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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
death_n world_n wretch_n year_n 24 3 3.9316 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A56746 A practical discourse of repentance rectifying the mistakes about it, especially such as lead either to despair or presumption ... and demonstrating the invalidity of a death-bed repentance / by William Payne ... Payne, William, 1650-1696. 1693 (1693) Wing P907; ESTC R35391 226,756 585

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take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o liberty_n and_o have_v the_o full_a swinge_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n when_o they_o afterward_o grow_v calm_a and_o cool_v of_o themselves_o and_o he_o be_v tire_v or_o satiate_v with_o they_o then_o to_o leave_v they_o after_o he_o have_v have_v a_o full_a and_o a_o long_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o to_o repent_v time_n enough_o to_o avoid_v all_o the_o bitter_a effect_n and_o punishment_n of_o they_o after_o they_o have_v full_o taste_v and_o exhaust_v all_o their_o sweetness_n and_o pleasantness_n and_o then_o throw_v away_o the_o poisonous_a core_n when_o they_o have_v sufficient_o eat_v of_o the_o dainty_a and_o forbid_a fruit._n man_n to_o be_v sure_o will_v draw_v such_o consequence_n to_o themselves_o when_o religion_n they_o think_v put_v such_o a_o argument_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o lust_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v too_o strong_a of_o themselves_o against_o all_o religion_n and_o reason_n whatsoever_o and_o when_o 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vain_a to_o all_o eternity_n in_o weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n for_o his_o folly_n and_o madness_n in_o not_o repent_v soon_o but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o monstrous_a hazard_n and_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v lie_v open_a to_o such_o a_o danger_n which_o can_v never_o be_v repair_v but_o may_v be_v easy_o prevent_v yet_o this_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n seem_v not_o a_o sufficient_a security_n to_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v a_o security_n only_o by_o accident_n and_o it_o be_v in_o great_a measure_n lose_v if_o a_o man_n do_v live_v out_o the_o usual_a period_n which_o many_o do_v and_o which_o most_o hope_v to_o do_v and_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o oblige_v they_o to_o a_o present_a repentance_n and_o a_o constant_a obedience_n than_o the_o mere_a fear_n that_o they_o may_v die_v soon_o and_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a if_o religion_n shall_v depend_v upon_o such_o a_o uncertainty_n and_o a_o man_n shall_v find_v a_o way_n to_o free_v himself_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n if_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o live_v long_o 3._o therefore_o we_o strengthen_v this_o common_o with_o another_o consideration_n and_o that_o be_v that_o though_o a_o man_n may_v have_v time_n to_o repent_v hereafter_o yet_o god_n may_v not_o give_v he_o grace_n to_o do_v it_o especial_o if_o he_o so_o provoke_v he_o by_o such_o a_o neglect_n and_o abuse_v of_o this_o grace_n as_o quite_o defeat_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o high_o provoke_v and_o a_o more_o just_a ground_n for_o god_n to_o deny_v we_o his_o spirit_n than_o thus_o to_o abuse_v and_o pervert_v this_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o encouragement_n not_o to_o repent_v but_o to_o sin_n because_o they_o may_v repent_v beside_o the_o long_o the_o custom_n and_o habit_n of_o sin_n continue_v upon_o we_o the_o more_o root_n they_o take_v and_o the_o more_o difficult_a be_v 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probation_n or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o though_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n who_o be_v debar_v or_o exclude_v from_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o repentance_n for_o this_o will_v tend_v to_o discourage_v a_o great_a many_o from_o repentance_n and_o do_v as_o much_o harm_n by_o shut_v those_o out_o of_o all_o hope_n as_o by_o open_v the_o gate_n too_o wide_o to_o other_o or_o let_v it_o always_o stand_v open_a to_o any_o that_o will_v come_v in_o at_o any_o time_n there_o must_v be_v therefore_o some_o other_o consideration_n to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o this_o mistake_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o a_o constant_a obedience_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o and_o
and_o the_o folly_n of_o it_o be_v so_o visible_a and_o so_o amaze_a that_o no_o man_n of_o common_a prudence_n no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n one_o will_v think_v shall_v neglect_v to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v so_o important_a so_o weighty_a so_o absolute_o necessary_a a_o duty_n that_o our_o saviour_n most_o earnest_o press_v it_o in_o several_a discourse_n and_o propose_v it_o in_o two_o or_o three_o parable_n that_o it_o may_v make_v a_o more_o strong_a and_o lively_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n mat._n 25._o at_o the_o beginning_n where_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o unexpected_a come_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n at_o midnight_n ver_fw-la 6._o in_o other_o to_o a_o master_n surprise_v his_o servant_n unaware_o at_o the_o second_o or_o three_o watch_n luke_n 12.38_o matth._n 24._o at_o the_o latter_a end_n and_o in_o both_o the_o evangelist_n to_o a_o thief_n steal_v upon_o a_o man_n at_o a_o unknown_a and_o uncertain_a hour_n of_o the_o night_n the_o design_n of_o all_o which_o be_v to_o press_v this_o great_a duty_n upon_o we_o of_o be_v always_o watchful_a and_o always_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o always_o prepare_v for_o our_o lord_n come_v this_o be_v the_o inference_n which_o christ_n draw_v from_o all_o those_o parable_n and_o discourse_n be_v you_o therefore_o ready_a for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v at_o a_o hour_n when_o you_o think_v not_o luke_n 12.40_o christ_n often_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o as_o such_o he_o be_v to_o be_v our_o judge_n and_o as_o a_o judge_n he_o be_v say_v to_o come_v when_o ever_o he_o pass_v judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o st._n james_n represent_v the_o nearness_n of_o his_o judgement_n by_o that_o phrase_n behold_v the_o judge_n stand_v before_o the_o door_n jam._n 5.9_o and_o his_o execute_n judgement_n and_o destruction_n upon_o jerusalem_n be_v call_v his_o come_n matth._n 24.3_o and_o as_o his_o final_a public_a judgement_n of_o all_o the_o world_n at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v call_v his_o come_n 1_o cor._n 15.23_o and_o several_a time_n in_o that_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n so_o his_o private_a judge_v of_o we_o at_o our_o death_n be_v his_o come_n also_o mean_v by_o these_o several_a parable_n and_o for_o that_o come_n of_o his_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v always_o ready_a i._n e._n always_o prepare_v for_o die_v here_o i_o shall_v show_v i._o that_o this_o readiness_n or_o preparation_n consist_v only_o in_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n as_o the_o fruit_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o ii_o the_o great_a obligation_n we_o have_v to_o be_v always_o thus_o ready_a and_o prepare_v for_o death_n i._o this_o readiness_n or_o preparation_n for_o death_n consist_v only_o in_o repentance_n and_o a_o good_a life_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o for_o nothing_o else_o can_v fit_v we_o to_o die_v but_o to_o repent_v and_o live_v well_o neither_o can_v there_o be_v any_o 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and_o great_a care_n and_o much_o pain_n and_o many_o remedy_n and_o a_o timely_a course_n before_o they_o can_v be_v cure_v and_o get_v off_o and_o before_o we_o can_v be_v well_o and_o so_o ready_a to_o meet_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o a_o few_o penitential_a tear_n upon_o a_o deathbed_n will_v wash_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n or_o cleanse_v a_o guilty_a and_o pollute_a soul_n that_o have_v be_v many_o year_n contract_v a_o habitual_a uncleanness_n who_o sin_n stick_v to_o it_o like_o a_o old_a leprosy_n and_o have_v eat_v like_o rust_n or_o a_o canker_n into_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o they_o must_v be_v all_o get_v out_o by_o repentance_n and_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v make_v sound_n and_o clear_a and_o recover_v itself_o into_o a_o virtuous_a and_o good_a habit_n before_o it_o can_v be_v ready_a for_o another_o world_n and_o due_o prepare_v for_o a_o future_a state_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n to_o be_v make_v according_a to_o the_o past_a course_n of_o man_n life_n there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a many_o such_o happy_a soul_n who_o by_o a_o very_a careful_a education_n and_o the_o good_a example_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o other_o and_o by_o a_o virtuous_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n in_o themselves_o and_o above_o all_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v be_v always_o keep_v from_o great_a and_o mortal_a sin_n and_o so_o never_o fall_v into_o a_o bad_a and_o damnable_a state_n all_o their_o life_n but_o be_v always_o virtuous_a and_o innocent_a as_o to_o any_o such_o offence_n as_o shall_v forfeit_v and_o endanger_v their_o salvation_n by_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n without_o that_o we_o be_v all_o in_o a_o damnable_a state_n and_o the_o scripture_n have_v conclude_v all_o under_o sin_n without_o that_o gal._n 3.22_o for_o we_o have_v all_o sin_v and_o come_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o of_o that_o strict_a and_o exact_a obedience_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o we_o and_o be_v severe_a and_o rigorous_a in_o demand_v his_o utmost_a right_n over_o we_o we_o can_v not_o contend_v with_o he_o nor_o answer_v he_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o as_o job_n say_v job_n 9.3_o and_o no_o man_n can_v upon_o these_o term_n be_v just_a with_o god_n as_o he_o there_o say_v for_o so_o in_o his_o sight_n shall_v no_o man_n live_v be_v justify_v psal_n 143.2_o but_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o which_o god_n will_v now_o