for_o morality_n it_o be_v there_o touch_v but_o very_o superficial_o and_o yet_o these_o be_v essential_a article_n in_o divinity_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o those_o who_o be_v call_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o guide_v a_o church_n or_o to_o direct_v man_n conscience_n 3._o divinity-book_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n too_o scholastical_a the_o method_n of_o the_o schoolmen_n way_n of_o handle_v divinity_n may_v just_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o defiance_n to_o sense_n and_o religion_n yet_o that_o method_n have_v prevail_v to_o that_o degree_n that_o for_o some_o age_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o swerve_v from_o it_o of_o late_a year_n indeed_o the_o school_n man_n have_v lose_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o heir_n credit_n and_o in_o divinity_n as_o well_o as_o in_o philosophy_n many_o person_n have_v no_o long_o that_o blind_a deference_n for_o they_o which_o be_v pay_v heretofore_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o divine_n do_v still_o set_v up_o that_o method_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o it_o be_v still_o as_o it_o be_v sacred_a in_o college_n and_o university_n common-place_n to_o this_o day_n savour_v too_o much_o of_o the_o barbarism_n of_o the_o school_n and_o we_o find_v there_o but_o too_o many_o remainder_n of_o that_o dry_a and_o crabbed_a theology_n which_o have_v its_o birth_n in_o the_o age_n of_o ignorance_n instead_o of_o those_o simple_a and_o clear_a idea_n which_o render_v the_o truth_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n sensible_a and_o which_o satisfy_v a_o man_n reason_n and_o move_v his_o heart_n we_o meet_v with_o nothing_o in_o several_a body_n of_o divinity_n but_o metaphisical_a notion_n curious_a and_o needless_a question_n distinction_n and_o obscure_a term_n in_o a_o word_n we_o find_v there_o such_o intricate_a theology_n that_o the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o if_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n again_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v it_o without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o particular_a revelation_n this_o scholastic_a divinity_n have_v do_v more_o mischief_n to_o religion_n than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o express_v there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v more_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o have_v more_o obscure_v matter_n multiply_v controversy_n disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o give_v rise_v to_o so_o many_o heresy_n and_o schism_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o confirm_v so_o many_o ecclesiastic_n in_o their_o ignorance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o which_o keep_v they_o from_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o solid_a part_n of_o divinity_n and_o to_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o sanctify_v men._n now_o all_o these_o defect_n be_v visible_a cause_n of_o corruption_n which_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o this_o single_a consideration_n that_o it_o be_v in_o common-place_n that_o churchman_n learn_v their_o divinity_n suppose_v then_o that_o those_o book_n do_v not_o give_v they_o a_o true_a idea_n of_o religion_n what_o religion_n or_o what_o divinity_n can_v such_o man_n teach_v their_o people_n one_o scholastic_a and_o injudicious_a author_n who_o be_v in_o credit_n in_o country_n and_o who_o be_v patronise_v by_o a_o professor_n be_v enough_o to_o spoil_v the_o mind_n of_o young_a divine_n and_o to_o bring_v into_o repute_n the_o most_o absurd_a and_o dangerous_a opinion_n and_o system_n though_o catechism_n be_v not_o usual_o reckon_v among_o divinity-book_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v useless_a to_o say_v something_o of_o they_o here_o some_o great_a man_n have_v bestow_v their_o pain_n upon_o work_n of_o this_o kind_a to_o very_o good_a purpose_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o respect_n there_o be_v stall_v something_o to_o be_v desire_v for_o public_a edification_n 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o those_o subject_n shall_v only_o be_v treat_v in_o catechism_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v handle_v there_o and_o that_o all_o the_o matter_n and_o question_n which_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o people_n and_o of_o child_n or_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n shall_v be_v banish_v from_o thence_o 2._o that_o some_o essential_a article_n about_o which_o catechism_n be_v very_a jejune_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o they_o and_o particular_o these_o three_o a_o general_a idea_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o main_a proof_n of_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o exact_a explication_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n this_o last_o article_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n extreme_o neglect_v in_o catechism_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o dry_a and_o superficial_a than_o what_o they_o say_v upon_o the_o decalogue_n 3._o it_o will_v be_v fit_v to_o make_v some_o alteration_n in_o the_o method_n observe_v in_o catechism_n for_o they_o be_v not_o all_o familiar_a enough_o school_n term_n or_o figurative_a phrase_n be_v use_v in_o they_o which_o either_o the_o people_n do_v not_o understand_v or_o to_o which_o they_o affix_v false_a idea_n for_o instance_n i_o will_v not_o have_v it_o say_v that_o the_o eucharist_n be_v the_o symbol_n of_o our_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o of_o our_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o exact_a definition_n this_o style_n be_v not_o proper_a for_o a_o catechism_n these_o word_n symbol_n spiritual_a nourishment_n union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v