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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n christian_a holy_a life_n 1,005 5 4.1291 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A44431 The almost Christian discovered, in some sermons on Acts 26, 28 with a blow at profaneness / by the R.R. Ezekiel Hopkins, late Lord Bishop of London-Derry ; to which is added the upright Christian discovered, gathered out of the judicious treatises of William Bates, D.D. Hopkins, Ezekiel, 1634-1690.; Bates, William, 1625-1699. 1693 (1693) Wing H2728; ESTC R13653 54,869 143

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〈…〉_o it_o a_o name_n to_o be_v sport_v with_o to_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o upon_o every_o light_n and_o vain_a tongue_n whenever_o we_o ●●ntion_v it_o we_o ought_v too_o how_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o dee●est_a prostration_n before_o it_o to_o which_o all_o the_o power_n an●_n heaven_n and_o earth_n bow_v down_o with_o most_o humble_a veneration_n can_v thou_o in_o duty_n easy_o compose_v thyself_o to_o reverence_v the_o holy_a and_o dreadful_a name_n when_o thou_o have_v accustom_v thyself_o to_o name_v he_o without_o any_o respect_n in_o thy_o common_a discourse_n let_v i_o beseech_v you_o o_o christian_n as_o you_o tender_v his_o glory_n of_o which_o he_o be_v jealous_a whensoever_o you_o speak_v of_o god_n or_o but_o mention_v his_o name_n do_v it_o with_o a_o holy_a awe_n and_o dread_a of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n and_o you_o who_o be_v master_n of_o family_n and_o have_v child_n beware_v that_o you_o stop_v in_o they_o the_o grow_a sin_n of_o profane_v god_n name_n to_o attest_v any_o thing_n by_o their_o faith_n or_o by_o their_o truth_n be_v a_o wicked_a oath_n more_o impious_a in_o effect_n than_o loud_a one_o the_o by_o word_n marry_o be_v no_o less_o than_o swear_v by_o the_o virgin_n mary_n it_o be_v a_o notable_a device_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o bring_v foolish_a mask_v word_n into_o common_a use_n 1._o that_o they_o may_v swear_v who_o use_v they_o though_o they_o know_v it_o not_o and_o 2._o that_o by_o use_v unknown_a oath_n they_o may_v be_v bring_v in_o time_n to_o take_v up_o know_v one_o vehement_a asseveration_n be_v also_o dangerous_a beginning_n of_o oath_n by_o the_o customary_a use_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v insensible_o be_v trip_v upon_o a_o oath_n this_n and_o more_o see_v p._n 163._o and_o up_o and_o down_o on_o the_o three_o commandment_n to_o return_v many_o profane_a god_n sabbath_n invade_v impious_o the_o time_n that_o be_v have_v set_v apart_o for_o himself_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o service_n many_o make_v the_o bible_n their_o jest-book_n prostitute_v those_o expression_n which_o god_n have_v sanctify_v to_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o of_o eternal_a life_n unto_o the_o laughter_n and_o mirth_n of_o their_o loose_a companion_n those_o very_a word_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n the_o devil_n inspire_v into_o these_o prosane_a wretch_n for_o their_o own_o dammation_n and_o the_o damnation_n of_o those_o that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o such_o horrid_a profaneness_n seven_o he_o be_v a_o profane_a person_n who_o despise_v spiritual_a privilege_n and_o e●ments_n upon_o this_o very_a account_n the_o scripture_n set_v a_o black_a an●_n li●le_a brand_n upon_o esau_n leave_v there_o be_v any_o for●●●or_n or_o profane_a person_n as_o esau_n who_o for_o one_o morsel_n of_o meat_n sell_v his_o birthright_n heb._n 12.16_o they_o be_v profane_a who_o vilify_v the_o ministry_n in_o themselves_o and_o in_o other_o who_o dishonour_n god_n ambassador_n and_o who_o despise_v his_o child_n who_o god_n so_o high_o honour_v as_o to_o adopt_v they_o into_o his_o family_n he_o who_o despise_v he_o that_o be_v beget_v despise_v he_o likewise_o that_o beget_v contempt_n of_o child_n and_o servant_n argue_v secret_a contempt_n of_o the_o master_n and_o father_n now_o lay_v these_o thing_n to_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o bring_v they_o home_o to_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o see_v whether_o you_o be_v in_o none_o of_o these_o particular_n guilty_a of_o profaneness_n do_v none_o of_o you_o think_v slight_o of_o religion_n account_v it_o a_o politic_a design_n or_o a_o needless_a preciseness_n be_v none_o of_o you_o negligent_a in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n nor_o in_o private_a and_o family-duty_n or_o if_o you_o perform_v they_o be_v it_o not_o very_o careless_o and_o perfunctory_o or_o if_o you_o seem_v zealous_a in_o they_o be_v not_o your_o zeal_n excite_v by_o some_o temporal_a advantage_n and_o worldly_a design_n do_v you_o not_o make_v