deal_v with_o mankind_n many_o i_o doubt_v not_o have_v be_v so_o justify_v that_o through_o their_o whole_a life_n they_o never_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n for_o nothing_o put_v we_o into_o that_o under_o christianity_n but_o a_o great_a and_o know_v and_o wilful_a sin_n or_o rather_o a_o course_n and_o habit_n of_o such_o sin_n and_o though_o no_o man_n live_v without_o sin_n that_o be_v without_o some_o frailty_n and_o imperfection_n and_o lesser_a sin_n which_o come_v not_o up_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n for_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o beg_v pardon_n and_o say_v god_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n yet_o god_n forbid_v that_o those_o shall_v put_v we_o into_o a_o ill_a state_n for_o then_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n will_v be_v ever_o out_o of_o it_o but_o oh_o thrice_o happy_a be_v those_o soul_n who_o have_v not_o defile_v themselves_o with_o any_o great_a and_o damnable_a sin_n who_o have_v always_o keep_v to_o their_o first_o love_n and_o preserve_v their_o first_o virtue_n unstained_a and_o unspotted_a and_o have_v be_v so_o train_v up_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o goodness_n that_o they_o never_o wander_v or_o go_v astray_o from_o they_o nor_o never_o step_v into_o the_o path_n of_o wilful_a sin_n so_o that_o their_o step_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n take_v hold_v of_o death_n who_o never_o pass_v out_o of_o that_o line_n which_o divide_v the_o two_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o damnation_n nor_o ever_o approach_v so_o near_o to_o the_o brink_n of_o hell_n as_o to_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o it_o these_o have_v reason_n to_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n all_o their_o life_n who_o have_v thus_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o jaw_n of_o death_n and_o destruction_n and_o whilst_o they_o persevere_v and_o go_v on_o in_o this_o good_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o pass_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n and_o from_o one_o degree_n of_o grace_n to_o another_o and_o grow_v up_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o
come_v who_o that_o be_v unprepared_a know_v what_o time_n he_o shall_v have_v to_o prepare_v himself_o who_o can_v tell_v whether_o the_o next_o moment_n shall_v be_v his_o own_o and_o how_o little_a time_n he_o may_v have_v for_o so_o great_a a_o work_n and_o who_o will_v loiter_v any_o part_n of_o his_o time_n who_o know_v how_o much_o that_o work_n will_v take_v up_o for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o few_o spare_v hour_n or_o die_a minute_n will_v put_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o readiness_n will_v change_v its_o temper_n and_o purge_v out_o its_o sin_n and_o dispose_v and_o fit_v it_o for_o another_o world_n and_o who_o can_v set_v back_o death_n but_o a_o few_o hour_n when_o it_o give_v a_o short_a warning_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o strike_v we_o or_o perhaps_o without_o any_o warning_n seize_v and_o hurry_v we_o to_o the_o other_o world_n it_o be_v every_o day_n make_v up_o to_o we_o and_o approach_n near_o we_o every_o hour_n and_o with_o quick_a and_o undiscerned_a step_n it_o dog_n and_o follow_v we_o and_o may_v overtake_v we_o before_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o a_o sudden_a fever_n may_v set_v the_o strong_a body_n on_o fire_n and_o present_o flare_v out_o the_o lamp_n of_o life_n a_o convulsion_n may_v seize_v in_o a_o moment_n the_o main_a fort_n of_o life_n and_o surprise_v we_o in_o our_o great_a strength_n a_o apoplexy_n or_o a_o deliquium_fw-la may_v stop_v the_o nimble_a wheel_n of_o life_n that_o move_v vigorous_o and_o strong_o just_a before_o and_o make_v all_o the_o vital_a faculty_n stand_v still_o immediate_o beside_o a_o thousand_o accident_n from_o without_o make_v we_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o life_n to_o be_v in_o death_n so_o that_o we_o can_v never_o be_v secure_a but_o we_o may_v be_v a_o die_a and_o every_o time_n we_o expire_v it_o may_v be_v so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v our_o last_o breath_n who_o will_v not_o be_v then_o ready_a who_o may_v thus_o be_v call_v on_o a_o sudden_a who_o may_v have_v the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v in_o a_o hour_n when_o he_o think_v not_o come_v he_o certain_o will_v but_o we_o can_v tell_v whether_o in_o the_o three_o or_o four_o watch_n of_o the_o night_n let_v we_o then_o watch_v the_o whole_a night_n that_o be_v be_v ready_a always_o if_o we_o know_v the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n we_o may_v be_v careless_a and_o sleep_v and_o drowze_v perhaps_o till_o he_o be_v near_o we_o but_o since_o we_o be_v always_o to_o expect_v he_o at_o a_o uncertain_a hour_n let_v we_o put_v ourselves_o into_o a_o posture_n and_o readiness_n to_o receive_v he_o at_o his_o own_o time_n we_o can_v never_o be_v ready_a too_o soon_o though_o he_o come_v late_a but_o if_o we_o be_v too_o late_o before_o we_o be_v ready_a we_o lose_v a_o opportunity_n we_o can_v never_o regain_v and_o we_o slip_v that_o time_n which_o we_o shall_v bewail_v to_o all_o eternity_n let_v we_o think_v 2._o upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o come_n if_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v never_o come_v if_o there_o be_v any_o probability_n that_o we_o shall_v never_o die_v if_o any_o man_n can_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o persuade_v himself_o to_o doubt_v of_o that_o he_o may_v have_v some_o reason_n to_o neglect_v the_o other_o but_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sceptical_a as_o to_o that_o point_n nor_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o dispute_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o but_o he_o know_v and_o be_v convince_v of_o that_o fatal_a truth_n that_o he_o must_v once_o die_v and_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o same_o place_n of_o darkness_n where_o he_o have_v see_v so_o many_o other_o lay_v before_o he_o why_o shall_v he_o not_o then_o prepare_v and_o provide_v for_o that_o which_o will_v dertain_o happen_v it_o can_v never_o be_v in_o vain_a or_o to_o no_o purpose_n to_o do_v this_o it_o can_v be_v no_o lose_a labour_n no_o unnecessary_a work_n but_o all_o must_v confess_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v one_o time_n or_o other_o why_o do_v we_o not_o then_o do_v that_o which_o we_o own_v to_o be_v necessary_a why_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o say_v the_o foolish_a sinner_n but_o it_o may_v be_v do_v hereafter_o and_o at_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n will_v you_o not_o think_v a_o man_n mad_a that_o shall_v talk_v thus_o when_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o drown_v and_o will_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o rope_n be_v throw_v out_o to_o he_o till_o his_o last_o and_o three_o rise_v but_o let_v go_v what_o he_o have_v in_o his_o hand_n in_o hope_n to_o catch_v it_o again_o afterward_o or_o he_o that_o be_v like_a to_o fall_v down_o a_o precipice_n and_o will_v not_o save_v himself_o when_o he_o may_v but_o trust_v to_o a_o twig_n that_o be_v near_o the_o bottom_n he_o deserve_v to_o perish_v that_o will_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v save_v till_o he_o be_v just_o perish_v and_o he_o that_o allow_v himself_o to_o live_v in_o a_o sinful_a state_n at_o present_a with_o hope_n to_o get_v out_o of_o it_o hereafter_o be_v but_o like_o he_o that_o stab_v himself_o with_o a_o design_n of_o be_v cure_v or_o swallow_v down_o a_o deadly_a poison_n upon_o presumption_n of_o take_v a_o antidote_n after_o he_o have_v do_v it_o the_o one_o be_v certain_o strong_a enough_o to_o kill_v he_o and_o the_o other_o may_v not_o be_v strong_a enough_o to_o save_v he_o or_o he_o may_v be_v dead_a before_o he_o can_v take_v it_o man_n resolution_n to_o repent_v hereafter_o be_v always_o insincere_a for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o they_o will_v repent_v at_o present_a and_o beside_o what_o a_o sad_a state_n be_v they_o in_o till_o they_o do_v this_o they_o be_v like_o prisoner_n lie_v under_o a_o sentence_n of_o death_n and_o condemnation_n who_o hope_v to_o procure_v a_o pardon_n but_o will_v not_o endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o till_o they_o be_v call_v to_o execution_n and_o it_o be_v too_o late_o their_o unrepented_a sin_n do_v put_v they_o into_o as_o damnable_a a_o state_n as_o if_o heaven_n have_v past_a sentence_n upon_o they_o and_o though_o they_o know_v this_o yet_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o continue_v so_o till_o their_o state_n be_v desperate_a and_o they_o be_v never_o like_a to_o be_v otherwise_o for_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v he_o shall_v be_v ever_o ready_a who_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o make_v himself_o ready_a at_o present_a let_v we_o not_o therefore_o delay_v one_o minute_n this_o great_a work_n of_o repentance_n but_o let_v we_o set_v about_o it_o immediate_o and_o resolve_v to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o and_o to_o live_v in_o such_o a_o constant_a habit_n and_o practice_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o good_a life_n as_o shall_v make_v we_o due_o ready_a and_o prepare_v to_o die_v for_o 3._o let_v we_o consider_v how_o terrible_a death_n must_v be_v to_o a_o wicked_a impenitent_a sinner_n and_o what_o concern_v he_o will_v be_v in_o at_o the_o approach_n of_o it_o when_o he_o must_v leave_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o fill_v he_o only_o with_o terror_n and_o astonishment_n when_o all_o their_o false_a charm_n and_o meretricious_a look_n whereby_o they_o before_o please_v and_o enchant_v he_o go_v off_o and_o they_o now_o look_v ghastly_a and_o frightful_a and_o stare_v he_o in_o the_o face_n with_o a_o scare_v appearance_n and_o with_o the_o sad_a apprehension_n of_o what_o they_o be_v like_a to_o end_v in_o when_o a_o dreadful_a eternity_n present_v itself_o before_o he_o and_o be_v like_a to_o swallow_v he_o up_o in_o a_o horrid_a abyss_n of_o misery_n when_o he_o come_v so_o nigh_o to_o the_o other_o world_n that_o he_o can_v look_v as_o it_o be_v over_o to_o it_o and_o see_v the_o sad_a reception_n he_o be_v like_a to_o have_v there_o when_o he_o see_v hell_n open_a before_o he_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n gape_v to_o receive_v he_o and_o some_o of_o the_o flame_n of_o it_o flash_v as_o it_o be_v out_o upon_o he_o when_o death_n like_o a_o executioner_n come_v to_o seize_v and_o apprehend_v he_o and_o hurry_v he_o before_o the_o dreadful_a tribunal_n where_o all_o his_o past_a action_n must_v be_v examine_v all_o his_o secret_a sin_n lay_v open_a and_o a_o dreadful_a sentence_n shall_v be_v immediate_o pronounce_v upon_o he_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o good_a man_n afraid_a and_o the_o best_a of_o we_o must_v tremble_v when_o we_o come_v before_o this_o judgment-seat_n and_o be_v to_o have_v our_o everlasting_a fate_n decree_v and_o determine_v but_o the_o wicked_a must_v be_v fill_v with_o terror_n and_o amazement_n who_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n no_o refuge_n to_o fly_v to_o who_o have_v no_o plea_n for_o any_o mercy_n or_o pardon_n