figurative_a and_o obscure_a term_n will_v not_o the_o thing_n be_v plain_o both_o to_o child_n and_o to_o every_o body_n if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o eucharist_n be_v a_o sacred_a action_n and_o cerremony_n wherein_o christian_n eat_v bread_n and_o drink_n wine_n which_o be_v distribute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o he_o in_o those_o work_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o youth_n and_o for_o the_o common_a people_n it_o concern_v and_o author_n to_o be_v clear_a and_o accurate_a to_o omit_v nothing_o that_o be_v essential_a to_o say_v nothing_o that_o be_v needless_a to_o use_v plain_a and_o proper_a expression_n and_o to_o propose_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v apprehend_v catechism_n be_v design_v to_o give_v child_n the_o first_o tincture_n and_o idea_n of_o religion_n now_o those_o idea_n we_o know_v common_o stick_v by_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v if_o then_o they_o be_v not_o clear_a and_o true_a it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o they_o ever_o to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o religion_n iii_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o book_n be_v those_o of_o morality_n this_o important_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o regulate_v manner_n have_v be_v treat_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o solidity_n and_o force_n in_o several_a excellent_a work_n nay_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o morality_n be_v more_o cultivate_v of_o late_a than_o it_o have_v be_v heretofore_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o good_a book_n of_o morality_n we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n be_v of_o a_o more_o general_a usefulness_n than_o they_o be_v the_o best_a work_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v above_o the_o people_n capacity_n there_o be_v various_a thing_n in_o they_o relate_v either_o to_o the_o reason_v part_n the_o turn_n of_o thought_n or_o the_o style_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v but_o by_o know_v and_o discern_v person_n almost_o all_o the_o able_a man_n who_o write_v upon_o moral_n have_v this_o fault_n that_o they_o speak_v too_o much_o like_o ingenuous_a man_n and_o do_v not_o accommodate_v themselves_o enough_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o reader_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v useful_a to_o every_o body_n that_o what_o seem_v clear_a to_o they_o be_v obscure_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o peruse_v their_o write_n and_o that_o a_o book_n of_o morality_n which_o be_v only_o understand_v by_o man_n of_o part_n of_o learning_n be_v of_o a_o very_a limit_a usefulness_n they_o shall_v therefore_o at_o least_o in_o some_o of_o their_o work_n endeavour_v to_o speak_v in_o a_o popular_a manner_n and_o to_o handle_v matter_n with_o all_o possible_a clearness_n and_o simplicity_n this_o will_v be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o they_o and_o the_o do_v it_o well_o will_v i_o think_v require_v all_o the_o ability_n part_n and_o talent_n of_o the_o best_a writer_n it_o be_v more_o difficult_a than_o be_v seem_v to_o speak_v or_o write_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v all_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o be_v say_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v intelligible_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n but_o if_o there_o be_v good_a book_n of_o morality_n there_o be_v many_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n which_o have_v considerable_a fault_n in_o they_o and_o those_o fault_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n because_o morality_n ill_o explain_v be_v
what_o he_o say_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o these_o together_o make_v up_o above_o the_o half_n of_o mankind_n upon_o this_o i_o ask_v even_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v time_n enough_o for_o a_o man_n to_o repent_v when_o he_o see_v death_n come_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v folly_n and_o madness_n for_o he_o to_o venture_v his_o salvation_n upon_o the_o hope_n of_o repent_v then_o it_o seem_v to_o many_o that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o drive_v sinner_n into_o despair_n to_o tell_v they_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o build_v the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n upon_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o extremity_n of_o life_n but_o what_o i_o have_v say_v just_a now_o prove_v evident_o that_o if_o salvation_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o manner_n of_o die_v man_n must_v live_v in_o continual_a fear_n and_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o '_o desperation_n since_o their_o salvation_n will_v depend_v upon_o a_o thing_n which_o the_o half_n of_o mankind_n can_v reckon_v upon_o on_o the_o contrary_a nothing_o be_v more_o comfortable_a to_o man_n than_o to_o know_v that_o god_n grant_v they_o their_o whole_a life_n to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n in_o and_o that_o if_o they_o improve_v to_o that_o purpose_n the_o leisure_n and_o convenience_n they_o have_v their_o death_n will_v be_v happy_a which_o way_n soever_o it_o may_v happen_v but_o though_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v not_o true_a and_o though_o all_o may_v assure_v themselves_o that_o they_o shall_v perceive_v the_o approach_n of_o death_n and_o have_v time_n to_o prepare_v for_o that_o last_o passage_n yet_o what_o certainty_n have_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o that_o opportunity_n and_o that_o their_o conversion_n will_v not_o be_v most_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a conversion_n be_v not_o wrought_v without_o god_n interpose_v by_o those_o mean_n which_o grace_n use_v for_o