receive_v by_o his_o constant_a preach_v both_o in_o help_v they_o right_o to_o understand_v and_o engage_v they_o in_o a_o serious_a practice_n of_o religion_n and_o by_o his_o write_n they_o be_v more_o general_o know_v the_o visit_v a_o whole_a parish_n from_o house_n to_o house_n i_o can_v say_v to_o be_v a_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n care_n i_o rather_o lay_v it_o in_o faithful_o and_o constant_o discharge_v the_o public_a office_n it_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a thing_n to_o be_v accountable_a for_o the_o neglect_n of_o what_o in_o great_a parish_n be_v confess_v to_o be_v impracticable_a this_o therefore_o can_v only_o be_v a_o occasional_a duty_n in_o which_o a_o minister_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o prudence_n who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o judge_v what_o good_a be_v likely_a to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o way_n and_o when_o i_o have_v hear_v our_o friend_n say_v more_o than_o once_o that_o if_o he_o can_v see_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o or_o those_o wonderful_a end_n it_o will_v serve_v he_o will_v throw_v up_o all_o his_o own_o concern_v and_o apply_v himself_o whole_o to_o it_o however_o he_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o that_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n he_o can_v and_o by_o way_n he_o think_v much_o more_o useful_a to_o such_o as_o be_v dispose_v to_o mind_v the_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n for_o the_o use_n of_o his_o parishioner_n he_o first_o compose_v and_o afterward_o by_o print_v it_o offer_v to_o their_o close_a consideration_n his_o admirable_a practical_a discourse_n of_o repentance_n wherein_o he_o have_v rectify_v many_o mistake_n and_o loose_a notion_n about_o this_o doctrine_n such_o as_o have_v have_v a_o very_a fatal_a influence_n upon_o the_o life_n of_o many_o who_o all_o the_o while_n look_v upon_o themselves_o in_o a_o safe_a state_n they_o be_v chief_o owe_v as_o i_o apprehend_v to_o their_o not_o distinguish_v betwixt_o baptismal_a repentance_n and_o the_o repentance_n for_o wilful_a sin_n many_o and_o long_o continue_v in_o after_o man_n have_v covenant_v with_o god_n for_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o obedience_n two_o day_n before_o he_o die_v he_o thank_v god_n that_o he_o have_v live_v to_o publish_v that_o discourse_n not_o say_v he_o that_o it_o be_v write_v with_o that_o care_n and_o exactness_n it_o may_v have_v be_v for_o it_o be_v compose_v in_o part_n and_o at_o several_a distant_a time_n but_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v serviceable_a which_o be_v the_o only_a end_n i_o propose_v in_o it_o to_o teach_v the_o right_a knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o duty_n i_o be_o sensible_a that_o some_o have_v take_v exception_n at_o what_o he_o affirm_v of_o the_o invalidity_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n but_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o be_v say_v by_o many_o other_o and_o as_o far_o as_o i_o see_v must_v be_v own_a by_o all_o who_o thorough_o examine_v that_o subject_n the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o god_n may_v do_v or_o sometime_o do_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o grace_n but_o what_o he_o have_v covenant_v for_o or_o what_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o salvation_n require_v by_o the_o gospel_n a_o malefactor_n upon_o who_o the_o law_n have_v pronounce_v death_n may_v be_v pardon_v by_o special_a favour_n and_o if_o a_o sinner_n who_o never_o repent_v till_o he_o come_v to_o die_v be_v save_v this_o be_v show_v he_o more_o mercy_n than_o be_v covenant_v for_o in_o the_o gospel-law_n of_o life_n and_o in_o what_o instance_n god_n will_v abate_v of_o those_o term_n no_o man_n can_v tell_v and_o it_o be_v the_o high_a folly_n and_o madness_n to_o trust_v to_o it_o without_o a_o particular_a revelation_n that_o god_n will_v make_v allowance_n for_o man_n circumstance_n in_o this_o world_n and_o judge_v their_o several_a case_n with_o the_o great_a equity_n and_o proportion_v their_o reward_n and_o punishment_n according_o come_v within_o the_o term_n of_o covenant_v grace_n and_o mercy_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whethe_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o visit_v a_o habitual_o wicked_a man_n in_o his_o last_o sickness_n can_v assure_v he_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v on_o such_o a_o repentance_n if_o it_o come_v up_o to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o may_v give_v he_o this_o assurance_n and_o then_o this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v