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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n heart_n prayer_n spirit_n 3,126 5 5.2833 4 true
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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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this_o day_n and_o that_o whether_o in_o public_a private_a or_o secret_n the_o day_n be_v not_o do_v when_o the_o church_n dissolve_v the_o whole_a of_o it_o be_v holy_a to_o the_o lord_n walk_v and_o visit_n be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o evening-work_a of_o the_o sabbath_n but_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a conference_n those_o who_o have_v family_n to_o look_v after_o be_v best_a employ_v in_o see_v they_o spend_v the_o vacant_a time_n of_o the_o sabbath_n in_o holy_a exercise_n sc_n read_v the_o scripture_n give_v a_o account_n what_o truth_n they_o have_v be_v teach_v join_v with_o they_o in_o praise_n and_o prayer_n unto_o god_n in_o all_o of_o these_o in_o their_o course_n and_o order_n till_o night_n call_v for_o repose_v five_o the_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o we_o profane_v when_o we_o neglect_v or_o be_v remiss_a in_o our_o attendance_n upon_o they_o some_o particular_a character_n of_o a_o profane_a person_n here_o follow_v first_o he_o be_v a_o profane_a person_n that_o think_v and_o speak_v but_o sligh_o of_o religion_n religion_n our_o chief_a excellency_n the_o crown_n of_o our_o being_n but_o have_v we_o not_o many_o who_o deride_z piety_n and_o make_v a_o scoff_n of_o religion_n who_o take_v up_o their_o religion_n by_o chance_n never_o examine_v it_o think_v that_o any_o may_v suffice_v whatever_o it_o be_v secret_o despise_v the_o holiness_n and_o strictness_n of_o other_o think_v they_o make_v more_o ado_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n than_o needs_o but_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o too_o precise_a but_o these_o be_v too_o profane_a who_o contemn_v religion_n as_o unnecessary_a and_o superfluous_a second_o he_o be_v a_o prafane_a person_n who_o neglect_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n when_o he_o have_v opportunity_n and_o ability_n to_o attend_v it_o god_n special_a presence_n be_v in_o two_o place_n heaven_n and_o the_o church_n three_o he_o be_v a_o profane_a person_n who_o neglect_v the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n in_o 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a_o little_a long_o give_v some_o space_n try_v we_o yet_o once_o more_o and_z o_o lord_n we_o will_v reform_v we_o will_v amend_v our_o sinful_a life_n we_o will_v perform_v neglect_v duty_n and_o never_o more_o again_o return_v to_o folly_n be_v not_o these_o resolution_n a_o evident_a conviction_n certain_o you_o think_v you_o have_v a_o power_n so_o to_o do_v and_o therefore_o if_o you_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o perform_v you_o be_v altogether_o inexcusable_a second_o do_v you_o never_o in_o your_o whole_a life_n perform_v a_o duty_n unto_o god_n do_v you_o never_o pray_v be_v there_o any_o here_o so_o desperate_o profane_a so_o lose_v to_o all_o show_n of_o goodness_n that_o have_v not_o do_v this_o and_o to_o what_o end_n have_v you_o pray_v for_o what_o do_v you_o perform_v your_o duty_n be_v it_o not_o for_o salvation_n and_o do_v you_o work_v for_o salvation_n and_o yet_o think_v you_o have_v no_o power_n to_o work_v for_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a man_n very_a work_n 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yet_o thou_o think_v thou_o have_v yet_o will_v not_o endeavour_v to_o work_v therefore_o thy_o ruin_n be_v as_o wilful_a and_o thy_o condemnation_n as_o just_a as_o if_o thou_o have_v a_o power_n and_o will_v not_o work_v for_o thou_o perish_v mere_o through_o the_o default_n of_o thy_o own_o will._n answ_n 3._o whether_o wicked_a man_n have_v this_o power_n or_o not_o to_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o stand_v to_o inquire_v but_o if_o they_o have_v it_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o