that_o common_a and_o unholy_a which_o god_n have_v make_v holy_a either_o by_o abuse_v his_o name_n pollute_v his_o sabbath_n or_o vilify_a his_o word_n in_o your_o ordinary_a raillery_n last_o do_v none_o of_o you_o despise_v spiritual_a privilege_n and_o the_o person_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o they_o if_o you_o do_v how_o fair_a soever_o your_o life_n and_o action_n may_v be_v although_o you_o may_v think_v the_o rude_a debauch_a sinner_n at_o a_o vast_a distance_n from_o yourselves_o and_o account_v he_o the_o only_a profane_a person_n yet_o certain_o this_o black_a stile_n belong_v as_o proper_o to_o you_o and_o you_o be_v prosane_a violator_n of_o the_o first_o commandment_n which_o require_v you_o to_o take_v the_o lord_n for_o your_o god_n and_o according_o to_o honour_n and_o reverence_v he_o and_o whatsoever_o appertain_v unto_o he_o finis_fw-la
advantage_n that_o thing_n have_v to_o commend_v themselves_o to_o their_o judgement_n and_o to_o their_o heart_n first_o sometime_o the_o very_a novelty_n and_o the_o strangeness_n of_o they_o may_v affect_v they_o novelty_n usual_o breed_v delight_n which_o long_a custom_n and_o acquaintance_n do_v abate_v and_o this_o may_v be_v give_v as_o a_o reason_n why_o soon_o after_o conversion_n the_o new_a convert_v affection_n be_v draw_v forth_o more_o strong_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n more_o than_o afterward_o when_o they_o grow_v settle_v and_o stable_a christian_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o of_o the_o very_a novelty_n of_o that_o course_n and_o way_n they_o have_v now_o enter_v into_o which_o affect_v they_o with_o delight_n beside_o the_o real_a desirableness_n which_o be_v in_o those_o way_n themselves_o the_o very_a novelty_n do_v affect_v they_o and_o this_o too_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o though_o many_o be_v turn_v aside_o from_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o from_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o that_o have_v boast_v that_o they_o have_v find_v more_o comfort_n and_o more_o sweet_a affection_n than_o ever_o in_o those_o new_a way_n after_o which_o they_o have_v go_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o because_o those_o way_n have_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o that_o may_v yield_v they_o more_o comfort_n and_o delight_n but_o only_o because_o they_o be_v new_a way_n and_o all_o new_a thing_n will_v for_o the_o present_a stir_n up_o the_o affection_n but_o after_o some_o continuance_n in_o those_o way_n they_o find_v their_o joy_n and_o their_o delight_n to_o slag_n then_o they_o seek_v out_o other_o new_a way_n and_o commend_v they_o as_o much_o and_o no_o wonder_n for_o new_a way_n will_v stir_v up_o new_a affection_n that_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n why_o affection_n may_v be_v stir_v up_o even_o in_o the_o unregenerate_a and_o mere_a carnal_a man_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o mere_a novelty_n of_o they_o second_o good_a affection_n may_v be_v stir_v up_o in_o man_n from_o the_o very_a affect_a nature_n of_o spiritual_a object_n themselves_o for_o spiritual_a object_n may_v affect_v we_o in_o this_o natural_a way_n who_o can_v read_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n passion_n without_o be_v affect_v with_o sorrow_n for_o all_o the_o sorrow_n he_o undergo_v he_o have_v a_o heart_n hard_a than_o rock_n that_o can_v hear_v of_o the_o agony_n and_o scourge_v and_o cruel_a indignity_n offer_v to_o so_o innocent_a and_o excellent_a a_o person_n as_o christ_n be_v that_o suffer_v even_o for_o sinner_n and_o not_o be_v move_v thereby_o to_o grief_n and_o compassion_n and_o yet_o possible_o these_o affection_n may_v be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o will_v be_v excite_v from_o we_o at_o the_o read_n of_o some_o tragedy_n in_o a_o romance_n or_o feign_a story_n three_o affection_n may_v be_v move_v by_o the_o artificial_a rhetoric_n of_o other_o by_o the_o great_a ability_n of_o the_o minister_n who_o we_o hear_v god_n tell_v the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n cap._n 33.32_o thou_o be_v to_o they_o as_o a_o very_a lovely_a song_n they_o may_v sometime_o have_v their_o judgement_n please_v with_o the_o learning_n show_v in_o a_o sermon_n and_o their_o affection_n excite_v by_o the_o oratory_n and_o powerful_a utterance_n of_o it_o but_o these_o though_o they_o be_v very_o good_a help_n to_o excite_v our_o affection_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o true_a test_n of_o spiritual_a affection_n in_o we_o four_o pride_n and_o self-seeking_a may_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n excite_v our_o affection_n man_n may_v be_v much_o deceive_v in_o this_o particular_a for_o instance_n in_o prayer_n they_o