address_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o we_o be_v consider_v of_o these_o be_v only_o the_o motion_n or_o visit_n which_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o make_v pendent_fw-la light_fw-la or_o whilst_o it_o be_v yet_o undetermined_a to_o who_o man_n will_v ultimate_o belong_v that_o therefore_o which_o we_o be_v concern_v about_o be_v the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o very_o good_a man_n such_o as_o have_v cherish_v the_o motion_n entertain_v the_o visit_n and_o comply_v with_o the_o intimation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o when_o it_o be_v come_v to_o that_o from_o thenceforth_o he_o do_v not_o visit_v they_o in_o transitu_fw-la only_o or_o call_v upon_o they_o but_o reside_v and_o inhabit_v with_o they_o and_o become_v as_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a principle_n a_o soul_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o short_a they_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n mean_v jo._n 14._o 23._o if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o and_o that_o also_o of_o st._n john_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o saviour_n rev._n 3._o 20._o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n which_o phrase_n signify_v the_o previous_a and_o more_o ordinary_a motion_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o if_o any_o man_n open_a to_o i_o i._n e._n if_o man_n attend_v to_o my_o admonition_n and_o invitation_n and_o break_v off_o their_o custom_n of_o sin_n which_o bar_n the_o door_n of_o their_o soul_n against_o i_o than_o i_o will_v come_v in_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o etc._n etc._n i._n e._n then_o i_o will_v be_v a_o familiar_a guest_n or_o inhabitant_n with_o he_o and_o this_o be_v both_o interpret_v and_o confirm_v by_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 16._o know_v you_o not_o that_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o you_o i._o e._n be_v sanctify_v and_o make_v fit_a for_o the_o residence_n of_o that_o heavenly_a guest_n he_o have_v take_v possession_n of_o you_o as_o his_o house_n and_o temple_n and_o more_o express_o yet_o by_o st._n john_n 1_o ep._n 3_o 24._o he_o that_o keep_v his_o commandment_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o he_o and_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o he_o abide_v with_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o §_o ii_o now_o this_o inhabitation_n or_o residence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v call_v a_o seal_n and_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v seal_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n because_o as_o seal_n use_v to_o denote_v propriety_n so_o god_n hereby_o mark_v out_o as_o it_o be_v such_o man_n for_o his_o own_o i._n e._n as_o those_o that_o he_o have_v a_o peculiar_a concern_v about_o those_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o they_o and_o this_o be_v of_o wonderful_a comfort_n and_o advantage_n especial_o in_o these_o four_o respect_n 1._o the_o spirit_n thus_o inhabit_v man_n give_v they_o a_o title_n not_o only_o to_o god_n care_n and_o providence_n but_o to_o a_o inheritance_n of_o son_n to_o a_o participation_n of_o that_o unspeakable_a felicity_n wherewith_o himself_o be_v eternal_o happy_a and_o glorious_a so_o the_o apostle_n conclude_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n eph._n 1._o 13_o 14._o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o purchase_a possession_n q._n d._n we_o be_v hereby_o assure_v of_o heaven_n and_o glory_n hereafter_o though_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o possession_n of_o it_o or_o this_o be_v the_o pledge_n of_o our_o adoption_n upon_o which_o the_o inheritance_n be_v entail_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o same_o apostle_n rom._n 8._o 11._o make_v this_o a_o assure_a argument_n of_o our_o resurrection_n but_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o you_o he_o that_o raise_v jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v also_o quicken_v your_o mortal_a body_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o you_o q._n d._n you_o can_v lie_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o grave_n but_o god_n will_v assert_v you_o to_o life_n and_o immortality_n because_o you_o have_v a_o principle_n of_o life_n the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o you_o which_o will_v as_o sure_o revive_v you_o as_o it_o raise_v jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a for_o by_o his_o residence_n in_o you_o you_o be_v mark_v out_o as_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o thereby_o he_o have_v take_v possession_n of_o you_o for_o himself_o when_o god_n own_v the_o tabernacle_n among_o the_o jew_n build_v by_o moses_n and_o after_o that_o the_o temple_n build_v by_o solomon_n and_o solemn_o dedicate_v to_o he_o for_o his_o house_n or_o palace_n wherein_o to_o dwell_v among_o that_o people_n it_o please_v he_o as_o it_o be_v to_o take_v livery_n and_o seisin_n by_o the_o cloud_n which_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n hover_v over_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o not_o improper_o call_v by_o the_o jew_n the_o shekinah_n or_o dwell_v presence_n and_o god_n be_v say_v to_o dwell_v between_o the_o cherubim_n because_o there_o this_o symbol_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n subsist_v and_o as_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n all_o those_o miracle_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v enable_v to_o perform_v be_v principal_o to_o assure_v their_o mind_n that_o god_n own_v they_o and_o although_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o humane_a help_n and_o persecute_v both_o by_o jew_n and_o gentile_n yet_o god_n be_v with_o they_o in_o which_o respect_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v call_v the_o comforter_n so_o often_o by_o our_o saviour_n i_o say_v in_o those_o miraculous_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o cloud_n as_o it_o be_v sit_v over_o the_o mercy-seat_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v now_o depart_v from_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o denote_v the_o collection_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n unite_v under_o christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v now_o god_n peculiar_a household_n and_o family_n so_o also_o to_o all_o holy_a man_n in_o all_o age_n god_n be_v present_a by_o his_o spirit_n by_o which_o they_o become_v temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o which_o the_o apostle_n pronounce_v peremptory_o rom._n 8._o 9_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o which_o i_o understand_v in_o this_o sense_n q._n d._n he_o be_v not_o arrive_v at_o the_o excellent_a state_n of_o christianity_n that_o have_v not_o experience_n of_o the_o residence_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o he_o only_a this_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o this_o residence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o good_a man_n which_o we_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o miraculous_a effect_n nor_o be_v such_o to_o be_v expect_v now_o because_o those_o be_v proper_a only_o for_o the_o first_o age_n when_o whilst_o the_o church_n be_v under_o persecute_v emperor_n and_o in_o its_o infancy_n god_n think_v fit_a by_o such_o prodigious_a display_v of_o his_o power_n and_o presence_n to_o make_v all_o the_o world_n see_v his_o concern_n for_o it_o and_o that_o as_o i_o say_v before_o he_o have_v take_v possession_n of_o it_o but_o ordinary_o and_o especial_o in_o the_o case_n of_o private_a christian_n the_o presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o they_o discover_v itself_o by_o such_o effect_n as_o these_o follow_v for_o 2._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n though_o he_o do_v not_o work_v miracle_n now_o yet_o do_v he_o not_o mere_o take_v up_o his_o residence_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o holy_a man_n but_o actuate_v they_o prompt_v they_o forward_o in_o all_o good_a action_n help_n and_o strengthen_v they_o in_o their_o duty_n and_o inflame_v their_o resolution_n and_o zeal_n in_o all_o brave_a and_o generous_a erterprise_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o what_o good_a be_v do_v the_o spirit_n do_v it_o for_o man_n nor_o much_o less_o as_o if_o he_o hurry_v man_n on_o whensoever_o they_o do_v well_o and_o so_o for_o defect_n of_o such_o motion_n be_v liable_a to_o bear_v the_o blame_n of_o their_o irregularity_n when_o they_o do_v evil_a for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n he_o never_o move_v but_o to_o that_o which_o be_v certain_o good_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o stand_a rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o natural_a reason_n so_o neither_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o he_o incite_v to_o any_o such_o thing_n do_v he_o overpower_v