work_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o most_o vain_a and_o insufficient_a plea_n to_o pretend_v they_o want_v power_n now_o this_o appear_v evident_o because_o there_o be_v no_o wicked_a man_n that_o ever_o do_v so_o much_o as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v by_o the_o mere_a strength_n of_o nature_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o their_o inability_n but_o their_o wilful_a sloth_n that_o do_v destroy_v they_o do_v but_o answer_v your_o own_o conscience_n be_v there_o not_o one_o duty_n more_o which_o you_o can_v have_v perform_v nor_o one_o temptation_n nor_o one_o corruption_n more_o which_o you_o can_v have_v resist_v can_v not_o you_o have_v pray_v read_v or_o meditate_a upon_o heavenly_a thing_n then_o when_o your_o heart_n and_o thought_n have_v be_v vain_a worldly_a and_o sinful_a and_o devilish_a may_v not_o that_o time_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o holy_a converse_n which_o you_o trifle_v away_o in_o idle_a impertinent_a discourse_n or_o in_o do_v nothing_o or_o that_o which_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o nothing_o what_o force_n what_o constraint_n be_v lay_v upon_o you_o can_v you_o think_v and_o if_o you_o can_v can_v you_o think_v of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o world_n as_o well_o concern_v fulfil_a god_n will_n and_o work_v out_o your_o salvation_n as_o fulfil_v your_o lust_n can_v you_o not_o speak_v and_o if_o you_o can_v can_v you_o not_o speak_v to_o god_n in_o holy_a prayer_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a discourse_n as_o well_o as_o of_o your_o trade_n and_o bargain_n those_o low_a and_o trivial_a matter_n that_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o man_n much_o less_o of_o christian_n what_o force_n be_v there_o upon_o you_o do_v the_o devil_n screw_v open_v the_o drunkard_n mouth_n and_o pour_v down_o his_o excessive_a and_o intemperate_a cup_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o do_v the_o devil_n violent_o move_v the_o tongue_n of_o the_o swearer_n and_o blasphemer_n to_o revile_v the_o holy_a and_o reverend_a name_n of_o god_n do_v he_o strike_v man_n dumb_a when_o they_o shall_v pray_v or_o deaf_a when_o they_o shall_v hear_v or_o senseless_a when_o they_o shall_v understand_v be_v there_o any_o such_o force_n or_o constraint_n lay_v upon_o you_o may_v you_o not_o avoid_v the_o one_o and_o do_v the_o other_o if_o you_o yourselves_o please_v yes_o you_o can_v but_o you_o will_v not_o therefore_o neither_o will_v you_o work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n if_o you_o can_v be_v there_o any_o hope_n that_o you_o that_o will_v not_o do_v the_o less_o that_o god_n require_v from_o you_o that_o you_o shall_v ever_o be_v induce_v to_o perform_v the_o great_a let_v your_o weakness_n and_o impotence_n be_v what_o it_o will_v yet_o your_o condemnation_n will_v lie_v upon_o you_o so_o long_o as_o your_o wilfulness_n be_v much_o great_a than_o your_o weakness_n no_o sinner_n your_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n will_v eternal_o perish_v now_o for_o want_v of_o will_n to_o save_v they_o pity_v yourselves_o will_v you_o lose_v yourselves_o for_o ever_o only_o out_o of_o sloth_n will_v you_o sleep_v yourselves_o into_o hell_n and_o go_v drowzy_o into_o destruction_n shall_v one_o end_n of_o your_o soul_n lie_v already_o burn_v as_o a_o brand_n of_o hell-fire_n and_o you_o not_o put_v forth_o a_o hand_n to_o snatch_v it_o out_o be_v it_o more_o painful_a to_o work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n than_o it_o be_v to_o perish_v for_o ever_o under_o insupportable_a torment_n therefore_o do_v you_o what_o you_o possible_o can_v labour_n and_o sweat_v at_o salvation_n rather_o than_o fail_v of_o it_o let_v this_o never_a grate_n nor_o fret_v your_o conscience_n in_o hell_n that_o they_o lie_v there_o burn_v for_o ever_o mere_o for_o your_o wilful_a neglect_v sermon_n vi._n when_o a_o man_n be_v go_v far_o towards_o christianity_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n that_o make_v he_o neglect_v a_o further_a progress_n as_o first_o his_o groundless_a fancy_v of_o difficulty_n and_o hard_a encounter_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n oh_o be_v it_o but_o as_o easy_a to_o be_v holy_a as_o sinful_a he_o be_v wretched_a that_o will_v refuse_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a or_o be_v christianity_n but_o one_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