preach_v yea_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v for_o all_o the_o gospel-condititions_a of_o life_n and_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v publish_v to_o all_o such_o preach_a will_v be_v very_o comfortable_a to_o those_o who_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o save_v their_o soul_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o loath_a to_o forego_v their_o sin_n and_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v persuade_v to_o this_o as_o long_o as_o they_o have_v any_o hope_n of_o secure_v they_o by_o repent_v when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v these_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o plain_a consequence_n of_o allow_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n by_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o his_o parishioner_n he_o likewise_o draw_v up_o a_o manual_a of_o devotion_n to_o be_v use_v daily_o in_o their_o family_n and_o put_v a_o great_a number_n of_o they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o collecter_n of_o his_o tithe_n to_o be_v distribute_v among_o they_o he_o apprehend_v the_o decay_n of_o piety_n and_o coruption_n of_o manner_n to_o be_v in_o great_a measure_n owe_v to_o the_o neglect_n of_o family_n religion_n which_o be_v therefore_o take_v the_o opportunity_n after_o this_o to_o recommend_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o court_n of_o alderman_n who_o example_n be_v like_a to_o give_v the_o best_a encouragement_n to_o it_o which_o they_o so_o well_o approve_v of_o as_o to_o desire_v he_o to_o publish_v it_o his_o thought_n be_v that_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o general_a neglect_n of_o family_n devotion_n be_v the_o wrong_a notion_n man_n have_v entertain_v of_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o past_o all_o dispute_n that_o it_o must_v lie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o have_v deny_v they_o if_o now_o that_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o error_n be_v find_v so_o evident_o ruinous_a to_o piety_n and_o good_a moral_n they_o do_v not_o in_o some_o public_a way_n retract_v it_o and_o advise_v to_o the_o use_n of_o form_n without_o which_o the_o use_n of_o constant_a family_n prayer_n can_v never_o be_v retrieve_v he_o be_v so_o intent_n upon_o do_v good_a among_o his_o people_n that_o he_o be_v often_o propose_v to_o himself_o and_o ask_v his_o friend_n to_o think_v of_o something_o wherein_o he_o may_v be_v most_o useful_a to_o they_o he_o endeavour_v to_o free_v the_o mind_n of_o other_o man_n as_o he_o have_v do_v his_o own_o from_o false_a and_o loose_a principle_n in_o religion_n the_o effect_n of_o which_o will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n appear_v in_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n his_o religion_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o show_n and_o mere_a form_n of_o godliness_n which_o we_o need_v not_o a_o apostle_n testimony_n to_o assure_v we_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o power_n of_o it_o i_o take_v he_o to_o have_v be_v in_o that_o state_n describe_v by_o st._n john_n when_o he_o say_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n he_o will_v not_o i_o dare_v say_v for_o all_o the_o world_n have_v commit_v a_o know_a wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a will_v have_v be_v horrible_o afraid_a of_o himself_o if_o he_o have_v fall_v into_o one_o such_o sin_n i_o can_v here_o give_v in_o evidence_n for_o what_o i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v necessary_a a_o signal_n instance_n of_o a_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o resolve_v and_o confirm_v virtue_n such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v not_o very_o common_a i_o herein_o say_v no_o more_o of_o he_o than_o what_o in_o justice_n be_v due_a and_o what_o by_o long_a experience_n and_o many_o proof_n i_o know_v to_o be_v true_a of_o he_o he_o do_v not_o indeed_o discover_v those_o sign_n of_o grace_n which_o some_o man_n expect_v to_o find_v in_o the_o face_n he_o have_v not_o that_o affect_a gravity_n and_o down-look_a and_o dull_a humour_n which_o a_o pharisee_n will_v perhaps_o have_v seek_v for_o as_o a_o visible_a mark_n of_o it_o he_o be_v always_o cheerful_a and_o gay_a himself_o and_o will_v suffer_v none_o to_o be_v otherwise_o wherever_o he_o come_v this_o i_o confess_v if_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o excess_n in_o he_o because_o it_o must_v be_v own_a that_o he_o will_v be_v sometime_o merry_a at_o other_o man_n cost_n who_o can_v not_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o sharpness_n of_o his_o wit_n which_o i_o