for_o deliberation_n there_o can_v be_v no_o perfect_a judgement_n and_o consequent_o but_o a_o imperfect_a consent_n again_o while_o a_o man_n be_v bend_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o might_n against_o some_o one_o extreme_a which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o therefore_o careful_o decline_v he_o may_v perhaps_o in_o detestation_n of_o that_o incline_v too_o much_o to_o the_o other_o or_o while_o a_o man_n endeavour_n diligent_o to_o carry_v on_o both_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n too_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o the_o solicitude_n and_o care_n of_o the_o former_a may_v sometime_o unreasonable_o crowd_v in_o and_o disturb_v he_o in_o the_o latter_a nay_o once_o more_o through_o the_o infirmity_n of_o memory_n compare_v with_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o affair_n which_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n care_n extend_v to_o it_o may_v not_o infrequent_o fall_v out_o that_o such_o a_o person_n for_o the_o present_a forget_v or_o omit_v some_o duty_n of_o religion_n now_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o any_o of_o these_o case_n be_v perfect_o involuntary_a because_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o that_o extraordinary_a diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n may_v have_v provide_v against_o they_o nevertheless_o they_o be_v not_o deliberate_a sin_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o will_n to_o they_o as_o be_v evident_a both_o by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v already_o and_o also_o by_o this_o that_o such_o person_n we_o speak_v of_o very_o quick_o feel_v remorse_n for_o they_o their_o heart_n smite_v they_o upon_o the_o first_o reflection_n upon_o what_o have_v past_a and_o they_o present_o recover_v themselves_o and_o double_a their_o watch_n and_o guard_n where_o they_o have_v thus_o find_v themselves_o overtake_v these_o therefore_o and_o all_o other_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o be_v proper_o call_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v notorious_a and_o palpable_a that_o it_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o dispute_n whether_o it_o be_v evil_a or_o no_o when_o a_o man_n be_v not_o surprise_v but_o make_v his_o election_n do_v not_o insensible_o slip_v awry_o while_o he_o be_v in_o his_o right_a way_n but_o take_v a_o wrong_a course_n be_v not_o overbear_v by_o a_o huge_a fear_n but_o be_v allure_v by_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n when_o he_o have_v time_n to_o consider_v and_o yet_o resolve_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v forbid_v he_o here_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o extenuate_v the_o fact_n or_o mitigate_v his_o guilt_n it_o be_v a_o voluntary_a and_o therefore_o a_o presumptuous_a sin_n such_o a_o distinction_n as_o this_o david_n seem_v to_o make_v psal_n 19_o 12_o 13._o when_o he_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v understand_v his_o error_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o with_o holy_a joh_n where_o he_o have_v do_v iniquity_n he_o may_v do_v so_o no_o more_o but_o earnest_o beg_v that_o he_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o presumptuous_a sin_n i_o e._n from_o such_o voluntary_a and_o wilful_a miscarriage_n as_o we_o have_v but_o now_o speak_v of_o so_o say_v he_o shall_v i_o be_v innocent_a and_o free_a from_o the_o great_a transgression_n for_o though_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n be_v not_o without_o guilt_n at_o least_o if_o god_n shall_v proceed_v in_o rigour_n with_o man_n yet_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n together_o with_o the_o evident_a pitiableness_n of_o their_o own_o circumstance_n they_o leave_v no_o horror_n upon_o the_o mind_n no_o stain_n or_o ill_a mark_n upon_o the_o person_n much_o less_o a_o scar_n or_o a_o maim_n but_o the_o other_o beside_o their_o great_a guilt_n either_o terrible_o afflict_v or_o lay_v waste_n and_o stupify_v the_o conscience_n they_o harden_v the_o heart_n break_v the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o at_o large_a hereafter_o at_o present_a i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v very_o pertinent_a to_o observe_v that_o whereas_o s._n john_n ep._n 1._o chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 4._o seem_v to_o give_v a_o brief_a and_o compendious_a description_n of_o sin_n in_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v not_o altogether_o improbable_a but_o that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v to_o express_v something_o more_o than_o be_v common_o understand_v by_o those_o word_n in_o english_a for_o beside_o that_o it_o seem_v a_o flat_a say_n he_o that_o sin_v transgress_v the_o law_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v note_v moreover_o by_o learned_a man_n that_o the_o apostle_n call_v not_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o have_v be_v the_o most_o proper_a word_n to_o denote_v a_o mere_a breach_n or_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n but_o use_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o namely_o lawlessness_n and_o dissoluteness_n the_o live_n without_o or_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o law_n for_o so_o we_o find_v it_o elsewhere_o use_v in_o scripture_n particular_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 9_o where_o we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lawless_a and_o disobedient_a or_o ungovernable_a join_v together_o and_o thus_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o we_o will_v import_v not_o so_o much_o the_o mere_a matter_n of_o sin_n viz._n the_o violation_n of_o a_o law_n but_o the_o aggravation_n of_o it_o as_o a_o presumptuous_a sin_n namely_o the_o wilfullness_n and_o stubbornness_n of_o the_o sinner_n and_o if_o this_o gloss_n may_v be_v allow_v we_o shall_v with_o much_o ease_n be_v able_a to_o understand_v a_o follow_a passage_n in_o this_o apostle_n which_o have_v not_o a_o little_a exercise_v the_o head_n of_o divine_n nor_o less_o perplex_v the_o conscience_n of_o many_o serious_a person_n viz._n vers_fw-la 9_o of_o this_o chapter_n he_o write_v thus_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n now_o if_o we_o take_v sin_n strict_o and_o rigorous_o here_o for_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n than_o it_o will_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o by_o the_o phrase_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n we_o can_v understand_v none_o but_o our_o saviour_n himself_o which_o be_v altogether_o beside_o the_o business_n forasmuch_o as_o he_o only_o be_v without_o sin_n in_o that_o sense_n but_o if_o we_o take_v the_o phrase_n in_o the_o latitude_n before_o intimate_v that_o be_v for_o voluntary_a wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n then_o the_o sense_n be_v both_o easy_a and_o comfortable_a namely_o that_o the_o man_n who_o be_v true_o a_o christian_n have_v not_o only_o the_o profession_n but_o the_o new_a nature_n temper_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o be_v a_o man_n and_o so_o encompass_v with_o temptation_n and_o difficulty_n as_o every_o one_o be_v in_o this_o world_n he_o can_v avoid_v all_o surreption_n yet_o the_o powerful_a principle_n of_o christianity_n settle_v in_o his_o heart_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o preserve_v he_o at_o least_o ordinary_o from_o rebellion_n and_o wilful_a disobedience_n and_o this_o way_n of_o interpret_n these_o and_o the_o like_a passage_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v strong_o countenance_v by_o what_o we_o find_v luk._n 1._o 6._o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n that_o they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o righteous_a before_o god_n walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a that_o be_v they_o be_v sincere_o good_a and_o virtuous_a person_n their_o heart_n be_v principled_a with_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o though_o they_o be_v not_o without_o the_o error_n and_o fail_n incident_a to_o humanity_n yet_o they_o strict_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o do_v not_o deliberate_o depart_v from_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o that_o passage_n concern_v david_n 1_o king_n 15._o 5._o seem_v sufficient_a to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o doubt_n where_o it_o be_v say_v david_n do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o turn_v not_o aside_o from_o any_o thing_n he_o command_v he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n save_v only_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o vriah_n the_o hittite_n notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n reckon_v up_o several_a fail_n of_o david_n his_o passion_n for_o absalon_n his_o number_v the_o people_n his_o approaching_z too_o near_o the_o lord_n be_v anoint_v when_o he_o cut_v off_o the_o skirt_n of_o saul_n garment_n for_o which_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o his_o despondency_n
of_o mind_n and_o mistrust_n that_o he_o shall_v one_o day_n fall_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n his_o rage_n against_o nabal_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o regard_n these_o be_v but_o imperfect_o voluntary_a therefore_o they_o make_v no_o blot_n in_o his_o character_n but_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o vriah_n the_o fact_n be_v horrible_a there_o be_v time_n for_o deliberation_n the_o use_n of_o cunning_a and_o contrivance_n and_o therefore_o full_a consent_n wherefore_o this_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o consideration_n from_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o leave_v such_o a_o stain_n upon_o he_o as_o require_v many_o tear_n and_o prayer_n and_o a_o very_a serious_a and_o signal_n repentance_n to_o cleanse_v he_o from_o §_o vi_o thus_o much_o i_o have_v think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o clear_n the_o distinction_n between_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o presumption_n but_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o mistake_n equal_o common_a and_o dangerous_a which_o wherever_o it_o take_v place_n do_v not_o only_o render_v all_o we_o have_v hitherto_o say_v useless_a but_o be_v of_o fatal_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n it_o be_v to_o this_o effect_n when_o man_n be_v about_o the_o commission_n of_o some_o great_a and_o enormous_a sin_n it_o be_v not_o unusual_a for_o they_o to_o find_v some_o reluctancy_n and_o abhorrence_n within_o themselves_o now_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o they_o think_v that_o although_o they_o yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n and_o commit_v the_o sin_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v esteem_v altogether_o a_o voluntary_a transgression_n but_o will_v admit_v of_o great_a abatement_n by_o reason_n of_o such_o combat_n and_o conflict_n which_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n they_o apply_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 7._o 15._o that_o which_o i_o do_v i_o allow_v not_o for_o what_o i_o will_v that_o do_v i_o not_o but_o what_o i_o will_v not_o that_o i_o do_v and_o that_o which_o follow_v also_o vers_fw-la 17._o so_o than_o it_o be_v no_o more_o i_o that_o do_v it_o but_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o i_o but_o to_o remove_v so_o dangerous_a a_o mistake_n it_o will_v be_v well_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o however_o some_o have_v learned_a to_o call_v such_o a_o reluctancy_n as_o aforesaid_a by_o the_o specious_a name_n of_o the_o combat_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n or_o the_o regenerate_a and_o unregenerate_a part_n as_o the_o same_o man_n love_v to_o speak_v it_o be_v certain_o nothing_o else_o but_o mere_o some_o remain_v of_o natural_a conscience_n in_o man_n