that_o end_n and_o can_v any_o man_n flatter_v himself_o with_o the_o hope_n that_o these_o mean_n shall_v be_v offer_v he_o to_o the_o last_o and_o that_o god_n in_o his_o just_a anger_n will_v not_o withdraw_v they_o from_o he_o there_o be_v neither_o particular_a revelation_n nor_o general_n promise_v to_o give_v such_o assurance_n to_o any_o man_n live_v so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o god_n tell_v we_o many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o leave_v no_o ground_n for_o hope_n to_o those_o who_o abuse_v his_o mercy_n but_o further_a what_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v do_v in_o favour_n of_o a_o harden_a sinner_n at_o the_o time_n of_o death_n when_o god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o preach_a of_o his_o word_n of_o exhortation_n promise_n threaten_n inward_a suggestion_n and_o motion_n of_o his_o grace_n when_o god_n i_o say_v have_v use_v all_o these_o mean_n for_o twenty_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n without_o any_o success_n i_o can_v apprehend_v what_o man_n expect_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v more_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o can_v by_o a_o particular_a dispensation_n by_o sudden_a inspiration_n by_o a_o kind_n of_o miracle_n convert_v a_o sinner_n in_o his_o last_o minute_n i_o will_v not_o dispute_v what_o god_n can_v do_v but_o i_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o say_v that_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o grace_n conversion_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o sudden_a and_o miraculous_a inspiration_n the_o gospel_n speak_v of_o nothing_o like_o that_o and_o those_o who_o look_v for_o such_o miracle_n have_v best_o see_v what_o they_o find_v their_o hope_n upon_o it_o be_v certain_a beside_o that_o repentance_n be_v most_o difficult_a on_o man_n part_n when_o he_o be_v at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n if_o a_o man_n have_v live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o vice_n be_v he_o not_o in_o great_a danger_n of_o die_v ignorant_a and_o harden_a how_o will_v he_o perform_v duty_n then_o of_o which_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o notion_n can_v a_o man_n at_o that_o time_n change_v his_o ill_a inclination_n and_o shake_v of_o his_o vicious_a habit_n of_o a_o sudden_a all_o those_o who_o have_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n know_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o conquest_n i_o will_v not_o say_v of_o many_o but_o of_o one_o single_a vice_n have_v require_v both_o time_n and_o assiduous_a and_o constant_a care_n vicious_a habit_n be_v not_o to_o be_v destroy_v but_o by_o degree_n and_o good_a one_o be_v acquire_v only_o by_o reiterated_a acts._n it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o man_n nature_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_a how_o can_v any_o one_o then_o reckon_v that_o so_o considerable_a a_o change_n as_o that_o which_o true_a conversion_n require_v will_v be_v effect_v in_o the_o short_a time_n of_o a_o sickness_n and_o if_o this_o be_v possible_a and_o through_o great_a endeavour_n may_v be_v do_v yet_o can_v any_o man_n assure_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v then_o all_o that_o freedom_n and_o all_o that_o strength_n of_o mind_n and_o body_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o set_v about_o this_o general_a reformation_n be_v the_o time_n of_o sickness_n wherein_o a_o man_n be_v so_o much_o sink_v and_o have_v the_o least_o either_o of_o leisure_n or_o strength_n so_o very_o sit_v for_o a_o business_n of_o this_o importance_n all_o that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v then_o be_v to_o betake_v himself_o to_o some_o confuse_a and_o abrupt_a devotion_n the_o ordinary_a refuge_n of_o those_o sinner_n who_o have_v live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o obduration_n but_o will_v that_o serve_v the_o turn_n be_v some_o hasty_a reflection_n upon_o a_o man_n past_a life_n some_o act_n of_o contrition_n some_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o trouble_n and_o agony_n and_o extort_a only_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n some_o sob_n and_o groan_v indistinct_o breathe_v up_o to_o heaven_n be_v these_o i_o say_v sufficient_a to_o make_v amends_o for_o all_o that_o be_v past_a to_o extirpate_v many_o inveterate_a habit_n and_o to_o secure_v to_o a_o sinner_n a_o eternity_n of_o bliss_n i_o shall_v add_v two_o consideration_n which_o be_v convince_v and_o can_v be_v contest_v 1._o by_o grow_v in_o year_n man_n lose_v the_o sense_n and_o remembrance_n of_o their_o sin_n age_n and_o custom_n produce_v this_o effect_n except_v some_o extraordinary_a sin_n which_o can_v be_v forget_v most_o man_n do_v not_o remember_v their_o fault_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o remember_v they_o since_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o do_v not_o perceive_v when_o they_o commit_v they_o we_o daily_o see_v man_n who_o will_v lie_v and_o swear_v and_o fly_v out_o into_o passion_n almost_o every_o minute_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o reflect_v upon_o it_o nay_o they_o think_v themselves_o free_a from_o those_o fault_n this_o error_n proceed_v so_o far_o that_o some_o very_a great_a sinner_n who_o be_v live_v in_o criminal_a practice_n fancy_n themselves_o pious_a and_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n now_o since_o the_o custom_n of_o sin_v do_v blind_a man_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n be_v it_o likely_a that_o after_o they_o have_v spend_v their_o life_n in_o this_o security_n they_o will_v effectual_o repent_v at_o their_o death_n can_v a_o man_n repent_v who_o do_v not_o know_v the._n reason_n why_o he_o shall_v who_o doc_v not_o feel_v or_o have_v forget_v his_o sin_n and_o who_o think_v beside_o that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o