may_v think_v they_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o thing_n they_o pray_v for_o when_o possible_o their_o affection_n may_v be_v move_v only_o with_o the_o word_n themselves_o speak_v with_o the_o copious_a free_a and_o admirable_a inventive_a way_n that_o they_o pray_v in_o whereas_o the_o contrite_a break_a spirit_n who_o be_v only_o move_v with_o true_o spiritual_a affection_n may_v not_o be_v so_o large_a and_o so_o copious_a in_o his_o expression_n of_o they_o a_o true_a christian_a may_v groan_v out_o a_o prayer_n that_o can_v compose_v and_o make_v a_o prayer_n that_o have_v a_o sententious_a coherence_n one_o part_n with_o another_o as_o the_o ground_n that_o be_v full_a of_o precious_a mine_n have_v least_o grass_n grow_v upon_o it_o so_o sometime_o in_o holy_a duty_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v most_o full_a of_o grace_n there_o may_v be_v least_o flourish_a of_o expression_n you_o can_v gather_v the_o truth_n of_o save_a grace_n from_o strong_a working_n of_o the_o affection_n which_o may_v sometime_o upon_o these_o account_n be_v deceitful_a and_o wicked_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v have_v affection_n stir_v up_o in_o they_o upon_o these_o ground_n but_o then_o they_o be_v always_o vanish_v and_o fleet_v and_o be_v only_o permanent_a while_o the_o violence_n of_o some_o external_a cause_n do_v excite_v they_o and_o they_o be_v always_o unfruitful_a though_o their_o affection_n may_v stir_v within_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o efficacious_a to_o put_v they_o upon_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o conversation_n sermon_n iii_o 4._o every_o change_n that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o the_o will_n be_v no_o certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n a_o man_n may_v fall_v short_a of_o true_a save_a grace_n when_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a change_n wrought_v upon_o the_o will_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v the_o through_o change_n of_o the_o will_n wherein_o grace_n do_v principal_o consist_v this_o be_v the_o first_o principal_a act_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n without_o which_o whatsoever_o other_o change_n be_v wrought_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o set_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o watch_n to_o the_o right_a hour_n when_o the_o spring_n be_v break_v the_o philosopher_n call_v the_o will_n the_o command_a sway_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o control_v all_o the_o inferior_a faculty_n and_o make_v they_o obey_v its_o inclination_n so_o that_o such_o as_o the_o will_n be_v such_o be_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n in_o set_v forth_o the_o twofold_a state_n of_o man_n do_v it_o by_o show_v the_o temper_n of_o their_o will_n unregenerate_a man_n be_v describe_v by_o their_o wilfulness_n you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n 2_o john_n 4._o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v describe_v by_o their_o willingness_n psal_n 116.3_o they_o shall_v be_v a_o willing_a people_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o power_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v you_o after_o what_o manner_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v work_v this_o renew_n change_n upon_o the_o will._n second_o what_o other_o change_n be_v wrought_v upon_o it_o which_o fall_v short_a of_o true_a grace_n though_o oftentimes_o it_o be_v take_v for_o it_o for_o the_o first_o we_o must_v know_v that_o there_o be_v two_o way_n whereby_o god_n do_v effectual_o change_v the_o heart_n and_o will_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o these_o be_v moral_a swasion_n and_o physical_a determination_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n all_o powerful_a grace_n whereby_o he_o do_v immediate_o turn_v the_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n towards_o himself_o and_o both_o these_o do_v always_o concur_v and_o accrue_v to_o this_o great_a change_n he_o do_v first_o convince_v a_o sinner_n and_o persuade_v he_o of_o the_o rationality_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n of_o the_o vileness_n and_o emptiness_n of_o those_o vain_a thing_n which_o his_o desire_n so_o eager_o pursue_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o clear_o represent_v the_o glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o way_n that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a good_a that_o we_o can_v enjoy_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o enjoy_v he_o but_o by_o love_v and_o serve_v of_o he_o to_o do_v this_o he_o make_v use_v of_o moral_a swasion_n and_o work_n upon_o our_o reason_n by_o cogent_n and_o prevail_a argument_n which_o at_o