and_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o be_v in_o all_o but_o those_o who_o conscience_n be_v sear_v and_o utter_o insensible_a it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o conscience_n itself_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o kind_n of_o internal_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n implant_v by_o god_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o a_o man_n may_v more_o easy_o destroy_v any_o of_o his_o outward_a sense_n than_o quite_o extinguish_v this_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o roman_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 15._o who_o vice_n be_v yet_o so_o notorious_a as_o that_o they_o be_v utter_o out_o of_o capacity_n of_o be_v account_v regenerate_v man_n indeed_o if_o a_o man_n find_v in_o himself_o so_o quick_a a_o sense_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o be_v so_o tender_a of_o all_o degree_n of_o evil_a that_o his_o conscience_n not_o only_o check_v but_o call_v he_o off_o and_o restrain_v he_o upon_o the_o first_o appearance_n or_o approach_n of_o sin_n this_o as_o i_o have_v intimate_v before_o will_v be_v a_o good_a sign_n of_o regeneration_n and_o such_o beginning_n of_o evil_a so_o resist_v will_v not_o be_v impute_v as_o wilful_a transgression_n but_o when_o a_o man_n conscience_n only_o check_v he_o but_o he_o go_v on_o and_o commit_v the_o sin_n the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o be_v only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sear_a conscience_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o fair_a way_n to_o that_o also_o for_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o body_n by_o be_v often_o rub_v and_o hurt_v grow_v at_o last_o callous_a and_o insensible_a so_o the_o conscience_n be_v often_o resist_v in_o its_o intimation_n and_o stifle_v and_o overbear_v by_o the_o fury_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n grow_v at_o last_o stupid_a and_o dead_a so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 1._o 28._o because_o they_o like_v not_o to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o mind_n he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o vain_a imagination_n and_o because_o they_o give_v themselves_o to_o sensuality_n he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o unnatural_a lust_n and_o so_o by_o degree_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o a_o state_n of_o stupidity_n a_o spirit_n of_o injudiciousness_n to_o lose_v the_o feel_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o extenuate_v the_o guilt_n of_o a_o man_n sin_n that_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o for_o it_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o his_o presumption_n that_o he_o go_v on_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o if_o a_o man_n can_v say_v he_o do_v not_o so_o well_o know_v his_o duty_n as_o he_o shall_v and_o therefore_o his_o conscience_n not_o be_v right_o inform_v do_v not_o give_v he_o warning_n of_o it_o or_o that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o hurry_n and_o can_v not_o consider_v or_o confess_v his_o rashness_n and_o precipitancy_n these_o be_v some_o mitigation_n for_o as_o s._n clemens_n well_o pronounce_v 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o be_v involuntary_a be_v sudden_a and_o where_o a_o man_n can_v deliberate_v 2._o he_o scarce_o consent_v but_o when_o the_o case_n be_v such_o that_o a_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v he_o know_v what_o he_o do_v he_o think_v of_o it_o and_o condemn_v it_o and_o yet_o do_v it_o this_o sure_o be_v a_o aggravation_n if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v so_o it_o be_v say_v a_o generous_a heathen_a 〈◊〉_d plutarch_n by_o name_n a_o most_o unmanly_a and_o brutish_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n that_o know_v what_o he_o shall_v do_v soft_o and_o effeminate_o to_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o swing_n of_o intemperate_a passion_n in_o short_a if_o when_o a_o man_n confess_v the_o truth_n must_v say_v he_o have_v reason_n against_o what_o he_o do_v but_o confront_v it_o his_o conscience_n shame_v he_o but_o he_o resolve_v to_o be_v shameless_a he_o have_v weapon_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o resist_v temptation_n but_o he_o cast_v they_o down_o and_o yield_v all_o which_o be_v imply_v when_o a_o man_n say_v his_o conscience_n smite_v he_o when_o he_o go_v about_o a_o sin_n but_o nevertheless_o he_o persist_v and_o commit_v it_o i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o voluntary_a sin_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n incident_a to_o mankind_n §_o vii_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o guilt_n or_o malignity_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o general_a now_o brief_o for_o the_o various_a state_n and_o mansion_n of_o sinner_n which_o we_o shall_v the_o more_o easy_o understand_v if_o we_o first_o consider_v the_o several_a degree_n of_o virtue_n or_o so_o many_o high_a and_o low_a capacity_n as_o there_o be_v of_o be_v good_a and_o holy_a and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v these_o more_o exact_o reckon_v up_o and_o describe_v then_o by_o s._n clement_n of_o alexandria_n who_o make_v four_o station_n of_o perfection_n 〈◊〉_d 1._o not_o to_o sin_n at_o all_o which_o say_v he_o be_v the_o felicity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a not_o the_o condition_n of_o any_o mere_a man_n in_o this_o world_n 2._o not_o to_o commit_v any_o wilful_a or_o voluntary_a sin_n which_o be_v the_o attainment_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n or_o true_a gnostick_n 1._o as_o he_o use_v to_o speak_v 3._o rare_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o inadvertency_n or_o involuntary_a lapse_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o good_a proficient_a in_o religion_n 4._o and_o last_o when_o a_o man_n have_v sin_v to_o recover_v himself_o early_o by_o repentance_n and_o not_o lie_v under_o the_o guilt_n nor_o much_o less_o grow_v into_o a_o habit_n of_o sin_n which_o low_a degree_n though_o it_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o every_o of_o the_o former_a yet_o it_o be_v tolerable_a and_o acceptable_a through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v anon_o now_o in_o some_o proportion_n to_o this_o discourse_n we_o will_v suppose_v 4_o station_n or_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n 1._o such_o as_o do_v nothing_o but_o sin_n which_o we_o only_o mention_v for_o method-sake_n for_o as_o we_o be_v certain_a non_fw-la datur_fw-la summum_fw-la
malum_fw-la or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o be_v absolute_o evil_a as_o the_o manichee_n imagine_v so_o it_o be_v very_o questionable_a whether_o the_o very_a devil_n himself_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v evil_a but_o it_o be_v out_o of_o all_o question_n with_o i_o that_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o vicious_o incline_v man_n do_v some_o good_a and_o for_o those_o that_o can_v assert_v the_o most_o virtuous_a action_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n to_o be_v express_a sin_n they_o may_v pretend_v what_o patron_n they_o will_v of_o their_o opinion_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a neither_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n will_v countenance_v it_o for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o best_a action_n of_o such_o man_n be_v not_o acceptable_a as_o the_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n because_o they_o be_v disjoin_v from_o habitual_a sanctification_n and_o true_a holiness_n yet_o that_o they_o be_v not_o therefore_o sin_n will_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v not_o long_o since_o in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n neither_o because_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o some_o circumstance_n do_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a or_o become_v sin_n for_o then_o the_o best_a performance_n of_o the_o best_a man_n in_o this_o world_n will_v be_v sin_n too_o because_o they_o be_v also_o defective_a in_o circumstance_n 2._o the_o second_o or_o rather_o first_o rank_n of_o sinner_n consist_v of_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o great_a and_o enormous_a sin_n whether_o of_o one_o kind_a or_o of_o many_o i_o confess_v at_o the_o first_o sight_n one_o will_v think_v these_o shall_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o class_n whereof_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v those_o profligate_v wretch_n and_o son_n of_o belial_n who_o perfect_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n as_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o or_o run_v from_o one_o kind_n of_o sin_n to_o another_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o greediness_n as_o if_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o love_v evil_a for_o its_o own_o sake_n or_o have_v a_o spite_n both_o at_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o second_o shall_v be_v those_o more_o reserve_v and_o cautious_a sinner_n who_o perhaps_o may_v carry_v it_o very_o demure_o in_o many_o respect_n but_o maintain_v some_o bosom_n sin_n which_o be_v as_o dear_a to_o they_o as_o their_o right_a eye_n and_o as_o necessary_a as_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o this_o they_o hope_v god_n will_v indulge_v they_o oh_o it_o be_v a_o little_a one_o and_o their_o soul_n shall_v live_v i_o say_v i_o shall_v in_o civility_n have_v provide_v these_o a_o form_n by_o themselves_o and_o not_o set_v they_o with_o the_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n but_o that_o i_o observe_v god_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o his_o servant_n you_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o who_o you_o obey_v and_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n whether_o a_o man_n have_v many_o master_n or_o one_o he_o be_v equal_o a_o slave_n that_o be_v lead_v captive_a either_o way_n and_o so_o 8._o james_n in_o that_o most_o remarkable_a passage_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 10._o whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o of_o which_o seem_a paradox_n he_o give_v account_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n for_o he_o that_o say_v do_v not_o commit_v adultery_n say_v also_o do_v not_o kill_v etc._n etc._n i._n e._n the_o reverence_n of_o every_o