nor_o no_o excuse_n to_o make_v for_o himself_o who_o have_v neglect_v and_o despise_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o he_o and_o who_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o any_o true_a repentance_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_o and_o therefore_o he_o must_v now_o repent_v in_o vain_a for_o ever_o who_o can_v express_v the_o bitter_a thought_n the_o fear_n the_o horror_n the_o agony_n of_o such_o a_o soul_n at_o that_o time_n and_o who_o will_v ever_o feel_v they_o who_o have_v now_o power_n and_o opportunity_n to_o avoid_v they_o death_n carry_v something_o of_o terror_n in_o it_o to_o all_o man_n as_o it_o be_v a_o punishment_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o dark_a passage_n to_o the_o unknown_a region_n that_o be_v below_o and_o it_o may_v be_v either_o great_a presumption_n or_o great_a stupidity_n to_o have_v no_o fear_n of_o it_o a_o good_a man_n may_v not_o overcome_v all_o the_o natural_a fear_n of_o death_n but_o the_o wicked_a have_v all_o reason_n to_o be_v scare_v and_o terrify_v with_o it_o when_o it_o come_v near_o he_o or_o he_o think_v of_o it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n consider_v the_o terror_n of_o death_n and_o how_o we_o be_v only_o free_v from_o this_o by_o repentance_n and_o religion_n by_o the_o hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o christianity_n and_o our_o have_v sincere_o repent_v of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o so_o as_o i_o have_v show_v fit_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o thereby_o for_o death_n sect_n vii_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o how_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o by_o repentance_n and_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o natural_a evil_n so_o great_a as_o death_n the_o king_n of_o terror_n and_o the_o chief_a of_o those_o dreadful_a thing_n that_o humane_a nature_n be_v afraid_a of_o skin_n for_o skin_n and_o all_o that_o a_o man_n have_v will_v he_o give_v for_o his_o life_n job_n 2.4_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o part_v with_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o may_v compound_v with_o it_o nay_o what_o will_v not_o he_o not_o give_v to_o purchase_v a_o short_a reprieve_n from_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a that_o he_o may_v but_o set_v they_o back_o a_o while_n and_o gain_v a_o little_a more_o time_n to_o live_v how_o be_v the_o poor_a man_n willing_a to_o endure_v any_o thing_n to_o linger_v out_o a_o miserable_a life_n a_o little_a long_o though_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o pain_n and_o ache_n and_o great_a torment_n of_o body_n perhaps_o then_o he_o will_v feel_v in_o death_n itself_o how_o patient_o will_v he_o submit_v to_o the_o most_o tedious_a penance_n and_o severe_a discipline_n that_o his_o physician_n shall_v lay_v upon_o he_o and_o swallow_v down_o the_o most_o loathsome_a and_o bitter_a draught_n that_o the_o more_o bitter_a cup_n of_o death_n may_v pass_v from_o he_o how_o will_v he_o endure_v the_o utmost_a cruelty_n of_o surgery_n and_o bear_v a_o live_a martyrdom_n rather_o than_o die_v have_v his_o body_n burn_v and_o scarify_v his_o flesh_n cut_v and_o mangle_v to_o the_o bone_n his_o limb_n cut_v off_o or_o saw_v asunder_o that_o so_o he_o may_v die_v by_o piece-meal_n and_o outlive_v some_o part_n of_o himself_o and_o escape_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o death_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o narrow_o and_o run_v away_o from_o it_o though_o he_o leave_v a_o leg_n or_o a_o arm_n behind_o he_o this_o show_v how_o natural_a the_o love_n of_o life_n be_v and_o how_o will_v most_o man_n be_v to_o preserve_v and_o purchase_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n and_o with_o what_o abhorrence_n they_o look_v at_o death_n and_o how_o it_o fright_v and_o startle_v they_o when_o it_o come_v near_o they_o when_o they_o behold_v its_o pale_a look_n and_o its_o terrible_a visage_n and_o see_v the_o ghastly_a monster_n lay_v hand_n on_o they_o and_o ready_a to_o lay_v they_o prostrate_v at_o its_o foot_n how_o do_v it_o then_o appal_v and_o terrify_v they_o and_o make_v their_o blood_n chill_a and_o their_o spirit_n cold_a and_o clammy_a and_o their_o heart_n die_v within_o they_o when_o they_o think_v how_o their_o once_a brisk_a and_o sprightly_a body_n that_o have_v be_v long_o enjoy_v all_o the_o sweet_a pleasure_n of_o life_n and_o sense_n shall_v in_o a_o moment_n time_n be_v deprive_v of_o all_o those_o and_o become_v only_o a_o heavy_a clod_n and_o a_o cold_a and_o senseless_a lump_n of_o flesh_n lay_v out_o upon_o its_o once_o warm_a bed_n and_o then_o lock_v up_o in_o its_o little_a cabin_n and_o so_o lay_v in_o the_o proper_a place_n of_o rottenness_n and_o putrefaction_n where_o it_o be_v to_o molder_v into_o dust_n and_o to_o be_v as_o clean_o forget_v in_o a_o little_a time_n as_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v this_o be_v a_o very_a mortify_n and_o a_o very_a melancholy_a consideration_n to_o most_o man_n and_o when_o they_o consider_v that_o in_o a_o little_a time_n this_o must_v certain_o be_v their_o own_o case_n and_o their_o own_o fatal_a condition_n this_o must_v keep_v they_o in_o perpetual_a fear_n and_o bondage_n if_o there_o be_v no_o provision_n against_o this_o natural_a fear_n of_o death_n if_o religion_n do_v not_o afford_v we_o some_o help_n and_o assistance_n against_o it_o and_o there_o be_v not_o something_o to_o take_v off_o and_o abate_v its_o natural_a terror_n and_o to_o support_v and_o strengthen_v and_o encourage_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o good_a man_n against_o it_o death_n as_o it_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v for_o that_o end_n ordain_v by_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n for_o by_o sin_n enter_v death_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 1.12_o carry_v some_o mark_n of_o his_o anger_n and_o so_o must_v necessary_o have_v some_o degree_n of_o fear_n accompany_v it_o but_o christ_n who_o be_v to_o deliver_v mankind_n from_o the_o great_a punishment_n which_o our_o first_o parent_n draw_v upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n by_o their_o transgression_n and_o be_v to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o they_o and_o our_o own_o sin_n he_o have_v though_o not_o quite_o take_v away_o this_o punishment_n no_o more_o than_o he_o have_v the_o other_o temporal_a one_o occasion_v by_o the_o fall_n for_o we_o must_v still_o die_v and_o still_o have_v some_o fear_n of_o death_n yet_o the_o worst_a effect_n of_o death_n and_o for_o which_o it_o be_v most_o to_o be_v dread_v those_o christ_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o and_o it_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o he_o become_v a_o man_n and_o why_o he_o take_v part_n of_o the_o same_o flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o which_o we_o be_v partaker_n and_o which_o make_v we_o subject_a to_o death_n that_o through_o death_n he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o deliver_v they_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life_n time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n as_o the_o divine_a author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n assure_v we_o heb._n 2.15_o now_o the_o way_n by_o which_o christ_n and_o christianity_n do_v this_o be_v chief_o these_o two_o i._o by_o assure_v we_o of_o another_o life_n ii_o by_o take_v away_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n which_o be_v sin_n upon_o our_o true_a repentance_n i_o shall_v 1._o show_v this_o then_o 2._o inquire_v whether_o a_o true_a penitent_n and_o good_a man_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o fear_n of_o death_n 3._o give_v some_o direction_n about_o thus_o overcome_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o be_v too_o much_o terrify_v with_o it_o when_o it_o approach_v i._o christ_n and_o christianity_n free_v we_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n by_o assure_v we_o of_o another_o life_n and_o of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n after_o death_n death_n will_v be_v very_o terrible_a indeed_o if_o it_o take_v away_o our_o be_v and_o make_v a_o end_n of_o we_o when_o it_o come_v and_o put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o annihilation_n if_o the_o grave_n be_v to_o swallow_v we_o up_o and_o we_o be_v to_o pass_v into_o the_o dark_a abyss_n of_o nonentity_n when_o we_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n if_o when_o we_o expire_v our_o last_o breath_n our_o soul_n be_v to_o pass_v with_o it_o into_o the_o soft_a air_n and_o we_o be_v to_o be_v no_o more_o after_o we_o go_v off_o the_o stage_n of_o this_o world_n nothing_o can_v be_v so_o close_o so_o desirable_a as_o our_o be_v which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o happiness_n and_o enjoyment_n to_o we_o which_o some_o have_v think_v so_o considerable_a that_o they_o have_v suppose_v it_o more_o eligible_a to_o be_v miserable_a than_o not_o to_o be_v at_o all_o though_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v of_o their_o mind_n and_o think_v be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o be_v miserable_a to_o