nation_n have_v always_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o it_o be_v no_o very_a civil_a thing_n to_o call_v they_o all_o fool_n or_o cheat_n for_o do_v so_o it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o interest_n nay_o the_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o that_o all_o government_n all_o security_n all_o society_n and_o live_v happy_o in_o the_o world_n must_v be_v lose_v without_o it_o to_o laugh_v therefore_o at_o this_o as_o either_o a_o politic_a cheat_n or_o a_o melancholy_a delusion_n on_o which_o so_o much_o depend_v both_o as_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o public_a and_o the_o happiness_n and_o comfort_n of_o all_o private_a man_n be_v only_o to_o show_v the_o bold_a folly_n and_o ill-will_n both_o together_o and_o without_o any_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o persuade_v mankind_n that_o they_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o can_v be_v it_o be_v certain_o the_o high_a impudence_n and_o rudeness_n to_o run_v down_o those_o thing_n and_o expose_v they_o as_o ridiculous_a which_o have_v be_v the_o great_a object_n of_o honour_n and_o reverence_n to_o all_o wise_a man_n and_o to_o treat_v religion_n and_o thing_n sacred_a with_o jest_n and_o drollery_n about_o which_o all_o the_o world_n have_v be_v the_o most_o serious_a and_o in_o earnest_n and_o to_o mock_v and_o scoff_n at_o that_o which_o other_o bow_v down_o to_o and_o tremble_v at_o this_o be_v only_o a_o more_o mad_a and_o dare_a bravery_n in_o wickedness_n and_o one_o of_o the_o high_a instance_n of_o a_o corrupt_a and_o harden_a mind_n i_o shall_v add_v but_o another_o which_o be_v a_o effect_n as_o it_o be_v of_o this_o and_o that_o be_v 5._o a_o industrious_a design_n of_o be_v wicked_a and_o glory_v in_o it_o to_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o spread_v and_o promote_v it_o and_o to_o take_v pleasure_n not_o only_o in_o commit_v sin_n themselves_o but_o likewise_o in_o those_o that_o do_v it_o this_o be_v to_o love_v wickedness_n for_o wickedness_n sake_n and_o out_o of_o pure_a opposition_n to_o virtue_n and_o a_o direct_a enmity_n to_o religion_n when_o man_n make_v it_o their_o trade_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o profess_v science_n to_o be_v debauch_v and_o set_v down_o rule_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o of_o be_v so_o when_o they_o can_v boast_v of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o glory_n in_o it_o and_o assume_v perhaps_o more_o to_o themselves_o than_o they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o charge_v themselves_o with_o such_o sin_n as_o they_o never_o commit_v thereby_o to_o triumph_n as_o it_o be_v in_o their_o mighty_a deed_n and_o great_a exploit_n and_o to_o endear_v themselves_o the_o more_o to_o their_o lewd_a companion_n when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o outdo_v one_o another_o and_o outvie_v their_o fellow_n sinner_n in_o oath_n drink_v and_o debauchery_n and_o give_v great_a proof_n of_o their_o high_a proficiency_n in_o wickedness_n and_o lewdness_n this_o be_v perfect_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o devil_n service_n and_o to_o toil_n and_o drudge_n in_o it_o as_o his_o great_a slave_n and_o as_o his_o disciple_n to_o devote_v themselves_o to_o he_o and_o become_v swear_v votary_n to_o hell_n and_o wickedness_n and_o declare_v themselves_o champion_n and_o defender_n of_o his_o cause_n and_o interest_n against_o god_n and_o religion_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o human_a nature_n shall_v be_v deprave_v and_o corrupt_v to_o these_o degree_n but_o we_o see_v too_o many_o example_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o see_v too_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o namely_o man_n being_n so_o strange_o harden_v and_o blind_v by_o their_o sin_n and_o have_v their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o their_o mind_n so_o horrible_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v by_o they_o 3._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o shall_v make_v the_o follow_a remark_n and_o observation_n 1._o i_o observe_v from_o hence_o that_o our_o proper_a and_o true_a happiness_n lie_v in_o the_o perfection_n and_o improvement_n of_o of_o our_o mind_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v the_o great_a care_n of_o they_o 2._o that_o vice_n be_v the_o great_a corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v not_o suffer_v that_o to_o grow_v upon_o we_o 3._o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o scripture-notion_n of_o god_n harden_v man_n and_o whether_o that_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o our_o