good_a state_n and_o that_o he_o need_v no_o repentance_n 2._o if_o repentance_n suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n it_o suppose_v beside_o a_o hatred_n of_o it_o but_o hew_v ho_o have_v love_v sin_n to_o the_o last_o be_v less_o able_a than_o to_o hate_v than_o he_o be_v to_o know_v his_o sin_n i_o can_v comprehend_v how_o a_o man_n who_o have_v love_v the_o world_n all_o his_o life_n who_o have_v make_v it_o his_o only_a delight_n and_o study_v to_o gratify_v his_o lust_n and_o who_o have_v always_o be_v cold_a and_o indifferent_a towards_o religion_n shall_v when_o death_n appear_v sudden_o change_v his_o inclination_n hate_v what_o he_o love_v and_o love_v what_o till_o then_o he_o look_v upon_o with_o indifference_n so_o quick_a a_o passage_n from_o the_o love_n to_o the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n be_v very_o rare_a the_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o the_o hatred_n of_o it_o be_v always_o faint_a and_o weak_a in_o the_o beginning_n of_o repentance_n even_o in_o those_o who_o repent_v sincere_o conversion_n proceed_v by_o degree_n a_o man_n must_v have_v discontinue_v sin_v and_o be_v already_o settle_v in_o the_o habit_n of_o virtue_n before_o he_o can_v have_v a_o strong_a aversion_n to_o sin_n and_o what_o kind_n of_o repentance_n then_o can_v that_o be_v which_o begin_v in_o the_o extremity_n of_o life_n 1._o but_o here_o it_o be_v object_v first_o that_o god_n be_v always_o
that_o they_o offend_v god_n at_o every_o foot_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v what_o man_n will_v establish_v from_o this_o maxim_n that_o the_o just_a man_n sin_n seven_o time_n a_o day_n those_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o quote_v the_o scripture_n shall_v neither_o add_v to_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o alter_v the_o word_n nor_o divide_v sentence_n from_o what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n or_o impiety_n which_o may_v not_o be_v prove_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 5._o but_o our_o adversary_n will_v say_v whether_o that_o place_n be_v allege_v right_a or_o wrong_n it_o do_v not_o matter_n much_o since_o there_o be_v other_o which_z say_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o strong_a expression_n do_v not_o st._n paul_n say_v rom._n vii_o vii_o vii_o rom._n vii_o i_o be_o carnal_a sell_v under_o sin_n for_o in_o i_o dwell_v no_o good_a thing_n for_o that_o which_o i_o do_v i_o allow_v not_o and_o what_o i_o will_v that_o do_v i_o not_o but_o what_o i_o hate_v that_o do_v i._o i_o see_v a_o law_n in_o my_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n and_o bring_v i_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o my_o member_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n if_o st._n paul_n himself_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n who_o can_v deny_v that_o the_o great_a saint_n fall_v into_o very_o heinous_a sin_n and_o have_v still_o a_o large_a stock_n of_o corruption_n in_o they_o those_o who_o draw_v this_o inference_n from_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n make_v he_o speak_v that_o which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o his_o thought_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o favour_v the_o cause_n of_o sinner_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a his_o design_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o to_o make_v man_n sensible_a of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o reference_n to_o sanctification_n he_o have_v this_o in_o his_o view_n in_o the_o vii_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n where_o he_o represent_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o corrupt_a and_o a_o regenerate_v man_n and_o between_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n under_o the_o law_n and_o his_o state_n under_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o all_o he_o say_v of_o the_o carnal_a man_n sell_v under_o sin_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o corrupt_a man_n live_v under_o the_o law_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o divine_n otherwise_o able_a and_o pious_a man_n have_v think_v that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o in_o this_o chapter_n and_o that_o he_o represent_v there_o what_o pass_v within_o a_o regenerate_v man_n but_o i_o know_v likewise_o that_o a_o great_a many_o orthodox_n divine_v have_v reject_v that_o exposition_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o h_o a_o sad_a thing_n that_o when_o a_o place_n be_v capable_a of_o two_o sense_n man_n shall_v pitch_v upon_o that_o which_o come_v near_o to_o the_o pretension_n of_o sinner_n i_o do_v not_o intend_v here_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o dispute_n nor_o to_o offend_v those_o of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o they_o have_v no_o design_n to_o countenance_v corruption_n but_o as_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o seek_v the_o truth_n and_o as_o the_o truth_n here_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n so_o i_o entreat_v those_o who_o may_v have_v scruple_n concern_v those_o word_n to_o make_v these_o follow_a reflection_n 1._o let_v they_o serious_o and_o impartial_o consider_v whether_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v a_o carnal_a man_n fold_n under_o sin_n a_o man_n who_o do_v no_o good_a but_o evil_n and_o a_o man_n involve_v in_o death_n these_o be_v the_o strong_a expression_n which_o can_v be_v use_v and_o which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o give_v as_o the_o character_n of_o wicked_a and_o impious_a man_n to_o believe_v this_o of_o st._n paul_n be_v so_o very_o hard_o that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v able_a to_o digest_v any_o thing_n who_o be_v not_o startle_v at_o it_o 2._o i_o desire_v they_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o