this_o efficiency_n be_v so_o sweet_o attemper_v to_o the_o native_a liberty_n of_o the_o will_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o pain_n and_o a_o torment_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v separate_v from_o that_o god_n who_o now_o his_o understanding_n do_v apprehend_v and_o who_o his_o will_n do_v clasp_v about_o as_o the_o real_a and_o chief_a good_a here_o you_o see_v be_v both_o moral_a swasion_n and_o physical_a determination_n of_o the_o will_n to_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n god_n do_v real_o determine_v it_o by_o the_o efficacious_a touch_n of_o his_o grace_n whereby_o he_o powerful_o turn_v the_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o which_o before_o stand_v towards_o sin_n and_o vanity_n and_o that_o this_o may_v not_o infringe_v the_o will_n prerogative_n of_o act_v free_o he_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n moral_o persuade_v it_o by_o represent_v himself_o as_o the_o best_a and_o most_o satisfy_a object_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o irresistableness_n of_o god_n work_v upon_o the_o will_n yet_o still_o man_n will_n be_v free_a in_o god_n work_v of_o grace_n which_o some_o have_v think_v to_o be_v a_o irreconcilable_a difference_n for_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o will_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o redouble_a pure_a act_n for_o otherwise_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n themselves_o that_o be_v under_o that_o bless_a necessity_n that_o they_o can_v but_o love_v and_o serve_v god_n will_v not_o love_v he_o and_o serve_v he_o free_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o will_n consist_v in_o a_o act_n upon_o rational_a ground_n and_o motive_n which_o by_o how_o much_o strong_a they_o be_v by_o so_o much_o more_o they_o turn_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o will_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o will_n be_v free_a in_o act_v so_o that_o here_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o will_n may_v not_o violate_v the_o causality_n of_o god_n purpose_n he_o change_v it_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o irresistible_a grace_n and_o yet_o that_o this_o irresistible_a grace_n may_v not_o violate_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o will_n which_o be_v its_o natural_a privilege_n he_o persuade_v it_o by_o such_o natural_a argument_n that_o it_o can_v not_o act_v free_o if_o it_o shall_v dissent_v from_o they_o though_o god_n use_v infinite_a power_n yet_o he_o use_v no_o violence_n he_o subdue_v the_o will_n but_o do_v not_o compel_v it_o this_o be_v that_o victorious_a grace_n that_o do_v not_o more_o overcome_v a_o sinner_n resistance_n than_o it_o do_v his_o prejudice_n it_o overcome_v all_o opposition_n by_o its_o own_o irresistible_a power_n and_o overcome_v all_o its_o prejudices_fw-la by_o its_o attractive_a sweetness_n and_o whenever_o it_o bring_v he_o to_o submit_v to_o god_n it_o make_v he_o to_o apprehend_v that_o his_o chief_a happiness_n and_o joy_n be_v to_o do_v so_o and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o that_o do_v afterward_o preserve_v a_o christian_a from_o total_a apostasy_n for_o though_o there_o be_v such_o a_o constant_a supply_n of_o grace_n to_o keep_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n yet_o withal_o their_o own_o freedom_n be_v such_o that_o they_o may_v if_o they_o will_v but_o when_o the_o will_n cease_v its_o freedom_n it_o never_o incline_v but_o to_o that_o which_o be_v most_o please_a and_o nothing_o be_v please_v to_o a_o renew_a sanctify_a will_n so_o much_o as_o that_o sovereign_n good_a which_o comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o