last_o diffuse_v such_o heavenly_a sweetness_n through_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o make_v he_o disrelish_v those_o fulsome_a delight_n of_o sin_n that_o separate_a from_o that_o infinite_a good_a with_o which_o it_o hold_v comparison_n so_o that_o he_o find_v more_o true_a delight_n in_o god_n and_o his_o way_n and_o more_o allure_a and_o charm_a joy_n in_o they_o than_o ever_o he_o do_v before_o in_o sensual_a pleasure_n more_o be_v thereby_o carry_v forth_o unto_o they_o by_o a_o infallible_a yet_o altogether_o free_a voluntary_a and_o amorous_a motion_n and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o real_a efficiency_n likewise_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o will_n and_o
the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n shine_v into_o a_o wicked_a heart_n it_o do_v but_o tann_n and_o make_v the_o person_n more_o black_a and_o swart_a more_o sinful_a than_o before_o thus_o as_o to_o the_o direct_a understanding_n of_o the_o judgement_n a_o natural_a man_n may_v have_v a_o bright_a clear_a and_o glitter_a light_n concern_v heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a object_n second_o as_o for_o the_o reflex_n understanding_n of_o the_o conscience_n neither_o yet_o the_o peace_n nor_o the_o trouble_v of_o conscience_n be_v such_o a_o attainment_n to_o which_o a_o natural_a mar_n can_v reach_v first_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v have_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a conscience_n indeed_o when_o this_o peace_n be_v true_a it_o be_v always_o a_o effect_n of_o grace_n and_o therefore_o we_o thus_o find_v the●_n couple_v together_o rom._n 1.7_o 1_o cor._n 1.3_o yet_o there_o be_v that_o which_o look_v very_o like_a peace_n of_o conscience_n though_o it_o be_v not_o such_o and_o that_o be_v a_o supine_n presumption_n and_o a_o carnal_a stupidity_n and_o oscitancy_n their_o conscience_n be_v never_o trouble_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o sin_n or_o sense_n of_o wrath_n but_o be_v like_o those_o presumptuous_a sinner_n speak_v of_o deut._n 29.19_o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o he_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o curse_n that_o he_o bless_v himself_o in_o his_o heart_n say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o my_o heart_n etc._n etc._n now_o this_o peace_n be_v found_v only_o upon_o bold_a and_o confident_a persuasion_n of_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n and_o gracious_a disposition_n and_o because_o god_n will_v exalt_v his_o mercy_n above_o all_o his_o name_n therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o as_o god_n have_v exalt_v his_o power_n in_o create_v and_o sustain_v they_o so_o he_o will_v much_o more_o exalt_v his_o mercy_n in_o save_v they_o thus_o as_o madman_n often_o fancy_n themselves_o king_n or_o some_o great_a personage_n when_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a spectacle_n so_o do_v these_o spiritual_a madman_n and_o as_o the_o devil_n appropriate_v to_o himself_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o these_o look_n upon_o heaven_n and_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o and_o bold_o call_v it_o all_o their_o own_o yea_o and_o through_o their_o wretched_a security_n be_v bold_a to_o cry_v out_o with_o thomas_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n to_o such_o i_o may_v say_v with_o our_o saviour_n in_o another_o case_n god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o the_o god_n of_o the_o live_n god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o such_o as_o love_v and_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o lust_n and_o that_o call_v he_o father_n who_o yet_o they_o dishonour_v by_o a_o lewd_a and_o dissolute_a life_n this_o be_v but_o be_v father_n one_o of_o the_o devil_n offspring_n upon_o the_o holy_a god_n indeed_o man_n by_o enormous_a and_o flagitious_a crime_n have_v so_o wound_v and_o waste_v their_o conscience_n that_o now_o they_o retain_v not_o strength_n enough_o to_o accuse_v molest_v and_o trouble_v they_o and_o this_o they_o call_v peace_n of_o conscience_n such_o a_o peace_n as_o gallious_n in_o tacitus_n exprobrate_v the_o roman_n with_o when_o they_o have_v lay_v all_o waste_n this_o they_o call_v peace_n but_o this_o peace_n be_v rather_o deadness_n of_o conscience_n and_o be_v far_o from_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o that_o that_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o conviction_n which_o destroy_v this_o ill-grounded_a peace_n and_o it_o work_v in_o the_o soul_n horror_n and_o terror_n and_o affright_v the_o secure_a soul_n when_o it_o show_v it_o how_o it_o sleep_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mast_n and_o lay_v on_o the_o very_a brink_n of_o the_o