drift_n of_o st._n paul_n he_o have_v undertake_v to_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n do_v not_o introduce_v licentiousness_n this_o he_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o whole_a vi_o chapter_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o read_n it_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o in_o the_o vii_o chapter_n he_o shall_v overturn_v all_o that_o he_o have_v establish_v in_o the_o precede_a \_o and_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a man_n be_v captivate_v to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n if_o this_o be_v st._n paul_n doctrine_n what_o become_v of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n to_o produce_v holiness_n and_o how_o can_v he_o have_v answer_v that_o objection_n which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o chap._n vi_o 1._o and_o 15._o shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n shall_v we_o sin_v we_o that_o be_v under_o grace_n st._n paul_n ought_v to_o have_v grant_v the_o objection_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o most_o regenerate_v be_v sell_v to_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o the_o vii_o chapter_n he_o go_v on_o to_o prove_v what_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o already_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o gospel_n sanctify_v man_n and_o not_o only_o this_o but_o that_o the_o gospel_n alone_o can_v sanctify_v man_n and_o that_o the_o law_n can_v not_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a chapter_n in_o the_o very_a first_fw-mi four_o verse_n he_o show_v that_o christian_n be_v no_o long_o under_o the_o law_n nor_o consequent_o under_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o law_n that_o they_o may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n he_o express_v himself_o more_o clear_o yet_o in_o the_o 5_o verse_n where_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a difference_n between_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o those_o who_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n he_o plain_o distinguish_v these_o two_o state_n and_o the_o time_n pass_v from_o the_o present_a when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n say_v he_o the_o motion_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v by_o the_o law_n do_v work_v in_o our_o member_n to_o bring_v forth_o unto_o death_n but_o now_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o law_n that_o we_o shall_v serve_v in_o newness_n of_o spirit_n these_o be_v the_o two_o state_n the_o sit_v pass_v be_v a_o state_n of_o corruption_n the_o presect_v state_n be_v a_o state_n of_o holiness_n but_o as_o it_o may_v have_v be_v infer_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o law_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n the_o apostle_n refute_v that_o imagination_n from_o the_o seven_o to_o the_o 14_o verse_n after_o this_o he_o describe_v the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v not_o regenerate_v by_o grace_n and_o who_o still_o be_v under_o the_o law_n he_o begin_v to_o do_v this_o from_o the_o 14_o verse_n by_o fay_v the_o law_n be_v spiritual_a but_o i_o be_o carnal_a sell_v under_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o here_o no_o doubt_n it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o st_n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o and_o not_o of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o law_n for_o say_v he_o i_o be_o carnal_a etc._n etc._n but_o one_o may_v easy_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n use_v here_o a_o way_n of_o speak_v which_o be_v very_o ordidinary_a in_o discourse_n and_o by_o which_o he_o that_o speak_v put_v himself_n in_o the_o room_n of_o those_o he_o speak_v of_o and_o st._n paul_n have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o express_v himself_o in_o this_o manner_n because_o he_o have_v be_v himself_o under_o the_o law_n before_o he_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n there_o be_v many_o instance_n in_o scripture_n of_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v and_o we_o find_v one_o in_o this_o very_a chapter_n which_o be_v beyond_o exception_n st_n paul_n say_v in_o the_o 9th_o verse_n i_o be_v alive_a without_o the_o law_n once_o etc._n etc._n if_o we_o do_v not_o admit_v here_o a_o figurative_a expression_n or_o if_o these_o word_n be_v strict_o take_v then_o we_o must_v say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o this_o apostle_n be_v without_o law_n which_o be_v both_o false_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o when_o he_o say_v ver._n 9th_o i_o be_v without_o law_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o state_n of_o those_o man_n to_o wliom_n the_o law_n be_v not_o give_v so_o it_o be_v unquestionalbe_n that_o when_o he_o say_v i_o be_o carnal_a etc._n etc._n he_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o a_o
design_n of_o scripture_n than_o to_o explain_v it_o philosophical_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o false_a philosophy_n as_o divers_a commentator_n do_v they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o method_n notion_n and_o term_n of_o the_o school_n to_o find_v out_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o sacred_a write_n they_o apply_v to_o all_o subject_n the_o rule_n prescribe_v by_o the_o schoolman_n they_o careful_o distinguish_v in_o a_o text_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v call_v in_o the_o school_n materia_fw-la forma_fw-la causa_fw-la efficiens_fw-la finis_fw-la subjectum_fw-la adjunctum_fw-la etc._n etc._n they_o seek_v in_o all_o reason_v the_o major_n the_o minor_a and_o they_o conclusion_n as_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o inspire_v the_o sacred_a author_n have_v follow_v the_o scheme_n of_o aristotle_n logic_n and_o have_v intend_v to_o make_v syllogism_n in_o mood_n