branch_n of_o god_n law_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o right_a to_o prescribe_v to_o we_o which_o he_o impeache_n whosoever_o dispense_v with_o himself_o in_o the_o habitual_a breach_n of_o any_o one_o of_o his_o command_n for_o whatever_o particular_a he_o choose_v to_o transgress_v in_o he_o derogate_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a beside_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o all_o sin_n can_v stand_v together_o some_o sin_n be_v as_o repugnant_a and_o contradictory_n to_o each_o other_o as_o all_o be_v to_o virtue_n and_o moreover_o non_fw-la omnis_fw-la fert_fw-la omne_fw-la tellus_fw-la it_o may_v be_v not_o the_o humour_n or_o interest_n or_o not_o suitable_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o some_o man_n to_o act_v some_o sin_n when_o yet_o it_o be_v neither_o love_n of_o virtue_n nor_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o make_v he_o abstain_v from_o it_o these_o therefore_o be_v just_o join_v together_o namely_o all_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o one_o or_o more_o notorious_a sin_n 3._o a_o three_o rank_n be_v such_o as_o though_o they_o live_v not_o in_o the_o habit_n yet_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o act_n of_o some_o very_a great_a and_o flagitious_a crime_n for_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n very_o deadly_a even_o in_o single_a act_n as_o either_o contain_v a_o complication_n of_o many_o wickedness_n together_o as_o sacrilege_n adultery_n sedition_n or_o such_o as_o can_v never_o be_v revoke_v nor_o amends_o be_v make_v for_o they_o as_o take_v away_o a_o man_n life_n or_o never_o repeat_v nor_o repent_v of_o as_o to_o murder_v a_o man_n self_n and_o several_a other_o now_o these_o be_v of_o so_o deadly_a a_o nature_n every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o virtue_n or_o care_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n ought_v ever_o to_o be_v sufficient_o guard_v against_o they_o and_o at_o utter_a defiance_n of_o they_o and_o he_o that_o can_v be_v so_o careless_a as_o to_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o any_o such_o betray_v the_o great_a atheism_n and_o security_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o miscarriage_n of_o david_n in_o the_o business_n of_o bathshebah_n and_o vriah_n lay_v such_o a_o horrible_a blot_n upon_o he_o and_o need_v all_o that_o repentance_n whereof_o we_o have_v the_o footstep_n in_o the_o 51._o psalm_n 4._o the_o four_o and_o last_o rank_n be_v they_o that_o avoid_v both_o the_o habit_n and_o the_o act_n of_o great_a sin_n yet_o allow_v themselves_o in_o the_o frequent_a commission_n of_o lesser_a and_o persevere_v in_o they_o without_o repentance_n by_o lesser_a sin_n i_o mean_v both_o such_o as_o i_o reckon_v up_o before_o under_o the_o name_n of_o infirmity_n and_o more_o particular_o such_o as_o these_o follow_v when_o a_o man_n dare_v not_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o beastly_a sensuality_n yet_o will_v too_o much_o humour_n and_o caress_n his_o body_n in_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o pleasure_n or_o will_v not_o steal_v and_o cozen_v but_o will_v be_v covetous_a and_o have_v his_o heart_n too_o much_o upon_o the_o world_n that_o dare_v not_o cast_v off_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o will_v indulge_v himself_o to_o be_v remiss_a and_o flat_a in_o they_o and_o several_a of_o this_o nature_n too_o easy_a to_o be_v observe_v now_o these_o kind_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a in_o that_o partly_o our_o conscience_n not_o be_v present_o startle_v at_o they_o as_o at_o great_a crime_n we_o more_o easy_o admit_v they_o or_o they_o insensible_o steal_v upon_o we_o from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o become_v frequent_a and_o so_o arise_v to_o a_o great_a number_n and_o seem_v to_o equal_v that_o way_n what_o they_o have_v not_o in_o weight_n these_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o pass_v unregarded_a grow_v to_o a_o great_a danger_n since_o no_o danger_n be_v little_a when_o once_o it_o be_v esteem_v so_o and_o beside_o though_o these_o may_v pass_v for_o inadvertency_n when_o they_o be_v once_o or_o rare_o commit_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o vicious_a neglect_n of_o ourselves_o when_o they_o be_v frequent_a and_o ordinary_a forasmuch_o as_o all_o sincere_a virtue_n be_v awaken_v to_o great_a diligence_n by_o every_o sensible_a declension_n to_o which_o add_v especial_o that_o whatsoever_o sin_n and_o how_o little_a soever_o it_o be_v be_v not_o repent_v of_o when_o it_o be_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n be_v by_o that_o mean_v become_v a_o voluntary_a transgression_n increase_v its_o guilt_n ex_fw-la post_fw-la pacto_fw-la these_o be_v the_o principal_a station_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o several_a way_n upon_o which_o a_o man_n be_v denominate_v a_o sinner_n in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o wise_a man_n but_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v render_v this_o important_a point_n as_o clear_a as_o we_o can_v and_o now_o also_o come_v more_o direct_o to_o the_o parable_n before_o we_o we_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o psalmist_n david_n distribution_n of_o sinner_n into_o a_o threefold_a classis_fw-la psal_n 1._o vers_fw-la 1._o bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n nor_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o
presence_n of_o a_o grave_n and_o virtuous_a man_n carry_v that_o awe_n as_o that_o the_o sinner_n be_v render_v impotent_a to_o his_o purpose_n as_o if_o he_o be_v under_o a_o charm_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o we_o see_v confirm_v by_o frequent_a experience_n how_o much_o more_o must_v needs_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o omni-present_a majesty_n a_o all-seeing_a eye_n a_o holy_a and_o righteous_a judge_n cool_v the_o heat_n abate_v the_o courage_n and_o stop_v the_o career_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o several_a learned_a man_n upon_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 14._o 1._o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n they_o conceive_v that_o it_o may_v as_o well_o and_o as_o consistent_o with_o the_o original_a be_v render_v the_o fool_n have_v say_v to_o his_o heart_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n wicked_a man_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o the_o more_o comfortable_o and_o uncontrol_o in_o their_o sin_n will_v fain_o persuade_v themselves_o there_o be_v no_o god_n but_o to_o speak_v a_o little_a more_o close_o and_o particular_o to_o this_o matter_n forasmuch_o as_o i_o note_v even_o now_o from_o s._n jerome_n that_o god_n be_v a_o infinite_a majesty_n we_o can_v neither_o approach_v he_o nor_o depart_v from_o he_o strict_o and_o local_o there_o be_v therefore_o these_o three_o way_n by_o which_o according_a to_o the_o language_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o can_v come_v near_o to_o god_n viz._n either_o 1._o by_o act_n of_o immediate_a worship_n as_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o the_o like_a or_o 2._o by_o live_v under_o a_o quick_a sense_n of_o his_o providence_n or_o 3._o by_o yield_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n which_o three_o thing_n in_o conjunction_n make_v up_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o religion_n and_o in_o respect_n to_o these_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a such_o as_o enoch_n noah_n abraham_n etc._n etc._n be_v say_v to_o have_v walk_v with_o god_n that_o be_v they_o frame_v themselves_o to_o obedience_n to_o all_o his_o command_n they_o compose_v themselves_o to_o a_o submission_n unto_o and_o compliance_n with_o his_o providential_a dispensation_n and_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o they_o may_v be_v assist_v and_o animate_v in_o both_o those_o they_o constant_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o by_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o his_o influence_n and_o blessing_n and_o again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o evil_a man_n who_o be_v say_v to_o depart_v from_o god_n be_v such_o as_o either_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o his_o obedience_n or_o live_v without_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o superintendence_n or_o lay_v aside_o the_o care_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o which_o be_v further_a observable_a these_o three_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v find_v separate_a from_o one_o another_o because_o of_o the_o reciprocal_a influence_n they_o have_v upon_o each_o other_o for_o as_o in_o the_o former_a triad_n or_o instance_n of_o piety_n whosoever_o live_v under_o a_o sense_n of_o a_o providence_n will_v endeavour_v to_o propitiate_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o himself_o by_o all_o worshipful_a dutiful_a observance_n and_o he_o that_o make_v conscience_n of_o that_o can_v ordinary_o be_v so_o absurd_a as_o to_o hope_v for_o the_o favour_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o holy_a majesty_n by_o the_o mere_a importunity_n of_o his_o devotion_n without_o conscience_n of_o obey_v his_o command_n with_o respect_n to_o which_o it_o be_v well_o say_v by_o a_o pious_a man_n in_o way_n of_o advice_n leave_v not_o off_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o either_o pray_v will_v make_v thou_o leave_v sin_v or_o continue_v to_o sin_n will_v make_v thou_o desist_v pray_v again_o he_o that_o worship_v and_o obey_v a_o god_n most_o certain_o live_v under_o a_o sense_n of_o he_o for_o otherwise_o he_o can_v give_v no_o account_n to_o himself_o why_o he_o shall_v put_v himself_o to_o the_o trouble_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o care_n of_o obedience_n and_o then_o for_o the_o other_o triad_n or_o the_o three_o instance_n of_o impiety_n he_o that_o live_v wicked_o will_v in_o time_n lose_v all_o sense_n of_o a_o providence_n and_o consequent_o all_o conscience_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o that_o extinguish_v either_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n or_o in_o a_o fair_a way_n to_o it_o cast_v off_o all_o care_n of_o religious_a worship_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o run_v riot_n in_o his_o life_n when_o he_o have_v rid_v himself_o of_o those_o awful_a principle_n that_o do_v curb_v and_o