be_v no_o desirable_a thing_n if_o the_o misery_n be_v great_a than_o the_o comfort_n of_o be_v and_o bare_a existence_n be_v a_o very_a thin_a evanid_n abstract_a thing_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o solid_a and_o substantial_a misery_n but_o the_o close_a principle_n of_o self-love_n and_o self-preservation_n must_v make_v we_o very_o unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o our_o being_n and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v to_o resign_v up_o those_o by_o death_n it_o will_v be_v very_o terrible_a and_o how_o can_v we_o be_v sure_a we_o do_v not_o if_o we_o have_v not_o firm_a and_o certain_a ground_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o or_o if_o we_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o uncertain_a guess_n and_o conjecture_n of_o it_o from_o natural_a light_n most_o man_n indeed_o have_v some_o dark_a intimation_n of_o this_o from_o thence_o and_o do_v either_o hope_n or_o fear_v there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n rather_o than_o believe_v it_o but_o now_o christ_n have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v through_o the_o gospel_n 2_o tim._n 1.10_o he_o have_v utter_o dispel_v that_o cloud_n which_o keep_v those_o of_o this_o world_n from_o see_v into_o another_o and_o have_v clear_o and_o manifest_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o certainty_n of_o another_o and_o a_o immortal_a state_n and_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n give_v visible_a and_o ocular_a demonstration_n of_o it_o and_o how_o shall_v this_o take_v off_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n when_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o another_o life_n after_o it_o when_o it_o be_v only_o a_o passage_n to_o another_o and_o a_o better_a world_n too_o if_o it_o be_v not_o through_o our_o own_o fault_n if_o we_o be_v not_o unprepared_a and_o unfit_a for_o it_o if_o we_o be_v than_o indeed_o this_o be_v no_o great_a comfort_n to_o we_o but_o we_o may_v wish_v that_o death_n will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o be_v but_o if_o we_o have_v repent_v we_o of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v true_o prepare_v for_o death_n this_o shall_v much_o lessen_v and_o abate_v the_o fear_n of_o it_o when_o though_o we_o may_v be_v a_o little_a unwilling_a to_o leave_v our_o old_a state_n and_o circumstance_n our_o old_a dwelling_n and_o habitation_n our_o old_a friend_n and_o acquaintance_n and_o to_o go_v into_o a_o new_a and_o unknown_a place_n yet_o we_o be_v sure_a in_o the_o general_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v much_o better_o provide_v for_o and_o in_o a_o much_o better_a condition_n than_o we_o be_v here_o and_o though_o the_o passage_n seem_v to_o we_o rough_a and_o dangerous_a and_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o leave_v the_o shore_n and_o to_o launch_v into_o the_o mighty_a deep_a of_o eternity_n yet_o this_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o childish_a fondness_n in_o we_o to_o what_o we_o have_v be_v use_v to_o and_o like_o the_o humour_n of_o he_o that_o will_v not_o leave_v his_o poor_a and_o pitiful_a cottage_n that_o he_o have_v always_o live_v in_o though_o he_o be_v to_o go_v and_o take_v possession_n of_o a_o kingdom_n in_o another_o country_n do_v not_o mankind_n that_o have_v more_o wisdom_n and_o a_o large_a spirit_n willing_o leave_v their_o own_o native_a country_n and_o kinsfolk_n and_o relation_n and_o transport_v themselves_o to_o a_o unknown_a place_n where_o there_o be_v any_o fair_a hope_n and_o probability_n of_o mend_v their_o fortune_n and_o live_v in_o a_o more_o happy_a and_o comfortable_a condition_n and_o have_v we_o not_o as_o good_a evidence_n and_o as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o heaven_n be_v as_o rich_a and_o happy_a a_o country_n as_o the_o indies_n or_o any_o other_o place_n where_o we_o have_v never_o be_v and_o have_v only_a relation_n of_o they_o from_o other_o have_v not_o christ_n give_v we_o as_o much_o assurance_n of_o this_o as_o we_o can_v desire_v and_o have_v not_o the_o scripture_n describe_v and_o draw_v the_o chart_n and_o map_n of_o those_o heavenly_a region_n and_o give_v we_o as_o true_a and_o full_a a_o account_n of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o riches_n of_o they_o as_o we_o can_v wish_v for_o or_o expect_v in_o this_o mortal_a state_n if_o we_o know_v they_o so_o full_o and_o particular_o as_o we_o shall_v do_v hereafter_o we_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o love_v life_n as_o we_o now_o fear_v death_n but_o god_n have_v conceal_v the_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o they_o from_o we_o at_o present_a that_o we_o may_v be_v willing_a to_o live_v here_o but_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o a_o future_a and_o glorious_a immortality_n which_o we_o have_v by_o jesus_n christ_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o death_n do_v not_o conclude_v our_o be_v but_o only_o translate_v we_o to_o a_o much_o better_a state_n if_o we_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o by_o repentance_n this_o shall_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n ii_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n as_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v 1_o cor._n 15.56_o and_o so_o have_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o servile_a fear_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n as_o he_o there_o say_v be_v sin_n it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o dart_n of_o death_n so_o sharp_a and_o poisonous_a because_o they_o be_v envenom_v with_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o dip_v in_o our_o own_o gild_n be_v that_o but_o once_o draw_v out_o we_o may_v play_v with_o the_o harmless_a serpent_n and_o it_o will_v not_o bite_v or_o wound_v we_o can_v we_o disarm_v death_n of_o those_o terror_n with_o which_o our_o own_o sin_n dress_v it_o up_o it_o will_v not_o appear_v so_o ugly_a and_o so_o frightful_a to_o we_o it_o be_v they_o which_o put_v we_o in_o a_o state_n of_o bondage_n and_o servility_n and_o depress_v and_o sink_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o slavish_a fear_n that_o we_o be_v go_v to_o execution_n when_o we_o be_v go_v to_o die_v and_o that_o we_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o grave_a but_o as_o to_o a_o prison_n where_o death_n like_o a_o terrible_a lictor_n or_o executioner_n be_v to_o torment_v we_o or_o we_o be_v to_o be_v deliver_v over_o to_o he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n now_o this_o may_v just_o terrify_v we_o when_o we_o think_v that_o whenever_o death_n arrest_v we_o it_o hurry_v we_o only_o to_o a_o place_n of_o torment_n and_o seize_v we_o as_o condemn_a prisoner_n to_o be_v carry_v where_o we_o must_v suffer_v it_o be_v not_o leave_v the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n make_v man_n so_o unwilling_a to_o die_v as_o the_o fear_n of_o go_v to_o the_o misery_n of_o another_o it_o be_v not_o a_o present_a temporal_a death_n they_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o as_o that_o future_a and_o eternal_a one_o which_o come_v after_o it_o and_o this_o indeed_o be_v just_o to_o be_v fear_v be_v hell_n to_o swallow_v we_o up_o as_o well_o as_o the_o grave_a and_o be_v we_o to_o sink_v into_o the_o bottomless_a gulf_n when_o our_o foot_n take_v hold_v of_o death_n but_o christ_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o if_o we_o do_v not_o wiful_o throw_v ourselves_o into_o it_o he_o have_v take_v away_o all_o that_o gild_n and_o all_o that_o punishment_n due_a to_o our_o sin_n which_o we_o be_v afraid_a of_o if_o we_o have_v but_o sincere_o and_o timely_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o though_o death_n summon_v we_o to_o judgement_n and_o we_o know_v ourselves_o criminal_n yet_o by_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o we_o have_v our_o pardon_n sign_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o heaven_n will_v certain_o allow_v of_o it_o to_o a_o christian_n if_o he_o have_v not_o forfeit_v it_o by_o a_o desperate_a impenitence_n true_o and_o sincere_a and_o perfect_a repentance_n will_v free_v we_o in_o great_a measure_n from_o the_o fear_n and_o horror_n of_o death_n when_o it_o come_v near_o we_o our_o sin_n indeed_o will_v then_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o scare_v we_o when_o death_n set_v they_o in_o order_n before_o we_o but_o we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o assurance_n of_o heaven_n that_o if_o we_o have_v due_o repent_v of_o they_o they_o shall_v no_o way_n hurt_v or_o endanger_v we_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o they_o shall_v no_o way_n make_v we_o afraid_a for_o this_o perhaps_o will_v not_o become_v a_o very_a modest_a and_o humble_a and_o penitent_a sinner_n to_o be_v quite_o fearless_a but_o he_o will_v have_v great_a hope_n with_o his_o fear_n and_o very_o cheerful_a and_o comfortable_a ground_n that_o shall_v great_o lessen_v and_o abate_v they_o the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n prov._n 13.32_o hope_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v pardon_v in_o and_o through_o christ_n and_o that_o whenever_o he_o go_v hence_o
body_n and_o the_o great_a outward_a evil_n that_o can_v ever_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o their_o mind_n and_o spirit_n have_v be_v cheerful_a and_o erect_a and_o despise_v the_o threaten_n of_o tyrant_n and_o bear_v the_o great_a torture_n of_o body_n and_o the_o hard_a calamity_n of_o this_o world_n thus_o do_v all_o the_o martyr_n and_o thus_o do_v many_o good_a man_n and_o good_a christian_n enjoy_v a_o inward_a happiness_n of_o mind_n a_o peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o delight_n of_o conscience_n under_o a_o painful_a and_o sickly_a body_n a_o poor_a and_o necessitous_a condition_n and_o under_o a_o great_a many_o outward_a evil_n which_o they_o be_v here_o subject_a to_o but_o there_o be_v some_o close_a and_o more_o inward_a evil_n feel_v by_o other_o a_o guilty_a and_o uneasy_a mind_n a_o trouble_a and_o disquiet_a conscience_n a_o scare_v dread_a of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n hang_v over_o their_o head_n and_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n and_o look_v for_o of_o judgement_n which_o shall_v devour_v they_o in_o a_o little_a time_n these_o be_v such_o dreadful_a evil_n as_o sink_v down_o a_o man_n mind_n and_o oppress_v it_o with_o a_o insupportable_a burden_n great_a than_o it_o can_v bear_v and_o swallow_v it_o up_o in_o a_o gulf_n of_o unspeakable_a and_o intolerable_a misery_n this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o worst_a of_o misery_n to_o which_o no_o other_o misery_n nor_o no_o other_o evil_n hear_v that_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v comparable_a