other_o good_a thus_o you_o see_v how_o god_n dispose_v of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n change_v it_o without_o constrain_a of_o it_o turn_v it_o not_o forcible_o but_o infallible_o to_o himself_o when_o he_o draw_v it_o by_o the_o sweet_a and_o efficacious_a operation_n of_o his_o grace_n thus_o i_o have_v dispatch_v the_o first_o thing_n and_o show_v how_o god_n work_v the_o renew_v change_n upon_o the_o will_n of_o a_o sinner_n the_o second_o particular_a be_v to_o show_v you_o what_o other_o change_n may_v be_v wrought_v upon_o the_o will_n which_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o true_a grace_n and_o may_v bring_v a_o man_n almost_o to_o christianity_n and_o yet_o leave_v he_o in_o a_o natural_a state_n and_o condition_n first_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v have_v many_o faint_a velleity_n and_o wish_n and_o woulding_n after_o grace_n when_o he_o hear_v so_o much_o speak_v of_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o holiness_n he_o be_v convince_v in_o his_o judgement_n that_o those_o thing_n be_v true_a that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o though_o while_o he_o be_v carnal_a spiritual_a duty_n be_v tedious_a and_o a_o burden_n to_o he_o yet_o be_v he_o spiritualise_v they_o will_v become_v more_o delightful_a to_o he_o than_o those_o very_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o keep_v he_o from_o close_v with_o grace_n be_v he_o renew_v those_o very_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n will_v become_v unsavoury_a to_o he_o that_o which_o now_o he_o be_v afraid_a to_o lose_v if_o he_o will_v turn_v to_o conscience_n he_o will_v not_o value_v the_o loss_n of_o it_o when_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n i_o say_v be_v thus_o convince_v of_o this_o it_o will_v make_v he_o to_o break_v out_o into_o pang_n of_o affection_n wish_v for_o grace_n o_o that_o i_o be_v holy_a and_o gracious_a i_o wish_v my_o heart_n be_v change_v and_o renew_v i_o wish_v i_o be_v better_a and_o can_v do_v better_a i_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n conscience_n when_o he_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o excellency_n and_o desirableness_n of_o holiness_n whether_o they_o have_v not_o breathe_v forth_o such_o wish_n as_o these_o be_v when_o you_o have_v see_v a_o christian_a that_o be_v eminent_a and_o exemplary_a for_o piety_n have_v not_o you_o wish_v yourselves_o in_o his_o condition_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o future_a reward_n and_o glory_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o present_a grace_n have_v you_o not_o wish_v that_o such_o have_v be_v your_o comeliness_n and_o beauty_n have_v you_o not_o wish_v not_o only_o with_o balaam_n to_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o your_o last_o end_n may_v be_v like_o he_o but_o also_o your_o life_n by_o live_v righteous_o and_o yet_o still_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o course_n and_o sinful_a state_n as_o former_o why_o now_o such_o empty_a velleity_n and_o idle_a wish_n a_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v possible_o have_v he_o may_v wish_v he_o be_v a_o saint_n even_o as_o a_o fond_a foolish_a man_n according_a to_o his_o idle_a fancy_n may_v wish_v that_o he_o be_v a_o angel_n but_o such_o wish_n do_v not_o put_v they_o upon_o a_o constant_a attempt_n and_o use_v of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v become_v such_o their_o wish_n and_o their_o sigh_n vanish_v away_o together_o the_o one_o retain_v no_o long_a a_o impression_n upon_o their_o heart_n than_o the_o other_o in_o the_o air_n he_o run_v into_o the_o commission_n of_o that_o sin_n which_o with_o his_o mouth_n he_o wish_v he_o may_v not_o commit_v and_o life_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o holy_a duty_n and_o yet_o can_v wish_v that_o he_o have_v perform_v they_o such_o contradictory_n wish_n have_v unregenerate_a man_n they_o wish_v themselves_o holy_a and_o yet_o be_v wilful_o sinful_a they_o wish_v that_o they_o be_v better_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o