restrain_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o which_o we_o have_v a_o memorable_a example_n gen._n 4._o cain_n have_v betray_v a_o great_a remisseness_n in_o religion_n by_o the_o carelessness_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n whereas_o abel_n who_o believe_v firm_o in_o god_n think_v nothing_o too_o good_a for_o his_o service_n bring_v of_o the_o fat_a and_o best_a of_o his_o flock_n to_o god_n cain_n think_v any_o thing_n will_v serve_v turn_n and_o according_o carry_v away_o the_o token_n of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o disdain_n but_z vers_n 8._o he_o invite_v his_o brother_n abel_n into_o the_o field_n where_o as_o the_o samaritan_n version_n intimate_v some_o discourse_n pass_v between_o they_o and_o the_o jerusalem_n targum_fw-la tell_v we_o particular_o that_o cain_n stiff_o deny_v a_o providence_n which_o abel_n as_o strenuous_o assert_v and_o this_o doctrine_n of_o cain_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o his_o negligent_a worship_n before_o and_o his_o exsecrable_a practice_n after_o for_o from_o this_o denial_n of_o a_o providence_n he_o present_o proceed_v to_o the_o murder_n of_o his_o brother_n and_o not_o long_o after_o that_o vers_n 16._o we_o read_v cain_n go_v out_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o now_o agreeable_o to_o those_o principle_n and_o consequent_o of_o such_o villainous_a practice_n cast_v off_o renounce_v and_o defy_v religion_n and_o the_o text_n further_o add_v he_o go_v and_o sojourn_v in_o the_o land_n of_o nod_n which_o who_o so_o list_v to_o interpret_v allegorical_o will_v very_o agreeable_o to_o the_o series_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n say_v mean_v that_o he_o vagrant-like_a wander_v on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o dissoluteness_n have_v now_o lose_v all_o card_n and_o compass_v to_o direct_v he_o but_o what_o need_v we_o far_o evidence_n in_o so_o plain_a a_o case_n to_o which_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o world_n give_v testimony_n for_o what_o be_v it_o that_o encourage_v any_o man_n in_o a_o generous_a undertake_n where_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n be_v attend_v with_o hazard_n and_o difficulty_n with_o labour_n and_o trouble_v with_o patience_n and_o self-denial_n but_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n what_o bear_v he_o up_o that_o the_o privacy_n of_o the_o fact_n abate_v not_o his_o edge_n nor_o the_o tediousness_n of_o accomplishment_n weary_v out_o his_o endeavour_n nor_o the_o opposition_n quail_v his_o spirit_n but_o only_o this_o that_o he_o see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a and_o have_v god_n before_o he_o think_v himself_o upon_o the_o most_o ample_a theatre_n and_o be_v sure_a of_o success_n and_o reward_n and_o what_o be_v there_o that_o keep_v alive_a this_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o providence_n that_o neither_o atheistical_a suggestion_n debauch_v his_o principle_n nor_o multitude_n of_o ill_a example_n cool_v his_o heat_n and_o corrupt_v his_o resolution_n but_o his_o approach_n to_o god_n by_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n whereby_o he_o refresh_v the_o worthy_a notion_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o have_v they_o as_o it_o be_v new_o engrave_v and_o make_v more_o legible_a upon_o the_o table_n of_o his_o heart_n he_o go_v by_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n like_o moses_n into_o the_o mount_n of_o god_n and_o return_v with_o the_o table_n of_o god_n law_n write_v a_o fresh_a by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n such_o a_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o sin_n and_o disdain_v every_o ungenerous_a action_n come_v new_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n the_o approach_n of_o such_o a_o glory_n diffuse_v some_o ray_n upon_o he_o and_o his_o face_n shine_v as_o the_o same_o mose_n do_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n in_o short_a he_o can_v without_o great_a violence_n to_o himself_o condescend_v to_o entertain_v the_o devil_n into_o his_o bosom_n which_o be_v yet_o warm_a with_o that_o divine_a guest_n the_o holy_a ghost_n contrariwise_o take_v a_o man_n that_o live_v without_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o he_o have_v no_o care_n of_o nor_o value_n for_o himself_o he_o have_v not_o a_o mind_n large_a enough_o for_o any_o generous_a design_n he_o be_v poor_a spirit_v hurry_v by_o every_o fear_n baffle_v by_o every_o danger_n surprise_v and_o carry_v away_o by_o every_o temptation_n the_o vigorous_a
that_o the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v especial_o and_o most_o remarkable_o verify_v in_o the_o charity_n of_o parent_n that_o it_o bear_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n for_o they_o ready_o believe_v well_o of_o their_o child_n because_o they_o so_o passionate_o desire_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o notwithstanding_o the_o son_n can_v not_o think_v his_o father_n so_o soft_a and_o easy_a as_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o with_o word_n and_o ceremony_n and_o himself_o be_v not_o now_o so_o ill_o nature_a as_o to_o go_v about_o to_o abuse_v so_o much_o goodness_n if_o it_o it_o have_v be_v in_o his_o power_n wherefore_o the_o text_n say_v vers_fw-la 20._o so_o he_o arise_v and_o come_v to_o his_o father_n i._n e._n he_o do_v not_o only_o change_v his_o note_n his_o address_n his_o countenance_n but_o he_o change_v his_o course_n he_o return_v to_o his_o father_n and_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o son_n and_o we_o have_v under_o this_o type_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o it_o see_v describe_v the_o preface_n and_o introduction_n to_o repentance_n towards_o god_n namely_o the_o sinner_n bewail_v his_o sin_n take_v shame_n to_o himself_o under_o agony_n of_o mind_n prick_v to_o the_o heart_n humble_o implore_v the_o divine_a favour_n and_o cry_v earnest_o for_o mercy_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o that_o repentance_n mean_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v yet_o behind_o viz._n actual_a reformation_n this_o be_v that_o which_o every_o awaken_v conscience_n in_o its_o agony_n promise_n and_o resolve_v upon_o this_o god_n expect_v and_o every_o sincere_a convert_n real_o perform_v for_o without_o this_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o empty_a pomp_n and_o pageantry_n and_o mere_a hypocrisy_n as_o we_o shall_v show_v anon_o but_o when_o this_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a such_o a_o person_n from_o thenceforth_o be_v a_o new_a man_n and_o in_o a_o new_a estate_n he_o have_v complete_o make_v his_o return_n to_o god_n as_o the_o son_n in_o the_o text_n be_v say_v to_o have_v actual_o return_v to_o his_o father_n i_o have_v note_v heretofore_o that_o all_o irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n be_v wont_n in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v express_v by_o the_o phrase_n of_o depart_v from_o god_n or_o go_v out_o from_o he_o or_o forsake_v he_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a practice_n of_o religion_n be_v contrariwise_o set_v forth_o by_o draw_v nigh_o to_o or_o come_v to_o god_n particular_o hebr._n 11._o 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n q._n d._n he_o that_o become_v a_o proselyte_n to_o religion_n for_o from_o thence_o do_v that_o word_n proselyte_n take_v its_o original_n wherefore_o now_o we_o will_v first_o observe_v what_o be_v employ_v by_o this_o phrase_n of_o the_o son_n be_v return_v or_o come_v to_o his_o father_n and_o in_o proportion_n thereto_o describe_v this_o most_o important_a business_n of_o the_o penitent'_v return_v to_o god_n which_o be_v his_o actual_a conversion_n or_o reformation_n and_o in_o the_o former_a these_o three_o thing_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v comprehend_v 1._o that_o the_o son_n now_o return_v home_n to_o his_o father_n family_n and_o presence_n 2._o that_o he_o return_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o son_n by_o obedience_n and_o compliance_n with_o his_o father_n command_n 3._o that_o he_o submit_v to_o his_o father_n government_n and_o provision_n therefore_o in_o the_o latter_a namely_o conversion_n to_o god_n these_o three_o thing_n must_v semblable_o be_v imply_v 1._o that_o the_o penitent_a put_v himself_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o life_n in_o a_o constant_a practice_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n 2._o that_o he_o frame_v himself_o to_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o god_n command_n 3._o that_o he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o divine_a disposal_n and_o entire_o submit_v to_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n 1._o concern_v the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a or_o remarkable_a to_o all_o experience_n and_o observation_n than_o the_o great_a fervour_n of_o devotion_n in_o all_o true_a convert_v from_o a_o evil_a life_n insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v not_o that_o man_n to_o be_v find_v under_o such_o a_o character_n but_o present_o with_o great_a solemnity_n and_o seriousness_n he_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o which_o purpose_n we_o find_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4._o worshipper_n or_o devout_a person_n to_o be_v the_o common_a name_n by_o which_o convert_v to_o religion_n be_v express_v and_o these_o act_v 13._o 48._o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d candidate_n of_o eternal_a life_n or_o put_v into_o order_n and_o dispose_v for_o salvation_n compare_v vers_fw-la 43._o with_o 48._o more_o particular_o it_o be_v observable_a of_o st._n paul_n that_o when_o from_o a_o superstitious_a pharisee_fw-mi and_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n he_o be_v reclaim_v and_o make_v a_o christian_a the_o assurance_n that_o god_n give_v to_o ananias_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o conversion_n be_v act_n 9_o 11._o behold_v he_o pray_v and_o so_o of_o manasses_n 2_o chron._n 33._o 18._o among_o the_o instance_n of_o his_o real_a reformation_n the_o scripture_n take_v especial_a notice_n of_o the_o prayer_n that_o he_o pray_v and_o this_o be_v so_o universal_a a_o truth_n that_o i_o think_v from_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o those_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n hypocritical_o to_o put_v on_o the_o