as_o the_o wise_a man_n observe_v prov._n 11.14_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n may_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v i_o shall_v consider_v three_o thing_n relate_v to_o such_o a_o wound_a spirit_n or_o trouble_a mind_n i._o how_o little_o all_o other_o evil_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o this_o ii_o how_o dreadful_a and_o insupportable_a that_o be_v iii_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a cure_n or_o remedy_n for_o it_o i._o all_o worldly_a evil_n or_o all_o that_o we_o can_v call_v outward_a misery_n to_o a_o christian_a be_v in_o respect_n of_o that_o but_o like_o a_o small_a wound_n to_o a_o sound_a body_n a_o little_a scratch_n upon_o the_o skin_n which_o though_o it_o may_v pain_v a_o man_n a_o little_a and_o be_v something_o uneasy_a yet_o may_v be_v well_o enough_o bear_v and_o will_v heal_v of_o itself_o or_o by_o the_o help_n of_o proper_a remedy_n so_o long_o as_o it_o touch_v not_o the_o vital_n nor_o come_v near_o the_o great_a vessel_n of_o life_n but_o inward_a misery_n the_o pain_n and_o anguish_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n cause_v by_o his_o sin_n and_o a_o evil_a conscience_n be_v like_o a_o dart_n strike_v through_o his_o liver_n like_o a_o sword_n pierce_v into_o his_o bowel_n or_o his_o very_a heart_n like_o a_o prick_n upon_o a_o nerve_n or_o the_o most_o tender_a and_o vital_a part_n of_o we_o which_o put_v we_o into_o convulsion_n and_o agony_n and_o scatter_v all_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o our_o animal_n spirit_n when_o any_o outward_a affliction_n fall_v upon_o a_o good_a man_n he_o have_v something_o to_o support_v himself_o his_o heart_n stand_v firm_a or_o be_v fix_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n psal_n 112.7_o he_o have_v inward_a spring_n of_o comfort_n rise_v up_o in_o his_o mind_n that_o supply_v it_o with_o fresh_a vigour_n and_o overflow_v and_o refresh_v it_o with_o constant_a recruit_n under_o the_o great_a loss_n and_o disappointment_n here_o he_o be_v sure_a he_o can_v lose_v heaven_n if_o he_o take_v care_n to_o live_v well_o nor_o be_v disappoint_v of_o his_o expectation_n hereafter_o and_o that_o at_o present_a he_o have_v a_o good_a providence_n that_o will_v not_o leave_v he_o destitute_a or_o unprovided_a but_o do_v what_o be_v best_a for_o he_o under_o the_o great_a calumny_n and_o slander_n that_o other_o may_v load_v he_o withal_o which_o be_v as_o uneasy_a as_o any_o thing_n to_o a_o ingenuous_a mind_n yet_o when_o a_o man_n conscience_n acquit_v and_o vindicate_v he_o though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v reproach_v and_o accuse_v he_o he_o have_v more_o peace_n from_o thence_o than_o disturbance_n from_o all_o the_o noise_n and_o clamour_n of_o other_o under_o the_o great_a sickness_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n when_o that_o most_o terrible_a thing_n come_v near_o he_o and_o stand_v before_o he_o though_o he_o may_v not_o be_v whole_o without_o fear_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o without_o hope_n and_o comfort_n too_o but_o now_o what_o shall_v a_o wicked_a man_n do_v under_o all_o these_o when_o his_o mind_n be_v sick_a as_o well_o as_o his_o body_n when_o death_n scare_n he_o and_o come_v as_o he_o think_v to_o torment_v he_o before_o his_o time_n when_o he_o be_v afraid_a to_o die_v and_o yet_o think_v he_o must_v die_v when_o ever_o he_o be_v a_o little_a ill_n how_o often_o do_v such_o a_o one_o die_v how_o often_o do_v he_o taste_v the_o bitterness_n of_o death_n and_o how_o do_v he_o feel_v something_o in_o his_o mind_n worse_o than_o death_n to_o his_o body_n and_o the_o agony_n of_o his_o conscience_n be_v the_o foretaste_n of_o that_o second_o and_o eternal_a death_n this_o show_v how_o dreadful_a and_o unsupportable_a a_o wound_a spirit_n be_v which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n i_o be_v to_o consider_v but_o i_o have_v prevent_v myself_o in_o some_o measure_n with_o what_o i_o have_v say_v already_o and_o i_o dare_v not_o undertake_v full_o to_o describe_v that_o which_o they_o who_o have_v feel_v tell_v we_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o represent_v or_o give_v account_n of_o what_o horror_n they_o have_v be_v in_o what_o dismal_a terror_n they_o have_v lie_v under_o how_o they_o have_v suffer_v as_o they_o imagine_v the_o very_a torment_n of_o hell_n so_o great_a have_v the_o torment_v be_v above_o any_o thing_n else_o they_o can_v ever_o conceive_v or_o have_v a_o idea_n of_o so_o that_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v a_o sensible_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o a_o hell_n and_o if_o a_o fiend_n have_v come_v from_o thence_o and_o with_o the_o ghastly_a look_n and_o the_o frightfull_a appearance_n have_v tell_v we_o what_o he_o feel_v there_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v more_o convince_a nor_o more_o affect_v than_o what_o a_o old_a and_o despair_a sinner_n have_v both_o feel_v and_o confess_v before_o he_o come_v thither_o when_o god_n have_v make_v he_o preach_v this_o without_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o warn_v his_o brethren_n from_o the_o like_a sin_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o make_v they_o repent_v and_o not_o come_v into_o that_o state_n of_o torment_n when_o without_o go_v to_o the_o other_o world_n or_o have_v a_o messenger_n come_v from_o thence_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v he_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n like_o cain_n that_o his_o sin_n and_o his_o punishment_n be_v great_a than_o he_o can_v hear_v gen._n 4.13_o when_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n have_v lie_v heavy_a upon_o he_o and_o the_o arrow_n of_o the_o almighty_a have_v stick_v fast_o in_o he_o and_o he_o have_v be_v force_v to_o drink_v of_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o almighty_a as_o job_n express_v it_o job_n 21.20_o or_o as_o the_o psalmist_n more_o full_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o psal_n 75.8_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v a_o cup_n and_o the_o wine_n be_v red_a it_o be_v full_a of_o mixture_n and_o he_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o same_o the_o dregs_o whereof_o the_o wicked_a shall_v wring_v out_o and_o drink_v of_o they_o this_o bitter_a cup_n of_o god_n wrath_n mix_v with_o all_o the_o poisonous_a extract_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n the_o wicked_a have_v be_v force_v to_o drink_v and_o have_v find_v that_o these_o be_v not_o vain_a and_o empty_a word_n but_o real_a and_o sensible_a thing_n that_o we_o want_v proper_a word_n to_o express_v for_o all_o the_o terrible_a idea_n and_o representation_n come_v very_o short_a of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o to_o be_v whip_v with_o snake_n and_o lash_v with_o scorpion_n to_o have_v hot_a burn_a torch_n and_o flame_a sword_n hold_v and_o apply_v to_o we_o which_o be_v the_o metaphorical_a description_n of_o these_o torture_n of_o conscience_n be_v far_o short_a of_o what_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o nothing_o indeed_o can_v come_v nigh_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v what_o we_o feel_v in_o pain_n or_o pleasure_n to_o be_v ever_o draw_v full_o and_o to_o the_o life_n in_o picture_n when_o a_o man_n feel_v something_o in_o himself_o that_o nothing_o else_o be_v like_a when_o his_o soul_n be_v overwhelm_v with_o the_o deep_a passion_n of_o remorse_n anguish_n and_o despair_n when_o god_n hide_v his_o face_n and_o take_v away_o all_o comfort_n from_o he_o when_o he_o have_v no_o more_o hope_n of_o
restitution_n for_o it_o even_o before_o he_o be_v apprehend_v and_o before_o the_o thought_n and_o terror_n of_o death_n fright_v he_o into_o it_o and_o herein_o may_v lie_v a_o mighty_a difference_n for_o if_o a_o man_n upon_o the_o reflection_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n he_o be_v in_o thereby_o shall_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n set_v these_o thing_n home_o upon_o his_o mind_n strong_o fix_v and_o exciting_a these_o thought_n in_o he_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o good_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o become_v better_a and_o do_v strengthen_v and_o make_v good_a these_o by_o his_o action_n and_o thus_o begin_v to_o be_v good_a and_o cease_v to_o be_v wicked_a not_o from_o a_o sudden_a fright_n and_o fear_n of_o death_n but_o from_o the_o conviction_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o free_a and_o full_a persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v like_a to_o remain_v and_o continue_v with_o he_o this_o put_v he_o into_o a_o much_o better_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o be_v more_o true_o repentance_n than_o that_o which_o arise_v in_o man_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v when_o they_o have_v a_o force_n put_v upon_o they_o which_o almost_o take_v away_o the_o true_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o their_o will_n and_o therefore_o what_o they_o do_v then_o be_v owe_v whole_o to_o that_o and_o cease_v general_o when_o that_o be_v remove_v as_o to_o the_o thief_n we_o know_v not_o what_o his_o case_n be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v mere_a conjecture_n to_o suppose_v he_o do_v not_o repent_v till_o he_o come_v to_o die_v and_o it_o be_v the_o most_o groundless_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o apply_v his_o case_n to_o that_o of_o a_o wicked_a man_n who_o repent_v not_o till_o he_o find_v he_o must_v quick_o die_v when_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v his_o be_v perfect_o different_a that_o he_o be_v neither_o a_o very_a wicked_a man_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o as_o for_o that_o single_a act_n of_o wickedness_n which_o be_v record_v of_o he_o that_o he_o may_v repent_v of_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o commit_v it_o and_o that_o may_v be_v many_o year_n before_o he_o suffer_v for_o it_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v make_v no_o certain_a judgement_n by_o it_o much_o less_o raise_v a_o doctrine_n from_o it_o which_o suppose_v those_o two_o thing_n which_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v may_v be_v both_o false_a and_o than_o who_o will_v venture_v his_o soul_n upon_o such_o a_o mere_a uncertainty_n as_o that_o another_o man_n who_o he_o know_v very_o little_a of_o do_v not_o repent_v till_o he_o come_v