infernal_a pit_n as_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o discourage_v a_o break_a spirit_n but_o embolden_v it_o to_o appropriate_a christ_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o itself_o in_o particular_a so_o we_o must_v let_v wicked_a man_n know_v that_o when_o they_o presume_v to_o call_v god_n their_o god_n and_o their_o father_n and_o yet_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n they_o will_v find_v that_o instead_o of_o be_v their_o father_n he_o will_v only_o be_v their_o judge_n now_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o this_o peace_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n be_v only_o from_o deep_a security_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n that_o have_v seize_v upon_o they_o because_o when_o we_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o they_o plead_v only_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o familiar_a and_o frequent_a than_o this_o they_o boast_v of_o and_o though_o they_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a neglect_n of_o holy_a duty_n and_o wallow_v in_o the_o filth_n of_o customary_a sin_n yet_o still_o they_o boast_v of_o this_o that_o they_o have_v very_o good_a heart_n upright_a intention_n this_o be_v a_o mere_a delusion_n for_o it_o be_v as_o utter_o impossible_a that_o the_o heart_n shall_v be_v good_a when_o the_o life_n be_v wicked_a and_o profane_a as_o for_o a_o good_a root_n to_o bring_v forth_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a fruit._n second_o as_o peace_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v attain_v by_o natural_a man_n so_o many_o time_n such_o may_v lie_v under_o the_o regret_v and_o trouble_v of_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o trouble_v of_o conscience_n that_o be_v the_o attainment_n wherein_o true_a grace_n do_v consist_v a_o dull_a and_o a_o lethargic_a conscience_n that_o have_v long_o lie_v under_o the_o customary_a commission_n of_o gross_a sin_n may_v at_o length_n by_o strong_a conviction_n be_v startle_v and_o awaken_v to_o a_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v afraid_a at_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o may_v retain_v a_o impure_a and_o defile_a conscience_n god_n may_v even_o in_o this_o life_n kindle_v in_o their_o breast_n some_o spark_n of_o the_o unquenchable_a fire_n and_o may_v give_v they_o some_o fore-tasts_a of_o that_o cup_n of_o tremble_v that_o they_o must_v for_o ever_o drink_v of_o as_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o a_o devil_n incarnate_a by_o his_o sin_n so_o god_n may_v make_v his_o conscience_n a_o hell_n incarnate_a by_o his_o conscience_n you_o hear_v cain_n that_o primitive_a reprobate_n cry_v out_o my_o punishment_n be_v great_a than_o i_o can_v bear_v nor_o can_v judas_n find_v any_o other_o way_n to_o check_v his_o conscience_n but_o with_o a_o halter_n these_o regret_v of_o conscience_n may_v proceed_v from_o a_o preparatory_a work_n of_o conviction_n which_o because_o of_o man_n wilful_a desert_v they_o often_o vanish_v away_o without_o any_o save_a effect_n and_o fall_v as_o far_o short_a of_o true_a grace_n as_o the_o region_n of_o the_o air_n where_o storm_n and_o tempest_n thundering_n and_o lightning_n be_v engender_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o heaven_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o that_o eternal_a calmness_n and_o serenity_n and_o as_o worm_n usual_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o corruption_n and_o putrefaction_n so_o this_o never_o die_a worm_n that_o must_v ever_o sting_v they_o oftentimes_o in_o this_o life_n be_v breed_v out_o of_o a_o rot_a and_o corrupt_a conscience_n the_o conscience_n therefore_o may_v be_v defile_v when_o it_o be_v not_o sear_v it_o may_v be_v awaken_v when_o it_o be_v not_o sanctify_v a_o filthy_a puddle_n may_v be_v stir_v as_o well_o as_o a_o clear_a run_a stream_n the_o conscience_n may_v work_v terror_n and_o horror_n where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n never_o wrought_v true_a save_a grace_n three_o as_o to_o the_o affection_n there_o may_v be_v affection_n and_o sweet_a motion_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v oftentimes_o rely_v on_o we_o certain_a evidence_n of_o true_a grace_n yet_o also_o may_v be_v in_o a_o carnal_a and_o natural_a man_n mat._n 13.20_o some_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n etc._n etc._n so_o john_n 5._o christ_n tell_v the_o jew_n they_o do_v for_o a_o season_n rejoice_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o preach_v of_o john_n the_o baptist_n thus_o herod_n be_v say_v to_o hear_v john_n glad_o so_o that_o you_o see_v the_o affection_n in_o holy_a duty_n and_o ordinance_n may_v be_v with_o joy_n even_o in_o those_o that_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n at_o all_o in_o they_o as_o there_o may_v be_v those_o affection_n of_o joy_n and_o delight_n so_o likewise_o of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n so_o we_o have_v it_o 27._o matth._n 3._o it_o be_v say_v of_o judas_n he_o repent_v himself_o and_o ahab_n humiliation_n be_v so_o great_a that_o god_n take_v special_a notice_n of_o he_o 1_o king_n 21._o behold_v how_o ahab_n humble_v himself_o etc._n etc._n how_o all_o these_o affection_n be_v but_o temporary_a and_o vanish_v which_o may_v be_v excite_v even_o in_o carnal_a man_n from_o several_a