sin_n harden_v we_o 4._o from_o hence_o we_o may_v conceive_v and_o understand_v the_o misery_n and_o wretched_a state_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o damn_a soul_n who_o be_v come_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o this_o harden_v 1._o i_o observe_v that_o our_o proper_a and_o true_a happiness_n lie_v in_o the_o perfection_n and_o improvement_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o happiness_n of_o any_o be_v must_v be_v suit_v and_o adapt_v to_o its_o capacity_n and_o faculty_n for_o otherwise_o it_o have_v no_o root_n to_o grow_v upon_o and_o the_o more_o those_o capacity_n be_v enlarge_v and_o extend_v and_o have_v agreeable_a object_n to_o fill_v and_o entertain_v they_o the_o great_a be_v the_o happiness_n of_o it_o the_o low_a creature_n that_o have_v sense_n have_v very_o small_a capacity_n and_o their_o enjoyment_n be_v very_o little_a the_o more_o we_o rise_v in_o the_o scale_n of_o being_n the_o capacity_n be_v great_a till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o all-perfect_a be_v we_o have_v bedy_o capacity_n the_o same_o with_o the_o brute_n which_o can_v partake_v of_o such_o bodily_a pleasure_n as_o they_o do_v but_o these_o be_v very_o little_a and_o narrow_a and_o confine_v to_o few_o thing_n and_o a_o short_a time_n we_o have_v much_o high_a capacity_n even_o like_o god_n himself_o whereby_o we_o take_v in_o all_o the_o truth_n that_o can_v be_v know_v and_o all_o the_o good_a that_o can_v be_v enjoy_v and_o hoard_v up_o these_o immortal_a treasure_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o full_a measure_n of_o those_o consist_v our_o proper_a happiness_n as_o we_o be_v man_n and_o rational_a and_o immortal_a being_n it_o be_v in_o our_o soul_n those_o noble_a part_n of_o we_o that_o our_o happiness_n lie_v and_o will_v lie_v for_o ever_o our_o body_n be_v poor_a die_a decay_a matter_n that_o can_v afford_v very_o little_a enjoyment_n and_o for_o a_o very_a little_a while_n the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v great_a and_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a and_o can_v reach_v not_o only_o to_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v but_o even_o to_o the_o god_n that_o make_v they_o and_o partake_v of_o a_o proper_a happiness_n from_o all_o of_o they_o for_o the_o more_o it_o increase_v its_o knowledge_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o more_o perfect_a understanding_n and_o to_o a_o more_o free_a choice_n and_o entire_a willing_a of_o what_o be_v good_a and_o the_o more_o good_a it_o enjoy_v and_o the_o more_o its_o faculty_n be_v enlarge_v and_o fill_v up_o with_o their_o proper_a object_n the_o more_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n satisfaction_n and_o enjoyment_n it_o must_v have_v and_o this_o will_v be_v its_o eternal_a heaven_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o like_o god_n as_o we_o can_v be_v and_o equal_a to_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o proper_a perfection_n of_o our_o rational_a nature_n advance_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o the_o most_o unspeakable_a enjoyment_n and_o satisfaction_n 2._o vice_n be_v the_o great_a corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o be_v our_o great_a misery_n it_o sink_v and_o impair_v the_o faculty_n decay_n and_o weaken_v the_o mind_n as_o a_o disease_n do_v the_o body_n and_o fill_v it_o general_o like_o that_o with_o pain_n and_o uneasiness_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o its_o natural_a frame_n and_o to_o its_o proper_a and_o regular_a operation_n virtue_n be_v the_o vigour_n and_o health_n the_o soundness_n and_o right_a constitution_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o spiritual_a life_n which_o religion_n and_o god_n grace_n will_v advance_v it_o to_o but_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n be_v the_o spiritual_a death_n of_o it_o both_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o best_a philosopher_n of_o old_a their_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o set_v a_o coffin_n in_o the_o place_n of_o he_o that_o have_v leave_v the_o school_n and_o precept_n of_o virtue_n be_v speak_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o emblem_n and_o figure_n with_o the_o scripture_n expression_n of_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v just_o account_v so_o great_a a_o one_o as_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v not_o compensate_a what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n say_v our_o saviour_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n matth._n 16.26_o