guise_n and_o appearance_n of_o religion_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v notable_o careful_a in_o this_o point_n for_o so_o the_o pharisee_n cloak_v all_o their_o villainy_n with_o this_o garb_n of_o piety_n now_o hypocrisy_n will_v miss_v altogether_o of_o its_o design_n if_o it_o do_v not_o resemble_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n and_o usual_o their_o over_o solicitude_n and_o over_n herein_o betray_v they_o to_o act_v a_o part_n only_o in_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n which_o the_o true_a penitent_n express_v his_o conversion_n by_o though_o this_o be_v by_o some_o too_o fantastical_o call_v duty_n as_o if_o all_o piety_n consist_v in_o that_o only_a for_o as_o the_o literal_a prodigal_a return_n to_o his_o father_n house_n and_o family_n so_o the_o mystical_a return_n to_o god_n house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o associate_n himself_o with_o god_n servant_n in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n viz._n in_o hear_v the_o word_n read_v meditation_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n now_o he_o think_v a_o day_n spend_v in_o god_n court_n better_a than_o a_o thousand_o and_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o doorkeeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n then_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o the_o wicked_a this_o one_o thing_n he_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v most_o passionate_a in_o that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n to_o behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n 4._o and_o to_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n and_o he_o so_o high_o value_v the_o privilege_n of_o god_n church_n that_o no_o private_a opinion_n no_o trifle_a scrupulosity_n nor_o petty_a disgust_n shall_v ever_o alienate_v he_o from_o it_o here_o he_o find_v himself_o fortify_v and_o encourage_v by_o the_o great_a example_n of_o holy_a man_n his_o prayer_n strengthen_v by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o good_a people_n here_o he_o be_v under_o the_o public_a dispensation_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n the_o very_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o which_o he_o now_o with_o the_o great_a convert_n st._n austin_n value_v and_o admire_v more_o than_o all_o the_o greek_a or_o roman_a eloquence_n of_o speech_n or_o subtlety_n of_o philosophy_n to_o which_o every_o thing_n else_o seem_v flat_a and_o insipid_a before_o above_o all_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n put_v he_o into_o a_o ecstasy_n in_o this_o he_o think_v himself_o in_o god_n presence_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o admit_v a_o guest_n at_o his_o table_n the_o crumb_n of_o which_o he_o think_v himself_o unworthy_a of_o here_o he_o refresh_v his_o hungry_a soul_n with_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o his_o wound_a conscience_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o in_o both_o he_o think_v he_o see_v his_o provoke_v but_o compassionate_a father_n stand_v with_o open_a arm_n to_o receive_v he_o this_o he_o approach_v with_o great_a reverence_n with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o his_o sin_n past_a together_o with_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n mercy_n and_o will_v therefore_o never_o be_v negligent_a of_o it_o in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n both_o public_a and_o private_a the_o convert_n express_v such_o a_o excellent_a spirit_n and_o extraordinary_a
be_v true_a the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o son_n death_n have_v seize_v he_o so_o long_o that_o he_o can_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a now_o and_o by_o the_o report_n of_o his_o life_n his_o wound_n bleed_v afresh_o and_o the_o grief_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o he_o be_v so_o renew_v that_o the_o good_a man_n sink_v into_o a_o deliquium_fw-la but_o when_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o report_v the_o whole_a business_n to_o relate_v the_o message_n be_v bring_v from_o joseph_n and_o especial_o come_v to_o real_a proof_n show_v he_o the_o wagon_n which_o his_o son_n have_v send_v to_o bring_v he_o down_o into_o egypt_n then_o say_v the_o text_n the_o spirit_n of_o their_o father_n revive_v and_o he_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o be_v transport_v with_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o joy_n now_o as_o to_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o sadness_n before_o but_o he_o recover_v himself_o and_o israel_n say_v it_o be_v enough_o joseph_n my_o son_n be_v yet_o alive_a i_o will_v go_v down_o and_o see_v he_o before_o i_o die_v the_o story_n beside_o the_o unquestionable_a authority_n of_o sacred_a record_n carry_v the_o natural_a mark_n of_o truth_n upon_o it_o all_o thing_n be_v represent_v so_o do_v as_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v do_v upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o for_o the_o lively_a stroke_n of_o passion_n in_o it_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o any_o thing_n in_o all_o history_n be_v able_a to_o match_v it_o grief_n and_o joy_n great_a as_o their_o several_a cause_n take_v place_n successive_o vie_v with_o and_o set_v off_o each_o other_o now_o although_o the_o business_n which_o we_o have_v at_o present_a before_o we_o be_v only_o a_o parable_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o much_o unlike_o that_o history_n for_o here_o we_o find_v a_o belove_a son_n at_o different_a time_n under_o the_o extremity_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a one_o while_o as_o miserable_a as_o folly_n and_o misfortune_n can_v make_v he_o another_o while_n recover_v himself_o and_o his_o station_n again_o and_o in_o all_o this_o diversity_n of_o fortune_n a_o good_a father_n passionate_o concern_v with_o he_o grieve_v and_o rejoice_v respective_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o son_n give_v he_o occasion_n and_o all_o express_v with_o equal_a life_n as_o in_o the_o former_a history_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o representation_n of_o what_o may_v be_v do_v but_o what_o be_v real_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o have_v hitherto_o see_v the_o tragical_a part_n only_o the_o son_n folly_n and_o misery_n and_o the_o father_n grief_n the_o son_n run_v on_o from_o one_o intemperance_n to_o another_o till_o his_o father_n despair_v of_o he_o and_o he_o find_v himself_o ruin_v but_o then_o by_o a_o great_a providence_n he_o come_v to_o himself_o and_o return_n but_o as_o we_o say_v by_o weep_v cross_n but_o now_o the_o scene_n be_v change_v the_o son_n be_v recover_v and_o the_o father_n revive_v and_o all_o be_v joy_n and_o gladness_n here_o the_o good_a shepherd_n bring_v his_o lose_a sheep_n home_o on_o his_o shoulder_n rejoice_v here_o we_o see_v the_o good_a samaritan_n pour_v in_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o bind_v up_o the_o wound_n of_o he_o that_o be_v miserable_o wound_v and_o in_o a_o deplorable_a condition_n in_o short_a here_o we_o have_v a_o kind_a father_n own_v receive_v and_o indow_v his_o return_a son_n and_o here_o we_o have_v god_n almighty_a the_o father_n of_o spirit_n pardon_v and_o bless_v penitent_a sinner_n §_o ii_o but_o to_o come_v to_o particular_n whether_o we_o attend_v to_o the_o literal_a or_o the_o mystical_a sense_n of_o the_o parable_n in_o this_o last_o part_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v easy_o observe_v these_o four_o remarkable_a passage_n 1._o the_o passionate_a interview_n the_o benign_a aspect_n and_o kind_a greeting_n the_o father_n afford_v his_o son_n upon_o his_o first_o appearance_n in_o his_o way_n homeward_o 2._o the_o kind_n and_o present_a supply_n of_o the_o son_n want_n or_o he_o ornament_n which_o the_o father_n bestow_v upon_o he_o be_v it_o now_o return_v 3._o the_o splendid_a reception_n and_o entertainment_n he_o make_v for_o he_o 4._o and_o four_a and_o last_o his_o apology_n for_o so_o do_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n the_o passionate_a greeting_n at_o the_o first_o interview_n express_v thus_o vers_fw-la 20_o 21_o 22._o but_o when_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o his_o father_n see_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n and_o run_v and_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o and_o the_o son_n say_v to_o his_o father_n father_n i_o have_v sin_v etc._n etc._n the_o son_n relent_v and_o the_o father_n melt_v into_o compassion_n the_o son_n be_v ashamed_a and_o the_o father_n bowel_n yern_v towards_o he_o the_o affection_n of_o a_o father_n prevent_v the_o son_n humiliation_n and_o acknowledgement_n and_o yet_o the_o father_n kindness_n will_v not_o discharge_v or_o supersede_n the_o son_n duty_n there_o be_v a_o noble_a contention_n between_o they_o the_o one_o will_v demonstrate_v more_o love_n and_o the_o other_o strive_v to_o equal_v that_o with_o ingenuity_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o observe_v order_n in_o passion_n however_o in_o the_o father_n carriage_n we_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o four_o step_n first_o he_o take_v knowledge_n of_o his_o son_n at_o a_o distance_n while_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o though_o probable_o his_o former_a vice_n have_v disfigure_v he_o and_o his_o poverty_n disguise_v he_o long_a absence_n may_v have_v estrange_v he_o and_o age_n have_v somewhat_o alter_v he_o yet_o paternal_a affection_n be_v quick_a and_o sagacious_a he_o discover_v and_o distinguish_v he_o notwithstanding_o second_o his_o sight_n affect_v his_o heart_n when_o he_o see_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o have_v compassion_n his_o bowel_n yern_v towards_o he_o far_o soon_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o father_n dissolve_v into_o kindness_n then_o that_o of_o a_o son_n into_o obedience_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o consideration_n and_o resolution_n at_o last_o bring_v the_o son_n to_o recover_v his_o sense_n of_o duty_n but_o the_o father_n take_v fire_n present_o and_o the_o flame_n be_v not_o to_o be_v conceal_v for_o three_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o passion_n prompt_v he_o beyond_o the_o gravity_n of_o his_o year_n the_o dignity_n of_o his_o relation_n and_o above_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o just_a offence_n for_o he_o run_v to_o meet_v