ghost_n and_o yet_o 〈◊〉_d this_o amendment_n there_o may_v be_v no_o work_n of_o regeneration_n for_o man_n may_v gather_v up_o their_o loose_a and_o dissolute_a life_n within_o some_o compass_n of_o civility_n and_o morality_n and_o yet_o be_v utter_o stranger_n to_o this_o work_n much_o of_o this_o may_v be_v ascribe_v partly_o to_o conviction_n of_o god_n spirit_n awaken_n natural_a conscience_n to_o see_v the_o horror_n and_o danger_n of_o such_o dare_a and_o outrageous_a sin_n and_o partly_o too_o from_o prudence_n get_v from_o frequent_a experience_n of_o manifold_a inconvenience_n that_o they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o such_o sin_n and_o both_o these_o conviction_n and_o moral_a prudence_n be_v principle_n that_o fall_v very_o far_o short_a of_o true_a christianity_n usual_o all_o the_o specious_a reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o these_o man_n life_n be_v in_o effect_n either_o a_o change_n of_o the_o sin_n or_o a_o tire_a out_o the_o sinner_n first_o the_o life_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v reform_v when_o man_n exchange_v their_o rude_a and_o boisterous_a sin_n for_o such_o as_o be_v more_o demure_a and_o sober_a from_o riotous_a they_o grow_v worldly_a from_o profane_a and_o irreligious_a they_o grow_v superstitious_a and_o hypocritical_a from_o atheist_n they_o grow_v heretic_n from_o sin_n of_o practice_n to_o sin_n of_o contemplation_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v certain_o this_o change_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o change_n of_o their_o nature_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o the_o change_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o usual_o it_o be_v such_o a_o change_n too_o though_o it_o render_v the_o life_n more_o inoffensive_a yet_o it_o make_v the_o soul_n more_o incurable_a austin_n in_o his_o 29_o epistle_n tell_v we_o that_o vice_n may_v give_v place_n when_o vert●e_n or_o grace_n do_v not_o take_v it_o second_o the_o life_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v reform_v when_o man_n be_v only_o tire_v out_o when_o they_o have_v out-grown_a their_o sin_n there_o be_v sin_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o such_o a_o state_n and_o season_n of_o a_o man_n life_n upon_o the_o alteration_n of_o which_o they_o vanish_v and_o disappear_v sin_n of_o youth_n drop_v off_o from_o decline_a age_n as_o misbecome_v they_o now_o this_o deceive_v man_n when_o they_o look_v 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o vanity_n which_o they_o have_v forsake_v how_o deadned_a be_v they_o to_o those_o sinful_a way_n which_o before_o they_o much_o delight_v in_o they_o conclude_v certain_o this_o great_a change_n must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o true_a grace_n when_o they_o do_v not_o leave_v their_o sin_n so_o much_o as_o their_o sin_n leave_v they_o and_o drop_v off_o from_o they_o as_o rot_a fruit_n from_o a_o tree_n the_o faculty_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o member_n of_o their_o body_n which_o before_o be_v instrument_n of_o sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n be_v now_o become_v instrument_n of_o morality_n and_o seem_a virtue_n this_o set_v they_o not_o free_a from_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n but_o only_o restrain_v they_o from_o break_v out_o into_o notorious_a and_o scandalous_a vice_n three_o a_o civil_a and_o harmless_a demeanour_n do_v not_o render_v a_o man_n altogether_o a_o christian_a there_o be_v many_o ingenuous_a spirit_n who_o live_v blameless_o in_o the_o world_n their_o good_a nature_n near_o resemble_v grace_n and_o such_o be_v paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o as_o touch_v the_o law_n he_o be_v blameless_a so_o the_o young_a man_n that_o come_v to_o christ_n to_o know_v what_o lesson_n he_o have_v further_a to_o take_v out_o this_o only_o argue_v a_o sweet_a disposition_n but_o not_o a_o gracious_a heart_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o dissolute_a man_n may_v mistake_v themselves_o in_o this_o work_n upon_o which_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n depend_v it_o be_v to_o be_v sear_v that_o many_o may_v rest_v upon_o these_o