to_o die_v and_o live_v very_o ill_a all_o the_o while_n before_o neither_o of_o which_o may_v be_v true_a but_o if_o they_o be_v yet_o 3._o how_o can_v he_o tell_v but_o this_o may_v be_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o such_o as_o no_o way_n belong_v to_o he_o nor_o to_o any_o other_o sinner_n whatsoever_o what_o if_o christ_n to_o show_v the_o wonderful_a and_o miraculous_a power_n of_o his_o cross_n towards_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n be_v please_v to_o give_v a_o uncommon_a and_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o it_o at_o that_o time_n such_o as_o no_o other_o sinner_n shall_v ever_o expect_v the_o like_a unless_o christ_n shall_v again_o come_v down_o and_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n with_o he_o what_o if_o god_n who_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n be_v please_v to_o let_v this_o penitent_a thief_n be_v a_o singular_a example_n of_o his_o unlimited_a power_n and_o prerogative_n to_o save_v beyond_o all_o ordinary_a rule_n because_o of_o his_o die_v at_o that_o time_n with_o christ_n this_o do_v no_o more_o make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o stand_n and_o certain_a measure_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o other_o than_o a_o prince_n show_v some_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o mercy_n to_o a_o few_o person_n when_o he_o come_v first_o to_o his_o crown_n and_o release_n all_o prisoner_n at_o his_o inauguration_n declare_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o constant_a rule_n of_o his_o government_n or_o that_o his_o subject_n shall_v have_v reason_n to_o expect_v this_o at_o other_o time_n from_o he_o thus_o the_o case_n may_v be_v extraordinary_a as_o to_o god_n but_o i_o rather_o lay_v it_o as_o such_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o person_n himself_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n not_o only_o to_o die_v with_o christ_n and_o to_o bear_v he_o company_n upon_o the_o cross_n but_o to_o confess_v and_o own_v he_o there_o in_o the_o face_n of_o all_o his_o enemy_n who_o be_v then_o flout_v and_o revile_v he_o when_o this_o good_a man_n be_v own_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n call_v he_o lord_n and_o pray_v he_o to_o remember_v he_o when_o he_o come_v into_o his_o kingdom_n so_o that_o he_o declare_v the_o most_o illustrious_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o he_o that_o can_v be_v great_a than_o his_o own_o disciple_n than_o have_v for_o they_o do_v not_o so_o clear_o believe_v and_o understand_v his_o kingdom_n not_o to_o be_v of_o this_o world_n and_o they_o all_o forsake_v he_o and_o flee_v when_o this_o man_n alone_o bear_v witness_v to_o he_o before_o the_o scoff_a jew_n and_o all_o his_o barbarous_a crucifier_n which_o be_v be_v a_o martyr_n to_o he_o though_o not_o for_o he_o a_o confess_v he_o in_o his_o death_n though_o not_o by_o it_o and_o he_o that_o do_v thus_o confess_v christ_n before_o man_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o do_v it_o when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o low_a and_o most_o contemptible_a state_n and_o who_o probable_o be_v for_o this_o treat_v with_o more_o insult_a mockery_n if_o not_o worse_a usage_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o own_o crucifier_n be_v it_o any_o wonder_n that_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n matth._n 10.32_o shall_v confess_v such_o a_o one_o before_o his_o father_n in_o heaven_n and_o that_o he_o who_o suffer_v with_o he_o and_o so_o eminent_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o and_o be_v save_v and_o receive_v into_o his_o kingdom_n can_v a_o wicked_a and_o careless_a sinner_n who_o have_v deny_v christ_n by_o his_o life_n who_o have_v affront_v disobey_v and_o contemn_v he_o who_o in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n have_v crucify_v to_o himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n heb._n 6.6_o by_o apostatise_v from_o his_o baptism_n and_o by_o a_o unchristian_a life_n can_v such_o a_o one_o expect_v to_o have_v the_o same_o treatment_n and_o usage_n from_o our_o saviour_n for_o a_o few_o die_a sorrow_n and_o empty_a vow_n and_o little_a remorse_n as_o this_o famous_a convert_n this_o great_a confessor_n this_o eminent_a martyr_n this_o apostle_n of_o christ_n as_o i_o may_v call_v he_o who_o preach_v he_o upon_o the_o cross_n before_o his_o great_a enemy_n and_o seal_v his_o illustrious_a faith_n in_o he_o with_o his_o die_a word_n and_o his_o last_o breath_n no_o sure_o the_o case_n must_v be_v very_o different_a between_o he_o and_o a_o ordinary_a and_o profligate_v sinner_n a_o wicked_a and_o vile_a christian_a i_o do_v not_o think_v any_o far_o fetch_v notion_n necessary_a to_o salve_v this_o matter_n of_o the_o thief_n salvation_n by_o suppose_v he_o with_o a_o late_a author_n to_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o baptism_n the_o baptismus_fw-la sanguinis_fw-la and_o then_o that_o baptism_n will_v save_v a_o man_n without_o obedience_n and_o a_o good_a life_n for_o i_o deny_v that_o baptism_n have_v any_o such_o grace_n or_o benefit_n as_o without_o those_o to_o save_v a_o wicked_a man_n though_o he_o shall_v be_v baptise_a in_o articulo_fw-la mortis_fw-la when_o he_o be_v just_o a_o die_a for_o if_o a_o new_o baptise_a person_n be_v not_o actual_o a_o good_a man_n in_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o god_n will_v accept_v by_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n his_o baptism_n shall_v not_o save_v he_o though_o it_o put_v he_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n if_o he_o be_v so_o but_o not_o otherwise_o as_o be_v plain_a by_o simon_n magus_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o specifical_o different_a before_o baptism_n and_o after_o but_o only_o gradual_o if_o they_o be_v a_o man_n will_v defer_v his_o baptism_n till_o near_o his_o death_n as_o some_o do_v of_o old_a upon_o this_o mistake_a notion_n of_o such_o a_o baptismal_a grace_n as_o save_v a_o man_n by_o a_o outward_a without_o a_o inward_a regeneration_n and_o real_a holiness_n the_o actual_a proof_n and_o sign_n of_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n require_v in_o the_o adult_n before_o they_o admit_v they_o to_o
we_o by_o our_o baptism_n he_o who_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v this_o inward_a principle_n infuse_v into_o he_o and_o stir_v with_o his_o fear_n at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v but_o a_o abortive_a christian_a and_o have_v neither_o the_o new_a birth_n or_o regeneration_n nor_o the_o divine_a life_n in_o he_o 4_o the_o great_a prejudice_n against_o this_o doctrine_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v too_o severe_a and_o will_v tend_v to_o make_v we_o judge_v over-hard_o of_o other_o and_o to_o throw_v die_v sinner_n into_o despair_n as_o be_v in_o a_o hopeless_a state_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o hinder_v their_o repentance_n at_o that_o time_n as_o be_v insufficient_a and_o ineffectual_a to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o severe_a than_o the_o gospel_n be_v which_o shut_v every_o wilful_a sinner_n out_o of_o heaven_n and_o pronounce_v damnation_n upon_o every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o live_v a_o good_a life_n at_o least_o after_o a_o bad_a one_o which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o repentance_n but_o we_o must_v make_v a_o new_a gospel_n if_o we_o abate_v of_o this_o and_o come_v low_a than_o be_v any_o way_n consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o government_n and_o with_o secure_v virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o not_o open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o looseness_n and_o licentiousness_n and_o encourage_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n rather_o than_o bring_v they_o off_o from_o they_o i_o believe_v indeed_o it_o be_v more_o out_n of_o pity_n and_o tenderness_n than_o any_o good_a ground_n in_o reason_n or_o scripture_n that_o the_o other_o doctrine_n have_v take_v place_n but_o we_o must_v not_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o a_o unreasonable_a tenderness_n and_o by_o pretend_v to_o be_v more_o merciful_a than_o god_n be_v or_o have_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v and_o it_o be_v i_o doubt_v the_o great_a cruelty_n to_o our_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n thus_o to_o deceive_v they_o into_o ruin_n by_o give_v they_o hope_n contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o account_v it_o the_o great_a charity_n to_o forewarn_v man_n of_o their_o danger_n and_o to_o free_v they_o from_o such_o a_o fatal_a mistake_n it_o do_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v we_o to_o judge_v other_o man_n and_o apply_v this_o doctrine_n to_o they_o as_o to_o ourselves_o god_n be_v their_o proper_a judge_n to_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o leave_v they_o and_o to_o their_o own_o master_n they_o shall_v stand_v or_o fall_v at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o it_o be_v more_o dangerous_a to_o assume_v a_o sort_n of_o power_n to_o dispense_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o our_o pretend_a charity_n and_o to_o give_v a_o relaxation_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n out_o of_o undue_a piety_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o blame_v and_o condemn_v god_n and_o think_v he_o deal_v more_o hardly_o with_o sinner_n than_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o then_o we_o ourselves_o will_v do_v when_o he_o pronounce_v damnation_n upon_o they_o for_o their_o bad_a life_n and_o will_v not_o save_v they_o for_o their_o die_a repentance_n out_o of_o this_o principle_n of_o pity_n other_o have_v go_v far_o and_o deny_v the_o eternity_n of_o hellish_a torment_n and_o have_v think_v it_o too_o hard_a that_o god_n shall_v punish_v the_o sin_n of_o a_o short_a life_n with_o never-ending_a pain_n and_o have_v therefore_o think_v good_a in_o their_o great_a pity_n to_o release_v all_o the_o damn_a and_o even_o the_o devil_n themselves_o out_o of_o hell_n within_o so_o many_o year_n but_o this_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o measure_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n better_o than_o god_n himself_o to_o prescribe_v new_a one_o to_o he_o contrary_a to_o what_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o to_o set_v up_o a_o court_n of_o equity_n upon_o