his_o son_n and_o then_o last_o he_o indulge_v his_o affection_n or_o can_v command_v they_o he_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o he_o forget_v all_o former_a undutifullness_n and_o provocation_n he_o stand_v not_o rigid_o expostulate_v the_o matter_n nor_o scrupulous_o weigh_v formality_n but_o make_v the_o full_a expression_n of_o joy_n and_o indearment_n now_o in_o a_o due_a proportion_n to_o all_o these_o particular_n make_v only_o a_o just_a allowance_n for_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n be_v the_o condescension_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n towards_o return_v sinner_n as_o i_o will_v show_v by_o draw_v the_o parallel_n in_o all_o the_o aforesaid_a particular_n something_o more_o at_o large_a first_o as_o a_o earthly_a parent_n that_o have_v lose_v a_o son_n carry_v the_o image_n of_o he_o in_o his_o thought_n and_o never_o so_o lose_v the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o but_o that_o upon_o every_o the_o least_o occasion_n he_o occurr_v to_o his_o mind_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v be_v quick_a in_o apprehend_v the_o first_o approach_n of_o he_o if_o he_o happen_v to_o return_v so_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v so_o tender_a a_o love_n to_o man_n and_o such_o a_o concern_n for_o their_o good_a and_o happiness_n that_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o first_o motion_n towards_o himself_o he_o discern_v the_o first_o reason_v the_o releting_n the_o agony_n of_o mind_n the_o first_o dawning_n towards_o a_o resolution_n of_o return_v we_o see_v not_o the_o corn_n grow_v only_o we_o discover_v when_o it_o be_v grow_v nor_o do_v we_o discern_v how_o our_o own_o member_n be_v fashion_v in_o the_o womb_n but_o the_o curious_a eye_n of_o god_n observe_v the_o first_o line_n and_o trace_n of_o nature_n the_o first_o essay_n and_o palpitation_n of_o life_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o psalmist_n admire_v the_o divine_a providence_n psal_n 139._o 14_o 15_o 16._o i_o will_v praise_v thou_o for_o i_o be_o fearful_o and_o wonderful_o make_v my_o substance_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o when_o i_o be_v make_v in_o secret_a and_o curious_o wrought_v in_o the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n thy_o eye_n do_v see_v my_o substance_n be_v yet_o imperfect_a and_o in_o thy_o book_n all_o my_o member_n be_v write_v which_o in_o process_n of_o time_n be_v fashion_v when_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o and_o much_o more_o do_v
the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o he_o may_v be_v impose_v upon_o he_o be_v not_o so_o flesh_v with_o victory_n but_o his_o heart_n may_v fail_v he_o in_o short_a grace_n be_v rather_o a_o disposition_n then_o a_o habit_n in_o he_o and_o virtue_n more_o a_o inclination_n than_o a_o nature_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v fall_v away_o but_o there_o be_v a_o virile_a state_n of_o virtue_n attainable_a when_o duty_n be_v turn_v into_o nature_n and_o that_o which_o be_v best_a in_o itself_o be_v also_o most_o pleasant_a and_o delectable_a when_o a_o man_n be_v so_o long_o exercise_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n that_o it_o be_v as_o much_o a_o road_n to_o he_o as_o the_o course_n of_o sin_n be_v either_o heretofore_o to_o he_o or_o be_v now_o to_o other_o and_o neither_o the_o length_n of_o the_o race_n be_v tedious_a to_o he_o nor_o the_o dispatch_v difficult_a when_o a_o man_n shall_v neither_o stagger_v in_o his_o choice_n nor_o be_v flat_a and_o formal_a in_o his_o prosecution_n he_o have_v taste_v the_o grape_n of_o canaan_n and_o never_o more_o belong_v to_o return_v to_o egypt_n but_o disdain_v the_o fleshpot_n the_o onion_n and_o the_o garlic_n thereof_o as_o much_o as_o he_o former_o groan_v under_o the_o servitude_n such_o a_o man_n have_v put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n and_o defy_v all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n the_o devil_n himself_o be_v ashamed_a to_o tempt_v he_o have_v be_v so_o often_o baffle_v by_o he_o and_o he_o stand_v immovable_a as_o a_o rock_n stable_n as_o a_o angel_n diognet_fw-la and_o all_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o he_o now_o because_o this_o admirable_a condition_n be_v both_o desirable_a and_o possible_a and_o that_o which_o god_n design_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o therefore_o he_o proceed_v to_o super-adde_a to_o the_o convert_v further_a measure_n of_o sanctification_n now_o for_o the_o way_n of_o effect_v this_o beside_o those_o secret_a way_n of_o work_v which_o we_o can_v penetrate_v into_o by_o which_o it_o please_v god_n to_o bring_v about_o this_o glorious_a design_n there_o be_v these_o three_o way_n follow_v which_o fall_n within_o our_o understanding_n §_o iv._o on_o first_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_o discernible_a in_o a_o convert_n then_o that_o the_o first_o work_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o his_o heart_n revive_v a_o true_a ingenuity_n of_o spirit_n in_o he_o which_o be_v the_o very_a groundwork_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o improvement_n and_o than_o god_n be_v please_v gracious_o and_o free_o to_o give_v he_o the_o pardon_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n lay_v so_o mighty_a a_o obligation_n upon_o that_o ingenuity_n as_o be_v of_o force_n to_o put_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o their_o utmost_a activity_n and_o thereby_o the_o temper_n of_o such_o a_o person_n be_v marvellous_o raise_v and_o improve_v for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o efficacy_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n if_o the_o former_a may_v be_v able_a to_o restrain_v sin_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o inflame_v man_n to_o generous_a goodness_n or_o if_o that_o impress_n a_o caution_n of_o offend_v out_o of_o apprehension_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n the_o latter_a rise_v high_a and_o stir_v up_o endeavour_n of_o return_v love_n for_o love_n the_o one_o be_v apt_a to_o inquire_v after_o the_o minimum_fw-la quod_fw-la sic_fw-la as_o they_o call_v it_o the_o low_a measure_n of_o grace_n that_o will_v but_o serve_v the_o turn_n to_o avoid_v hell_n the_o other_o seek_v aliquid_fw-la eximium_fw-la and_o think_v nothing_o enough_o by_o way_n of_o grateful_a return_n and_o therefore_o court_v occasion_n and_o rejoice_v in_o difficulty_n as_o happy_a opportunity_n of_o demonstrate_v his_o ingenuous_a sense_n of_o his_o obligation_n when_o cyrus_n have_v vanquish_v croesus_n and_o have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o destroy_v he_o not_o only_o preserve_v he_o but_o employ_v he_o and_o make_v he_o privy_a to_o his_o counsel_n mere_a generosity_n provoke_v he_o to_o become_v not_o a_o true_a prisoner_n but_o a_o faithful_a friend_n and_o useful_a counsellor_n but_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o the_o most_o illustrious_a example_n of_o that_o i_o be_o say_v luk._n 7._o 37._o in_o the_o instance_n of_o a_o certain_a woman_n that_o have_v be_v a_o great_a sinner_n who_o find_v out_o our_o saviour_n where_o he_o be_v at_o dinner_n in_o a_o pharisee'_v house_n bring_v a_o box_n of_o very_o costly_a ointment_n and_o have_v wash_v his_o foot_n with_o penitent_a tear_n wipe_v they_o with_o her_o hair_n and_o kiss_v they_o she_o anoint_v they_o also_o with_o the_o precious_a balm_n she_o have_v bring_v for_o that_o purpose_n the_o pharisee_n murmur_v at_o the_o familiar_a approach_n and_o access_n of_o such_o a_o ignominious_a person_n judas_n grudge_v the_o cost_n and_o all_o the_o disciple_n wonder_v at_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o business_n but_o our_o saviour_n apply_v himself_o to_o simon_n and_o expound_v the_o business_n to_o he_o by_o a_o parable_n vers_fw-la 41_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o certain_a creditor_n have_v two_o debtor_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o he_o silence_n the_o murmur_n of_o the_o one_o and_o remove_v the_o wonder_n of_o the_o other_o show_v the_o power_n of_o gratitude_n and_o the_o admirable_a efficacy_n of_o great_a obligation_n upon_o ingenuous_a mind_n second_o when_o god_n receive_v the_o penitent_a into_o his_o favour_n he_o give_v he_o by_o faith_n a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o great_a thing_n in_o another_o world_n the_o real_a and_o serious_a apprehension_n of_o which_o be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o place_v he_o above_o all_o the_o charm_n below_o and_o to_o make_v he_o disdain_v all_o the_o bait_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o also_o to_o transport_v he_o with_o love_n and_o desire_n and_o to_o carry_v he_o with_o full_a fail_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o those_o incomparable_a glory_n thus_o discover_v to_o he_o and_o thereby_o marvellous_o heighten_v and_o improve_v he_o in_o holiness_n so_o the_o apostle_n hebr._n 11._o 1._o pronounce_v of_o faith_n that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v that_o be_v it_o make_v those_o thing_n that_o seem_v mere_a fable_n and_o romance_n to_o other_o man_n to_o be_v the_o great_a reality_n in_o the_o world_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v look_v upon_o at_o a_o distance_n seem_v small_a and_o inconsiderable_a and_o have_v little_a effect_n upon_o man_n mind_n now_o be_v make_v near_o and_o present_a be_v of_o mighty_a influence_n as_o he_o show_v at_o large_a historical_o throughout_o that_o long_a and_o excellent_a chapter_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o all_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v ascribe_v to_o his_o faith_n act_v 15._o 9_o have_v purify_v their_o heart_n by_o faith_n as_o if_o that_o sublime_v a_o man_n and_o draw_v he_o off_o from_o his_o lees_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 4._o there_o be_v give_v to_o we_o exceed_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n whereby_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o if_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n due_o operate_n upon_o we_o be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o raise_v we_o above_o the_o world_n but_o above_o ourselves_o and_o to_o transfuse_v a_o divine_a temper_n into_o we_o for_o so_o he_o go_v on_o vers_fw-la 5_o 6_o 7._o add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n the_o word_n he_o use_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d q._n d._n faith_n will_v lead_v the_o dance_n to_o all_o other_o virtue_n or_o do_v but_o set_v that_o on_o work_n and_o it_o will_v draw_v on_o the_o whole_a encyclopaedy_n and_o circle_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o daily_a observation_n that_o not_o only_a man_n industry_n be_v increase_v which_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n but_o their_o part_n also_o be_v raise_v and_o enlarge_v proportionable_o to_o the_o encouragement_n set_v before_o they_o great_a hope_n make_v great_a man_n and_o fit_v they_o for_o great_a undertake_n insomuch_o that_o quintilian_n inquire_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o former_a age_n breed_v great_a wit_n and_o more_o exquisite_a orator_n then_o latter_a day_n resolve_v it_o into_o this_o that_o those_o time_n afford_v the_o great_a honour_n and_o encouragement_n to_o they_o and_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a remark_n in_o historian_n that_o those_o prince_n and_o state_n have_v always_o the_o able_a minister_n who_o fortune_n have_v present_v to_o they_o the_o most_o honourable_a employment_n and_o great_a reward_n but_o it_o be_v more_o to_o our_o business_n to_o observe_v that_o