and_o think_v the_o great_a discriminate_a change_n to_o be_v wrought_v only_o because_o they_o be_v moral_o honest_a or_o gain_v over_o to_o a_o profession_n of_o truth_n or_o to_o such_o a_o party_n or_o sect_n of_o professor_n when_o indeed_o true_a christianity_n consist_v not_o in_o these_o thing_n this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o the_o first_o general_n propound_v what_o change_n may_v be_v wrought_v upon_o a_o man_n so_o as_o to_o bring_v he_o almost_o to_o christianity_n and_o yet_o leave_v he_o short_a of_o be_v a_o christian_n i_o shall_v close_v up_o this_o branch_n with_o some_o practical_a consideration_n use_v 1_o what_o then_o shall_v become_v of_o such_o as_o fall_v short_a of_o those_o that_o fall_v short_a of_o grace_n that_o arenot_v so_o much_o as_o almost_o christian_n what_o will_v become_v of_o carnal_a loose_a and_o profane_a sinner_n if_o those_o that_o have_v be_v gaze_v at_o and_o admire_v for_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n yet_o have_v fall_v into_o the_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n even_o into_o the_o dungeon_n of_o eternal_a darkness_n be_v we_o but_o serious_a in_o this_o reflection_n it_o will_v make_v all_o our_o face_n gather_v blackness_n and_o fill_v all_o our_o heart_n with_o astonishment_n to_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v not_o go_v so_o far_o in_o christianity_n as_o those_o may_v go_v who_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o heaven_n have_v we_o all_o be_v enlighten_v have_v we_o all_o taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v have_v we_o all_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v there_o not_o many_o among_o we_o possible_o who_o heart_n have_v never_o yet_o be_v touch_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n never_o affect_v with_o any_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o all_o wickedness_n with_o greediness_n who_o never_o have_v give_v so_o much_o as_o one_o serious_a wish_n towards_o holiness_n when_o those_o that_o seem_v to_o shine_v as_o star_n in_o heaven_n shall_v be_v at_o last_o find_v burn_v in_o hell_n oh_o in_o what_o a_o dismal_a case_n shall_v these_o firebrand_n be_v use_v 2._o hence_o likewise_o see_v what_o a_o difficult_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a may_v a_o natural_a man_n attain_v to_o all_o this_o that_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o before_o we_o may_v then_o take_v up_o that_o same_o question_n which_o the_o disciple_n ask_v christ_n when_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v as_o case_n for_o a_o camel_n to_o go_v through_o a_o needle_n eye_n as_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n lord_n who_o then_o shall_v be_v save_v what_o may_v those_o who_o profession_n have_v be_v eminent_a who_o have_v be_v saint_v in_o every_o man_n calendar_n may_v they_o at_o last_o miscarry_v and_o perish_v who_o then_o shall_v be_v save_v if_o such_o be_v not_o christian_n christianity_n seem_v to_o be_v rather_o some_o fancied_a notion_n than_o any_o thing_n real_a and_o attainable_a to_o this_o we_o may_v make_v the_o same_o answer_n that_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o disciple_n with_o man_n indeed_o these_o thing_n be_v impossible_a but_o with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n by_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o natural_a ability_n to_o become_v christian_n but_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o god_n to_o make_v they_o christian_n it_o be_v possible_a as_o miracle_n themselves_o be_v possible_a only_o possible_a to_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n there_o be_v not_o any_o soul_n can_v be_v persuade_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n but_o he_o have_v a_o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o himself_o must_v do_v that_o which_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o miracle_n he_o must_v act_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o do_v more_o than_o a_o mere_a man_n can_v do_v therefore_o well_o may_v you_o suspect_v your_o christianity_n who_o find_v it_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n even_o natural_a man_n find_v it_o a_o difficult_a task_n to_o attain_v to_o that_o height_n and_o pitch_n where_o they_o shine_v in_o moral_a virtue_n though_o far_o short_a of_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o you_o to_o mount_v far_o high_o than_o they_o far_o beyond_o they_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n for_o any_o to_o make_v a_o slight_a formal_a profession_n to_o run_v in_o a_o round_a of_o hypocritical_a duty_n and_o live_v a_o moral_a civil_a life_n this_o be_v easy_a there_o be_v nothing_o miraculous_a in_o this_o but_o be_v it_o casie_a to_o pluck_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n and_o to_o cut_v off_o the_o right_a hand_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o crucify_v a_o darling_n lust_n to_o cut_v off_o the_o right_a hand_n when_o it_o lift_v up_o itself_o to_o plead_v for_o mercy_n and_o to_o be_v spare_v a_o little_a long_o to_o pluck_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n when_o it_o drop_v tear_n to_o