need_v it_o or_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o though_o the_o goodness_n of_o it_o be_v never_o so_o great_a yet_o it_o be_v but_o in_o order_n to_o a_o end_n which_o be_v to_o recover_v health_n that_o be_v lose_v and_o to_o restore_v we_o to_o that_o soundness_n that_o we_o want_v it_o be_v the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o great_a purchase_n of_o christ_n blood_n to_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o repentance_n grant_v to_o sinner_n in_o so_o large_a and_o full_a a_o manner_n so_o as_o to_o be_v restore_v to_o god_n favour_n and_o reconcile_v to_o he_o upon_o their_o return_n as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o offend_v he_o to_o have_v all_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o their_o past_a sin_n whole_o take_v off_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o commit_v they_o to_o be_v recti_fw-la in_o curia_fw-la pardon_v and_o in_o as_o good_a state_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v always_o innocent_a this_o shall_v mighty_o encourage_v and_o prevail_v upon_o sinner_n to_o repent_v and_o leave_v their_o sin_n when_o they_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o gospel_n when_o though_o their_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_n they_o shall_v be_v white_a as_o snow_n though_o they_o be_v red_a like_o crimson_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o wool_n as_o the_o evangelical_n prophet_n speak_v isai_n 1.18_o i_o e._n though_o they_o be_v sin_n of_o the_o deep_a die_n or_o high_a nature_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v whole_o do_v away_o and_o forgive_v upon_o true_a repentance_n from_o which_o no_o person_n be_v exclude_v how_o must_v this_o encourage_v the_o great_a sinner_n if_o they_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n or_o another_o world_n leave_v upon_o they_o to_o come_v off_o from_o their_o sin_n how_o comfortable_a must_v it_o be_v to_o a_o poor_a wretch_n lie_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o guilt_n and_o the_o fear_n and_o horror_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o dread_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o of_o eternal_a misery_n to_o have_v these_o glad_a tiding_n proclaim_v to_o he_o how_o will_v this_o revive_v his_o despond_v soul_n and_o cheer_v his_o sink_a spirit_n and_o like_o a_o pardon_n bring_v to_o a_o condemn_a malefactor_n in_o the_o cart_n or_o upon_o the_o gibbet_n restore_v he_o to_o life_n and_o to_o unspeakable_a joy_n and_o gladness_n now_o this_o be_v offer_v to_o every_o sinner_n by_o the_o gospel_n if_o he_o repent_v and_o turn_v from_o his_o sin_n however_o great_a they_o have_v be_v and_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n and_o become_v a_o new_a man_n and_o a_o new_a creature_n before_o he_o die_v what_o can_v be_v desire_v more_o by_o any_o reasonable_a creature_n or_o what_o more_o can_v god_n offer_v will_v any_o desire_n to_o live_v and_o go_v on_o in_o his_o sin_n and_o yet_o be_v forgive_v this_o be_v for_o god_n to_o give_v up_o his_o law_n his_o government_n and_o to_o grant_v a_o liberty_n to_o his_o creature_n to_o be_v rebellious_a and_o disobedient_a and_o have_v no_o check_n or_o control_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a a_o good_a god_n can_v grant_v or_o a_o wicked_a man_n can_v desire_v to_o be_v pardon_v upon_o his_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n but_o his_o repent_v and_o amend_v be_v with_o sorrow_n for_o what_o be_v past_a do_v his_o duty_n for_o the_o future_a as_o he_o ought_v always_o to_o have_v do_v it_o perform_v that_o obedience_n which_o he_o ought_v always_o to_o have_v perform_v and_o now_o this_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n next_o to_o the_o have_v do_v it_o and_o perform_v it_o always_o but_o it_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v think_v to_o be_v so_o good_a as_o that_o repent_v be_v like_o a_o man_n set_v up_o again_o that_o be_v once_o break_v and_o compound_v with_o his_o creditor_n and_o pay_v a_o part_n he_o owe_v they_o instead_o of_o the_o whole_a god_n be_v please_v to_o accept_v of_o the_o break_a and_o after-obedience_n of_o a_o sinner_n for_o some_o part_n of_o his_o life_n instead_o of_o that_o entire_a and_o unbroken_a one_o which_o be_v due_a from_o he_o all_o his_o life_n it_o be_v god_n great_a grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o do_v this_o and_o what_o he_o be_v no_o way_n oblige_v to_o for_o he_o may_v have_v damn_v we_o for_o every_o wilful_a sin_n and_o never_o have_v pardon_v we_o though_o we_o have_v afterward_o repent_v of_o it_o this_o be_v mere_a free_a grace_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o god_n be_v no_o way_n oblige_v to_o it_o either_o