and_o figure_n i_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o that_o spirit_n of_o dispute_n and_o wrangle_a which_o run_n through_o the_o scholastical_a commentary_n nor_o of_o the_o false_a sense_n and_o metaphysical_a explication_n which_o they_o put_v upon_o the_o scripture_n such_o book_n be_v obstacle_n rather_o than_o help_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v fit_v only_o to_o perplex_v what_o be_v clear_a and_o to_o spoil_v divine_n and_o preacher_n by_o take_v away_o from_o they_o that_o qualification_n they_o have_v most_o need_v of_o i_o mean_v good_a sense_n 4._o another_o very_a different_a way_n from_o that_o simplicity_n with_o which_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v handle_v be_v the_o method_n of_o those_o author_n who_o without_o necessity_n insist_v upon_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o a_o text_n who_o sift_v all_o the_o term_n of_o it_o as_o if_o a_o mystery_n do_v lurk_v in_o every_o word_n who_o descend_v to_o the_o minute_a thing_n and_o weary_a themselves_o in_o conjecture_n and_o question_n this_o exactness_n be_v very_o useless_a and_o insipid_a it_o may_v be_v sometime_o necessary_a to_o clear_v a_o difficulty_n to_o unfold_v a_o intricate_a mean_v and_o to_o observe_v the_o critical_a signification_n of_o word_n but_o when_o the_o sense_n be_v natural_a and_o easy_a and_o when_o the_o word_n be_v clear_a to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v a_o man_n insist_v upon_o all_o those_o illustration_n what_o need_n be_v there_o for_o he_o to_o be_v always_o press_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n to_o remark_n all_o their_o different_a acceptation_n and_o to_o explain_v what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o word_n death_n faith_n just_a every_o time_n that_o these_o term_n occur_v the_o true_a method_n be_v to_o pursue_v the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o mean_v of_o a_o text_n without_o criticise_v upon_o world_n and_o circumstance_n 5._o it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o many_o commentator_n to_o be_v prolix_a and_o too_o large_a from_o every_o verse_n nay_o from_o every_o word_n they_o take_v occasion_n to_o run_v into_o a_o common-place_n and_o to_o vent_v a_o multitude_n of_o notion_n so_o that_o they_o real_o give_v we_o sermon_n dissertation_n or_o lecture_n of_o divinity_n under_o the_o title_n of_o commentary_n i_o do_v not_o absolute_o condemn_v diffuse_v commentary_n we_o meet_v sometime_o with_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o but_o we_o find_v there_o likewise_o a_o great_a many_o which_o signify_v nothing_o when_o all_o be_v do_v brevity_n clearness_n and_o exactness_n be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v in_o a_o commentary_n before_o prolixity_n and_o copiousness_n such_o length_n breed_v obscurity_n and_o confusion_n it_o make_v preacher_n lazy_a it_o tempt_v they_o to_o fill_v their_o sermon_n with_o a_o hundred_o needless_a thing_n it_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o custom_n of_o be_v tedious_a of_o make_v digression_n and_o of_o pass_v by_o that_o which_o be_v essential_a and_o solid_a all_o which_o be_v very_o far_o from_o promote_a the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o defect_n of_o commentary_n contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n but_o commentary_n be_v the_o store_n from_o which_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v draw_v and_o from_o which_o preacher_n common_o take_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o sermon_n few_o of_o they_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o text_n by_o their_o own_o industry_n they_o consult_v their_o commentary_n like_o oracle_n and_o they_o blind_o follow_v their_o decision_n it_o be_v therefore_o high_o requisite_a that_o these_o book_n shall_v not_o lead_v into_o error_n those_o who_o have_v recourse_n to_o they_o when_o a_o bound_v man_n lead_v another_o they_o both_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n if_o then_o the_o guide_n to_o who_o conduct_n preacher_n give_v up_o themselves_o be_v deceitful_a and_o false_a the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v neither_o be_v well_o understand_v nor_o well_o preach_v and_o both_o preacher_n and_o people_n will_v err_v ii_o it_o be_v with_o divinity-book_n as_o with_o commentary_n some_o be_v good_a and_o other_o bad_a the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n which_o we_o see_v among_o author_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o what_o i_o say_v some_o maintain_v as_o divine_a truth_n thing_n which_o other_o reject_v as_o false_a and_o pernicious_a sentiment_n so_o that_o there_o must_v be_v no_o small_a error_n on_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o all_o divine_n will_v own_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o remark_n but_o it_o be_v here_o of_o no_o use_n because_o it_o do_v not_o decide_v which_o book_n of_o divinity_n be_v good_a and_o which_o be_v bad_a every_o body_n will_v pretend_v that_o the_o bad_a book_n be_v those_o which_o teach_v a_o doctrine_n contrary_n to_o that_o which_o obtain_v in_o the_o society_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v in_o order_n to_o know_v who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o in_o the_o wrong_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o judge_v here_o upon_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o the_o controversy_n which_o divide_v christian_n but_o this_o i_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n take_v upon_o i_o to_o do_v it_o will_v be_v fit_a for_o i_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o fault_n which_o be_v common_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o divinity-book_n i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o but_o what_o must_v needs_o be_v own_v by_o all_o the_o sensible_a divine_n of_o any_o party_n