he_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o to_o correct_v the_o fix_a rule_n and_o declare_v measure_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n with_o some_o other_o of_o our_o own_o which_o sure_o be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v as_o to_o the_o drive_a sinner_n into_o despair_n by_o this_o doctrine_n this_o can_v be_v say_v of_o those_o who_o have_v time_n before_o they_o to_o repent_v and_o live_v better_o if_o they_o make_v use_v of_o it_o and_o nothing_o will_v more_o strong_o excite_v they_o and_o more_o immediate_o put_v they_o upon_o this_o than_o the_o faithful_a and_o open_a tell_v they_o the_o truth_n as_o i_o have_v do_v and_o take_v they_o off_o from_o all_o hope_n and_o trust_n of_o a_o die_a repentance_n which_o have_v destroy_v so_o many_o soul_n as_o for_o the_o die_a sinner_n himself_o however_o i_o pity_v he_o i_o dare_v not_o give_v he_o hope_n far_o than_o i_o have_v warrant_n from_o god_n and_o authority_n from_o the_o gospel_n which_o no_o minister_n can_v have_v to_o assure_v he_o of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n from_o a_o mere_a late_a and_o deathbed_n repentance_n he_o can_v only_o advise_v such_o a_o one_o to_o do_v all_o he_o can_v at_o that_o time_n which_o may_v help_v if_o not_o whole_o to_o remit_v his_o punishment_n yet_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o abate_v and_o mitigate_v it_o which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a thing_n and_o commend_v he_o to_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o uncovenant_v mercy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o limit_v by_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o recitude_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n to_o which_o we_o must_v leave_v some_o great_a case_n not_o know_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o ourselves_o but_o as_o to_o the_o ordinary_a and_o covenant_v mercy_n of_o god_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v limit_v and_o which_o ought_v not_o be_v stretch_v or_o extend_v any_o more_o than_o narrow_v or_o confine_v to_o any_o other_o bound_n than_o those_o of_o the_o gospel_n such_o a_o repentance_n have_v no_o title_n to_o it_o by_o any_o promise_n there_o that_o i_o know_v of_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n venture_v my_o soul_n upon_o it_o nor_o will_v have_v any_o man_n else_o to_o do_v so_o for_o beside_o all_o other_o hazard_n of_o a_o sudden_a death_n and_o the_o like_a that_o attend_v such_o a_o repentance_n it_o be_v venture_v whither_o god_n will_v not_o break_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o at_o least_o abate_v they_o and_o be_v more_o merciful_a than_o he_o have_v there_o promise_v to_o be_v which_o no_o man_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o expect_v he_o shall_v be_v but_o rather_o a_o great_a deal_n to_o question_v whether_o he_o can_v be_v let_v none_o of_o we_o therefore_o trust_v to_o such_o a_o late_a and_o deathbed_n repentance_n which_o will_v expose_v we_o not_o only_o to_o infinite_a danger_n but_o to_o inevitable_a and_o certain_a ruin_n nor_o let_v we_o believe_v any_o such_o doctrine_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n either_o from_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross_n or_o from_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o scripture_n to_o be_v rely_v on_o but_o however_o severe_a the_o other_o doctrine_n be_v let_v we_o consider_v it_o be_v true_a as_o i_o shall_v full_o prove_v it_o be_v and_o i_o know_v no_o mischief_n of_o its_o severiry_n but_o this_o which_o be_v the_o plain_a consequence_n of_o it_o that_o we_o must_v not_o delay_v our_o repentance_n but_o take_v care_n to_o live_v a_o good_a life_n if_o we_o hope_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n sect_n iii_o the_o invalidity_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n show_v from_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n have_v examine_v and_o answer_v the_o plea_n and_o pretence_n on_o behalf_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n i_o shall_v show_v its_o invalidity_n and_o insufficiency_n by_o such_o plain_a and_o positive_a proof_n as_o shall_v take_v away_o that_o common_a error_n and_o fatal_a mistake_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o full_o confirm_v and_o establish_v my_o opinion_n against_o it_o the_o first_o whereof_o shall_v be_v that_o excellent_a parable_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n matth._n 25._o especial_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o it_o at_o the_o 10_o 11_o 12._o verse_n for_o i_o shall_v not_o represent_v it_o entire_a in_o all_o the_o part_n but_o only_o what_o be_v more_o full_a and_o home_o to_o my_o purpose_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o while_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v and_o they_o that_o be_v ready_a go_v in_o with_o he_o to_o the_o marriage_n and_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v afterward_o come_v also_o the_o other_o virgin_n say_v lord_n lord_n open_a to_o we_o but_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v very_o i_o know_v you_o not_o parable_n be_v a_o eastern_a and_o jewish_a way_n of_o instruction_n very_o frequent_o use_v by_o their_o wiseman_n and_o so_o make_v customary_a
to_o the_o people_n for_o all_o form_n and_o mode_n and_o habit_n of_o speech_n like_o those_o of_o clothes_n will_v look_v odd_a and_o antic_a and_o uncouth_a that_o be_v not_o so_o as_o they_o be_v very_o ancient_a and_o very_a common_a among_o they_o and_o from_o thence_o take_v up_o by_o our_o saviour_n so_o they_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o nature_n and_o a_o most_o useful_a lively_a and_o familiar_a way_n of_o represent_v any_o truth_n or_o doctrine_n by_o way_n of_o history_n and_o similitude_n they_o show_v we_o the_o thing_n in_o a_o image_n and_o picture_n so_o that_o we_o see_v it_o as_o it_o be_v before_o we_o and_o it_o thereby_o make_v a_o strong_a impression_n upon_o both_o the_o fancy_n and_o the_o memory_n and_o they_o set_v we_o a_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o it_o by_o which_o we_o may_v the_o most_o easy_o comprehend_v understand_v and_o remember_v it_o and_o have_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o scene_n draw_v before_o our_o eye_n and_o act_v before_o we_o which_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a way_n by_o which_o mankind_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v move_v and_o affect_v abstract_a naked_a truth_n be_v many_o time_n too_o fine_a for_o their_o gross_a thought_n and_o understanding_n and_o they_o can_v conceive_v spiritual_a thing_n so_o well_o as_o when_o they_o be_v dress_v up_o in_o another_o garb_n and_o bring_v down_o to_o their_o sense_n most_o of_o our_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n be_v form_v by_o such_o idea_n and_o image_n on_o the_o brain_n and_o mind_n as_o be_v the_o draught_n and_o model_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o parable_n have_v these_o two_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o strong_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v imagery_n or_o picture_n act_v or_o representation_n by_o example_n now_o in_o these_o dramatical_a composure_n and_o instruction_n there_o be_v a_o main_a plot_n or_o one_o chief_a and_o principal_a design_n run_v through_o the_o whole_a and_o be_v chief_o aim_v at_o and_o carry_v on_o in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o act_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v mind_v as_o the_o scope_n and_o aim_n of_o the_o parable_n the_o air_n and_o countenance_n and_o eye_n as_o i_o may_v call_v it_o of_o this_o moral_a picture_n which_o look_v upon_o such_o a_o principal_a truth_n doctrine_n and_o instruction_n as_o what_o it_o intend_v chief_o to_o convey_v and_o represent_v thereby_o to_o our_o mind_n now_o the_o very_a scope_n and_o drift_n and_o design_n of_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n be_v to_o show_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v always_o prepare_v and_o provide_v for_o another_o world_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o enter_v into_o heaven_n by_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v do_v on_o a_o sudden_a when_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v just_a a_o come_n and_o when_o death_n be_v just_a upon_o we_o and_o very_o near_o we_o and_o we_o be_v unprepared_a before_o for_o it_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v plain_o mean_v and_o import_v and_o aim_v at_o by_o it_o 1._o that_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o heaven_n without_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a habit_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n 2._o that_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v or_o attain_v on_o a_o sudden_a 3._o that_o without_o those_o we_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o heaven_n notwithstanding_o our_o most_o earnest_a desire_n prayer_n and_o entreaty_n and_o all_o other_o application_n we_o can_v make_v to_o enter_v in_o 1._o that_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o heaven_n without_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a habit_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n those_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o oil_n which_o the_o wise_a virgin_n have_v in_o their_o vessel_n but_o the_o foolish_a be_v without_o and_o not_o sensible_a of_o the_o need_n of_o it_o till_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o think_v that_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v happy_a and_o fit_a for_o heaven_n without_o those_o be_v as_o foolish_a and_o inconsiderate_a as_o to_o think_v that_o a_o lamp_n will_v burn_v without_o oil_n without_o that_o which_o be_v to_o feed_v and_o constitute_v and_o maintain_v the_o flame_n virtue_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n in_o which_o the_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n consist_v the_o high_a improvement_n of_o all_o its_o faculty_n and_o capacity_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o peace_n joy_n bliss_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o it_o can_v have_v in_o itself_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o the_o only_a qualification_n to_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o receive_v all_o the_o happiness_n that_o can_v be_v communicate_v to_o it_o without_o these_o as_o we_o