in_o justice_n or_o by_o his_o natural_a goodness_n but_o he_o may_v have_v deny_v it_o to_o mankind_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o other_o of_o his_o creature_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o fall_v angel_n but_o still_o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o grant_v we_o this_o favour_n and_o this_o mighty_a privilege_n by_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o encourage_v we_o to_o obedience_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o true_a holiness_n and_o goodness_n of_o life_n when_o we_o have_v be_v faulty_a and_o defective_a in_o these_o before_o it_o be_v not_o to_o encourage_v we_o in_o our_o sin_n or_o give_v we_o any_o licence_n or_o dispensation_n to_o commit_v they_o because_o we_o may_v repent_v of_o they_o this_o be_v a_o horrid_a abuse_n and_o pervert_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o wantonness_n and_o looseness_n but_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o make_v those_o good_a man_n who_o have_v be_v sinner_n to_o make_v those_o obedient_a who_o have_v be_v disobedient_a either_o in_o general_a or_o any_o instance_n now_o therefore_o it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o have_v be_v always_o thus_o to_o have_v be_v always_o good_a and_o always_o obedient_a through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n this_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n and_o the_o very_a same_o end_n more_o full_o and_o perfect_o attain_v this_o be_v design_v by_o repentance_n as_o health_n be_v the_o design_n of_o take_v physic_n and_o to_o be_v well_o and_o sound_n of_o use_v remedy_n and_o medicine_n and_o those_o who_o be_v always_o healthful_a and_o always_o sound_a and_o always_o well_o be_v in_o a_o much_o better_a condition_n than_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o cure_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o certain_a and_o infallible_a 2._o i_o speak_v this_o all_o the_o while_n of_o repentance_n from_o great_a and_o wilful_a sin_n from_o a_o habit_n of_o they_o in_o our_o life_n or_o at_o least_o a_o voluntary_a practice_n of_o they_o at_o some_o time_n or_o other_o and_o this_o repentance_n i_o hope_v there_o be_v many_o that_o need_v not_o who_o be_v never_o ill_a person_n all_o their_o life_n nor_o ever_o guilty_a of_o any_o such_o one_o great_a and_o mortal_a sin_n as_o shall_v put_v they_o into_o a_o ill_a and_o damnable_a state_n and_o exclude_v they_o out_o of_o heaven_n have_v they_o die_v i_o speak_v not_o now_o of_o the_o ill_a state_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o the_o fall_n or_o by_o our_o original_a corruption_n and_o depravation_n for_o that_o be_v take_v off_o by_o christ_n the_o second_o adam_n and_o we_o be_v put_v into_o a_o good_a state_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o our_o baptism_n so_o that_o no_o man_n be_v in_o any_o danger_n of_o damnation_n but_o upon_o his_o commit_v some_o wilful_a and_o know_v sin_n such_o as_o the_o scripture_n declare_v be_v damnable_a and_o exclude_v from_o heaven_n he_o therefore_o that_o have_v be_v free_a from_o those_o though_o not_o free_a from_o all_o sin_n which_o no_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v all_o his_o life_n no_o not_o in_o his_o best_a state_n but_o some_o infirmity_n some_o imperfection_n some_o sin_n of_o frailty_n or_o ignorance_n or_o surprise_n will_v beset_v he_o he_o i_o say_v that_o have_v live_v free_a from_o all_o wilful_a know_a sin_n and_o not_o allow_v himself_o in_o any_o voluntary_a breach_n of_o god_n law_n though_o he_o have_v not_o keep_v they_o so_o perfect_o and_o exact_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o have_v always_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o religion_n and_o his_o duty_n and_o never_o violate_v they_o in_o any_o great_a instance_n he_o be_v always_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o never_o forfeit_v that_o title_n he_o be_v never_o a_o prodigal_n and_o run_v away_o from_o his_o father_n house_n nor_o waste_v his_o substance_n in_o riotous_a live_n but_o like_o the_o dutiful_a and_o elder_a son_n always_o serve_v his_o father_n neither_o at_o any_o time_n transgress_v his_o commandment_n he_o never_o wander_v out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o virtue_n nor_o never_o let_v his_o step_n take_v hold_v of_o death_n he_o never_o defile_v his_o virgin_n innocence_n nor_o sully_v