and_o the_o reflection_n i_o be_o to_o make_v though_o general_n may_v perhaps_o be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o direct_v our_o judgement_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o contain_v in_o those_o book_n 1._o almost_o all_o the_o author_n who_o have_v write_v of_o divinity_n have_v make_v of_o it_o upon_o the_o matter_n a_o science_n of_o mere_a speculation_n they_o establish_v certain_a doctrine_n they_o deliver_v their_o opinion_n they_o prove_v they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v they_o treat_v of_o controversy_n and_o confute_v their_o adversary_n but_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v meditate_a much_o upon_o the_o use_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v with_o relation_n to_o piety_n and_o salvation_n they_o be_v very_o short_a upon_o this_o head_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o they_o be_v not_o by_o half_a so_o solicitous_a to_o assert_v the_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n now_o this_o be_v not_o teach_v divinity_n the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n how_o they_o ought_v to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o make_v they_o holy_a and_o happy_a if_o this_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o divinity_n and_o if_o care_n be_v take_v to_o show_v what_o relation_n all_o the_o part_n of_o religion_n have_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o holiness_n and_o felicity_n of_o man_n there_o will_v be_v much_o more_o piety_n than_o there_o be_v now_o among_o christian_n those_o who_o study_n divinity_n will_v learn_v betimes_o to_o direct_v it_o to_o its_o true_a end_n and_o this_o will_v likewise_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o distinguish_v material_a from_o insignificant_a point_n and_o question_n and_o to_o ease_v religion_n of_o all_o those_o needless_a dispute_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n 2._o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v lead_v i_o to_o a_o second_o observation_n which_o be_v that_o as_o several_a thing_n may_v be_v leave_v out_o of_o divinity-book_n so_o other_o thing_n be_v want_v which_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o add_v to_o they_o for_o the_o purpose_n common-place_n do_v not_o insist_v much_o upon_o on_o the_o general_a truth_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n they_o scarce_o give_v we_o any_o instruction_n about_o church-discipline_n and_o government_n or_o about_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n as_o
be_v think_v mean_a and_o disgraceful_a it_o will_v therefore_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o they_o to_o correct_v the_o notion_n which_o man_n common_o have_v of_o religion_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o shall_v love_v and_o honour_v it_o other_o man_n will_v no_o long_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o but_o will_v place_v their_o glory_n in_o practise_v it_o this_o i_o be_o to_o enlarge_v upon_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n cause_n vi_o the_o delay_n of_o repentance_n i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o any_o illusion_n be_v more_o ordinary_a or_o contribute_v more_o to_o the_o support_n of_o vice_n in_o the_o world_n than_o that_o which_o i_o design_v to_o attack_v in_o this_o chapter_n and_o that_o be_v the_o delay_v repentance_n we_o must_v not_o believe_v that_o man_n be_v so_o blind_a and_o so_o harden_v as_o never_o to_o think_v of_o their_o salvation_n there_o be_v few_o who_o have_v not_o a_o general_a intention_n to_o obtain_v it_o even_o â—mong_a those_o who_o live_v ill_a many_o be_v convince_v that_o conversion_n be_v necessary_a and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o then_o they_o do_v notrepent_v i_o answer_v that_o so_o unreasonable_a a_o proceed_v which_o seem_v so_o contradictory_n to_o itself_o aught_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o hope_n they_o entertain_v of_o clear_v all_o score_n one_o day_n by_o repentance_n and_o of_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n through_o the_o divine_a mercy_n this_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v that_o deceitful_a hope_n which_o frustrate_v all_o the_o endeavour_n that_o be_v use_v to_o make_v man_n for_o sake_n their_o vicious_a habit_n the_o delay_n of_o conversion_n ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v place_v among_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o importance_n of_o this_o subject_a have_v make_v i_o resolve_v to_o bestow_v a_o particular_a chapter_n upon_o it_o now_o to_o handle_v this_o matter_n right_a we_o be_v to_o observe_v two_o different_a way_n of_o put_v off_o conversion_n for_o all_o man_n do_v not_o delay_v it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o the_o same_o sentiment_n and_o disposition_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v in_o they_o all_o some_o put_v it_o off_o to_o a_o remote_a time_n and_o to_o the_o very_a end_n of_o their_o life_n other_o do_v not_o adjourn_v it_o so_o long_o they_o design_v to_o go_v about_o it_o a_o good_a while_n before_o death_n at_o least_o they_o hope_v so_o and_o they_o put_v it_o off_o to_o a_o undetermined_a time_n the_o first_o sin_n proper_o in_o hope_n of_o pardon_n but_o the_o other_o sin_n in_o hope_n of_o repentance_n the_o former_a deceive_v themselves_o more_o gross_o they_o think_v that_o in_o order_n to_o be_v save_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o beg_v for_o mercy_n and_o to_o repent_v though_o never_o so_o late_o the_o illusion_n of_o the_o other_o be_v more_o subtle_a they_o conceive_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o reform_v and_o to_o forsake_v sin_n but_o for_o all_o that_o they_o do_v not_o convert_v themselves_o though_o these_o two_o way_n of_o delay_v have_v a_o affinity_n with_o one_o another_o and_o