be_v unworthy_a of_o be_v receive_v into_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o high_a reward_n which_o god_n appoint_v to_o those_o who_o most_o faithful_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o and_o which_o he_o will_v never_o give_v to_o such_o vile_a and_o undeserving_a wretch_n as_o have_v contemn_v it_o all_o their_o life_n and_o not_o think_v it_o worth_a any_o of_o their_o pain_n and_o endeavour_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v bar_v and_o exclude_v all_o wilful_a sinner_n out_o of_o it_o of_o what_o kind_n soever_o by_o a_o positive_a decree_n and_o declaration_n 1_o cor._n 6.10_o galat._n 5.19_o 20._o so_o they_o shut_v out_o themselves_o by_o a_o natural_a incapacity_n and_o unfitness_n for_o heaven_n be_v the_o place_n and_o region_n of_o the_o pure_a virtue_n and_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o godlike_a holiness_n and_o nothing_o else_o can_v dwell_v there_o or_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o it_o a_o old_a sinner_n with_o his_o corrupt_a habit_n and_o deprave_a and_o vicious_a inclination_n about_o he_o will_v find_v nothing_o there_o to_o entertain_v he_o no_o suitable_a object_n or_o proper_a action_n to_o delight_n and_o please_v he_o but_o will_v be_v as_o unfit_a to_o be_v take_v from_o his_o vice_n and_o put_v into_o heaven_n as_o a_o swine_n from_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n to_o be_v place_v on_o a_o throne_n as_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o such_o impurity_n to_o appraoch_n that_o holy_a place_n nor_o any_o unclean_a thing_n to_o enter_v into_o it_o so_o it_o can_v not_o be_v suppose_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v the_o proper_a and_o spiritual_a happiness_n of_o it_o till_o it_o be_v very_o much_o change_v and_o alter_v and_o bring_v off_o from_o the_o love_n of_o vice_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n and_o so_o fit_v to_o partake_v both_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o one_o and_o the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v certain_a none_o but_o good_a man_n shall_v enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n above_o which_o god_n have_v lay_v up_o for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o all_o other_o be_v both_o unworthy_a and_o uncapable_a to_o enjoy_v they_o and_o shall_v never_o taste_v of_o any_o part_n of_o they_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v by_o a_o few_o consideration_n 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n 2._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o heaven_n as_o a_o gift_n and_o reward_n 3._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o happiness_n 4._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o it_o 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o standard_n and_o measure_n both_o of_o all_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n too_o so_o that_o the_o more_o any_o be_v approach_n to_o that_o the_o near_a it_o be_v to_o happiness_n and_o the_o more_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o that_o the_o more_o miserable_a it_o must_v necessary_o be_v now_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n by_o which_o we_o can_v be_v like_o god_n and_o become_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n and_o the_o great_a resemblance_n of_o his_o glorious_a perfection_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v advance_v we_o to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o happiness_n that_o which_o make_v the_o devil_n themselves_o such_o miserable_a wretch_n nay_o hell_n itself_o so_o wretched_a a_o state_n be_v their_o contrariety_n and_o repugnancy_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n their_o be_v so_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n their_o not_o have_v the_o least_o ray_n of_o divine_a goodness_n and_o holiness_n to_o dwell_v in_o that_o place_n of_o darkness_n the_o sink_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o heaven_n itself_o be_v therefore_o so_o happy_a so_o blissful_a a_o place_n because_o it_o be_v the_o region_n of_o all_o divine_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n because_o it_o advance_v we_o to_o a_o godlike_a state_n and_o perfection_n and_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o near_a likeness_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v the_o
laugh_v at_o they_o sometime_o and_o will_v seem_v in_o his_o high_a mirth_n to_o have_v courage_n enough_o to_o make_v a_o jest_n of_o they_o to_o other_o yet_o he_o fear_v they_o in_o good_a earnest_n and_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o when_o he_o be_v alone_o and_o when_o death_n bring_v they_o near_o to_o he_o he_o be_v scare_v and_o terrify_v and_o have_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o their_o reality_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n what_o a_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a condition_n be_v he_o then_o in_o when_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n and_o the_o great_a terror_n of_o hell_n be_v set_v before_o he_o when_o all_o about_o he_o be_v horror_n and_o misery_n and_o the_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n when_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o look_v back_o upon_o but_o the_o bitter_a memory_n of_o his_o past_a sin_n and_o no_o prospect_n before_o he_o but_o the_o unknown_a and_o unconceivable_a torment_n of_o another_o world_n when_o go_n anger_n lie_v heavy_a upon_o he_o and_o sink_v he_o into_o the_o deep_a gulf_n of_o despair_n and_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n be_v ready_a to_o swallow_v he_o up_o and_o to_o devour_v he_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n what_o a_o instance_n of_o misery_n be_v here_o what_o a_o picture_n of_o hell_n nay_o what_o a_o real_a and_o sensible_a hell_n be_v there_o then_o before_o we_o who_o that_o stand_v by_o the_o bed_n of_o such_o a_o die_a wretch_n and_o draw_v the_o curtain_n and_o see_v the_o agony_n and_o hear_v the_o doleful_a expression_n of_o such_o a_o miserable_a creature_n will_v not_o be_v deep_o affect_v with_o such_o a_o sad_a state_n as_o he_o see_v a_o man_n put_v into_o by_o sin_n and_o impenitence_n who_o will_v not_o then_o think_v virtue_n and_o religion_n very_o comfortable_a and_o very_a desirable_a thing_n and_o much_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o sinful_a looseness_n and_o extravagance_n who_o will_v not_o then_o give_v all_o the_o world_n either_o that_o he_o have_v not_o sin_v or_o that_o he_o have_v repent_v in_o time_n and_o so_o not_o bring_v himself_o into_o that_o remediless_a state_n of_o present_a and_o future_a torment_n repentance_n if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o sincere_a will_v prevent_v a_o sinner_n come_v to_o this_o which_o will_v otherwise_o certain_o be_v his_o portion_n and_o he_o can_v never_o escape_v it_o in_o this_o world_n if_o he_o be_v not_o stupid_a but_o to_o be_v sure_a not_o in_o the_o next_o now_o who_o that_o know_v he_o must_v die_v in_o a_o little_a time_n and_o that_o then_o at_o further_a this_o will_n be_v his_o case_n if_o he_o go_v on_o in_o his_o sin_n and_o be_v not_o timely_o bring_v off_o from_o they_o will_v ever_o mad_o continue_v in_o they_o and_o not_o break_v they_o off_o by_o repentance_n when_o he_o be_v all_o the_o while_n expose_v to_o this_o dreadful_a danger_n and_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o fear_n and_o misery_n of_o another_o world_n how_o comfortable_a be_v it_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o those_o and_o to_o live_v in_o such_o a_o state_n that_o a_o man_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n nor_o to_o be_v scare_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o another_o world_n but_o whenever_o it_o come_v he_o can_v welcome_v it_o cheerful_o or_o at_o least_o submit_v to_o it_o patient_o without_o horror_n and_o distraction_n and_o have_v reasonable_a and_o wellgrounded_n hope_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o he_o hereafter_o full_a assurance_n he_o may_v never_o have_v without_o all_o manner_n of_o fear_n but_o he_o will_v have_v cheerful_a and_o rational_a hope_n according_a to_o the_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n such_o a_o conditional_a assurance_n every_o one_o have_v by_o a_o faith_n true_o divine_a that_o if_o he_o thus_o repent_v he_o shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v found_v on_o a_o proposition_n that_o be_v divine_o reveal_v and_o so_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o i_o have_v so_o repent_v be_v not_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o of_o private_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o myself_o but_o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v or_o be_v afraid_a if_o i_o know_v upon_o examine_v myself_o that_o i_o have_v forsake_v every_o wilful_a sin_n and_o have_v leave_v the_o ill_a course_n of_o life_n i_o be_v in_o and_o will_v not_o for_o any_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n commit_v a_o wilful_a sin_n though_o i_o be_v never_o so_o much_o tempt_v to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o in_o my_o power_n and_o that_o i_o have_v thus_o endeavour_v to_o live_v and_o to_o do_v my_o duty_n sincere_o to_o god_n and_o man_n though_o with_o great_a imperfection_n and_o infirmity_n still_o upon_o i_o this_o will_v give_v we_o a_o rational_a and_o a_o moral_a assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v all_o we_o can_v have_v without_o a_o particular_a revelation_n how_o will_v this_o cheer_n and_o support_v a_o man_n when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v how_o will_v it_o take_v out_o the_o 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restore_v we_o to_o his_o favour_n who_o be_v before_o angry_a and_o displease_v with_o we_o we_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n by_o our_o wicked_a work_n and_o alienate_v from_o he_o coloss_n 1.21_o our_o iniquity_n have_v separate_v between_o we_o and_o our_o god_n and_o our_o sin_n have_v hide_v his_o face_n from_o we_o isa_n 59.2_o it_o be_v they_o make_v the_o only_a breach_n and_o separation_n between_o god_n and_o his_o creature_n and_o provoke_v he_o who_o be_v love_n and_o goodness_n to_o put_v on_o wrath_n and_o anger_n and_o become_v even_o a_o consume_a fire_n so_o that_o his_o anger_n be_v say_v to_o be_v kindle_v against_o sinner_n and_o wax_v hot_a against_o they_o and_o he_o pour_v