and_o blemish_v his_o baptismal_a purity_n nor_o fall_v into_o nor_o wallow_v in_o any_o great_a sin_n and_o so_o need_v not_o to_o be_v wash_v and_o cleanse_v and_o purisied_a as_o a_o sinner_n in_o a_o high_a sense_n need_v and_o this_o be_v the_o happy_a the_o bless_a person_n who_o i_o prefer_v to_o the_o best_a penitent_n and_o the_o true_a convert_n as_o the_o parable_n here_o do_v 3._o this_o show_v the_o good_a of_o early_a obedience_n and_o the_o great_a happiness_n and_o advantage_n of_o a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a education_n and_o the_o great_a obligation_n there_o be_v for_o parent_n to_o take_v care_n of_o this_o and_o the_o great_a thankfulness_n which_o those_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o their_o parent_n who_o have_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o for_o nothing_o make_v virtue_n and_o religion_n so_o easy_a or_o so_o acceptable_a to_o we_o as_o to_o have_v they_o teach_v and_o instill_a into_o we_o in_o our_o tender_a yearâ—_n when_o like_o soft_a wax_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o impression_n and_o yet_o grow_v hard_a and_o retain_v they_o afterward_o when_o the_o seed_n of_o virtue_n be_v early_o plant_v in_o our_o heart_n before_o vicious_a habit_n or_o inclination_n be_v grow_v up_o in_o they_o and_o a_o sense_n of_o religion_n take_v the_o first_o possession_n of_o we_o and_o anticipate_v and_o prevent_v the_o power_n of_o our_o own_o lust_n or_o of_o evil_a example_n then_o virtue_n become_v natural_a to_o we_o and_o custom_n make_v it_o both_o very_a easy_a to_o be_v practise_v and_o hard_a to_o be_v overcome_v for_o let_v the_o habit_n and_o custom_n be_v equal_a and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v as_o much_o difficulty_n for_o a_o virtuous_a person_n to_o become_v vicious_a as_o for_o a_o vicious_a person_n to_o be_v make_v virtuous_a it_o must_v be_v with_o great_a violence_n and_o reluctancy_n that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v bring_v to_o commit_v a_o wilful_a sin_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o to_o forsake_v it_o and_o therefore_o scripture_n represent_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o if_o they_o be_v moral_o impossible_a as_o they_o who_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a can_v as_o hardly_o learn_v to_o do_v good_a as_o the_o aethiopian_a can_v change_v his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n so_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n can_v sin_n 1_o john_n 3.9_o i_o doubt_v not_o therefore_o but_o most_o of_o the_o good_a man_n that_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v virtuous_o and_o religious_o educate_v and_o bring_v up_o and_o but_o few_o of_o those_o in_o proportion_n who_o have_v be_v otherwise_o have_v be_v reclaim_v and_o bring_v off_o from_o the_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n they_o contract_v when_o they_o be_v young_a it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a and_o difficult_a thing_n to_o make_v a_o bad_a man_n a_o good_a one_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n what_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o and_o what_o it_o often_o can_v effect_v through_o the_o stubbornness_n of_o the_o will_n and_o indisposition_n of_o the_o subject_a hence_o those_o complaint_n and_o expostulation_n i_o will_v have_v heal_v they_o but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v jerem._n 51.9_o turn_v you_o turn_v you_o why_o will_v you_o die_v oh_o that_o my_o people_n will_v have_v hearken_v unto_o i_o and_o of_o sinner_n resist_v grieve_v and_o quench_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o god_n spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o they_o and_o the_o like_a which_o show_v the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o ill_a habit_n and_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v even_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o they_o and_o how_o much_o happy_a it_o be_v to_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o early_a obedience_n and_o determine_v by_o a_o virtuous_a education_n than_o to_o be_v afterward_o struggle_v with_o they_o 4._o this_o prevent_v the_o common_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_n about_o repentance_n whereby_o man_n make_v it_o a_o reserve_n to_o themselves_o to_o excuse_v they_o from_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o think_v that_o by_o mean_n of_o that_o they_o shall_v avoid_v all_o the_o mischief_n of_o their_o sin_n at_o last_o and_o be_v as_o safe_a and_o as_o secure_v of_o heaven_n and_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n though_o they_o live_v never_o so_o loose_o and_o careless_o as_o if_o their_o whole_a life_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o a_o course_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n it_o be_v but_o repent_v before_o they_o die_v and_o that_o as_o little_a before_o as_o