may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n be_v encounter_v with_o the_o same_o argument_n yet_o i_o shall_v consider_v they_o here_o separately_z man_n common_o entertain_v this_o opinion_n that_o if_o they_o do_v but_o repent_v at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n their_o sin_n will_v be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o their_o salvation_n they_o allot_v for_o this_o repentance_n the_o approach_n of_o death_n old-age_n or_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o they_o suppose_v that_o then_o they_o shall_v fit_v themselves_o for_o a_o christian_a death_n by_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o divine_a mercy_n it_o be_v not_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o prove_v that_o this_o opinion_n be_v very_o common_a for_o who_o can_v deny_v it_o neither_o will_v i_o go_v about_o to_o show_v that_o it_o feed_v corruption_n and_o encourage_v security_n by_o propose_v to_o man_n such_o a_o method_n of_o salvation_n as_o leave_v they_o at_o liberty_n to_o live_v still_o in_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v self-evident_a it_o be_v more_o important_a to_o let_v man_n see_v how_o false_a and_o dangerous_a a_o imagination_n that_o be_v which_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o so_o they_o repent_v before_o death_n they_o shall_v avoid_v damnation_n and_o be_v save_v in_o order_n to_o this_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v the_o principle_n they_o act_n upon_o and_o to_o unfold_v the_o true_a sentiment_n of_o their_o heart_n the_o delay_n of_o repentance_n include_v two_o different_a motion_n the_o one_o carry_v a_o man_n towards_o salvation_n and_o the_o other_o towards_o sin_n on_o the_o one_o have_v man_n be_v neither_o such_o a_o enemy_n to_o himself_o as_o to_o be_v altogether_o unconcern_v about_o his_o salvation_n nor_o so_o as_o blind_v not_o to_o perceive_v that_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o be_v so_o addict_v to_o his_o lust_n that_o he_o can_v resolve_v to_o renounce_v they_o in_o perplexity_n self-love_n find_v he_o out_o a_o expedient_a by_o which_o he_o thing_n to_o reconcile_v with_o his_o appetite_n the_o care_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o that_o be_v that_o if_o he_o sin_v yet_o he_o intend_v to_o repent_v but_o here_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o man_n put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o himself_o and_o that_o such_o sentiment_n proceed_v only_o from_o self-love_n and_o from_o a_o strong_a affection_n to_o sin_n nothing_o else_o but_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o die_v and_o of_o give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n oblige_v he_o to_o destin_a the_o end_n of_o his_o life_n to_o act_n of_o repentance_n for_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o virtue_n have_v any_o share_n in_o this_o conduct_n be_v it_o any_o love_n or_o regard_n to_o god_n that_o make_v a_o man_n desire_v he_o in_o his_o last_o extremity_n and_o when_o he_o can_v enjoy_v the_o world_n no_o long_o this_o show_v that_o a_o man_n think_v of_o god_n only_o because_o he_o expect_v salvation_n at_o his_o hand_n which_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o he_o as_o with_o a_o enemy_n to_o who_o we_o surrender_v ourselves_o as_o late_a and_o upon_o as_o good_a term_n as_o we_o can_v and_o only_o that_o we_o may_v not_o perish_v such_o a_o delay_n include_v a_o positive_a resolution_n to_o offend_v god_n and_o to_o gratify_v one_o passion_n at_o least_o for_o the_o present_a he_o that_o think_v to_o repent_v hereafter_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o repent_v now_o he_o allot_v the_o present_a time_n for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o for_o the_o commit_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o future_a repentance_n this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v fix_v and_o certain_a in_o his_o resolution_n for_o as_o to_o what_o he_o promise_v for_o the_o future_a it_o be_v most_o uncertain_a and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o thing_n right_a he_o promise_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o he_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v very_o soon_o nor_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v in_o case_n he_o live_v sometime_o long_o the_o hazard_n to_o which_o a_o man_n expose_v himself_o by_o this_o delay_n be_v evident_a in_o order_n to_o a_o complete_a repentance_n two_o thing_n be_v requisite_a the_o first_o be_v to_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o repent_v the_o second_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o time_n and_o opportunity_n those_o who_o put_v off_o their_o conversion_n to_o the_o last_o must_v suppose_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v these_o two_o advantage_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v extreme_o uncertain_a and_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o they_o 1._o no_o man_n can_v promise_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o repent_v at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o life_n it_o be_v true_a in_o fact_n that_o more_o than_o one_o half_n of_o mankind_n die_v without_o have_v time_n to_o prepare_v for_o death_n if_o we_o reckon_v up_o all_o those_o who_o be_v snatch_v away_o in_o a_o instant_a by_o unforeseen_a accident_n or_o a_o sudden_a death_n all_o those_o who_o perish_v in_o war_n all_o those_o who_o be_v seize_v with_o distemper_n which_o take_v away_o their_o sense_n all_o those_o who_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n do_v not_o move_v to_o repentance_n because_o they_o do_v not_o apprehend_v themselves_o in_o any_o danger_n of_o die_v and_o if_o we_o add_v to_o these_o those_o who_o only_a preparation_n be_v to_o have_v a_o minister_n to_o pray_v by_o their_o bedside_n when_o they_o can_v hardly_o hear_v a_o few_o word_n of_o