endeavour_v their_o own_o amendment_n second_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n he_o may_v not_o rest_v in_o these_o wish_n but_o he_o may_v rise_v to_o a_o resolution_n i_o say_v to_o some_o degree_n of_o resolution_n they_o resolve_v many_o thing_n that_o their_o lust_n shall_v no_o long_o enslave_v they_o that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v no_o long_o bewitch_v they_o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n shall_v no_o long_o affright_v they_o but_o that_o they_o will_v break_v through_o all_o and_o act_n like_o man_n and_o such_o generous_a and_o ingenuous_a resolution_n as_o these_o a_o man_n in_o his_o natural_a estate_n may_v fortify_v himself_o with_o grace_n they_o know_v they_o must_v have_v else_o they_o be_v eternal_o undo_v they_o know_v that_o god_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o their_o endeavour_n and_o they_o peremptory_o resolve_v that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o themselves_o we_o may_v see_v the_o same_o strong_a resolution_n of_o those_o that_o come_v to_o inquire_v of_o jeremy_n chap._n 42.5_o 6._o they_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n between_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o according_a to_o all_o thing_n for_o which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n shall_v send_v thou_o to_o we_o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o none_o more_o rebellious_a and_o disobedient_a against_o god_n than_o these_o man_n that_o make_v this_o remonstrance_n and_o now_o notwithstanding_o these_o wish_n and_o these_o resolution_n the_o will_n of_o a_o natural_a
progress_n in_o religion_n it_o do_v facilitate_v it_o be_v hard_o at_o first_o to_o begin_v then_o have_v begin_v to_o continue_v because_o use_v and_o custom_n in_o any_o thing_n make_v it_o easy_a how_o be_v this_o subserviency_n of_o religion_n to_o itself_o that_o may_v carry_v man_n very_o far_o in_o it_o when_o they_o have_v begin_v profession_n and_o enter_v upon_o one_o duty_n that_o duty_n deliver_v they_o over_o to_o another_o and_o make_v it_o more_o facile_a and_o easy_a to_o they_o because_o the_o precedent_a duty_n as_o it_o do_v engage_v he_o to_o so_o it_o prepare_v he_o for_o the_o subsequent_a duty_n as_o well_o as_o engage_v he_o to_o the_o present_a duty_n one_o duty_n do_v as_o it_o be_v perform_v half_o the_o task_n and_o bear_v half_a the_o burden_n of_o the_o other_o thus_o than_o you_o see_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o natural_a man_n may_v make_v so_o great_a a_o progress_n towards_o christianity_n so_o as_o to_o be_v almost_o christian_n from_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o from_o the_o attractiveness_n of_o religion_n now_o here_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n help_v by_o the_o common_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o power_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n that_o carry_v man_n out_o to_o all_o their_o profession_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o but_o this_o one_o discriminate_v character_n of_o it_o see_v whether_o your_o ability_n be_v great_a in_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o grace_n and_o holiness_n than_o they_o be_v to_o natural_a thing_n a_o child_n of_o god_n who_o be_v but_o of_o weak_a part_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n that_o can_v scarce_o give_v you_o a_o rational_a account_n of_o such_o affair_n when_o propound_v to_o he_o why_o bring_v he_o but_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o how_o admirable_o will_v he_o be_v able_a to_o unfold_v even_o the_o very_a mystery_n that_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a of_o the_o world_n but_o put_v he_o upon_o any_o common_a discourse_n how_o break_v and_o incoherent_a be_v he_o but_o engage_v he_o in_o prayer_n how_o do_v he_o expatiate_v and_o enlarge_v and_o what_o a_o torrent_n of_o divine_a rhetoric_n will_v he_o then_o pour_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n be_v this_o from_o