grateful_a to_o all_o the_o society_n upon_o which_o account_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o bathe_v anoint_v exercise_n and_o perfume_v themselves_o beforehand_o and_o among_o other_o curiosity_n to_o put_v on_o a_o habit_n which_o be_v both_o sumptuous_a and_o significant_a of_o respect_n agreeable_a whereunto_o be_v that_o passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n matt._n 22._o 11._o where_o the_o master_n of_o the_o feast_n take_v it_o extreme_a ill_n of_o one_o of_o his_o guest_n that_o he_o appear_v there_o not_o have_v on_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o with_o this_o accord_v the_o contrivance_n of_o this_o parable_n for_o the_o father_n have_v as_o we_o have_v see_v put_v his_o son_n into_o a_o besit_a garb_n now_o proceed_v to_o his_o entertainment_n which_o be_v the_o three_o and_o last_o expression_n of_o his_o reconciliation_n bring_v hither_o say_v he_o the_o fat_a calf_n etc._n etc._n that_o he_o intend_v a_o feast_n for_o joy_n of_o the_o recovery_n of_o his_o lose_a son_n be_v very_o plain_a wherein_o he_o design_n that_o all_o his_o family_n shall_v bear_v a_o part_n with_o he_o the_o fat_a calf_n be_v the_o ancient_a most_o sumptuous_a treatment_n as_o appear_v gen._n 18._o 7._o for_o therewith_o abraham_n solemn_o entertain_v the_o three_o angel_n that_o come_v to_o visit_v he_o in_o the_o habit_n of_o way-faring_a man_n and_o as_o the_o afore-named_n stuckius_n and_o the_o learned_a bochart_n observe_v there_o be_v not_o a_o feast_n of_o old_a time_n especial_o among_o those_o mention_v by_o homer_n where_o this_o be_v not_o the_o principal_a dish_n and_o the_o text_n lay_v the_o emphasis_n of_o a_o double_a article_n upon_o it_o here_o in_o the_o parable_n but_o what_o be_v mystical_o mean_v by_o this_o passage_n or_o what_o peculiar_a favour_n of_o god_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n our_o saviour_n intend_v hereby_o to_o express_v be_v not_o very_o easy_a to_o determine_v in_o the_o forego_n particular_n we_o have_v have_v the_o concurrent_a opinion_n of_o the_o father_n for_o the_o countenance_n of_o our_o application_n but_o here_o i_o doubt_v we_o shall_v be_v desert_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o walk_v alone_o must_v proceed_v the_o more_o wary_o the_o ancient_n agree_v in_o the_o general_n that_o hereby_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o great_a and_o inestimable_a gift_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v st._n chrysostom_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n what_o fat_a calf_n do_v the_o father_n call_v for_o what_o but_o his_o only_a son_n bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o rest_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o st._n chrysostom_n especial_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n represent_v in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o st._n austin_n to_o the_o same_o christ_n jesus_n preach_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o with_o the_o leave_n of_o such_o great_a man_n it_o may_v perhaps_o seem_v reasonable_a to_o pitch_v upon_o another_o interpretation_n namely_o that_o hereby_o be_v mean_v the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o which_o i_o offer_v these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o know_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v common_o such_o a_o crass_a notion_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v as_o to_o think_v it_o to_o consist_v in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n and_o particular_o of_o eat_v and_o drink_v agreeable_a to_o which_o be_v the_o fable_n among_o they_o of_o behemoth_n and_o leviathan_n the_o one_o a_o prodigious_a beast_n and_o the_o other_o a_o fish_n which_o together_o with_o great_a quantity_n of_o delicious_a wine_n they_o report_v to_o be_v lay_v in_o store_n by_o god_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v which_o ridiculous_a conceit_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v give_v countenance_n if_o not_o rise_v to_o the_o sensual_a paradise_n of_o the_o mahometan_n and_o some_o of_o the_o eastern_a nation_n 9_o and_o though_o menasse-ben-israel_n a_o late_a learned_a jew_n endeavour_v to_o mince_v the_o matter_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o story_n into_o a_o allegory_n yet_o he_o confess_v and_o strong_o contend_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o paradisiacal_a felicity_n must_v consist_v in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v now_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o the_o jew_n shall_v make_v use_n of_o their_o own_o language_n and_o allude_v to_o their_o custom_n and_o conceit_n how_o gross_a soever_o they_o be_v and_o that_o he_o do_v so_o will_v be_v the_o more_o probable_a if_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o consider_v that_o he_o compare_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o a_o feast_n matt._n 2._o 22._o that_o he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n he_o will_v drink_v no_o more_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n till_o he_o drink_v it_o new_a with_o they_o in_o his_o father_n kingdom_n matt._n 26._o 29._o and_o allow_v the_o expression_n of_o he_o that_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v the_o great_a blessedness_n to_o eat_v bread_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n luk._n 14._o 15._o three_o even_o in_o this_o very_a chapter_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n vers_fw-la 7._o and_o among_o the_o holy_a angel_n vers_fw-la 10._o he_o by_o those_o expression_n invite_v and_o lead_v our_o thought_n to_o this_o sense_n and_o in_o this_o very_a parable_n vers_fw-la 25._o the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o penitent_a be_v express_v as_o accompany_v with_o dance_v and_o mirth_n by_o all_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o give_v we_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o think_v the_o entertainment_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n but_o especial_o if_o we_o observe_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o the_o order_n of_o the_o parable_n require_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n as_o this_o we_o have_v suggest_v for_o according_a to_o the_o scheme_n of_o the_o parable_n god_n have_v be_v hitherto_o represent_v as_o bestow_v all_o those_o favour_n and_o blessing_n upon_o the_o penitent_a which_o render_v he_o fit_a for_o and_o capable_a of_o heaven_n as_o we_o have_v see_v already_o what_o can_v now_o follow_v more_o proper_o or_o what_o will_v one_o expect_v to_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o next_o place_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v thenceforward_o be_v describe_v confer_v that_o happiness_n and_o actual_o place_v he_o in_o that_o state_n he_o have_v by_o all_o his_o former_a unspeakable_a favour_n make_v way_n for_o beside_o god_n give_v his_o son_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o his_o other_o favour_n and_o our_o saviour_n giving_z himself_o for_o we_o be_v the_o meritorious_a and_o procure_a cause_n of_o justification_n adoption_n sanctification_n the_o give_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o all_o the_o great_a thing_n foremention_v and_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o this_o scene_n to_o represent_v this_o in_o the_o last_o place_n when_o all_o those_o benefit_n which_o flow_v from_o it_o have_v before_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v confer_v this_o therefore_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o intent_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o word_n we_o be_v upon_o to_o personate_v our_o heavenly_a father_n crown_v all_o those_o former_a gift_n he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o sincere_a convert_n in_o this_o life_n with_o glory_n and_o blessedness_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o conclusion_n as_o if_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n the_o father_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n have_v say_v i_o remember_v the_o misery_n the_o hunger_n and_o hardship_n my_o son_n have_v endure_v and_o i_o pity_v he_o even_o then_o when_o he_o well_o deserve_v all_o he_o suffer_v but_o since_o the_o time_n that_o i_o have_v see_v he_o return_v not_o only_o the_o pale_a look_n sharp_a countenance_n deject_a eye_n and_o all_o other_o argument_n of_o his_o former_a calamity_n which_o i_o have_v observe_v in_o he_o run_v in_o my_o mind_n but_o i_o think_v also_o of_o the_o conflict_n he_o have_v have_v with_o himself_o upon_o the_o point_n of_o return_v fear_v turn_v he_o back_o and_o hope_v encourage_v he_o to_o go_v on_o and_o the_o latter_a with_o great_a difficulty_n vanquish_a the_o former_a methinks_v i_o see_v the_o anguish_n of_o his_o mind_n his_o indignation_n against_o himself_o his_o shame_n for_o his_o own_o folly_n and_o the_o awful_a reverence_n he_o have_v of_o my_o presence_n between_o all_o which_o i_o know_v how_o his_o heart_n pant_v and_o labour_v till_o at_o last_o the_o revive_a sense_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o the_o confidence_n in_o the_o benignity_n of_o a_o father_n carry_v he_o through_o and_o