_o good_a life_n will_v most_o certain_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o happy_a death_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v particular_o cautious_a when_o we_o comfort_v sinner_n and_o give_v they_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o do_v with_o great_a circumspection_n we_o may_v easy_o harden_v and_o ruin_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o we_o be_v comfort_v they_o this_o be_v the_o mischief_n of_o those_o book_n which_o speak_v but_o little_a of_o repentance_n and_o insist_v much_o upon_o confidence_n who_o only_a design_n it_o be_v to_o encourage_v the_o great_a sinner_n and_o to_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o bold_a reliance_n upon_o god_n mercy_n without_o fear_v either_o the_o heinousness_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o sin_n such_o consolation_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o good_a sense_n but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o propose_v with_o due_a explication_n and_o restriction_n vast_a number_n of_o people_n will_v abuse_v they_o that_o which_o have_v be_v write_v by_o some_o author_n in_o book_n of_o devotion_n concern_v sin_n and_o good_a work_n be_v apt_a to_o lead_v man_n into_o this_o fancy_n that_o good_a work_n signify_v nothing_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o sin_n do_v not_o obstruct_v it_o under_o pretence_n of_o answer_v the_o accusation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o law_n these_o author_n enervate_a the_o strong_a argument_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n they_o confute_v the_o declaration_n of_o scripture_n concern_v sanctification_n and_o they_o destroy_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o precept_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o what_o they_o call_v the_o accusation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o law_n be_v sometime_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o just_a apprehension_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o shall_v be_v cherish_v and_o fortify_v to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n instead_o of_o be_v remove_v by_o ill_o dispense_v consolation_n it_o be_v say_v to_o this_o that_o sinner_n be_v not_o to_o be_v drive_v to_o despair_n but_o do_v we_o make_v sinner_n desperate_a by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n when_o real_o they_o be_v not_o do_v we_o not_o comfort_v they_o enough_o when_o we_o exhort_v they_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n mercy_n and_o to_o repent_v what_o if_o we_o shall_v by_o 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mention_v it_o we_o shall_v not_o find_v many_o that_o speak_v positive_o of_o it_o many_o churchman_n who_o have_v cure_n of_o soul_n confess_v that_o they_o never_o see_v any_o person_n afflict_v with_o despair_n and_o as_o for_o the_o instance_n which_o be_v allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o what_o be_v call_v desperation_n be_v common_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o fit_a of_o the_o spleen_n and_o a_o effect_n of_o grief_n and_o melancholy_n so_o that_o those_o who_o make_v long_a discourse_n to_o prevent_v sinner_n fall_v into_o despair_n take_v great_a pain_n to_o little_a purpose_n and_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n fight_v with_o a_o shadow_n 4._o there_o be_v another_o fault_n in_o some_o book_n of_o devotion_n quite_o contrary_a to_o this_o i_o have_v now_o observe_v which_o be_v that_o they_o terrify_v their_o reader_n without_o reason_n if_o author_n otherwise_o pious_a and_o learned_a have_v not_o speak_v in_o their_o write_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o reprobation_n despair_n the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o some_o other_o matter_n many_o people_n will_v have_v be_v free_a from_o those_o terrible_a fright_v which_o the_o indiscreet_a handle_n of_o those_o subject_n do_v throw_v they_o into_o the_o read_n of_o such_o book_n have_v occasion_v and_o do_v still_o produce_v great_a mischief_n when_o they_o be_v read_v by_o man_n of_o weak_a head_n that_o be_v incline_v to_o melancholy_a and_o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n be_v very_o considerable_a some_o have_v fancy_v they_o have_v commit_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o that_o dismal_a thought_n they_o have_v spend_v their_o life_n in_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o which_o nothing_o can_v cure_v they_o other_o have_v imagine_v that_o their_o case_n cure_v they_o other_o have_v imagine_v that_o their_o case_n be_v