nature_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o exceed_v and_o go_v beyond_o himself_o no_o certain_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a concern_v the_o way_n of_o god_n what_o the_o prophet_n speak_v isa_n 53.8_o a_o high_a way_n shall_v be_v there_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o way_n of_o holiness_n the_o unclean_a shall_v not_o pass_v over_o it_o though_o they_o wander_v and_o err_v in_o every_o other_o way_n though_o they_o do_v not_o take_v the_o right_a way_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a and_o honourable_a in_o the_o world_n yet_o these_o that_o be_v fool_n in_o every_o thing_n else_o they_o shall_v not_o err_v from_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o therein_o lie_v the_o only_a 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profession_n of_o religion_n you_o make_v i_o take_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o unregenerate_a man_n in_o a_o vast_a disproportion_n from_o their_o natural_a ability_n to_o be_v long_o ago_o cease_v thus_o you_o see_v what_o inable_v a_o natural_a man_n to_o go_v so_o far_o towards_o christianity_n the_o three_o general_n propound_v be_v to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v that_o hinder_v these_o proficient_o from_o make_v further_o progress_n that_o when_o they_o be_v almost_o what_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v altogether_o christian_n i_o answer_v to_o this_o in_o general_a it_o be_v only_o through_o a_o wilful_a and_o wretched_a neglect_n of_o what_o they_o may_v do_v that_o any_o of_o they_o do_v fall_v short_a of_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o it_o be_v not_o from_o our_o want_n of_o power_n but_o our_o want_n of_o will_n or_o rather_o indeed_o our_o willingness_n that_o make_v we_o miscarry_v to_o our_o eternal_a perdition_n i_o shall_v illustrate_v this_o by_o a_o plain_a and_o obvious_a similitude_n suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v promise_v to_o bestow_v heaven_n upon_o we_o if_o we_o will_v but_o reach_v forth_o and_o touch_v it_o with_o our_o hand_n now_o although_o we_o can_v never_o reach_v so_o high_a yet_o if_o we_o do_v not_o stretch_v forth_o our_o hand_n and_o reach_v as_o high_a as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v the_o fault_n of_o lose_v heaven_n will_v not_o lie_v upon_o the_o inability_n and_o impossibility_n that_o be_v in_o we_o to_o touch_v it_o but_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o strive_v to_o our_o utmost_a to_o do_v what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v why_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o fall_v short_a will_v not_o be_v because_o our_o arm_n be_v not_o long_a enough_o but_o because_o we_o do_v not_o stretch_v it_o forth_o to_o the_o utmost_a length_n the_o instance_n be_v somewhat_o plain_a and_o familiar_a but_o yet_o it_o hold_v a_o exact_a proportion_n to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n god_n promise_v heaven_n to_o we_o if_o we_o will_v but_o touch_v it_o that_o be_v if_o we_o will_v lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n by_o faith_n which_o faith_n we_o can_v no_o more_o work_n in_o ourselves_o by_o our_o own_o proper_a efficiency_n than_o touch_v heaven_n with_o our_o finger_n yet_o howsoever_o if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v our_o utmost_a our_o fall_a short_a of_o heaven_n and_o faith_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o impossibility_n that_o we_o lie_v under_o but_o to_o our_o wilful_a sloth_n and_o neglect_n it_o be_v not_o man_n cannot_n but_o their_o will_n note_n not_o their_o impotency_n but_o their_o obstinacy_n that_o destroy_v they_o you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n john_n 5.40_o you_o will_v not_o do_v not_o christ_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o he_o except_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o true_o but_o the_o fault_n lie_v in_o the_o stubbornness_n of_o your_o will_n though_o you_o can_v come_v you_o will_v not_o therefore_o it_o be_v 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