hard_a pull_n or_o difficult_a pang_n that_o will_v soon_o be_v over_o there_o be_v some_o encouragement_n for_o they_o but_o when_o they_o have_v already_o struggle_v and_o wrestle_v and_o wait_v against_o the_o stream_n thus_o far_o and_o yet_o see_v no_o end_n duty_n to_o be_v perform_v upon_o duty_n and_o temptation_n upon_o temptation_n to_o be_v resist_v still_o to_o be_v combat_v with_o devil_n still_o to_o be_v cross_v and_o vex_v of_o ourselves_o no_o respite_n no_o breathing-time_n allow_v they_o this_o take_v off_o their_o wheel_n and_o though_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o yet_o they_o will_v rather_o sit_v down_o quite_o short_a of_o grace_n than_o run_v through_o such_o hardship_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o so_o they_o come_v up_o in_o the_o midway_n neither_o holy_a nor_o profane_a but_o please_v themselves_o with_o a_o mediocrity_n and_o middle_a rank_n of_o religion_n and_o dare_v not_o go_v further_o for_o fear_n of_o difficulty_n nor_o yet_o they_o dare_v not_o fall_v further_o back_o for_o fear_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o they_o lie_v hover_v between_o heaven_n and_o hell_n now_o this_o be_v mere_o from_o wilful_a sloth_n prov._n 26.13_o the_o slothful_a man_n say_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n a_o lion_n in_o the_o street_n here_o the_o wise_a man_n bring_v in_o a_o drowsy_a sluggard_n dream_v of_o danger_n and_o difficulty_n to_o excuse_v his_o sloth_n i_o dare_v not_o stir_v abroad_o for_o there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o street_n a_o likely_a matter_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o street_n but_o yet_o see_v how_o this_o fancy_n work_v with_o he_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o excuse_n for_o the_o sluggard_n in_o ver_fw-la 14._o as_o the_o door_n turn_v upon_o the_o hinge_n so_o do_v the_o slothful_a upon_o his_o bed_n a_o door_n be_v often_o in_o motion_n to_o and_o fro_o but_o it_o gain_v no_o ground_n make_v no_o progress_n still_o hang_v where_o it_o do_v so_o it_o be_v with_o slothful_a professor_n that_o which_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v to_o be_v that_o they_o move_v to_o and_o fro_o like_o a_o door_n upon_o the_o hinge_n still_o the_o same_o motion_n over_o and_o over_o again_o no_o new_a progress_n no_o new_a attainment_n and_o that_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v sluggish_a and_o lazy_a and_o fancy_n difficulty_n to_o themselves_o and_o strange_a apparition_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o make_v they_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n where_o they_o be_v and_o dare_v not_o make_v one_o step_v forward_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o israelite_n who_o come_v to_o the_o very_a border_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n numb_a 13.32_o 33._o when_o the_o searcher_n have_v bring_v report_n to_o they_o that_o the_o land_n indeed_o be_v good_a and_o fruitful_a but_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o city_n be_v build_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o giant_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v beat_v and_o eat_v they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o allure_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o land_n as_o they_o be_v deter_v by_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o though_o god_n himself_o bid_v they_o arise_v and_o enter_v and_o take_v possession_n they_o will_v not_o venture_v upon_o so_o hazardous_a a_o exercise_n and_o so_o difficult_a a_o enterprise_n so_o there_o be_v many_o forward_a professor_n who_o be_v come_v to_o the_o very_a border_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n to_o the_o very_a entrance_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n who_o when_o they_o see_v what_o strong_a hold_v of_o iniquity_n they_o must_v cast_v down_o what_o principality_n and_o power_n they_o must_v fight_v with_o and_o what_o gigantic_a lust_n as_o the_o son_n of_o anak_n they_o must_v subdue_v and_o destroy_v this_o fright_v they_o from_o attempt_v any_o further_o second_o to_o be_v almost_o a_o christian_n carry_v in_o it_o those_o advantage_n and_o those_o accommodation_n which_o be_v they_o altogether_o such_o they_o must_v lose_v and_o therefore_o this_o be_v one_o 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