they_o can_v if_o they_o can_v nick_v it_o right_n and_o be_v not_o cut_v off_o sudden_o and_o unexpected_o which_o be_v but_o a_o accident_n that_o happen_v only_o to_o few_o and_o the_o great_a work_n and_o business_n be_v do_v by_o a_o true_a sorrow_n and_o some_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o a_o instantaneous_a change_n of_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o most_o entire_a virtue_n and_o constant_a obedience_n of_o a_o man_n whole_a life_n if_o so_o most_o man_n sin_n and_o lust_n will_v persuade_v they_o to_o indulge_v and_o gratify_v they_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o life_n if_o they_o can_v whole_o bring_v they_o off_o from_o a_o sense_n and_o belief_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v thus_o corrupt_v religion_n and_o make_v it_o thereby_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o by_o these_o false_a notion_n of_o repentance_n raise_v hope_n to_o themselves_o of_o escape_v all_o the_o mischief_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o their_o ill_a life_n and_o save_v themselves_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o repentance_n at_o the_o last_o without_o lead_v a_o good_a life_n which_o they_o will_v therefore_o be_v glad_a to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o as_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o so_o whole_o trust_v and_o depend_v and_o venture_v upon_o the_o other_o way_n now_o this_o be_v put_v a_o trick_n upon_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o be_v too_o hard_o for_o they_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n as_o they_o think_v though_o it_o be_v indeed_o put_v a_o trick_n upon_o themselves_o and_o miserable_o delude_v themselves_o into_o destruction_n by_o thus_o abuse_v this_o privilege_n of_o repentance_n and_o make_v this_o grant_n and_o concession_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o all_o the_o design_n of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o make_v man_n live_v well_o and_o bring_v they_o off_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o not_o at_o all_o encourage_v they_o in_o they_o whereas_o by_o thus_o pervert_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o wrong_a notion_n and_o wretched_a mistake_n about_o repentance_n the_o obligation_n to_o actual_a holiness_n and_o obedienâ—â—_n be_v take_v off_o and_o a_o man_n may_v secure_v heaven_n and_o his_o own_o salvation_n without_o those_o by_o another_o and_o much_o short_a and_o easy_a way_n which_o be_v by_o repentance_n at_o the_o last_o which_o shall_v be_v as_o safe_a to_o ourselves_o and_o as_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o as_o well_o reward_v by_o he_o as_o the_o other_o now_o i_o know_v but_o one_o way_n of_o save_v a_o man_n soul_n and_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v by_o a_o good_a life_n and_o by_o actual_a holiness_n and_o obedience_n repentance_n be_v the_o bring_v a_o sinner_n to_o these_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o do_v this_o though_o the_o sorrow_n be_v never_o so_o great_a it_o be_v not_o true_a repentance_n nor_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o his_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n that_o he_o perform_v after_o his_o disobedience_n and_o wickedness_n which_o constitute_v and_o complete_v his_o repentance_n and_o entitle_v he_o to_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n and_o to_o the_o reward_n of_o heaven_n and_o another_o world_n and_o the_o great_a and_o perfect_a and_o more_o entire_a this_o obedience_n have_v be_v the_o more_o it_o will_v be_v accept_v and_o the_o more_o reward_v by_o a_o righteous_a and_o just_a god_n who_o will_v be_v merciful_a to_o sinner_n when_o they_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o their_o duty_n and_o obedience_n and_o will_v accept_v and_o reward_v their_o break_a and_o imperfect_a obedience_n but_o not_o in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n as_o the_o constant_a and_o unbroken_a and_o early_a and_o entire_a obedience_n of_o virtuous_a and_o good_a man_n all_o their_o life_n last_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o early_a virtue_n and_o constant_a obedience_n be_v prefertable_a to_o the_o true_a repentance_n stand_v upon_o the_o plain_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o secure_v those_o evident_a doctrine_n upon_o which_o all_o practical_a religion_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o be_v build_v such_o as_o these_o that_o god_n will_v reward_v every_o one_o at_o the_o last_o day_n according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o therefore_o in_o proportion_n to_o they_o and_o